The abuse of cats.

[alt_mcgonagall]

I find myself struggling to say nothing when I encounter cases of cat abuse. I do not believe that I shall bring this up with the governors, but there's been a veritable rash of it - Bulstrode's creature was the beginning, and somehow it seems that others have got their mind around it, too. Then there are the usual strays, when students don't know enough to neuter their creatures - not that I approve of neutering, but it is better than the alternative. The crook-legged tom that hangs about my office is quite a darling, although cranky in the mornings unless I leave a saucer of coffee out for him. And somehow they all have been teased mercilessly of late. The stress of exams, I suppose, and students not realizing that their friends' familiars are more than just a route to irritate their friends, but are creatures in and of themselves; still, every time I hear of one, I think, why couldn't it be a toad?

Should I ever encounter such a tormentor in the act, I shall certainly show him my claws.

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[alt_sirius]

Toads are fun to chase.

Cats are too, but they're much cleverer. Plus, cats purr.

You do know that once I nearly got myself neutered? Most frightening night of my life, that.

But seriously, I thought Harry'd only turned Bulstrode's cat's fur purple? Was there more to it than that?

Re: Order Only

[alt_mcgonagall]

Not with Marvolo, no. It seems that Bulstrode's cat is not a favourite in the Slytherin common room. Nor elsewhere in the castle. I believe that the stress of finals has created a rash of incidents, however; Bulstrode is not the only party whose familiar has been tormented.