Letter From The Editor

By Alisha

We’re nearly through September, and I have no idea where the last few weeks have gone. This month, we’re working a bit of a survival guide for this coming school year. Nicole told me to ‘give some sage advice’ as I am the senior member of SOUP staff. Truth is, I’m the worst person to ask. I survive life on coffee and not enough sleep, not something I’d recommend to anyone, least of all students. So, basically, my advice for surviving the school year; don’t do what I did. Actually get enough sleep, go easy on the coffee, do your homework before it’s due, and for the love of Salazar, stay out of trouble. There, I gave advice, now we can return to the regularly scheduled letter.

Remember when I mentioned how Pansy was remodeling our flat? Yeah, well, she is finished now. Finally. It looks like Autumn. Everything is lovely shades of green, oranges, reds, and browns. It’s really quite cozy, I’m surprised she went with that palate. Normally it’s strictly Slytherin-esque themed. When she wanted change, she meant it apparently. However, now she’s side-eyeing my office something fierce. Alas, happy wife, happy life, as they say. As long as I don’t end up with lavender colored chairs again, I’ll be happy. I’m happy with most everything Pansy does, to be quite honest. I’ll stop before I get too sappy, because I could go on forever about my wife (I love you, sweetheart).

As you can imagine, with the new term starting, things have been quite a fuss. April and Nicole have been reorganizing everything, and somehow managing to persuade the staff to be more cheerful. Between you and me, I think they’ve been slipping something into the tea. I’ve never seen this group more peppy. OR, April is definitely a vampire and using her supernatural powers on everyone. Everyone knows that April has always been an avid activist for Vampire rights, it would make sense if she was a creature of the night herself, am I right? It makes me wonder about Nicole, though. She seems normal enough, besides her oddly colored hair from time to time. It could be a disguise though, she could totally be a veela. It makes perfect sense. April and Nicole team up, and use their natural abilities to control everyone. It would certainly explain the increased productivity, and why they work well together. Not that I mind, of course. I’m all for having a diverse cast, and as long as no one turns up missing, I certainly am enjoying the increased productivity. I will keep you updated as things progress.

Luxa and Tyler are still living in that closet. If you remember, they hid out in there when Pansy took over for a month while I was away. It’s really quite nice in there. Obviously, it’s enchanted, and they have a whole flat in there now. Everything is all brightly colored quilts and overstuffed armchairs. They’re very particular about who goes in there. They don’t like uninvited guests. I do try to check up on them when I can, and I bring them groceries so they don’t starve. I’m worried they’re becoming agoraphobic. I keep inviting them out for things, and they have yet to accept. I think I’ll try inviting them out for pancakes next, who doesn’t like pancakes?

Merlin’s beard, I never told you! You know how we have that article “A Little Fairy Told Me,” right? well I definitely saw the fair! It’s a little blue thing. She’s adorable! She flew away before I could say hello, but I left her out some sweet cakes and honey, with a little thimble of milk for her to eat. I also put a little birdhouse in my office in case she needs a place to live. I do hope I didn’t scare her too much. Poor dear.

Well, I think that’s everything going on around the office right now. Be sure to check out the book club column, Shadi has a really great recommendation. Madi has an update on the superlatives, Len has a guide on what not to do this year, and Gail has fantastic insight on the types of people you’ll meet at school, and what to do during those encounters. Oh! Mr. Fashionista is back as well! Everything is fantastic. Again, I’m convinced April and Nicole are supernatural creatures, and are using their powers. Everything is just too perfect.

Until next time, best of luck, Slytherin.

Love,

Dei