Geography: Task 6: Write about a story that gets exaggerated over time.

It starts, as these things do, with a rumour.

With eye contact and a twist of the lips that might be a smile.

…

"I saw Filch smile at Pince in the library!"

"No way. Filch? Smile? That's not possible."

"Okay, so maybe it wasn't quite a smile, but it was something close!"

"Are you trying to tell me Filch and Pince…"

"I'm not trying to say anything. Just… I know that was a smile."

….

It spirals, as rumours do.

…

"No, I swear to god. I heard it from a Hufflepuff who heard it from a Ravenclaw who heard it from a fourth-year who saw it with her own eyes. Filch and Prince kissing in the library! Right over the returns desk!"

"That's disgusting.

"It's the truth!"

…

It gets wilder and wilder, as is the way with these things.

…

"Did you hear about the poor Gryffindor sixth year who went to return a book and saw Pince and Filch fucking in the stacks?"

"Dude. Why would you even say that?"

"It's the truth!"

"Even if it is, I really did not need to know."

"Yeah, whatever, you know you're picturing it."

"…what position?"

"See! I knew you wanted to know!"

"Yeah, yeah. You gonna tell me?"

"I mean, I only know what I heard, but… Pince was definitely riding him like a hippogriff."

"Oh, god. Ew. My brain. I need bleach. Please, don't ever mention this again. I had a nightmare the last time, and this is way worse."

…

And, eventually, it makes its way back to the source.

...

"The students keep giggling at me, Irma. More than usual. Why do the students keep giggling at me?"

"Oh, don't worry about it, Argus. It's just the student rumour mill. You know how these things are."

"Rumours about…"

"About us."

"How would they even know about us?"

"I don't know, dear. Maybe it's the skip in your step?"

…

The truth is, Irma is used to the rumour mill. She's been working with children for decades.

It's why she only kisses Argus in the privacy of her own rooms.

Sometimes, though, she's surprised at exactly how much the rumour mill gets right.

Disney C4: George Banks - Write about someone overworked. Alternatively, write about someone grumpy.

Lyric Alley 10. When the sharpest words want to cut me down

Sophie's Shelf: 41. Argus/Irma

Bex's Bazaar: D4: [Song] When I See An Elephant Fly - Write about something unusual happening. Alternatively, write about someone with an amazing skill.

Writing Month/Dragons: 364

Auction: Setting: Hogwarts

Holmes: "I had a nightmare."