September 19th - Resume Diary after long and deplorable interlude, due to severe and disabling bout of Flu, referred to by dear Hermione as Just a Bit of A Cold. Feel that this is understatement taken to the extreme, but am entirely unable to argue the point coherently, since I am confined to Bed, and unable to speak without bringing on prolonged fit of Coughing. Life becomes one long blur of Pepper-Up Potion, Friar's Balsam, and Handkerchiefs.
Hermione attempts to administer Muggle remedy known as Night Nurse, which I find I am unable to refuse. Shortly after taking it, I find that I am unable to do anything whatsoever, and have to be assisted to Bed, where I remain for some time.
After several days of this, I rally slightly and demand to be allowed to return to Teaching - can only shudder at the thought of Havoc being wrecked upon Classroom in my absence, during which Albus has been taking my classes - but Hermione intervenes and insists that I need Looking After.
This involves staying in bed for several more days, being served with such Nourishing Delicacies as Junket, Broth, and Calve's Foot Jelly, by succession of terrified House Elves. Patience wears thin after extremely short space of time, and I find myself enquiring, rhetorically, whether I Look like an Invalid.
To which House Elf replies, surprisingly, that No, I look more like a Greasy Old Git in a Nightshirt.
Am entirely stunned by this reply, but then observe that Elf is very odd specimen called, I believe, Dobby, and merely pass Handkerchief to mop up blood from injuries which he instantly inflicts upon himself.
Upshot of all this is that I finally return to classes today in more than usually cheerful frame of mind, feeling excessively well rested and extremely eager to resume Teaching Duties. This feeling, unfortunately, does not last beyond first class.
(Query: Why do I continue to teach, when it is quite clear that all my efforts to communicate the Marvels of Potion-Making to Next Generation go entirely unregarded?)
(Answer: Because, of course, I live in the eternal hope that I may encounter an Intellect to equal my own. (Unlikely, I know - dear Hermione excepted) Also, is really quite enviable position - well-paid, short hours, long holidays, very many opportunities for research. But do not intend to let anyone know I feel this way.)
Am, unsurprisingly, completely Exhausted by end of day, but do not resent fact that I must dress Smartly and Go Out in the Evening, today being dear Hermione's Birthday. We proceed to Hogsmeade Village Hall, where internationally-renowned String Quartet are performing, and pass entirely enjoyable evening there.
Evening is somewhat enlivened when it is discovered that First Violin has left Music at home, and is forced to Apparate home in order to procure it before Concert can commence, but this is merely a small hiccup in an otherwise excellent Performance.
Honesty compels me to report that I did, in fact, fall asleep during final piece, causing Hermione to remark that it first time she has heard Mozart scored for Strings and Falling Body; but this does not seem to mar her enjoyment in any way, and she later remarks that it is the Best Birthday she has Ever had.
Am extremely glad to hear it.