Interrupting McGonagall Interrupting McGonagall

Luna, once again in the rear of the pack, managed to push her way into the now-crowded room.  Professor McGonagall checked to make certain that the last of the students had entered, then closed the door and turned to face them.  Finding herself in a position to study their guide more closely, Luna noticed that her beady eyes had the same shade of emerald green as her clothing.  Aha!  One mystery solved!

“Welcome to Hogwarts,” began Professor McGonagall.  “The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall…”1

It sounded to Luna as if the professor had given this particular speech, unchanged, at least twenty times.  But her accent!  Though mild, it was definitely Scottish.  Thrilled, Luna raised her hand to its full extent.

¹  Page 114, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

The professor appeared taken by surprise.  She finished her well-rehearsed sentence haltingly:  “…you will be…sorted…into your Houses.  You have a question, Miss…?”

“Luna Lovegood,” she replied.

“Miss Lovegood, what is it?”

“I was wondering if you’ve seen the Fomorians,“ inquired Luna.

“The Fomorians…,” replied the professor softly, struggling to change mental gears after having begun her speech.

“Yes,” continued Luna in explanation.  “They’re a race of invisible Irish giants.”

There were a few stifled laughs from the crowd behind her.