Well done, everyone!

[alt_penelope]

I hope everyone had a marvellous time last night.

CCF, Prefects and others: If I didn't catch you last night (and I know I missed some of you, though I tried to find everyone), I've a small something for all of you. I have some of the tokens to Melinda so she could keep passing them along, there were so many to give and some of you left, I think, before I could catch up with you all. Token or not, thank you, each of you, for making Hogwarts shine.

Professor Sinistra, I'm sorry I wasn't able to stay for the whole time. I wasn't feeling very well toward the end. I think probably because I was so nervous before that I didn't have much to eat and then I got too hungry. Well, anyway. Thank you so much for everything. You really looked like a star yourself, last night. I'm so proud that Hogwarts is represented by someone like you.

Bravo to the Champions and their Escorts! Again, it must be said that you all looked marvellous. Miss Sandoval, congratulations in particular on gracing Mr Marvolo's arm with poise, especially for one so young.

And finally: Congratulations to Slytherin's own Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson! Tintagel's performance of 'Hey, Hey Merlin' was the highlight of the night, no matter what other memories we may take away from the festivities. I'm sure we're all very excited and proud that a song celebrating our glorious Protectorate has gained such popularity on a much broader plane than the castle's walls. It's a significant accomplishment for you both, and well done.


Now, I know everyone is probably still quite excited by yesterday's delights and I hope that you all continue to enjoy the rose garden; Mr Milland tells us that it shall remain through the end of the school holidays. Or was that just through the Christmas holiday? Well, the weekend, at any rate.

Just please, please remember No Magic in the Corridors and even though it's holidays, please remember that school rules regarding curfews and other activities are still in effect.

Comments

Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_percy]

By all reports the evening was a triumph. Congratulations. Did you have a good time? Even though I

Re: Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_penelope]

No. It was awful.

I mean everyone else had fun, I guess.

I just... everyone hated my speech and Lana bloody Sandoval was so horrid about it and I had to stand there and not spit in her eye and--oh, PLEASE tell me Ned's not having you at the wedding, is he? I don't think I could stand her smug little comments when she's the centre of attention like that.

Anyway. As soon as I could reasonably escape I did. Luckily there wasn't anyone else in the Tower when I got back. I had what Mum would call "a good cry" and oh, blast, I'm still a bit weepy.

Better stop. I'll blotch the ink.

Re: Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_percy]

If you're feeling not quite the thing perhaps you are misreading how the speech was received? Because the report in the Prophet was quite approving, I assure you!

Penny, I'm so very sorry I couldn't be there to be with you. Of course it's reasonable to feel blue when you're at an event when most people are paired up, aside from yourself.

I haven't heard any word from Ned, so I don't know, but it's certainly possible to attend a wedding and stay as far away as possible from the bride and groom, citing the crush of people as an excuse.

Re: Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_penelope]

Oh, but thank you. For the pendant. It's lovely.

Even if Avery laughed at the diamond chip. It's beautiful.

Re: Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_percy]

...

Well, bollocks to Avery anyway, who asked him? It's your opinion that counts, and if you're happy with it I'm satisfied. I'm glad you like it.

Re: Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_penelope]

I love it.

Love you, too.

Miss you.

Re: Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_percy]

Love you, too.

Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_sinistra]

I do hope you're feeling better this morning - but I quite understand about the nerves. I noticed you'd gone as we got later into the evening, but kept having other people I needed to talk to. You did Hogwarts proud, and I know it was hard for you, not to have Mr Weasley able to come.

(And of course, thank you for the compliment: I was most nervous about the whole thing myself.)

There's a nice little piece about your speech in the Prophet, if you've not seen it yet. Really quite complimentary. I expect to be up in my office this afternoon, if you don't have another copy handy.

Re: Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_penelope]

Oh. I didn't see the article. Thanks.

I guess it's hard to have a wonderful time when all around people are paired off. Do you know I read in a magazine, I don't remember which one but something Melinda had left round the common room--and they're all alike, aren't they, those girls' periodicals--well, anyway, I read that loads of people get really depressed round the holidays. I reckon loneliness is as good a reason to be depressed as any.

But the CCF did very well, and you and Professor Raz look so happy together, and that's a good reason to celebrate.

Thanks again, for those little treats to hand out. I know I'm no Lana Sandoval but

Oh, bother.

Re: Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_sinistra]

I've had quite my share of lonely events myself, and yes, it is hard. You bore up really quite well, everything considered.

(And yes, goodness, on the magazines. I read them to keep up with what's going on with who, and half the time, I can't remember which ones I've already read, they're so similar.)

But they do make a point: it is hard when everyone around you is with someone else, and you're not. Do try to find something you enjoy doing today, that's just for you. (For me, that's always been stargazing, but I think everyone's got something of the kind, don't they?)

On the treats: you're most welcome, and it does smooth over the edges when you do something like that. It's a trick one of the YPL committee members taught me, and it serves remarkably well. (And oddly, works best if it's something consumable, like those truffles, rather than something to keep forever.) People like getting things, so they warm to you a bit more than they might otherwise.

Cheers, too, on the rest. It's something of a relief to have it a bit more public.

[alt_draco]

Kind words, Clearwater. I thank you for them.

[alt_pansy]

Cheers, Clearwater!