Yesterday/Today's match

[alt_cedric]

The Gryffindor seeker, Ginny Weasley, just presented Madam Hooch with the snitch from our match. To avoid any more irregularities she has authenticated it as the correct snitch. Before she caught the snitch experimental quaffles tossed through the goals by a member of either team made the score on the magical boards go up for either team. These goals will, of course, not be counted in the final score.

This leaves the final score at Gryffindor 460 Hufflepuff 340. If one of the other captains wishes to take up a rules based objection to this result talk to Madam Hooch. I will not be presenting a formal objections. Congratulations Gryffindor on a truly memorable match.

Educational Decree Number 22

[alt_umbridge]

To encourage full understanding of proper decorum and sense of social status, all students will eat each and every supper, and every weekend meal in their assigned places. Staff are expected to set an example in this matter.

In addition, no food is to be removed from the Great Hall, and the Hogwarts house-elves have been instructed to provide no meals outside of the Great Hall except on permission of the Headmistress or her appointed deputy.

The above has been posted outside the Great Hall, but perhaps a teensy clarification may be of assistance. Our new expectations are designed to ensure that each and every student within our walls understands their place within our larger society, and understands what awaits them when they leave Hogwarts at the end of their formal education.

At this time (however, subject to change based on a number of factors), the following groups have permission to request meals from the house elves outside of normal hours:
- Quidditch teams on evenings they have scheduled evening practice.
- Students involved in school-approved projects or organisations.
- Prefects or members of Hogwarts Junior Council if actively engaged in relevant obligations for the entire course of a scheduled meal.

I note that staff are expected to attend meals in the Great Hall whenever possible, both to provide appropriate supervision and to model correct behaviour. At this time, staff may request meals in their rooms if necessary for reasons of health or school obligations, but are expected to keep such requests to the bare minimum.

I am sure someone will ask the purpose of these new guidelines. In answer, I say that first and foremost, the model of equality heretofore provided at Hogwarts gives many students an unrealistic expectation of the world outside the castle walls. More than that, however, my investigations into the castle budget have shown a profligate waste of food and supplies. We have had more than one infestation of vermin and bugs, and I understand that food scraps and other disgusting items have been found under a number of student beds.

Our new policies will therefore serve a useful educational purpose, preserve necessary funds for more fundamental tasks of the school, and provide a more hygienic and sanitary living environment for all.