This morning's demonstration

[alt_penelope]

I'm sure we all thank Miss Professor Carrow for her adept demonstration of the Cruciatus Curse. Miss Calderwood has been escorted to Hogsmeade Station along with the younger students who are not staying for the Yule Ball and the rest of holidays.

Those students remaining, I'd like to remind anyone who might be in need that Madam Pomfrey is available in the hospital wing throughout the day today. Just in case.

And as always, the Prefects and YPL Counsellors who are staying are also here to help answer any questions or concerns students may have.

Now, I hope everyone will be able to put this unfortunate incident behind us in order to present ourselves as gracious hosts for the Yule Ball this evening.

Champions, please be in the Entrance Hall with your escorts by five minutes to seven. Dinner begins promptly as soon as you are presented and seated.

CCF participants, remember that we have a final meeting this afternoon at 3:00 in the Great Hall.

Avery, we're meeting at 2:00, according to my book.

Comments

Private Message to Percy Weasley

[alt_penelope]

Merlin, it was horrible.

Cassie screamed non-stop. And Carrow kept it on her a long time. Afterward, she was shaking so hard that Warrington and Vaisey had to practically carry her out of the Great Hall.

And now we're supposed to pretend nothing happened, and go on to the Ball. At least the first- and second-years have gone home. If they have nightmares tonight it'll be up to their parents to comfort them. Bloody Ygraine, I hope no one actually comes to me with any fears about it--I mean, it's easy in this case to tell them that what Cassie did was beyond the pale, but--Morgana. What an awful thing.

And on top of it all, Avery and I have to make speeches tonight in front of everyone--there's going to be reporters and photographers and--

Perce, are you sure you can't just come up for a while?

Re: Private Message to Percy Weasley

[alt_percy]

Merlin, Penny, I'm so sorry. I'm sure Alecto Carrow was gloating the whole time as she was doing it, too, which I'm sure made it worse. Dad said there are wizards who like inflicting pain, in a truly sick way, I mean. They're better at doing the curse--which is why they used her, I suppose. On the other hand, since if they like it so much, they can go overboard and apply it too long.

No, I'm truly sorry, but I can't be there. I'm covering for Mr Malfoy at three other events tonight...it's due to the fact that he's going to be there that I have to be elsewhere. I truly regret it, but next year I am sure we can be together.

You should be getting an owl this morning with your Christmas gift. It's all right to open it a little early, so you can wear it tonight.

Re: Private Message to Percy Weasley

[alt_penelope]

Well. Thanks for the Christmas present. I'll open it in when I'm alone.

I'm just not sure how I feel about treating students like mudbloods, you know? This sort of punishment--that's how it felt. Like we were all in one of the camps watching as one of our own was made an example and 'You'll be next!' Like anyone else would dream of harassing a teacher or laying traps for one, especially Professor Raz or Professor Siz. Even if they are an item, which is certainly no one else's business, either way.

And I...I understand, if you're working. I just know Avery's going to go out of his way to make me look foolish somehow tonight and anyway he's got a date and even though people know why I haven't I'll just be by myself up there with all those people and

Maybe I'd better go see Madam Pomfrey myself, to keep my nerves from jittering me right off the stage.

Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_sally_anne]

I just realised -- I can come at three but I won't be able to help with the hosting duties during the feast and the dance. Because I'm going with one of the Champions so I guess I'm supposed to sit at the table in front? I didn't think about it until Viktor came to find me after breakfast today to remind me.

Anyway there are enough people in the CCF it shouldn't be a big deal. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. Viktor wanted us to keep it quiet that we were going together, so the gossip magazines wouldn't find out before the Ball, and so I haven't told ANYONE except Pan who my date is. It wasn't until just now it occurred to me I really should at least tell you. And Professor Sinistra, I guess.

Re: Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_penelope]

Oh, well, that's just brilliant, Perks. After we've divided everything up evenly for the number of people helping and now at the last minute it'll have to be re-assigned? I thought you were supposed to be the clever one.

Well, you'll have to come along at 3:00 anyway so that we can figure out who can take over parts you were going to do.

Congratulations, I suppose, on getting Krum to ask you to the Ball. Maybe you are the clever one, at that.

Re: Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_sally_anne]

Well, I can talk to Pansy and Daphne, I'm sure they'll take over for me if it's going to be that difficult

Re: Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_penelope]

No, no, it's better if it's based on where you were standing and we've pretty much got you all boy/girl/boy/girl.

Just... just send me a list of the decorations you were responsible for and I'll figure it out.

Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_sinistra]

Miss Clearwater -

Now that I'm a little more caught up this afternoon, I just wanted to check in and see if there's anything else I should be aware of.

And of course, to let you know how very much I appreciate all of your help. Obviously, the past few days have been particularly difficult for a number of people, and it can be so hard to keep going with any sense of grace or dignity. I'm sure, though, everything will go smoothly tonight: your work and effort have made that possible, and I know I couldn't have managed without your assistance.

On that note: I've a few tokens of thanks (a little treat) for everyone who's helped. Perhaps you'd be willing to share them out over the evening, as you catch people? I've found that it helps smooth over rough edges to do that kind of thing, once the event gets rolling, and it does give one something to do. I've also got something extra especially for you, of course. The package is down in the corner of the cloak room, labelled and charmed for you, when you're ready.