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.