Riding it Out

[alt_daphne]

It's been quite a tumultuous week, with each day bringing more news, both good and bad. I was very sorry to hear that the Sisters and Brothers programmes will no longer be a part of the YPL for the time being, but even more sorry to hear of Mr Gibbon's passing (I should add, since some people have asked: no, he's not related to my voice teacher - her name is Mrs Gibbons). He clearly did much important work for both the YPL and our Lord's Council, and will be missed.

Things have been particularly fraught here in Slytherin, with so many students having loved ones and family friends who are on the Council, and who have been called to quelle the situation in Ireland. Now that it looks as if the worst of it has passed, we can finally begin to rest easy and reflect on these events. We are so fortunate to have such skilled witches and wizards looking out for us, and - in the case of Professors Lestrange and Dolohov, and Headmistress McGonagall - even luckier to be under their tutelage!

With that said, I do have a bit of good news I'd like to share with you. Planning is well under way for a Spring Revue of Hogwarts Through the Ages: a theatrical showcase of music, song, dance, and comedy. Under the guidance of co-directors Professor Carpenter and Mr Gerald Krumgold (from the West End's Society of New London Theatre), auditions for singing, dancing, and speaking parts will take place before we break for Christmas hols. More information to come on that in the very near future!

Meanwhile, I would like to ask for volunteers for a student-led planning committee. In particular, there is a need for people who are interested in set design, costuming and makeup, music arrangement, historical and theatrical research, effects charms, script writing, and other such backstage happenings. Keep in mind that being on the planning committee will not prevent you from auditioning for a part! But for those of you who would rather make your mark off-stage, but still be involved, this is a perfect opportunity. If you're interested, please meet with us in Professor Carpenter's classroom on Sunday at 2pm. (If that time doesn't work for you, just let either Professor Carpenter or myself know that you're interested and you can come to the next meeting we hold!)

Comments

Private message to Astoria Greengrass

[alt_daphne]

No, you're not allowed on the planning committee. And if you try to go through Professor Carpenter I'll hex your hair into an elaborate rats' nest - complete with actual rats.

[alt_draco]

Daphs, thanks for your words of gratitude and reflection, and for letting me sit glued to the wireless earlier this week while you carried on with the Prefect duties. You're a true housemate and friend.

Count me in for the planning committee. I don't know what bits I'll help out with yet, but count me in just the same.

[alt_daphne]

It's no trouble at all, Draco! I know you'd do the same for me, if our roles were reversed.

Ooh, I'm so glad you'll join in! We could use you for music, and you're still good at drawing and art, yes? Anyway, they'll be plenty you can join in on. Will you be able to come to the meeting on Sunday?

[alt_draco]

I'll be at the meeting, yeah. Pansy will probably be interested, too. And Harry.

[alt_daphne]

Perfect!

[alt_eloise]

I'd love to help with costumes and makeup!!

Only I won't be able to come to the Sunday meeting. So if you can keep me in mind for next time, cheers.

[alt_daphne]

Oh, costumes and makeup? Yes, I see.

Only, you know, I have a feeling you'd be excellent at set design, Eloise. I bet you're very clever with carpentry spells, aren't you?

[alt_padma]

I left a note on Madam Umbridge's, too, in case anyone looks there.

I wish we'd hear when the Professors will be back. It would be lovely to organise a victory celebration, wouldn't it?

Though, I do feel bad for Finnigan. He's still really worried about how Ireland will come out, though the news sounds like things are moving toward surrender. That's got to be good, hasn't it?

[alt_eloise]

What gives you that feeling? I don't reckon I even know any carpentry spells!!

[alt_daphne]

Good thinking, Padma!

I suppose they don't even know when they'll be back, do they? But if we can get enough advance notice, I think a victory celebration would be a wonderful idea. A real heros' welcome, with streamers and party crackers and music!

I don't know how it can't move toward surrender at this point - especially with some of the reports that have come out since yesterday - but I don't blame him for being worried, either. Do you think he'll want to come to the meeting to get his mind off things?

Private Message to Daphne Greengrass

[alt_padma]

Seamus is involved in the Sons of Wizardry and he was well-liked by Master Gibbon so I think he'll want to be there.

But I don't know if he'll want to help out, that could be good.

How are you going to put off Midgen? She knows nothing about makeup or costumes. Anyone who knew anything about makeup could at least manage a spell to cover up those spots!

Re: Private Message to Daphne Greengrass

[alt_daphne]

It's up to him - he can always decide to help later, when things are more settled.

She's not taking my hint about set design, is she? Do you suppose she's wanting to learn about makeup spells for her spots, and this is her way of getting some free lessons? No - she's not clever enough to try that, is she?

And I suppose that Pansy will push me to get Sue Bones for music. Honestly, her voice is very pretty, but it's clear that she hasn't had even a smidgen of proper training. She'll lose her vocal instrument by the time she's twenty if she carries on like that.

[alt_linus]

I'm delighted to have been able to provide you with a few useful snippets of historical data, and look forward to continuing, if you will have me.

[alt_daphne]

Yes, that's been quite useful, Moon. Cheers!

And yes, we shall have you if you can pass the trial.

Private Messate to Daphne

[alt_linus]

Trial?

I don't have to take anything else off my robes for this, do I?

Re: Private Messate to Daphne

[alt_daphne]

What parts are left to take off?

You know, people have noticed what's going on with the sleeveless-robe crowd. Sammy even asked me. You all right, then?

Re: Private Messate to Daphne

[alt_linus]

Oh, Daphne, it was only the sleeves. I have no intention of flouting decency entirely. Padma would never let me hear the end of it. And I am indeed "all right."

As to what's going on, I shouldn't like to be the one to break confidences. However, I shall say that there are certain categories of spellcraft in which merely revising and revising does not give one the... er, visceral familiarity which leads to true mastery.

Speaking of which, before Professor Dolohov's tutelage I had not realised how many theatrical spells share considerable territory with the Noble Arts. I may have a small recommendation or two for spells you may find useful in the production, after I speak with Professor Dolohov upon his return. Which I hope will be soon.

Oh. And if you yourself happened to be interested, hypothetically speaking, in studies that involved more than mere revising, I might hypothetically know someone with whom you could speak.

[alt_pansy]

I most certainly am!

Re: Private Messate to Daphne

[alt_daphne]

Professor Dolohov and I have actually talked a bit about theatre; he's an appreciator of the Arts in general, and not just the Noble ones. Isn't it so splendid when compared to Miss Professor Carrow? Not that I mean to speak ill of the dead, but... let us not pretend that she didn't leave much to be desired in her classroom demeanor, and in other areas.

As for the other, I don't know if I'm interested.

Well, no. I am. Let us say that in the last year I have made some painful discoveries about my own capabilities and deficiencies. Not in spellcraft, per se, but in other areas. I'm not certain that this is the best route for addressing those deficiencies, though. I've thought about seeking out Professor Raz, because he knows, he was -- but then we all know that he's got to put Harry first, and then Draco and Hydra. So I remain on my own with the matter.

[alt_pansy]

Thank you, Daphs. It really has been a frightful few days, and it's awful news about Mr Gibbon, but I found it incredibly comforting to have such warm support from others in our House and in our year (yourself included!).

I'm looking forward to moving ahead, and this project seems just the thing. I would love to help in any way that's needed, but you'll probably guess what I'd look forward to doing the most!

[alt_harry]

Yeah, count me in. Sounds like it'd be fun.

I figure all those theater appreciation things we did this summer might've taught me a thing or two.

Re: Private Messate to Daphne

[alt_linus]

Well. Individual instruction from an illustrious source is assuredly superiour to anything an ad-hoc gathering could provide. Though there are some rather impressive abilities being shown... Pardon me; I am again at the limits of what I should say.

However, yes, if you have a particular area you wish to address, I can certainly understand wanting to avoid a general rough-and-tumble. As it were. And, of course, any hypothetical group would be merely amusing ourselves with a few relatively unremarkable maneouvres. Nothing genuinely dangerous, of course. So it might actually be too tame for you.

If there is anything I myself might be able to support you in, you have but to ask. I count you among the fellow students whom I respect and admire, you know.

And of course I shall be delighted to continue to assist with the production, my studies permitting. (Although I probably could get extra credit in history for helping with the production, come to think.)

[alt_daphne]

Brilliant, Harry!

So, you mean to tell me that you were paying attention at those things and not running through quidditch drills in your head at the time?

Re: Private Messate to Daphne

[alt_daphne]

I'm not afraid of rough-and-tumble. I suppose the reason I hesitate is because I've got the impression that most people who are involved are doing so for the fun of it, for showing off and for getting a rush. And yes, to improve their skills too, no doubt.

But I imagine that not many of them are doing it because they have - at one time or another - been made to feel very, very afraid, and to feel small and helpless.

Not that I have. Certainly not recently, anyway. But the, ah "gathering" might not be a benefit to people who have, if it's as focused on spectacle and sport as I've been led to believe.

Anyway - I'm glad that you'll be helping us, Lines. I'm sure we'll all benefit! And Padma's sure to be at all the meetings too, you know.

[alt_daphne]

I think I can guess. I'd already counted on it, in fact!

[alt_harry]

I paid attention!

Mostly.

Enough?

[alt_daphne]

Tsk. Acting's really not your strong suit, Mr Marvolo.

[alt_ron]

I'm in.

Oh, and Bundy says to tell you she can't make Sunday because of the Sisters meeting, but she wants to help.

[alt_harry]

Or maybe I'm just acting like I'm bad at acting so you won't make me act.

[alt_blaise]

You know you can count on me for whatever you need, but if you wanted someone to oversee procurement of properties and materials, or general management of the production and its budget, you know I have skills in those areas.

[alt_daphne]

Now if you were good at acting, why would you want to hide it? Actors are notorious show-offs, you know, and I think you're generally modest enough for me to conclude that acting's really not your thing.

Quite droll when you want to be, though!

[alt_daphne]

Oh, good. I'l make note of it. Anything in particular you'd like to contribute to? And do you know about Katrina?

[alt_ron]

Do I have to say now? I thought I'd come to the meeting and see what sounded like something I'd know how to do.

But if I have to say now, then effects charms, I think.

I don't know about Bundy. She went off the library after lessons, I think. I can ask her later if I see her, though.

[alt_daphne]

No, you don't have to say. I was just wondering.

Effects charms sounds like a good fit, but you can always change your mind and do something else later, too. Or work in a few different areas.

[alt_daphne]

Thank you, Blaise. That would be brilliant.

Private message to Daphne

[alt_sally_anne]

I've got the Sisters meeting at two on Sunday but count me in. I don't think I want to be on stage for anything this year but I'd be happy to help with whatever's needed -- effects charms, set painting, you know, anything like that.