A Show of School Support

[alt_daphne]

Today I was just thinking about how this time last year we were one day away from staging the Hogwarts Through the Ages Revue, and how nervous and excited I and many others were for that performance. The Revue was special not just because it celebrated the history of our noble institution, but also because it brought together students from all corners of the school, whether they were dancing center stage, painting sets, or providing the music. And while this school year is, in many ways, better than last year, I do miss the spirit that the Revue generated.

Which has me thinking about how while the rest of us are busy studying, revising, attending club meetings, and so forth, a small, select number of others are doing the same while also giving their all to show our Lord Protector that this next generation has, within it, the most loyal, inventive, brave, and cunning wizards and witches that Britain has ever seen. No disrespect to previous generations is intended by that statement - no indeed! If it weren't for your impeccable tutelage and example, none of us would be able to fulfill our potential half so well, you may be assured of that!

How can those of us not competing for a coveted spot on the Lord's council show our support and gratitude to those who are testing their ingenuity and valor, day after day?

I propose that each house form a support squad whose purpose is to accommodate the competitors in their quest to join the Lord's council. This accommodation may take on the form of simple, cheering comforts, such as tasty treats, uplifting music, or inspirational poems, or it may include providing more straightforward assistance, such as fetching the competitor lunch if he or she's too busy to make it down to the Great Hall, or running an errand that they simply have no time for.

While the rest of us watch on as our competitors tackle their challenges, it's important to remember that Hogwarts is a mirror of the greater Protectorate. Just as the public supports the Lord's council as best they can, so should we support those who would seek to be on that council.

I've already formed a support squad for the Slytherin competitors, and I have stepped forward as its Chair. Perhaps those of you in other houses will consider doing the same? Meanwhile, all of you competitors in Slytherin can count on accommodation from the Slytherin support squad. Any Slytherins reading, please consider joining the support squad! If you are interested in contributing, please see me, Daphne Greengrass, straight away.

Comments

Re: Private message to Sally Anne

[alt_sally_anne]

(Because while quite honestly I'm not sure he fancies a seat on the council, he'll quite enjoy having people fetching him things, don't you think?)

Re: Private message to Sally Anne

[alt_daphne]

Oh, there's no reason it needs to be Lav. You're right, Demelza would be better.

I never thought I'd see Padma compete so hard for a place at the Lord's side. Especially after her brother - well, it's simply surprising, is all.

Can you imagine if she ends up both on the council and Head Girl?

Re: Private message to Sally Anne

[alt_sally_anne]

That seems like a terrible idea, honestly; how could she possibly devote sufficient attention to Head Girl duties if she's Council membership to attend to? (As well as NEWTs -- she's planning to stand for every exam.) I hope the Headmistress takes that issue into consideration.

Re: Private message to Sally Anne

[alt_daphne]

Well if there's anyone who believes themselves capable of all that, it would be Padma. Even Draco's told me that being Head Boy isn't so very important to him anymore.

You can tell from her comment below that she's really feeling the strain of all this.

Re: Private message to Sally Anne

[alt_sally_anne]

I don't think Padma really believes she's capable of all of it. I think she believes she OUGHT to be, and that admitting she's not would cause Sandoval to scorn her, which she can't bear.

Draco's from an old pureblood family, one of the most influential families in the Protectorate -- he's really got nothing to prove. Padma, well, her family's certainly pure but they're in a different category, she can't afford to slack off, or at least that's what she thinks.

I wonder if she knows what she actually wants?

Re: Private message to Sally Anne

[alt_daphne]

Oh, probably not.

I mean, does anyone?

Re: Private message to Sally Anne

[alt_sally_anne]

Well, I know I want to be a Healer. And that helps, you know, knowing what to focus on.

Re: Private message to Sally Anne

[alt_sally_anne]

Of course, if all of Professor Dolohov's influence and Madam Pomfrey's support and Pansy's offers of generous donations fail to get me into an apprenticeship programme I'll be right back at the beginning, trying to figure out what to do next.

Re: Private message to Sally Anne

[alt_daphne]

And I want to be a stage actress, and with Grandmother's influence I don't see that as beyond my reach at all. But no one sees that as a terribly impressive aspiration, except those who appreciate the arts.

I'm sorry that your future hinges on so many delicate factors, Sally Anne, but I hope you can at least take comfort in being surrounded by people who want to see you achieve your goals.

Re: Private message to Sally Anne

[alt_sally_anne]

It's a tremendous comfort, actually.

I will always be grateful that the Hat put me in Slytherin. It's where I've 'found my true friends,' or whatever the song said, and not just Pansy.

I wish the school as a whole had more respect for the arts. I never thought of acting as particularly hard until I tried it, because good actors make it look so easy! NEVER AGAIN. You're brilliant at it, though.