I wrote to the Headmaster with a proposal of sorts. It involves - bother, I do hate to summarise my own best efforts, so let me just re-write it here, yes?
Sir,
I'm sure you've noticed by now that while the incidents of graffiti have subsided, students continue to find ways to express their "Remember..." messages in a multitude of creative ways. Evening soup aside, Madam Pince has also reported that many of the library books have had homemade bookmarks slipped into them that are inscribed with messages similar to those seen in the graffiti. While I have no intent to criticise the disciplinary lengths that you and the rest of the staff have gone to to quash this meddlesome trend, it does appear to be continuing despite our best efforts.
And, if you may forgive me for being terribly forward, those very lengths you've gone to have had the unfortunate side-effect of severely souring the students' disposition toward you. As Head Girl, I'm perhaps more aware of the school's current emotional state than any other, and I only tell you this with the intent to help both you and the rest of the staff address that emotional state as is best possible. Where they were once eager to please and impress, many now see you as a tyrant who is only slightly removed from those tyrants we have suffered before - specifically, Madam Umbridge and the Professors Carrow. Indeed, many of the students lack the maturity and world experience to understand what distinguishes your methods and reasoning from that wielded by those who came before you; nor do they have the insight to recognise that you only have their own well-being in mind.
I fully understand that treason is a serious concern. I understand it on a very personal level. (I am sure you need no reminding of my past relationship with Draco Malfoy.)
I do wonder, though, if the students should be so adamantly dissuaded from remembering traitors and acts of treason. One of the most disquieting things I have had to come to terms with in these last months is this: the temptation to defy the Protectorate is something that can manifest in anyone, even the most loyal and pure of our citizens, and to think that any of us are safe from such temptation is plainly hubristic.
How, then, do we guard against temptation itself? I cannot name the logic behind the temptation, I can only speculate that youth is a time in which many test the system of values they reside in and are compelled to contemplate alternatives. The wise and well-guided among us will discard the unseemly and find their dedication to proper values renewed. But meanwhile, what do we do with the unwise and the un-guided?
In pondering this problem, I believe I may have hit upon a solution.
I would like to propose that the school hold a Day of Remembrance. A day absent staff and council member involvement, planned by the students, for the students. Perhaps a ceremony by the lake, where students can light lanterns and remember whatever they like, free of observation or punishment.
If you offer the students a degree of trust and freedom, you may find that things work far better in your favour from here on out.
I hope you don't find my proposal too presumptuous; I only know that you, the staff, and the Prefects have been worked to near-exhaustion dealing with this matter, and thought that a different approach might suit.
What are your thoughts?
Sincerely,
Daphne G. Greengrass
And this was his response:
Thank you for your concern, Miss Greengrass.
I have no problems with a student-organised remembrance ceremony; what I am concerned about is the expression of treason. I must act to punish sedition, lest it grow, and lest it invite attention from outside Hogwarts. If you are careful to organise a remembrance of the dead that is free of the such sentiment I would not object.
If you are thinking a lakeside ceremony with a lantern-lighting, allow me to suggest 13 December, the feast of St. Lucia; candles and lanterns are traditional upon that day.
Of course, what I was actually thinking was that it might be an opportunity for recruitment, to spread information, or to simply assess what students do and talk about once they're free from the castle. And even though I indicated that no council members should be present, I do think you should be there, Hydra - your legilimency would be enormously useful in such a situation.
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