Daphne Greengrass

Headmaster,

I am pleased and honoured that you, the Hogwarts' staff, and the Board of Governors have selected me to fill the role of Head Girl for the upcoming school year. I assure you that I endeavour to serve the school and the student body to the very best of my abilities. Indeed, this is truly the happiest news I've had in a summer that has, for reasons I can scarcely fathom, seen fit to deliver one blow after another.

Now, it goes without saying that the dynamics at the school will be greatly different come Autumn, with you as our new Headmaster and various new staff hires, to say nothing of the three schoolmates who also now serve on our Lord's council. With such changes I can only expect some correlating shift in the hierarchy of power, discipline, and mentorship. As such, I would very much appreciate hearing your thoughts on what this shift might entail, so that I can better prepare myself to perform in a way that best suits the goals of both the school and the Protectorate.

Again, thank you for both your time and your trust in my abilities.

Sincerely,
Daphne G. Greengrass

I don't know about the rest of the houses, but here in Slytherin everyone is positively bubbling with excitement over Saturday's demonstration! I find that there's nothing that re-aligns one's purpose and sense of industry like a little entertainment. "Give a boy or girl something diverting to look forward to, and then smile at their gratitude" was a saying I grew up hearing from my Grandmother, and it's one I've held as my own ever since.

(Younger students should, of course, remember that our Professors are skilled professionals, and that anyone who attempts to emulate their performance either in advance or after the demonstration will be subject to the appropriate disciplinary action.)

But in all seriousness, this is precisely why things like Quidditch Matches, Hogsmeade Visits, Plays, Balls, and Feasts are such long-standing traditions at Hogwarts. For a student to really be taught the ways of the world, they must be taught to enjoy and manage the pleasures, just as surely as they must be taught to manage the tasks. I have a feeling that there may even be some adults and professors reading who know exactly what I mean and even agree with me, at least a little!

Though I will admit that it's true we don't often get a Ball at Hogwarts. Nevertheless, there's usually at least one massive, school-wide event for everyone to rally 'round!

Oh, and quickly: thank you to everyone who wished me Happy Birthday yesterday. We had a little celebration in the common room and managed to sneak Queenie in so she could have her pick of the tarts. My Mother sent me the most wonderful set of winter robes, perfect for the upcoming season, and I must say that they might be even more adult than my Yule Ball robes. It's hard to believe I'm sixteen years old! I think that shall take a while to sink in...