Daphne Greengrass

Last night I attended a party near Sloane Square that was hosted by Sophia Novello, the society writer, with Blaise Zabini as my escort. It was a young-ish crowd, and by youngish I mean that most were between the ages of 20-40, with Blaise and myself probably two of the youngest in attendance. Some of the younger Council Wizards and Witches were there - Cal Pummel, Auror Crouch, Sarah Yaxley, Jason Montague, Ptolemy Baddock, Virgil Crispin - though the bulk of those in attendance were social climbing purebloods. Most of the evening's conversation revolved around upcoming gallery openings, theatre events, who has the best 'mudblood help,' and other gossipy tidbits.

I overheard quite a bit of speculation about the demise of Mr Nott (who was murdered the other night, apparently), though of course never anywhere near any of the other Council members. The announcement hadn't even hit the papers yet (and still hasn't, I don't believe?), but someone at the party came bearing the news and it soon spread like whispered wildfire through the crowd. Most people seem to think that Headmaster Dolohov, Auror Crouch, and Mr Lestrange were all in it together, and that it was an act of vengeance for Professor Raz.

While most people seem quite oblivious to how the Council's in-fighting might potentially impact their own lives, I did detect signs that this was not the case for everyone. I engaged in a long conversation with Siobhan Calderwood, who came to the party as my cousin Jason's plus one, about the pitfalls of associating with those on the Council. She told me that she liked Jason quite a lot, that she hoped I didn't think her at all disloyal for having some hesitation about his prospects, only so many council wizards have died, of late, and if someone like Mr Malfoy can end up Azkaban, she doesn't know if dating a Council Wizard is very wise. I reassured Siobhan that Jason will probably come 'round to Sarah Yaxley again, as he always seems to, and she appeared relieved to hear it.

I don't suppose any of this is terribly useful, but just in case it is, I thought I would pass it along.

Confusion, now hath made your masterpiece.

I mean to say, what a long and tumultuous night, full of both wild celebration and quiet mourning. As exciting as it is to grow up, every now and then there's a moment of sadness, a realisation that even as you gain exciting new knowledge and experience, you lose something, too. However, I'm not one to dwell on lost innocence for long - knowledge and experience are far too valuable in their own right, and only with them is innocence really seen for what it is: ignorance.

Some of us began with charades in the common room, but then it soon grew far too crowded and noisy so different groups split off. I was in the music alcove with Antigone and Elsie and a load of others, dancing to Tintagel and Starstruck. The fairy-lights were charmed to flash with the beat of the music, and some of the boys were pulling crackers so that we all had streamers and confetti in our hair. Eventually, Antigone, Elsie and I went deeper into the dungeons to cool off. We had masses of champagne chocs (Draco, you know the kind!), and we were sat in a little nook under the staircase, hugging and crying for some reason and talking. Then Elsie fetched some parchment and we decided to make lists of what we accomplished in 1994, and a list of what we hoped to accomplish in 1995.

I'll share some of it here, but it's been heavily edited. I don't want to present all my accomplishments and hopes to the whole of the school, after all.

1994 - DONE

Made the "Best Dressed" lists in various magazines.
Started regular correspondence with Athena Belby.
Kept Astoria in line.
Maintained old and dear friendships.
Turned 15.
Endured the (mis-reported) death of a loved one someone I admire.
Did not gain weight.
Improved physical fitness.
Provided moral support for others in times of need.
Made meaningful contributions to YPL.
Performed admirably in CCF.
Improved marks in Transfiguration and Charms.
Dated an older man.
BWP w/Barney
Assisted in the redecoration of the Slytherin common room.
Finally received a compliment on vocal resonation from Mrs Gibbons.
Made it socially acceptable for girls to ask boys to the Yule Ball.
Put in a striking and memorable performance for the school play.
Remained best dancer at Hogwarts.

1995 - TO DO
Break it off with Barney
Find out who my Father is
Solve the mystery of myself.
LV w/???
Bump into A.C. at summer symphony
Convince Mother that a Gerard Joosh original is worth the galleons.
Expand vocal range and balance vibrato.
Improve marks in Potions.
Prove a suitable candidate for prefect or YPL counselor.
Maintain weight.
Improve physical fitness - upper body strength.
Improve dueling/sparring techniques.
Write poetry.
Stop reading trashy romance novels.
Read books of philosophical and political import.


That's as far as I got before Barney called me back for the countdown to 1995 and our midnight kiss. I wish

Looking back, I see that some of my accomplishments might appear quite frivolous. Appearances can be deceiving, though - sometimes, something frivolous can be quite transforming. And I don't believe there's any accomplishment too small that it's not worth celebrating.

So what did you accomplish in 1994? And what do you hope to succeed in now that it's 1995?

Happy New Year, all.

I would like to personally extend my gratitude to Gerard Chabat (merci beaucoup!), Erasmus Croaker, and ah Alfred Montague, who were all gracious enough to ask me to the Yule Ball in the last few days. I hope that none of you took personal offence to my disinclination. Any girl in this school would be more than lucky to be escorted by gentlemen of your calibre, and would, I'm sure, have a lovely and diverting evening.

Before I receive invitations from other male students, I would like to explain my position on the matter.

I have decided that I would like to ask someone to the Ball myself. I realise that this may go against tradition, but I don't really have much use for tradition - at least not in this particular instance. In fact, I find it terribly unfortunate that most girls feel that they must linger back patiently and wait for someone to take notice of them. What a helpless feeling that is, I'm sure. Why rob yourself of the same opportunity that boys are always confident of? That is, the right and privilege of seeking out someone whose company you desire. I have overheard many female students say that they felt they had no choice but to accept the first invitation to the ball they received, out of fear that should they dally, they would lose their chance. But what kind of way is this to live? To be grateful for any old chance, or to be in a position where you feel you have no choice. Well, I am convinced that there's always a choice.

In my case, I'm still trying to decide just whose company it is that I most desire. It will require careful thought and observation, certainly, and I suppose that if there are boys who are eager to make their case as to why I should consider them, then they're perfectly free to do so. I realise that options will run thin the longer I ponder this, but I'm content with taking such a risk. If I end up with no special individual to share the Ball with, then I shall share it with all of the students who are in attendance, instead!

I just know we'll all have the grandest time.

Ever since we of Slytherin House learnt that we shall be hosting the students from Durmstrang, I and a few other girls (Elsie, Samantha) have been discussing ways that we might make our guests feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. Aside from being as polite and as sociable as we already are, I think that a good starting place would be to reassess the comforts of the Slytherin common room.

Though the common room is used for a variety of activities, from studying to sleeping, I'm sure we can all agree that it's best suited for relaxing and socialising. It's the one place where students, regardless of what year they are in, can share some "common" time together. That said, perhaps those of you who are currently using the common room for other reasons might consider more appropriate locations for your pursuits? The group of second years who have been practising levitation charms, for instance. Why not secure an empty classroom for your charms work? There will be more room for all of you, and you won't risk accidentally bopping the heads of our guests with a vase. After all, those NEWT-level students do their work in empty classrooms for good reason! And those of you with heavy-duty reading will assuredly find uninterrupted silence in a dark corner of the library. The same, I suppose, for those of you who would like to indulge in some heavy-duty napping.

As for socialising, the common room is just the place for it. However, those of you who regularly gather round the fireplace might consider that you don't, in fact, actually own it. Other people, our guests in particular, would like to enjoy the flames, too. Those of you who enjoy more boisterous games, such as exploding snap, might mute your play with the appropriate charm. Also, I think it goes without saying that we should avoid setting the tapestries on fire Gregory

Now, while our common room is certainly comfortable and roomy, I do think that it might benefit from a little sprucing up. Firstly, whoever is doing it should stop stuffing toffee wrappers beneath the sofa cushions. Secondly, Samantha has volunteered to speak to the elves about that strange stain on the rug by the clock, as well as the chocolate smears on the chesterfield. Once that's taken care of, if everyone else can pitch in and try to keep things tidy, I think we should present very well.

Let's consider a few rearrangements, too. That almost-empty bookcase by the fire would make for the perfect lending library. Would anyone like to donate some books? Particularly books that are about British wizarding history, or that represent most currently popular reading material in the Protectorate? You know, Wand Society and such. I'm sure our guests would enjoy seeing what we read in our free time, and not just for classes.

That little alcove on the south end of the common room - the one that never gets used because the chairs are so straight-backed and uncomfortable? I thought it might be good to move the chairs off to the side and fill the floor space with big, soft cushions and poufs (like the ones you lounged about on at your Birthday, Blaise). We can put the wireless over there, too, and then it's the perfect area for listening to music. And if someone feels like dancing, simply move the cushions aside and viola! - instant dance floor!

Over by the tables we can stock a chest full of all sorts of games: moving picture puzzles, portkey cards, gobstones, chess. In fact, we might go ahead and set out a chess board or two, so that people feel free to just plop down and start playing with someone. And of course, I'll leave out a dish of linguista chocolates, so that people will find speaking German easier.

If anyone else has suggestions for making our common room a more welcoming and cosy spot, please speak with either myself, Elsie, or Samantha!

Yesterday was positively the most tremendous birthday I've had yet! I remember being so excited for thirteen, how it sounded so grown up, but fourteen just sounds ages beyond that for some reason. Mother must've known, for the party hamper she sent was filled with things suited to a more mature gathering. The fairy lights are still going in the common room, and I do so hope we can keep them up until they flit out. They add such a lovely cheer to the place. I have just gone and cleared the streamers off that high-backed chair near the fire. As much as I would like to have a throne at all times, if I don't remove the streamers now some brute shall happen along and tear them off, not even thinking to ask if I had plans to save them.

Now, I do so hope that everyone invited had a lovely time. Blaise, the doves were such a clever touch. I was admiring them all evening, and then, when you suggested we take the cage up to the castle parapets I thought we were simply going to free them, I didn't at all expect them to transform into a shower of brilliant, sparkling stars! It was so beautiful. And romantic! Draco, your guitar solo was really so impressive; I had no idea that you'd come so far. And that song you're trying to write? "Hey, Hey Merlin?" It's so catchy! Milli and I have had it stuck in our heads all morning.

Belinda, your trick with the diva's delight had me in absolute stitches! I used to love those sweets more than any other, but my voice tutor has restricted me from them until further notice. He says that if I rely on them too much they'll make my real voice lazy, and I shall never progress and be able to sing a true aria. Anyway, I've just found more diva's delights in a dish on a pouf, do let me know if you would like any extra. Oh, and someone's hidden their tea cup under the pouf, too! Maybe they didn't like the reading in their tea leaves?

That reminds me...some of you may have noticed the beautiful bouquet of snowdrops that my parents sent me; they're a breed that Mother has especially cultivated so that they will bring about a happy, restful sleep if the flowers are placed near a bed. She and her society ladies often deliver them to the patients at St. Mungos, you see. Well, I had all of them in a vase by my bed when I went to sleep last night, and I scarcely wanted to wake up this morning! Sleep was like a delicious, feathery blanket I wanted to wear forever. So, for all of you who were kind enough to attend my party, if you would like one of the flowers to put on your bed-side table so that you too may experience their magic, please let me know. I think I have far too many for one healthy person to have. The snowdrop should stay alive for two weeks or so, but thereafter you can dry it out and keep it under your pillow. It will still work, thought not as strongly.

Teddy, I must say that your coll

Oh!

OH.

I've just found the cake. I had left it neatly wrapped up on a little pedestal table so that Astoria and I could send the last slice to Queenie. But SOMEONE HAS GONE AND EATEN IT! Not just eaten, the plate has been laved clean so that nothing but grotesque streaks of spittle have been left behind. Ugh! WHO WOULD DO SUCH A HORRID THING? You've just deprived a very small girl of a slice of cake from her own sisters. I hope your stomach becomes so upset that you vom up for DAYS! I bet you're the same beast who grew that odd, glowy fungus in the girl's toilet, too. Now I have to go write to Queenie and tell her that I couldn't save her a slice of cake because one singular person in my house is horrid. At least I hope that it's singular person. Surely Slytherin would never bring together multiple cake thieves!