Draco C. Malfoy

Unfortunate news in the Prophet today. It seems that Julius Avery, former head boy and current council member, fell victim to a wand cleaning mishap that took his life. Avery was an upstanding citizen of the Protectorate and would have surely shaped the future of Britain in numerous beneficial ways. His death is a tragic loss to us all, and I offer my sympathies to his surviving family and friends.

Of course, for those of you who were sponsored by Avery in the council challenge, this must be a particularly painful loss that strikes close to your hearts. No doubt the other sponsors are, at this very moment, devising a plan to keep you in contention for council membership.

On a personal note, Avery was a Slytherin role-model to all in our house, and in my younger years I frequently consulted him for advice and guidance on all manner of things. I am sure to feel the loss of his association in the years to come, and I know others of you will, as well.

Do you reckon that Professor Dolohov's and Razzer's demonstration will be a true duel where one of them will be declared the winner?

Because if so, it might be the sort of thing worth placing a gentleman's bet on. I can think of a number of others who'd be interested, as well.

But I don't want to be the one who organises the whole thing. Too bad Avery's gone, he'd be perfect. What about Montague? I'd peg him for game. Or might it be a venture that you're interested in, Blaise?