Draco C. Malfoy

There's something I need to make clear.

I know that the Order did everything that they could to help keep my parents safe. It didn't really work, but that's not anyone in the Order's fault. The Protectorate is an altogether unpredictable place, and the Lord Protector even more so. Even if my father's travel plans to France hadn't been discovered, there's no telling what the Lord Protector would have done. There is no action, no plan, that is secure and foolproof.

From here on out, I don't expect, or want, anyone to make any moves to protect my parents further.
They made their choice to follow a megalomaniac long ago, and must live with the consequences of that choice.

Thank you to those of you who put your wand on the line to help them out in the first place. I promise it wasn't for nothing, even if it feels like it was.

Oh - and sorry I wrecked the best broom at Moddey. I pushed it beyond its capabilities, I'm afraid.

...and a more full schedule than ever. Revue rehearsal tonight, Prefects meeting and Revue rehearsal on Wednesday, YPL Thursday, Quidditch Friday, more YPL and rehearsal on Saturday, and so on.

Fortunately, my journal has additional charms to mind my schedule well. And, as a YPL counsellor, I am well aware of how it behooves oneself to keep busy in the service of the school and the Protectorate. Those of you who find it to be overwhelming at times ought to try on this trick for size: sing or hum the YPL anthem to yourself as you go about your day. All those tow row row row's really pick up the pace and make the various tasks go along speedily, and the lyrics bolster the spirit, reminding us of precisely who it is we serve, and why.

See you all around the castle.

Since you don't keep your pranks or grudges private, I won't make this private, either:

The next time you decide you want to make Weasley look like a fool or enact some kind of revenge, you'd better not do it in any way that makes me look bad, too - or the team you're working with, for that matter.

Although I think we all know who came out of this one looking the fool.


Good show, Weasley. Especially given the circumstances.

Since I reckon a few blokes are going to be feeling a bit regretful that they took so long to open up their eyes to the fact that dancing is neither naff nor poncy, I figure it might be helpful if we compiled a list of people who are still without a date, just to make it easier for them to find one another, if they so choose.

Because get this: dancing with a girl is actually the opposite of poncy, as it so happens.

Year 4
Ron Weasley
Zacharias Smith
Katrina Bundy
Linus Moon
Mandy Brocklehurst
Seamus Finnigan
Daphne Greengrass*
Michael Corner
Gregory Goyle
Vincent Crabbe
Millicent Bulstrode
Theodore Nott

Year 5 (here's where things get murky, as I really only know about goings-on in Slytherin)
Erasmus Croaker
Troy Derwent
Jack Sloper
Horace Moon
Nerea Gray
Vicky Frobisher
Anthony Rickett
Ogden Begy

Year 6
Alfred Montague
Cassandra Calderwood
Miles Bletchley
Duncan Inglebee
Feodor Gallez
Geoffrey Hooper
Kenneth Towler

Year 7
Agnes Wright
Barnabas Bole
Josephina Gamp
Maxine O'Flaherty
Gemma Bundy
Faemarina Anderson
Herbert Fleet
Welhelmina Rigg
Horus Diggle
Russell Cadwadaller
Karoline Moon**
Penelope Clearwater**

* Daphs is only on the list as a technicality.
** Technically on the list, but disqualified as they're both seeing blokes who are already out of the school.


Who else have I missed? I didn't include third-years, but some of them might be available. If anyone knows about the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, you can add their names here, too.

I was surprised to read the Head Girl's announcement about bullying, as I haven't noticed any behaviour that's more out of line from what we usually see at Hogwarts. But apparently others have noticed, which is unfortunate, given that we currently have guests whose impression of Hogwarts matters a great deal to some of us. Now that such a bright glaring light has been shined on the matter, we can only hope that it will soon die down.

If there are any first-year or visiting students who want to test out their spellcasting skills in an approved environment, they ought to consider attending duelling club on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Also, the NEWT students have duelling club on the first and third Tuesday, and they don't usually mind having an audience. Some of them have developed some dead impressive wand-work, too, which means it can be quite a show some nights.

So yeah, haven't seen this so-called bullying, but I have seen what Krum's been enduring. Last night I was on my way show him and some of the other Durmstrang students our quidditch trophies, when Marjoram Montague and Effie Stevens literally leapt out of the Armour Gallery while waving Bulgarian pennants and shouting the Bulgarian fight song. They had also charmed their hair to be white blond for some reason...to look like Veela? That's all I can figure, though they were just a bit far off on the resemblance.

It was possibly the most hideous spectacle I have ever witnessed. We all had our wands out in an instant - that's just what you do when someone jumps out from behind a suit of armour - and their faces went utterly white. And then when they saw Krum's expression - well, they figured out right quick that not a single one of us was amused. Stevens burst into tears and went wailing in the other direction, and Montague muttered an apology before scurrying off the same way. And then I had to apologise to Krum for their antics.

If people would stop being idiots being so ridiculous in the first place, we'd all be better off. Hopefully there won't be any incidents like that this weekend.

And speaking of - Harry and I will probably help with the set up after supper. Anyone else from CCF interesting in joining?

Clearwater,

I'd like to be one of the first to extend an unofficial congratulations to you; word was flying around during CCF that you'll be our Head Girl when the term starts. It just goes to show that you and Percy Weasley are a suitable match - or will be, so long as you bring as much honour and good judgement to the position as he did.

Most sincerely,

Draco Malfoy

I never did get to have my study party, since everything immediately went pear-shaped almost the moment after I first brought it up. And now exams are over, so...next year, perhaps?

So I'm having a party tomorrow night, instead. Slytherin common-room: open to anyone who feels like attending. There'll be plenty of food and drinks, plus live music and portkey, but feel free to bring any other music or games that you think people would enjoy.

As I flip through the pages of my book for the last day or so, it's interesting to note that the majority of other people's entries (and my own) consist of Private Messages. As much as I use and value the PM system, I have to admit that I do miss the days when people would simply log their schedules, comment on recent events, or just say something utterly daft and laughable. People still do that, mind; just seems as if it all gets overwhelmed by the surplus of PMs.

So, in light of this observation, I am planning a return to more public postings, and I hope that some of you lot reading will do the same.

Getting closer to the end of the term is always an odd time. Everyone can feel the hols building in the air, and that, along with the pleasant weather, makes it really tempting to just faff about and play portkey, or go for a fly around the lake. But then there's all this building pressure too, with more revising, upcoming exams, and the summer YPL stuff.

So, if anyone wants to come to a combined study-and-games/music-after session, let me know and I'll see if I can organise something snitch.

Mother: I hope you received my package and that it found you in good spirits.

Crabbe: Where's my France-Bulgaria quidditch programme? If you've sopped up your juice with it or something then we will have problems, you and I. I hope you're not hanging onto it because you're actually trying to read it, because it's written in French, genius. Goyle was convinced for a while that it was just really strange handwriting.

Harry: Has your Father said yet what you'll be doing this summer? You'll get to stay with us for a while, right?

Hey G. Weasley,

I've heard Daphs say that you're interested in fashion. Quite a few other girls in Slytherin are as well, and I've heard them talking... apparently, there's a contest running in Purest Sparkle for a summer "fashion forward" prize. The entry form is in the latest issue. I don't know if you subscribe, but if my memory is correct, your mate Lovegood does, on account of the Browns buying it for her.

I wanted to beat Daphs to telling you about it, since I reckon I owe you for PMing in your journal. Even if you're still hacked off about that you should enter - the prize includes an appointment with the same salon my Mother visits from time to time. They do top-notch work.

From,
Draco Malfoy

Having my own owl has made Christmas shopping loads easier this year. I've already sent Freyja out with several orders to deliver to Harrod's, Dervish and Banges, and some other New London shops, and by the time I'm back home all of the gifts should be taken care of. Except for yours, Mother - since it's the best, it'll take a little longer.

A few notes, just because sometimes it's easier to get them down here than to chase everyone down in person...

Pansy: I think the song sounds really smashing, but I've been playing around with a new tune that I'd like to get your opinion on. I just keep thinking about how Mr Tenebridge might ask if we have any other songs besides "Hey Merlin." It's not very likely, I realise, but what if he does?

Patil: If you're not busy with Page one of these days, I've something to follow up with you on.

Baddock: I've found that magazine you've been asking about. It's yours to keep, if you still want it. I was getting bored of it, anyway.

Dinner's just ended and I can't believe how hungry I still am. When the quidditch season started I was trying to eat as much as I could so that I could make up for how much taller I've got. Weedy doesn't work so well when you're playing chaser, but it's better to be light when you're seeker, so now I'm trying to eat less. Seems like all it's done is make me think about food, constantly - even the transfigured kind. I don't know how girls get by on one poached egg and a half-slice of toast. It's probably less food than my owl eats.

Oh, and before I forget, when we get back from hols I'll try to speak with Professor Slughorn about organising more potions workshops in the dungeon classrooms, since everyone liked the one we did last month so much. Teddy, Blaise, let me know if you want to be in on it. You too, Harry.