XIV.

[alt_lana]

As I'm sure we've all seen, the Headmistress tonight informed us of the Ministry's decision that firechats will no longer be allowed except in extremely rare situations--and then only with approval in advance from the Headmistress herself. If you feel you have a real need to initiate a firechat, you should speak either to a Prefect or to your Head of House, who will assist you in applying to the Headmistress.

I know that we all feel concerned about the situation that has made these measures necessary, but I also feel certain that you all join me in appreciating that Minister Fudge, Director Selwyn and, indeed, the Lord Protector himself are taking every possible precaution to keep us safe and healthy here at Hogwarts. There is surely no place safer than this school and no citizens more blessed than we, Our Lord's favoured children.

As I said in my last message to you, there are several new clubs and organisations starting up this term. Professor Acton tells me that she invites participants from all years who wish to polish their rhetorical skills and learn the rules and strategies of formal argumentation. She has placed a sign-up list on her office door for students wishing to join the Hogwarts Debating Society. Meetings will take place at 8pm on Tuesday evenings, beginning next week (16 February).

Also new is the Future Interrogators Club, which will focus each week on famous cases illustrating key tenets of law in our Lord's realm and which will end the year by hosting a Model Wizengamot. Professor Babbling will provide guidance for this club, assisted by a team of top sixth-year students headed by Orion Sandoval and Martha Yaxley. All interested second-, third-, and fourth-year students are invited to sign up on Professor Babbling's office door beside the sixth-floor Runes classroom. Meetings will be Mondays at 7pm beginning 15 February.

Finally, Professor Vector tells me that the first meeting of the Dramatics Society was a great success and that plans are underway for next year. Anyone unable to attend last Thursday's organisational meeting should see Professor Vector to be added to the membership list.

Comments

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_neville]

'Future Interrogators Club'? Is that where people brush up on their 'Crucio' skills?

Ugh.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_hermione]

I think it's meant to be for people who want to study the law, only it sounds so vile that I can't imagine anyone will join, just because of the name - will they?

[alt_ernie]

That sounds really wizard. I think we could all benefit from learning more about the law and that. Thank you, Miss.

[alt_lana]

Cheers, Macmillan. If you've any ambition towards a post with the Ministry, either of the new clubs would look good on your vita. It's never too soon to begin considering of one's prospects.

[alt_harry]

Future Interrogators Club sounds dead boring. Debating is too much work. And I bet you have to dress up in funny clothes for the Dramatics society. Nope, not joining any of them.

[alt_lana]

To each his own, of course, and the aim of these offerings is not that every student be involved in every extracurricular.

Between Quidditch and Duelling Club, I should think that you have rather more activity in your timetable than most, Marvolo. It's a sound strategy to reserve time for homework and other things you value doing.

[alt_harry]

Right!!

That's brill Sandoval, thanks for saying so.

Now I'm going to go write a letter to Father.