Beginnings

 
 
As it is our Protector's wish that we practice the discipline of journaling, I shall begin today.

Welcome back to Hogwarts, fellow students. As you know, the Head Boy and I convened the traditional Prefects' meeting on the train yesterday, and we have all committed ourselves to maintaining the highest standards here at the school. This will be a proud year for Hogwarts, a year in which we, the young witches and wizards of the Realm, show our commitment to attaining the highest educational goals. I know we are all eager to show the Lord Protector that, though young, we are ready to take our places as leading citizens in this, the most progressive and powerful Realm of all.

To that end, I would remind each and every one of you of the school's rules, all of which were very clearly reviewed by the Headmistress last evening at the Feast for those who were in attendance. There are not over-many rules, nor are they in any way difficult to grasp, and surely each of us understands that they have been instituted not only to safeguard against danger but also to foster an environment in which each of us may live and study and enjoy the many benefits of these our school years to the fullest. All well-governed societies and institutions adopt communal rules in order to keep their individual members from encroaching upon the freedoms and security of the commonwealth. This school is and ought to be a model institution in this regard, displaying for all witches and wizards everywhere an example to be envied and emulated.

To this end, the Head Boy and I have asked that the Prefects of each House obtain the signatures of each of their House-members on a document, signifying our individual and collective assent to the following simple declaration of commitment to Hogwarts and its principles:

We, the undersigned of _______ House, do proudly declare ourselves loyal citizens of the Protector's Realm, acknowledging our duty as pupils of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to uphold the honour of that ancient institution through our dedicated maintenance of its traditions, our earnest pursuit of excellence in our studies, and our obedient adherence to the Hogwarts Code of Discipline and to the laws of our most gracious Protector's Realm.

Thank you all for your support of this initiative. It is our hope that the Headmistress, the school's Governors, and our Lord will be gratified by this testament of our loyalty: above all, we wish them to be proud of us!


A personal note for my sister, Honoria: my dear, you mustn't worry about the shocking surprise of last evening. Orion and I will watch over you no less closely for your being placed in another House. Immediately following the Feast, I wrote Papa and Mama to explain what has happened, and this morning's post brought their reply. As you must know, they were not entirely pleased and nor, I must tell you, were they entirely surprised that you should have wrought this--I shall not say 'scandal'--this disparagement on our family, but we all agree, dear, that this situation opens certain opportunities provided that you handle yourself correctly.

You must come see me at the Ravenclaw table at the start of lunch and read for yourself what Papa has to say to you in his letter.