Private message to Professor Sinistra

[alt_sally_anne]

I told Penelope Clearwater but I thought maybe I should tell you too, I won't be able to help with the hosting things we talked about at the Ball, even though I'm in the CCF. I don't know why I didn't think about this earlier, I should have and I'm sorry. I'm going with Viktor Krum and the Champions and their dates have to sit up at a special table and ... look decorative, is what Viktor said, when he was talking to me about it today.

Anyway I hope this doesn't horribly inconvenience you.

We kept it quiet (Viktor and I did) because we didn't want the gossip magazines knowing in advance. He said if I'm a surprise on the night of the Ball the articles will only be able to talk about my clothes and my hair -- if they had advance warning it would be easier for them to write about my family. So. He's right. Anyway, that's why. But I could have told you, and I didn't think of it, so I'm sorry about that.

Are you okay

Everyone in my dorm is recovered from breakfast and thinking ahead to the Yule Ball tonight. I think it will be a lot of fun.

Comments

[alt_sinistra]

Circe. Sorry I'm just getting to this.

I do wish I'd known sooner, but no matter. Let me think through this for a moment.

The welcoming duties should be fluid enough that one person fewer will not be the end of the world.

When you clear the tables - well, Mr Marvolo will be at the same table, naturally, and we've already worked around that, though we may need to rearrange sections slightly. Weren't you already doing one of the ones near the front of the hall?

The later evening tasks were already more flexible, so I don't think they'll be a problem.

And I do agree with Mr Krum's analysis, quite. (Having had some conversations of my own about that kind of thing recently: do let me know if you'd like to talk further on the matter.)

I'm glad to hear that you and your dorm are looking forward. (I had a long nap, and that certainly helped me.) And of course, I'm sure tonight is going to be quite splendid.

We'll need to go through it all, but I do think we can manage.

[alt_sally_anne]

Penny said I should still come at three and we'd rearrange duties.

Viktor says it doesn't have to still be a secret at this point, so I don't mind people knowing although it will be sort of fun to surprise Teddy Miles Blet the people who think I'm lying about having a date.

[alt_sinistra]

Miss Clearwater's exactly right, yes. I'll certainly leave it to you to decide how you wish to tell people: doing so is certainly part of the fun, I think.

I've had a few last minute queries from other houses: does your own seem to have things in good hand?

[alt_sally_anne]

With dress robes, you mean?

As far as I know.

[alt_sinistra]

Excellent - and yes, mostly robes, though I understand there's been a rash of panic in some quarters about other things: spots, flowers, and all the other things one can worry about.

[alt_sally_anne]

Oh, right. FLOWERS.

I want to make sure a boy I know buys a corsage for the girl he's taking. Is it true someone's coming to sell corsages in the front entryway this afternoon?

[alt_sinistra]

Yes, someone is.

There was supposed to be a reminder, but I wasn't at lunch and don't remember one this morning. I do know there's a range of choices planned.

[alt_sally_anne]

Good, because he doesn't have much money!

I don't think they said anything at lunch, but maybe it was while I was trying to find Viktor? Anyway I think most of the Slytherins are set. Pansy and I helped Milli get ready and she looks really nice now.

[alt_sinistra]

That's excellent to hear. I have heard so many stories of friends helping each other to have a good time at this dance - quite heartening, really.

[alt_sally_anne]

I just want you to know, for the record: Milli dyed her own hair. It was NOT OUR FAULT.

[alt_sinistra]

Oh, dear. I gather there's a story there?

I appreciate knowing, and I'm sure no one would think you'd do anything to make Miss Bulstrode unhappy.