Private message to Penelope Clearwater

[alt_percy]

I saw from the journals that you were forced to assert the Head Girl's authority. I have no doubt it was regrettable (or perhaps even unpleasant) that you had to take that step, but applaud you for doing what must be done. I trust you are well? None of the aftereffects that Miss Professor Carrow mentioned might occur to those who use that curse? But no, I know I needn't even ask; I trust your character is resolute enough to withstand the trial.

I have no doubt that Professor McGonagall is entirely satisfied with her choice of you as Head Girl, as you have demonstrated that you are more than equal to the challenge.

Comments

[alt_penelope]

It was pretty horrid, actually. But the worst part was during, when I was thinking how long to let it go on, whether I'd made the point, whether I ought to stop or if I did, whether that would make me look weak. I guess, like you said at Hogsmeade, it's not just about what you do but how.

And of course, today I'm wondering if everyone thinks I overstepped the mark. I suspect Avery does, anyway, and thinks I should have sent Baddock to him for it.

Only then I wouldn't have been sure Only then the lesson really wouldn't have mattered anymore.

How are you getting on?

[alt_percy]

No, I think you made the right decision, to administer the punishment yourself. Punting it to the Head Boy might have simply made you look week.

Work has been going all right, although I am having trouble with an individual in another department who holds a ridiculous and totally unmerited grudge. And she is continually finding inventive ways to try to make me look incompetent to Mr Malfoy. I've had to step lively a time or two to counteract her sabatoge.

That's not something we talk about much at Hogwarts.

[alt_penelope]

You mean 'weak,' not 'week,' silly. You must be having a time of it - ordinarily you'd never make that sort of mistake!

I can't believe someone's trying to sabotage you! Who? Why? I mean, what does she think you did? (And should I be jealous? Ha-ha, only kidding of course!)

[alt_percy]

That was a silly mistake. My apologies.

Never mind who it is, since the reason for her irk is entirely unreasonable. As best as I can tell, she is sulking over the fact that I fulfilled my duties as the gatekeeper for Mr Malfoy's attention.

As for the matter of jealousy, the very idea made me laugh right out loud. Trust me, you have no need to be the slightest bit jealous of such a...termagant.

[alt_penelope]

Thank you again, by the way, for the note. And the new charm. You did get my owl from when you sent it?

Hogsmeade is weekend after next, if you want to get together.

[alt_percy]

Yes, indeed, I did get the owl, and I've certainly blocked off the Hogsmeade visit on my calendar. Glad that you liked the charm.