Last night

[alt_sinistra]

I have to agree with so many other people in these journals: going from the sublime to the horrific last night has left me quite uncertain which way is up.

My best wishes to all those injured, and the hopes that everyone recovers quickly and easily.

I wanted to write and publicly recognise the heroic efforts of all those who stepped in to help those injured last night, whether by offering medwizardry assistance, or simply being a calm friendly presence.

I am particularly proud of our rising fourth year students at Hogwarts, who put the training received through the CCF and YPL programs to great use. This class has been a particularly bright and inventive group in a number of ways, and while I would prefer that such circumstances never be needed again, it was very reassuring to see our younger generation offering their skills, energy, and ingenuity to help others in the larger community.

After making sure a number of students who were guests in the top box got home safely, I spent the rest of the evening doing what I could to help, mostly by helping people reconnect with their families and get back to the apparation points smoothly. Today, I've been back to preparing for the new term at Hogwarts, though I can't seem to stop keeping an eye out for updates as people check in and let us know they're all right and safely home.

Comments

[alt_poppy]

I know you must have a terrible lot to accomplish, Aurora, but I wonder if you'd like to stop up after supper for a glass of sherry. I could use a quiet, friendly evening and a chat. If you've time.

[alt_sinistra]

I was actually going to ask you something similar at dinner, so I'd be delighted.

Mum sent along a package this morning by owl with a few treats, as well, and they'd be a nice evening nibble: I'll bring them along. (Her response to difficulties involves baking, so it's not much of a surprise, really.)

Private message to Aurora

[alt_rabastan]

Well. Next time I'd better not invite you to the top box.

Re: Private message to Aurora

[alt_sinistra]

I scarcely think that was the problem with the evening.

And I was having a lovely time until then, you know. (Except for having my ear talked off by that Bulgarian, until we got the conversation shifted off his so-called theories of education that belong in the dark ages. Rote memorisation, my foot.)

It... well. That's my first real exposure to something like that, having been young enough when the Lord Protector took over that.. I'd heard stories, but not been in the middle of it, you know? I was so very proud of how our students did and I'm sure Harry and Draco would have been happier being able to help more, though of course there was no question of letting them into a dangerous situation.

You don't think anyone thinks badly of me for not wanting to go off with the mob to the camp? I wondered if there might be repercussions, people not thinking me dedicated enough, or something of the kind. But your staying, and helping with the students, surely helps with that too. (And I was most grateful for the company, as well.)

Drink, tomorrow night, after all the sorting's done and everyone's settled? My rooms are tidy enough, if you want to come here, or I can come down to yours.

Re: Private message to Aurora

[alt_rabastan]

I was trying for a joke, but it understandably fell flat.

I do indeed doubt anyone noticed your absence from the demonstration. You are a schoolteacher, after all, who was doing right by her students. That's what I was going for well. Don't get me wrong - I'm quite the team player in most circumstances - but shouting for blood and rampaging for vengeance isn't really my cuppa. I tried that once before, a long time ago. It doesn't make anything better.

Let's do yours.

Re: Private message to Aurora

[alt_sinistra]

Oh, don't mind me - still a bit shocky from everything, I think, and these journals really don't give a sense of tone of voice, do they?

I'm ... glad to hear you say all of that.

I get caught up, sometimes, in wanting to be loyal (of course), and yet not knowing what loyalty actually looks like to other people. Or can look like, legitimately, because of course there are all different ways to show it.

Curse of my house, I guess. In some ways, I think it must be easier to be a Gryffindor, and just charge headlong into danger and worry less about the consequences.

I'll look forward to you tomorrow - and I've got a few nice things you may not have tried yet in the drinks cabinet, even.