Samantha Capper

I've been mulling over everything for days now, really, and I have to say this: I understand that there are people who are upset and concerned about Hagrid, however, as far as well all know (and this is true, isn't it?) he never acted in any fashion stereotypical to what we would expect of a giant. Did he? It's difficult, I know. It's difficult for all of us, me included, and I believe we really ought to consider most what we know and less what we're scared or nervous about.

As far as the rumors go that some of the girls at this school were following around Viktor Krum in the hopes that he'd remove his shirt while exercising, well ... honestly, girls, did you have to?

Oh goodness. A word of caution -- please remember to watch where you're walking, no matter how long you've been here at school. There was an unfortunate incident just this afternoon where a Slytherin first year wasn't watching where she was going. She nearly tumbled down three flights of steps! Thank Helga I was there, or else she could have been much more hurt than she was. Thankfully, Madam Pomfrey was able to patch her right up. But seriously, please pay attention to where you're walking.

Leon

Thank you. I -- I had a very nice time with you at the ball.

It went well all around, don't you think?

This will be the first time I'm not at home for Christmas, and it's very hard to imagine it! Of course we'll be so busy here, and there will be so many people here enjoying the holiday as well, so it won't be lonely or anything. Hopefully it will be like I won't even remember that I'm not home.

I hope that everyone will remain on their best behavior and also that this date-asking for the ball doesn't get out of hand. Why just this morning I saw several girls crying in the loo over this dance. In the grand scheme of things, having a date or not having a date isn't really all that important is it?

Winter and the holidays here at the castle are just splendid. I hope everyone is in a cheerful mood throughout!

I hope everyone had a nice time at Hogsmeade yesterday, especially our visiting students. I find that there's so much to do, and this time of year is especially beautiful, when the village is decorated and festive for the season. Not to mention, it was filled! So many people are visiting on account of the Tournament -- I could barely find a table at the Three Broomsticks!

I can't believe that the first task is just around the corner! I've been hearing a lot of speculation about what it could be, and frankly I have no idea. I know the best wizarding minds from around the world have put it together, and that means it could be anything. Absolutely anything.

Does anyone have any guesses? Or, if not guesses (since it's infinite, really, what the task could be), then maybe tell me what you wish you'd see in the first task? I wouldn't even know where to begin.

I know that it's not conventional, the way the choosing of the champions went, but it's the way it happened, and we've all got to muster up the excitement and such in these coming weeks. All four champions were chosen and the contract is binding and it will be wonderful to see how the tournament progresses, won't it?

As always, if anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to ask one of your prefects, me, or Leon. Thank you.

Hogwarts Students
No matter how it happened, the fact remains that we have two champions. This is very exciting and absolutely a great inter-house relationship building opportunity. Congratulations to both Cedric and Harry. We should all be ready and willing to support them both as much as possible.

Cedric
My congratulations! Again! Honestly, it is so perfect that you were selected and all of Hufflepuff House and, I hope, much of the school, is behind you 100%.

A list, to organize my thoughts:

1. I'm rubbish at Halloween costumes, so I know I'm going to have to be very creative in just a few days! So, if anyone has any thoughts, I would love to hear them. I would also love to hear what you're thinking about dressing up as as well.

2. It really is such an honor to be hosting the students here from the other schools. It will be the perfect opportunity to learn about them and ask how they take classes and what their school is like. Oh, I know we've said this over and over again, but I honestly can't wait! I hope everyone will be as warm and welcoming as possible.

3. I can't believe I'm getting all flustered about foreign boys coming round ... oh stop it, Samantha. You're being completely silly.

Leon
Am I the only one slightly anxious about the Slytherins hosting a Halloween party? It's not that I'm -- I don't mean that in a bad way at all... Just that, well, I offered to help Stella plan, like, make it an actual school-sponsored event and she seemed well I don't want to say rude like she was brushing me off. I just think we all know from experience that some Slytherins can be a bit, well, abrupt, with people from other houses. Like me us Hufflepuffs.

Oh, honestly, does Peeves have no respect for anyone?! No of course he doesn't but that doesn't mean -- and in the Great Hall -- in front of everyone -- really though, it's a good thing I like tomato sauce, isn't it? I mean, I like pasta well enough and tomato soup as well as the next person, sure, but not as part of my wardrobe. And in my hair!

What a great year to be a Hogwarts student! And what an absolute honour it is that we get to host such a long-standing tradition. I've read about Durmstrange and Beauxbatons, of course, but it'll be very different to actually get the chance to meet and interact with the students there. I know there is a lot of disappointment going round about Quidditch being cancelled, but I just know once we get started with all of the Triwizard activities, no one will even miss Quidditch.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns and don't feel comfortable talking with a professor, my door is always open. As is, I hope, Leon's.

One of my favorite things every year is the welcome feast at Hogwarts. I'm writing this on the train, right before I go off to meet with Leon and the prefects and get started on what I hope know will be a brilliant 7th year.

If any student needs an ear to listen, know that I, as your Head Girl, am always available.

There are so many people here already but we've got the tent all set up. I'm bunking with Gill and my mum of course, and the boys are all with dad. Though Damien is off all of the time with his Arrows teammates all the time so it's not like we ever see him. I think Gill and I will spend the evening wandering about just an eighth of the area we're in, so if anyone's about and would like to grab a cuppa or have a candy, I've got a bag I'm carrying round and would love to see you.

I should mention, by the way, and not because I'm bragging because I'm just positively pleased as punch about this -- but I've been made Head Girl this year!

( samantha capper )