That was Nift!

[alt_padma]

I have to say that went really, really well, I thought.

Well, apart from Stretton making a fool of himself, but really, that was probably to be expected. And Moran made short work of him. I say, it was gentlemanly of Moran to toss Stretton out like that for us. Saved quite a lot of unpleasantness all round.

I thought Bobolis, Chang and Tamblyn were beyond funny. Tamblyn's impression of Mr Macnair was dead to rights. And when Bobolis cast that little illusion spell that made Black say all sorts of nonsense? Dead hilarious, that. But the best part was the bit about choosing prefects for next year. I didn't know that 'Chaser' meant something entirely different in Gaia Chambers' case! And I guess we now know that the secret to being made prefect is simply to date a current one!

Joking aside, I'm so glad Karoline gave us a taster of her panto! I knew it would be utterly nift. Draco, did she talk to you last night? I keep telling her she ought to ask you, that you're really quite good and ever so nice and you'd be up for it, but she's really quite shy about some things. I think she thought you'd bite her head off, as if even asking would be an affront. Which is nonsense, of course. It's funny, really, since she's older than we are, but there she was, not sure whether she ought to talk to you. I hope she found you?

I tried to talk to so many people last night but there was so much to do. Being a hostess is hard work! Even with Parvati to share in, and Lavender too, we didn't get nearly the time to simply enjoy things as we thought. There was always something, like needing more punch or trying to get everyone quiet to listen to the panto, or handling the queue of people who wanted a particular song played.

Oh! I almost forgot! Thanks, everyone, who brought music! It really would have been dreary without all the different styles we got to play. I never knew Erato Pucey had such a brilliant collection!

Really, it was absolutely wiz-nift, and everyone helped make it so wonderful.

Comments

[alt_hannah]

The music was the part I enjoyed the most, I think. I'd never heard of at least half those bands.

[alt_padma]

I know, right? It's great that so many of the older kids came, as they've got quite a lot of music we haven't. I hadn't really talked much to your Olive Coote before last night. She's really quite nice, isn't she?

[alt_seamus]

That really was a wiz-nift party! The music was fun but I thought it was especially interesting to see how many people came. Its probably because you have so many friends in other years in your house.

[alt_padma]

Yeah, and I think having the prefects come was really helpful, too, because it meant the other prefects from other houses came, so everyone who hangs about with them came, too. I think there were really only about 25 people who didn't come, but I couldn't even keep track!

I just wish Chang

[alt_seamus]

Even Katrina Bundy came. I think she might have even talked to people.

Was there anyone from our year who didn't?

[alt_neville]

I talked to Katrina a bit. That was practically a first. Usually she's so quiet.

[alt_padma]

Shocking.

Bundy can barely say 'Pass the beetles' in Potions lessons.

I'd say that definitely means the party was a success!

[alt_seamus]

Other than Stebbins, obviously.

[alt_padma]

I was about to say.

No, I think everyone (else) in our year. Maybe not Millie, I don't recall seeing her.

I didn't see Fawcett, but Belinda said she was there for a little while. She may have left early (or maybe the skit bothered her). And I'm not sure about Summers. Did you see him?

I know that some of the fourth-years didn't come, because Applebee told me he had already planned a small birthday party for Lettice Frobisher and she didn't want to be embarrassed in front of the whole school. But then I saw Nadine Rohani toward the end of the night, so maybe some of them came down afterward.

[alt_lavender]

Now I understand a bit of what Mummy's always talking about--about the Fine Art of Hostessing and all.

I mean, this was just a school party but we had a lot to do!

Between the three of us it wasn't Too Much, though. It's good that we work together so well.

[alt_padma]

I know! There's such a lot to think about. At least one of us was always able to manage the music queue, but really, if Laverty hadn't volunteered to help out a few times, I think we should have been stuck in that corner all night.

And then the endless comments - some people couldn't hear, others thought it too loud and they had to go outside to talk.... Really, it's so difficult to keep everyone happy.

[alt_lavender]

Think of it this way--if you hadn't thought it up, people might have sat around being bored and feeling sorry for themselves about the hols so really they should be grateful.

And anyway it seemed like most people were having a good time, so I wouldn't worry too much. I think we can call it a Success!

Although some people had a bit Too Good of a time, if you know what I mean.

[alt_padma]

Well, that's true. And Tamblyn said he thinks the party did wonders for our futures at Hogwarts. I mean to say, they're ever so glad to know that things will be in good hands after some of the older kids leave.

And yes, you're right, some people probably ought to have gone somewhere private, if they were going to carry on like that. One would think prefects would know better. But I guess as it's school holidays, they weren't worried about it I saw Darst tell them off a couple times, too, and they were a bit better after that.

Do you know when they left?

[alt_lavender]

That was awfully Nice of him to say! I'm glad everyone enjoyed it, but especially that the older years didn't think it was too childish or anything.

I Shudder to think what might happen if we were allowed anything stronger than butterbeer. I mean, really!

I'm sorry you had to see

[alt_padma]

I guess it won't be too long before we are the older kids.

And I suppose it won't be too long before we don't care who tells us off, either.

Still. I'm glad you and Parvati were there when ... when I had to duck out to the loo or something. To get air.

[alt_lavender]

That's what friends are for, isn't it? I mean, I know you'd do the same for me if I needed you to.

[alt_padma]

Of course!

[alt_lana]

Good show, Patil. It was a brilliant party. We ought to do another soon. Actually, I was thinking it would be nift to try a fancy dress party or a masquerade since we're on holiday and there's time for people to think about costumes or making vizards. What do you say? We could organise it together.

I do think that if Stretton can't behave himself, he ought to have the decency to stay away from gatherings. And, yes, Moran was helpful, though we were managing things before he thrust himself in the middle.

So, what do you say? Shall we get up another salon for later in the week? I have a trunk full of things we could use for costumes--and also a hamper of treats Papa sent before parcels were disallowed.

[alt_padma]

What do I say? I say that would be

U T T E R L Y N I F T!

Yes, let's do!! Perhaps for the day after you've completed NEWTs? Or would that be too long?

I just know that Tamblyn was saying he's really got to get started revising for his OWLs, and you remember that only a few days ago Chambers and Clearwater were shushing everyone in the Common Room. And I'm sure you, Capper and Johns are ready, but that you'll be wanting to use some of the holiday to really concentrate on the exams, too.

So...well, whenever you think. But yes, oh, and making vizards would be a nift project, too, especially if it insists on raining all week!

[alt_lana]

Well, you know, I was planning a party for these hols, so I've kept to a strict schedule of revising all term. Of course, those plans have had to change, but just because we've had to stay here doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves a bit.

It's important to keep a balance between work and relaxation or one loses all perspective, right? Certainly Chambers and Clearwater aren't the only ones feeling the strain. We all are. And that's precisely why it's so important that we schedule a bit of recreation. In moderation, that's what makes it possible to stay sane as our exams loom.

I believe we should have this party on Thursday evening. It'll be brilliant!