Scroll delivered by House Elf to Headmistress Minerva McGonagall
My good lady,
Most distressing news this morning! I must say I'm shocked, very shocked indeed, to hear of last night's pandemonium. I sincerely hope whoever orchestrated such pernicious attacks against an exemplary young man will be brought to justice. I've always thought highly of Mister Macmillian's potential, and to see an enthusiastic future leader struck down in such a reprehensible fashion is criminal indeed! We've only just recovered from the horror of nearly losing the dear Miss Brown, which was quite a blow! You know as well as I do how important the young woman's talents are
You mustn't take it to heart, of course, Minerva. Anyone in the business of instructing young minds knows how children are wont to run amok regardless of who's corralling them! Even Albus, may he rest in peace, had his share of chaos in his day-- who could forget that Chamber of Secrets business? And Headmaster Dippet before him, a personal friend of mine if you recall, was no stranger to the occasional reign of terror. I for one would be the first to remind anyone of these facts before they begin casting asperity on your leadership! It's a sign of the times, Minerva, a sign of the times.
It bears mention, however, the importance of assigning blame where blame is due, and resisting the urge for wild finger pointing. You're aware, no doubt, that whenever situations like this arise, it's always one House more than the others that gets to play the scapegoat-- I'm speaking of Slytherin, of course! We're all aware of the reputation, but speaking as former Head of Slytherin, I can personally attest that it's rather unjustified. Mustn't let a few bad eggs spoil the lot! Our perpetrator is just as likely a jealous student spurned for the Head Boy position-- yes, even a fellow Hufflepuff!-- as a Slytherin. Due process will prevail, I'm sure.
Speaking of Slytherins, I must say, I've grown rather concerned about their current leadership. Did you know that, when asked, not only were a fair number of Slytherin students unable to even name their Head of House, but none of them had so much as spoken to her outside of the library? Now, Madam Pince has my highest esteem for her station, as she has preserved the books of this good institution for many a year, but I'm sure you'll agree that this state of affairs is most shocking! I'm troubled, Minerva, quite troubled indeed, that these students have been neglected far too long.
I do apologise for burdening you at such a late hour! I wish you a goodnight, and remember that I remain
At your service,
Horace E. F. Slughorn
Most distressing news this morning! I must say I'm shocked, very shocked indeed, to hear of last night's pandemonium. I sincerely hope whoever orchestrated such pernicious attacks against an exemplary young man will be brought to justice. I've always thought highly of Mister Macmillian's potential, and to see an enthusiastic future leader struck down in such a reprehensible fashion is criminal indeed! We've only just recovered from the horror of nearly losing the dear Miss Brown, which was quite a blow! You know as well as I do how important the young woman's talents are
You mustn't take it to heart, of course, Minerva. Anyone in the business of instructing young minds knows how children are wont to run amok regardless of who's corralling them! Even Albus, may he rest in peace, had his share of chaos in his day-- who could forget that Chamber of Secrets business? And Headmaster Dippet before him, a personal friend of mine if you recall, was no stranger to the occasional reign of terror. I for one would be the first to remind anyone of these facts before they begin casting asperity on your leadership! It's a sign of the times, Minerva, a sign of the times.
It bears mention, however, the importance of assigning blame where blame is due, and resisting the urge for wild finger pointing. You're aware, no doubt, that whenever situations like this arise, it's always one House more than the others that gets to play the scapegoat-- I'm speaking of Slytherin, of course! We're all aware of the reputation, but speaking as former Head of Slytherin, I can personally attest that it's rather unjustified. Mustn't let a few bad eggs spoil the lot! Our perpetrator is just as likely a jealous student spurned for the Head Boy position-- yes, even a fellow Hufflepuff!-- as a Slytherin. Due process will prevail, I'm sure.
Speaking of Slytherins, I must say, I've grown rather concerned about their current leadership. Did you know that, when asked, not only were a fair number of Slytherin students unable to even name their Head of House, but none of them had so much as spoken to her outside of the library? Now, Madam Pince has my highest esteem for her station, as she has preserved the books of this good institution for many a year, but I'm sure you'll agree that this state of affairs is most shocking! I'm troubled, Minerva, quite troubled indeed, that these students have been neglected far too long.
I do apologise for burdening you at such a late hour! I wish you a goodnight, and remember that I remain
At your service,
Horace E. F. Slughorn