Cruciatus.

[alt_mcgonagall]

As the moot of prefects has seen fit to allow the Head Boy and Head Girl the Cruciatus curse, I shall not stand in their way.

I shall be watching most carefully for signs of any one abusing this power; I am still unconvinced that it is appropriate to encourage such abilities in children. I suppose, however, that the Head Boy and Head Girl have proven themselves, and that they shall be adults soon enough, and then they will be expected to deal with such difficult matters daily.

I do wish that Marius Flourish would take some Pepper-Up potion or similar. He was hacking throughout our Lord's meeting on Textbook Procurement and if I become ill due to his refusal to employ modern healing techniques, I shall be quite put out. All we need is an epidemic of some kind to make the schoolchildren truly enjoy their exams.

Comments

[alt_lucius]

Now, Minerva, the Head Boy and Girl are over the age of majority by the time they attain their office. Nevertheless, I heartily agree that the power to cast a spell may tempt one to administer it precipitously. I am sure that the Governors shall wish to see the results of this decision in action before allowing it to be added on a permanent basis.

And of course, you and the professors must include your students' ability to use the curse with restraint when you are deliberating over whom to appoint.

[alt_mcgonagall]

I imagine that the ability to use the curse with restraint will be one of the most major qualifications for the position in future.

Order only

[alt_molly]

And what a splendid addition to their curricula vitae that will be.

Oh, Minerva. That we should live to see the day that students should be expected to do an Unforgiveable--because that's showing leadership.

[alt_sinistra]

I still have a very bad feeling about this Profe Minerva.

[alt_mcgonagall]

We must hope that we've taught our children well, I suppose.

[alt_sinistra]

I know you have. I'm not so sure about myself.

[alt_mcgonagall]

It means a great deal to hear you say that, Aurora; you do have a touch with them. Perhaps it's the age: I feel quite ancient some days.

[alt_sinistra]

I may have a touch but I don't know if anything I say really gets through. I think they just like me because I'm so young. It doesn't mean they're learning anything. Especially not the things they truly need to know.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Perhaps that's the case. It is difficult to know.

Their marks ought to show if they're learning something, however - their marks and their behaviour.

[alt_sinistra]

In that case, they're perfect.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Happy to hear it.

[alt_pansy]

Have you ever cast it? Have you ever had it cast on you?

[alt_mcgonagall]

I would not presume to make policy about something which I did not know intimately, Miss Parkinson.

[alt_pansy]

I'm very sorry that you have.

[alt_mcgonagall]

No need to be sorry. Such is life, Miss Parkinson.

[alt_pansy]

So if they can cast it, and they do, what's to stop them? Do they have to seek your approval first? In which case, why give them the permission? I don't undersrtand.

[alt_mcgonagall]

The circumstances surrounding each use shall be carefully examined after the fact, Miss Parkinson. Should any excessive or unfair cursing be discovered, the curse's use shall be discontinued.

[alt_pansy]

Thank you for the clarification.

[alt_horace]

It is the challenge of democracy, is it not, Minerva, that sometimes things go other than we might have hoped.

However, I'm sure both Ned and Sarah will comport themselves with the maturity and good judgement that precipitated their nomination as Head Boy and Girl.