The Marauders Rise (II)

The Prefects' Meeting

September 26, 1973

In an empty classroom, several older students from various Houses are scattered around, talking lightly. Among them is FRANK, ALICE, MAFALDA, and LUCIUS. The door opens, and NARCISSA enters, looking flustered.

MAFALDA: Where've you been?

NARCISSA: Sorry- slept in late. Did it start yet?

LUCIUS: No, they're not here yet.

NARCISSA: Okay, good.

MAFALDA: (jokingly) How do you think our first Dark meeting went?

NARCISSA: Would you shut up? We don't need to talk about that in a room full of Prefects-

MAFALDA: Relax, party queen. We only-

LUCIUS: Never mind, they're here.

The door opens again, and PANDORA and FABIAN enter, wearing the Head Girl and Head Boy badges, respectively.

PANDORA: Good morning, everyone! How are we doing?

General murmurs of assent are heard throughout the room, while PANDORA and FABIAN make their way to the head of the room

FABIAN: Welcome to the first Prefects' meeting of the year. We just have to go over a few ground rules and standard procedures for this year. Fifth years, please pay specific attention to our instructions.

PANDORA: First off, we have a set schedule for each pair of Prefects to monitor nightly patrol watch in the corridors after curfew. There are twenty-four of us, so each pair will have nightly patrol once every twelve days.

MAFALDA: How long will patrol typically take?

FABIAN: Patrol shouldn't take more than an hour each night. We're just trying to make sure no first-years go snooping around at midnight.

General laughter is heard throughout the room.

PANDORA: Secondly, two years ago Professor Slughorn initiated a volunteer tutoring session for Prefects to help younger students with their studies. I would like to start that up again, but we need volunteers from you lot, so if you're available please help out if you can.

FABIAN: Next is Quidditch. Now we all remember last year's Bludger-in-the-stands incident-

More laughter, as the students recall the memory.

FABIAN: Nevertheless, if any such incident occurs, we need the Prefects of each House to be on the watch for rogue Bludgers to counteract them if need be.

PANDORA: And lastly, when it comes to House Points, we are only allowed to punish members of our own House, so I don't expect there to be any problems of over-disciplining, but if you see any misbehaving, it is your responsibility to either carry out just punishment if they belong to your own House or to alert the Prefects of the appropriate House for consequential action. Other than that, I'm really pleased with our group this year and I know that both Fabian and myself look forward to working with all of you this term. If you have any questions or just want to talk, please come find me any time. Remember, the new password for the Prefects' bathroom is "cauldron embers". Have a great day, everyone!

The other Prefects briefly applaud and then make their way out of the room. FABIAN bids farewell to PANDORA.

MAFALDA: Coming, Cissy?

NARCISSA: (searching through her bag) Yeah, I'll catch up with you later. Go ahead.

LUCIUS and MAFALDA leave the room, leaving only NARCISSA and PANDORA.

PANDORA: I wasn't too scary, was I?

NARCISSA: You couldn't be scary if you tried, 'Dora. You're too kind.

PANDORA: (laughing) You flatter me. How have you been, anyway? How's Andromeda?

NARCISSA: Oh, well- fine. She- (trying to change the subject) -She named the baby after you, you know. 'Dora, short for Nymphadora.

PANDORA: Yes, she very kindly invited me over for dinner over the summer. Your neice is very beautiful.

NARCISSA: Yeah.

PANDORA: (cautiously) I can only imagine how difficult this whole situation is for you, what with your family and everything-

NARCISSA nods.

PANDORA: And I just want you to know that if you ever need to talk to me- I mean it, okay? I'm always here for you.

NARCISSA: You were always a friend to my sister and I, 'Dora. Thanks.

PANDORA: Okay. Let's study together sometime.

NARCISSA: (smiling) Sure.

Together, the two girls leave the classroom.