Dark Mark Rising : Owls

[Entry appears on every student's journal. The first time they open it, Dumbledore's voice will tell the entry, every time after the entry will remain silent]

Students, staff, and ghosts of Hogwarts,

Once again, I must deeply apologize for many of you feeling unsafe and threatened. As I'm sure you have noticed, Aurors have been circulating the school. They are here for your protection, and nothing else.

Though it is not quite the holidays, I believe it is time for some castle cheer. I have noticed murmurs of All Hallow's Eve, Halloween, October 31st, and so forth. Though we have never celebrated as a whole at Hogwarts, I daresay this is the year to start new traditions. Therefore, there will be a ball in the Great Hall of Hogwarts on Sunday, October 31st. Monday morning classes will be cancelled for your enjoyment.

Now, before a great many of you jump up in horror, I have many things yet to cover. For one, it will be a masquerade ball. You needn't cover your entire face, but if you have questions about the mask of your choice, please approach your Head of House. For costume and mask buying purposes, you will have two choices. I have contracted eight tailors who will be exclusive to each house and specific genders. The other option will take place on this coming Sunday evening. Staff and aurors will be guiding a heavily supervised visit into Hogsmeade where you will be permitted into a costume store and Honeyduke's.

If you have any questions or comments for me, please reply here. Otherwise, your Heads of Houses have all the information needed.

[Hexed to appear in every student's journal. When the student open their journal, Dumbledore's voice will read the entry out loud. Afterwards it will stay visible.]

Students, staff, and visitors of Hogwarts,

I have a great many things to address at this moment. I will start in chronological order, else we will all get lost in confusion's wake. Rest assured, Magical Law Enforcement are working tirelessly in both the farm and playground cases you all recently read about. As for the attack on Hogsmeade, Magical Law Enforcement have two suspects. Though they are on the loose, it is not cause for alarm. They will be caught and apprehended in no time. This is a reminder that no student is suspected, and accusations of the sort will not be permitted. Trips to Hogsmeade will be suspended until the criminals are arrested.

As for the tragic event in the owlery this evening, please remain calm. The owlery will be off limits until further notice. Hogwarts staff will be diligently surveying the scene. Rest assured, the culprit will be discovered and caught. If your owl has perished and you find yourself needing or longing for a new one, please speak with your Head of House. Hogwarts will do our best to accommodate you, and purchase a new one, should you want one.

Alas, if ever was there a time for Hogwarts to band together, it is now. Please respect and enjoy the company of your fellow classmates.

- Headmaster Dumbledore