Issue #86 - Special Edition: The Hogwarts Coming Out Ball

[Witch Weekly]

  

[Witch Weekly]

Must-haves for this season! We at Witch Weekly have asked socialites, debutantes, and leading shopkeepers for their recommendations for products that they simply couldn’t survive the season without! Miss Featherstone’s Freshness Cordial Even the most energetic of debutantes may be lagging after three balls in one evening, after weeks of the same- Miss Featherstone’s potion provides the answer! Two drops in water (we are informed it has the most delicious taste!) will remove dark circles, ease weary feet and complexions, and provide a burst of energy. The discreet bottle will easily fit in the pocket of your cloak, so all you have to do is retire momentarily to the powder room, then rejoin the ball with a new burst of life. Ponsonby Fans Ltd. Ponsonby’s produces the most admirable ranges of fans, carried by every dressmaker of note. This season’s must-have fans come from their Enchanté range- versions of their most popular fans in lace, paper, and silk, with clever spellwork that allows a refreshing breeze to be generated with minimal effort. The top models also have a feature which allows communication with other fans from the range by heating or cooling their handles- perfect for a Mother who wishes to send an invisible signal to her daughter, or between friends!

Reusable dance cards by Jimson and Sons Whilst every hostess may provide dance cards for the occasion, many ladies prefer to bring their own, which are infinitely prettier and more personal. Jimson and Sons is famous for making dance cards spelled to wipe clean after each ball, in a range of ingenious shapes and styles, including ones which work as a fan! They can also be spelled to appear full should an undesirable gentleman ask for a dance, and also to keep a specific dance free if you know a particular gentleman is rather fond of it! ’Slippers for the season’, By Madam Ella Carried by all good cobblers, ‘Slippers for the season’ are the latest in shoes created by Madam Ella. The dance shoes are all infinitely fashionable and available in a mind-boggling array of colours, styles and embellishments as one would expect! The range is also available with added qualities- step-lightening, ache-easing, and toe-protecting spells! Elegant with ease by Nelda Whittle Madam Whittle’s book has been a hit with debutantes for over a decade, adn its not hard to see why! The simple to follow instructions give a range of exercises guaranteed to increase poise, elegance, and grace in even the most unwieldy of debutantes. The exercises are designed to be able to be performed in the privacy of a girl’s own home, are not strenuous and are quite beneficial to the health- and waistline too!

  

[Witch Weekly]

Tales from the Coming Out Ball! This year’s ball has brought with it many fascinating and interesting interactions that, although not surprisingly, were not limited to the ladies themselves. Witch Weekly, of course, wishes to bring our readers right into the festivities with anonymous tid bits associated with the event, thoughts on them, and opinions from the attendees. Without further ado, please dive in to the latest stories from the Coming Out Ball! Miss Gemma Simpson ”I saw Miss Simpson’s hair change to various colors after a sneezing fit! There even appeared to be streaks left over after she joined the crowd, surely causing questions to form from the other participants." - Anonymous "Miss Simpson was spotted talking to none other than Mr. Parkinson! Despite their rather unenthused looks, they did seem to enjoy eachother’s company." - Anonymous "I had a grand laugh when Miss Simpson and Mr. Parkinson messed up a quadrille! Not only did they fumble, but they also took down a few other couples in the process!" - Anonymous Miss Phoebe Beauregard ”After noticing Miss Beauregard conversing with her family and brother, sporting a hand-tailored dress which was surely complimented thoroughly, I saw Mr. Skeeter approach her and ask for a dance! His brother may have left a sour taste in many mouths, but the man looked dashing nonetheless.” - Anonymous

Miss Vanessa Fudge ”I spotted Miss Fudge with Mr. Aymslowe. He readily asked her for a dance and I could not be happier for the two of them - they were quite a handsome couple in my eyes!” - Anonymous ”Could it be that Miss Fudge and Mr. Aymslowe are courting already? I only remember their friendship, though this may have sprouted into something more! I am very happy for them regardless!” - Anonymous Miss Tamsin Skeeter ”My only hope for Miss Skeeter is that she avoids the Ministry at all costs - there is too much corruption and bull-headed individuals that forcibly weave their opinions into our daily lives!” - Anonymous ”I was surprised to see Miss Skeeter and Mr. Avery together at the ball. His profession surely warrants attention, though from the young blonde I am unsure.” - Anonymous Miss Petra Sleptova ”Given her young age, I was shocked to see her talking to that French Ministry worker. She wasn’t even coming out after all and this man is already preying on her? There is no shame in today’s society!” - Anonymous ”The poor girl was attacked in a duel - resulting in the loss of her eye - and was grabbing her eyepatch after it had fallen. Although she wasn’t there to celebrate her coming out, she was extremely brave for showing up.” - Anonymous

@'Tamsin Skeeter' @'Phoebe Beauregard' @'Petra Sleptova' @'Gemma Simpson' @'Vanessa Fudge'

  

[Witch Weekly]

The Most and Least Likely to Get Engaged this Season! Though we certainly wish all of the newly out ladies the best, not every new debutante will find a husband straight away. We are not Seers, however, and have certainly been surprised before! Most Likely Miss Vanessa Fudge The daughter of the proprietor of Fudge & Son Desserterie in London, Miss Fudge seems to have already caught at least one gentleman's eye! She was spotted dancing with Mr. Philip Aymeslowe, and we think the pair would make a rather charming couple! Miss Phoebe Beauregard The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Beauregard, Miss Beauregard reportedly has plans to work after school, but as she was not without apparent admirers during the Coming Out Ball, we think that we can expect good things in her future! Miss Charlotte Winslowe Another young lady destined for a career, Miss Winslowe is the only child of Mr. Richard Winslowe, and reportedly her father's sole heir. She would no doubt make a fine wife for someone of similar station.

Miss Penelope Darrow The daughter of Professor Hamish Darrow, Miss Darrow comes from a respectable enough family, but we are told is intent on a quidditch career. Of course, this does not exclude her from making a sound match, but we think that it might take a bit more time! Miss Autumn Avery Like Miss Darrow, Miss Avery is said to be on track for a quidditch career. The daughter of the late Mr. Clifton Avery, she also has an older sister yet unmarried, so it seems more likely that any engagements will not be this year! Miss Rosalie Bartram The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Bartram, Miss Bartram unfortunately falls to the same misfortune as Miss Avery, only she has not one but two unmarried sisters ahead of her. We certainly wish them all luck!

@'Vanessa Fudge' @'Phoebe Beauregard' @'Charlotte Winslowe' @'Autumn Avery' @'Penelope Darrow' @'Rosalie Bartram'

  

[Witch Weekly]

Ten Debutantes to Watch They've graduated, but what now for this fresh crop of debutantes? Witch Weekly takes a look at ten lovely young women we will be keeping a particular eye on! Matilda MacFusty No list of Hogwarts graduates could be complete without Head Girl, Miss Mathilda MacFusty. Though not from an ideal family (the MacFusty’s have attained considerable noteriety for one reason or another!), Mr. and Mrs. Conall MacFusty are surely the most respectable of the bunch and as Head Girl, Miss MacFusty proved herself to be an admirable young woman. We will be interested to see what she does next! Ellory Pendergast Miss Pendergast’s grand debut has already been covered by Witch Weekly! Though previously betrothed to Mr. Edward Macmillan, that betrothal was broken for unknown reasons, leaving Miss Pendergast free to pursue a match of her own. She will no doubt do very well; pretty and the daughter of Mrs. Olivia Pendergast to boot, what suitor would not be interested in her? Gwyneth Cadwallader A pretty, charming young woman, Miss Cadwallader was Hufflepuff prefect and president of several clubs during her time at Hogwarts and make an elegant impression upon those attending the Hogwarts Ball. Her guardian, brother Llewellyn Cadwallader, head of the Research Committee, was recently engaged to Miss Gwenda Carmichael. Hopefully an engagement for Miss Cadwallader will follow in due course? Evelina Rosier The only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Corvinus Rosier, Miss Rosier will no doubt make her own debut into society in lavish style. Witch Weekly looks forward to covering what we expect to be a memorable affair, and has no doubt that Miss Rosier will do very well indeed! Brynn Malfoy The youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barnabas Malfoy, Miss Malfoy has spent some time under the tutelage of Mrs. Olivia Pendergast—an advantage for any young women debuting into society. Miss Malfoy, whose brother, Mr. Gaius Malfoy, wed the former Miss November Crouch some months ago, will debut in June and the event itself will undoubtedly be spectacular, and featured by Witch Weekly!

Johanna Echelon The daughter of Mr. Thorben Echelon, Miss Echelon comes from a very large family indeed and is the cousin of Miss Hannah Echelon, who has achieved certain notoriety through her late father’s terrible actions and her ongoing feud with Miss Ophelia Dippet. Miss Echelon, however, appears to be rather more demure and respectable, and can only benefit from attending Mrs. Pendergast’s School for Young Roses as she plans to do. September Lynch The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lynch, the former Gryffindor’s family, of course, have a history of aiming high, with Miss Lynch’s sister, Miss February Lynch, briefly entertained as a potential candidate for the hand of Mr. Matthias Beaumont. Whether Miss September Lynch has similar inclinations remains to be seen but we shall surely find out! Gemma Simpson Daughter of Hogsmeade Hospital director Mr. Bernard Simpson, Miss Simpson made quite the impression upon those assembled at the Hogwarts Coming Out Ball. Though perhaps not the ideal impression, there is no denying Miss Simpson left her mark and the former Gryffindor is very pretty indeed, if not a little clumsy, making her an ideal match for a man of similar standing and temperament! Tamsin Skeeter The only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell Skeeter and the sister of controversial Ministry employee Mr. Barnabas Skeeter, who recently lost his battle to stop women from dueling at all, Miss Tamsin Skeeter was certainly popular at Hogwarts’ Coming Out Ball and should prove successful as a debutante with suitors of a similar standing! Zelda Fisk The youngest daughter of Mr. Brannon Fisk, Miss Fisk has made no secrets of her plans following graduation and will be working for Mrs. Astrid Parkinson in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. Though Miss Fisk has no plans as a debutante, Mrs. Parkinson’s confidence in and affection for the former Hufflepuff is an excellent indication of her character. And Mrs. Parkinson herself prizes marriage alongside a woman’s career. One to watch, surely!

@'Ellory Pendergast' @'September Lynch' @'Gwyneth Cadwallader' @'Gemma Simpson' @'Evelina Rosier' @'Tamsin Skeeter' @'Brynn Malfoy' @'Zelda Fisk' @'Tilda MacFusty' @'Johanna Echelon'

  

[Witch Weekly]

Several of the dresses at this year’s debut stood out, but Miss Beauregard’s had a little comething extra!

A Personal Touch While each of this year’s debutantes looks stunning in their traditional white dresses and each stood out in one way or another, word caught the ears of this Witch Weekly reporter that one dress in particular was personally customized! When approached about the additions, Miss Phoebe Beauregard was more than humble about the design. Her dress was constructed by her own cousin, Mrs. Adella Calendar, a seamstress at House of Lytton! The young debutante then went on to add her own embellishments of daisies to the already stunning dress, with help from her friend Miss Rosalie Bartram. Their handwork certainly set it far apart from the crowd! “It was a group effort, and it wouldn't have been as lovely without Miss Bartram's help!” Miss Beauregard said of the group effort. When asked about her inspiration for the daisies, Miss Beauregard commented, "Daisies represent innocence and purity, and I thought it only fitting to display a little of that symbolism." How true of the occasion! Miss Beauregard was a vision in her dress and the embellishments only proved to enhance the beauty of both the dress and the young lady wearing it! Rumor has it Miss Beauregard is going to pursue a career in the field of fashion as well! Best of luck Miss Beauregard!

@'Phoebe Beauregard'

  

[Witch Weekly]

Interviews with the Ladies of the Evening! This year's Coming Out Ball is sure to be one that will be remembered for years to come! From the decorations to the food and of course the lovely ladies, everything was simply perfect. We here at Witch Weekly had the pleasure of catching up with many of the newly graduated ladies and wanted to share with you, our dedicated readers, some of the best commentary of the night! 1] How did it feel finally getting to walk down those stairs? "It was rather intimidating, with so many people watching. I was mostly glad for it to be over and done with at the beginning of the evening." - Miss Charlotte Winslowe "A bit strange, in all honesty. Almost dream-like, though in a very pleasant way!" - Miss Phoebe Beauregard "Honestly I was just happy I didn't trip and knock everybody down the stairs! I am not the most graceful of people, so it was a serious concern!" - Miss Gemma Simpson "It felt amazing! I never in my life expected to lead the debutantes down that staircase. It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life." - Miss Mathilda MacFusty 2] Who are you wearing? "I'm wearing a gorgeous number by House of Lytton." - Miss Mathilda MacFusty "Why it's a house of Lytton, of course! This dress was in the making for over six months and I do believe that the final result was well worth it!" - Miss Evelina Rosier "Like so many other girls, my dress was designed by the House of Lytton. It was commissioned for me by my sister." - Miss Gwyneth Cadwallader 3] You look fabulous! How long did it take you to get ready for tonight? "Now, now... a lady never reveals her secrets!" - Miss Evelina Rosier "A while! Though with the help of my, now former, dorm mates, it went much quicker than I would've expected!" - Miss September Lynch "Much too long, but my dormmates and I had a wonderful time getting ready together! I suspect that's why it took so long." - Miss Gwyneth Cadwallader 4] What are looking for most in a potential suitor? "Oh, someone kind, I suppose. A gentleman whom I can feel comfortable with." - Miss Phoebe Beauregard "I'd like to focus on healing but I suppose I'd hope for a suitor who will let me keep my job and who is just as dedicated as me in their work." - Miss Mathilda MacFusty 5] Do you have your eye on any gentleman in particular? "Mr. Vernon Avery is a very fine gentleman. The conversations I've been so lucky as to have with him this far have been most invigorating and inspiring." - Anonymous "No, no one in particular, but I am sure the Season will prove to be fruitful!" - Miss Evelina Rosier "Oh yes, I have my eye on a few of them, though I shall not name any names!" - Miss September Lynch

6] What is the event you are most looking forward to this season? "The Wizarding World Fair sounds very intriguing. I can only imagine what it will have in store!" - Miss Phoebe Beauregard "Hmm, there are so many exciting ones it's difficult to choose just one, but I am certainly interested in the Midsummer Night's Murder event that is to take place at the Sandition Resort." - Miss Evelina Rosier "I've heard that Mrs. Pendergast is set to host a luncheon at her school, which I can hardly wait for!" - Miss Johanna Echelon 7] Are you glad that school is finally over? "Overall, I enjoyed my time at Hogwarts, but I am also glad that it is time to move on to other things, and hopefully make use of what I learned!" - Miss Charlotte Winslowe "I'm quite sad actually. It's so hard to imagine life without Hogwarts! It won't be the same come September first and we won't be coming back!" - Miss Gemma Simpson "I am, though I must say I will miss all of the close friends I've made here!" - Miss Mathilda MacFusty 8] What was your favorite class and/or who was your favorite teacher? "Transfiguration is the best field of magic by far. My favorite professor was probably Professor Skeeter, though, for Herbology." - Miss Zelda Fisk "Professor Sleptov's classes have always been my favorite and I cannot thank him enough for having confidence in me and my skills as a witch." - Miss Mathilda MacFusty "Oh, that's easy! It was Divination. Both my sister and I are very fond of the subject, and Professor Carmichael has easily become among one of our favorite professors." - Miss September Lynch "I adored Professor Pearson who has had a tremendous influence on me, and Professor Darrow of course. I will miss Ancient Studies and Art most of all." - Miss Gwyneth Cadwallader 9] What was your most memorable moment from your Hogwarts days? "When I received my Head Girl badge in the post. It was quite a day in the MacFusty household!" - Miss Mathilda MacFusty 10] What are your plans now that you've graduated? "Why, become a Pendergast Rose, of course. I can think of no finer establishment or role model for any young lady who wishes to succeed in society and I am eager to learn all I can." - Miss Johanna Echelon "My plans are to work as a healer. I am hoping my NEWT scores will be good enough to secure myself a position in St. Mungo's Spell Damage ward." - Miss Charlotte Winslowe "I think I shall enjoy the delights of the Season for now, and then decide afterwards what I'd like to do next." - Miss September Lynch "I've managed to secure myself a herbology apprenticeship with Miss Mildred Oddpick; I'm thoroughly excited to take my favorite class and see where it can take me beyond school!" - Miss Gemma Simpson

  

[Witch Weekly]

Harmony Aidsworth is here to help!

Advice by Harmony Aidsworth Dear Miss Aidsworth, I’m attending my first ball this week (aside from my coming out, of course) and I am so terribly nervous! I’ve never been much of a dancer, and I confess I can be terribly shy when there are gentlemen around. My mother is always lecturing me about being more graceful and charming, but I honestly just don’t know how! Help me, Miss Aidsworth. You’re my only hope. Sincerely, A Despairing Debutante Please don’t despair! It’s not good for the complexion. Truthfully, conversation at a ball should mostly be kept to polite small talk to avoid seeming overeager in a gentleman’s presence. Pleasant chatter about the theme of the event, the weather, or the size of the attendance is more than sufficient, and can be accomplished in few words. Appropriate questions directed toward the gentleman in question can also be quite effective for the shy debutante, as men love nothing more than to discuss themselves with a willing audience. As for dancing, do your best to follow the gentleman’s lead, and keep to simpler dances like waltzes if you can. If the stresses of the season do prove to be too much, a year at finishing school might prove beneficial if your family has the means to provide it. Any finishing school worth it’s salt will have exhaustive lessons on both conversation and dancing, among numerous other necessary topics for the budding socialite. Best of luck to you!