(no subject)

[alt_sinistra]

It seems a bit dull to use this journal only as a means of giving points to students (although I am sure you lot enjoy that) so I think I shall endeavour to use it for more interesting topics.

Interesting to me, anyway.

I am sad to say that the Leonids ended last week. I love a good meteor shower, me. I can't be too sad though, because the Geminids will start up in about two weeks. Hogwarts has always been a grand location for observing the night sky, but it has only got better since the horrible lights of the Muggle cities have been darkened.

One of my greatest regrets is that I have never been fortunate enough to travel to the Southern Hemisphere to view the constellations in an entirely different manner. Perhaps someday our Lord Protector will allow his children to travel through his protective wards.

I've heard the American Muggles have installed a telescope deep into space which has the capability of sending them astonishing photographs. Of course, the Muggles have cocked it all up and the silly thing isn't worth a tinkers cuss. Typical, really.

I got a letter from my sister Tempest today. Apparently Diane is pregnant again, her sixth. I think she's trying to break mum and dad's record. Or perhaps she's doing her part for Wizarding Britain.

Personally, I think my students are all the children I can stand need.

Speaking of students: Ten points to the first one who can tell me the names of the twins in the constellation Gemini.

Comments

[alt_michael]

Castor and Pollux.

[alt_sinistra]

Ten points to Ravenclaw and well done Michael!

I haven't taught that yet, have you been reading ahead in your textbook?

[alt_michael]

No.

Well, yes, but that's not how I know it, I just also like mythology.

[alt_sinistra]

If you've been reading ahead then I expect you'll know the answer to every question I ask you tomorrow night.

And if you don't know the answer, I might be convinced to forget that you don't know if you bring me some sweets.

Only joking, I can't be bribed.

[alt_theodore]

All of the constellations are named after Greek myths and I don't know many Greek myths but I know all of the Welsh ones. Are there any constellations named for Welsh myths?

[alt_sinistra]

The one I can think of off the top of my head is the Corona Borealis or Northern Crown. But it's known as Caer Arianrhod in Welsh, which is where Lady Arianrhod lives. And I'm sure you know all about her yeah?

It's best visible in the summer, so remind me and we'll have a look at it at the end of the school year, all right?

[alt_theodore]

Yes Miss, I do. But I don't think I should repeat it here.

It's not a very polite story.

[alt_sinistra]

Most mythology is impolite, Teddy.

But I understand your reluctance. Thank you for being a gentleman.

[alt_padma]

Michael beat me to it, Professor, but at least he's another Ravenclaw.

I bet you know why I'd know, Miss.

[alt_sinistra]

No Parvati, I can't begin to imagine why!

[alt_pansy]

What does the Southern Cross look like? Have you ever seen a picture (since you said you'd not been to the south?

[alt_sinistra]

Crux looks like a cross, Miss Parkinson. That's why they call it that.

And yes, I've seen it in many photographs, star charts and celestial projections. You'll begin to study the southern constellations in your third year.

[alt_pansy]

It sounds beautiful.