The depths of winter

[alt_sinistra]

January brings up such complex feelings. On the one hand, the night skies are so clear, especially around the new moon (as occurs on Monday). On the other, even I recognise the challenges of stargazing in northern climes in January.

Wool cloaks and jumpers and good gloves are all well and good - and necessary, this time of year. But a good simple warming charm is even better. It's a wonder Muggle astronomers ever got anything done, really.

Regrettably, the first years are not all up to that level of charms work yet (and to be honest, neither are some of the older students without rather a lot of time-wasting fussing), so I am here at my desk trying to decide on how to balance their observation time this week against Poppy's insistence that I deplete her stock of Pepper-Up potion more than necessary. There are some particular observations I'd like them to make this week, after all, if it's clear enough.

We did have a good conversation in class about the Great White Spot on Saturn, however. At least, I thought so. We'll see how much they retain for exams in the spring.

Comments

[alt_mcgonagall]

One must hope they retain a good deal.

As for Pepper-Up, while I would prefer that you not risk any student's health, surely students who lose their winter gear can borrow some from the school. Professor Sprout has earmuffs stored away somewhere in those greenhouses of hers, for instance. That ought to reduce the number of illnesses.

[alt_sally_anne]

I'll ask Professor Sprout about earmuffs but are there gloves or mittens somewhere I could borrow, Headmistress? And wool socks. My warm socks wore out. I didn't lose

[alt_mcgonagall]

I shall look into it, Miss Perks.

[alt_sinistra]

Thank you for your attention, Minerva.

Miss Perks, while I don't have enough extras for the entire year, I do have a pair of socks that should fit you, and a few extra pairs of mittens that students have left on the tower over the past few years. Do come and stop by my office after dinner some day, and we'll see what I have in the lost and found box.

(The same, of course, goes for any other students who have a need for them.)