Saturday's YPL event

[alt_sinistra]

YPL students:
Our first meeting with Mrs Pencarrow, for the mural and art project, is on Saturday at 2. She’ll present an overview of the project and common artistic techniques. We’ll then decide on a topic (bring your best ideas).

Finally you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for time to both work on the mural and for the tours of the Hogwarts paintings and portraits she’ll be offering (you’ll be expected to attend two over the next 6 weeks.)

Our guests are welcome to participate as well, of course, to the degree they wish - please come to the meeting and sign up for times that suit you.

Fourth years:
Due to a necessary meeting, I’d like to reschedule our class on Tuesday night the 13th.

I’m open to either meeting at midnight on Sunday (going into Monday) the 11th, or for two hours the following Tuesday (the 20th) beginning at 11 instead of midnight. If you’ve a strong preference, let me know and we’ll decide in our evening class next Tuesday.

Comments

[alt_michael]

Professor, what if we can't draw?

[alt_michael]

I mean if someone can't draw. Theoretically. Not me, specifically, Professor.

[alt_sinistra]

I had the same question: there are apparently a number of tasks that don't require artistic talent. Mrs Pencarrow has told me that people often enjoy painting the base color for larger areas of the mural, others like preparing the pigments or mixing the paint.

She will be doing much of the drawing - setting up the overall design and such - but there will be room to include people who do want to stretch their talents in that area as well.

Private message to Raz

[alt_sinistra]

I’ve just gotten the formal list of YPL concerns.

I’m to respond in writing to points from the specific (28th January), to the general (apparently our meetings are inefficient, and the programme is not fulfilling all its expectations), to the personal (how our relationship is impacting work with students, with specific reference to Miss Calderwood, the matter with Stint, and Harry.) That last seems to have been tacked on later.

They also listed out the possible outcomes, from finding me free from blame, to forcing the addition of an assistant, to removing me. (And, if they find cause, taking up whether I should remain here, or face charges before the Wizengamot.) I know they don’t have cause, but that that’s even on the list is, well.

Written response due to them the 6th, meeting on the 13th (with them and ‘other interested’ but unnamed parties) to respond to questions.

On the plus side, Campanella sent the report on the actual instructions Fulton received. They finally confirmed that it’s neither my handwriting nor my likely phrasing, but not said whether they know who it actually was.

Forward, I guess. Somehow. And honestly, I’m sort of glad for something to focus on.

Re: Private message to Raz

[alt_rabastan]

Bloody Erebus. That's all rather... more than expected.

Give me a bit of a think on this. Well, you're observing right now. Let's talk after, yeah?

Re: Private message to Raz

[alt_sinistra]

It is, rather. On one hand, it's clearly so much foolishness. On the other, I can't but take it seriously. Though very glad I got so much done this month - I'll need all that to support my arguments.

As to the observing: I'm mostly set up for class already. Just sort of sitting up here in the lee of the door and looking up.

Re: Private message to Raz

[alt_rabastan]

I'll wait till I see the list for sure, but I'm inclined to say that the board is mostly just probing around to see if you can provide a good explanation for why the programme is designed as it's been designed, and are throwing in bits about me to throw you off balance. But I know you- you believe in the way you've decided to run things, so much so that you wouldn't dream of letting anyone else fill your shoes. I think if you keep that in mind, it will make this all the more bearable, love.

Re: Private message to Raz

[alt_sinistra]

I... yes.

It's - all right, I think I can do this better than most people, and I'm stubborn about that.

It's not so much that I think mine is the only way. (Maybe I do, but I try to be open minded.) But more that I care that whoever does it does right by the students, and there are so many possible wrong ways.

Re: Private message to Raz

[alt_rabastan]

I'm sure that there are people on that board who would admire how you put the students first. though I fear that they might keep silent about it in the face of the others. Because as a whole the board cares more about making sure that the YPL creates Protectorate-loyal students.

So, basically, if you substitute "doing right by students" with "doing right by the Protectorate," then you're golden as a gold snitch.

Re: Private message to Raz

[alt_sinistra]

Right.

Repeatedly. In large letters. With rubrication and flourishes. I can manage that, I think.

On the bits about us, actually. Half-had the thought of going about it by pointing out that the Protectorate wants people to have more little witches and wizards, and that modelling relationships to students is a part of that. But I'm not sure I want to go there, either.

Re: Private message to Raz

[alt_rabastan]

If you're saying you want to have my baby you could at least buy me dinner, first. Or, you know, a pie?

But yeah, best not start planting seeds. In heads or elsewhere.

Re: Private message to Raz

[alt_sinistra]

That made me laugh, love. Much needed, thank you.

It was mostly on my mind because I got the quarterly selection of pamphlets from the Department of Wizarding Repopulation again yesterday. Though they swapped out the matchmaking service one, finally.

[alt_susan]

Wizard! I'm really looking forward to it.

Do you think she'd mind if we asked her a few questions about how she became an artist, after school and all?

[alt_sinistra]

I believe she'd quite enjoy that, in fact. She's been most interesting in the meetings we've had, and very passionate about her field.

You'll be required to attend a couple of the tours she's giving, but she's said people should sign up for as many as they like once everyone's had a chance, and I know she has plans to look at a variety of different topics in those, as well.

[alt_susan]

I wonder how she learnt so much about the Hogwarts portraits...I guess I'll have to ask.

[alt_sinistra]

I believe she plans to spend a fair portion of her first few days here visiting them, mind - she's certainly read about them, but part of her interest in this project is a chance to spend more time with them than would normally be possible.

[alt_susan]

I haven't done it much lately, because we're all so busy now, but when I was a first year I used to talk to the portraits quite a bit, especially during spring term.

I bet I could have found out all sorts of interesting things, if I'd known the right questions to ask.

[alt_sinistra]

Perhaps this might inspire you again, then?

And I'm sure it's pleasant for the portraits to have someone take an interest occasionally. There's one in one of the hallways near here I have a chat with every so often.

[alt_susan]

Maybe so! Actually, I think that sounds like a good theme for a Teatime of the Strange.

Yeah, a few of the portraits would get shirty, but most of them were pretty friendly, which was nice as I wasn't much on people at the time.

[alt_sinistra]

I'm glad that's gotten better for you.

I still have the books Mrs Pencarrow gave me to prep for this - do you want to borrow them until Saturday?

[alt_susan]

That'd be brill! Thanks!

[alt_sinistra]

I'll bring them down to lecture with me tomorrow, then.

Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_sinistra]

I’ve finally gotten the full list of concerns the YPL oversight board would like me to address. I’ll be scarce until Tuesday evening, after the written response is due.

And Pomona: regarding our conversation Monday night, thank you for treating me like an adult. I do respect where you’re coming from, even when we disagree, and I hope you always know that.

Horace’s approach just brought out my worst hackles. And Bathsheba’s constant references during the meeting to how things worked better twenty years ago didn’t help, either.

That’s not the now we’re living in, is it?

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_poppy]

Oh, bless.

Do let me know if there's anything you need. Are you sleeping any better?

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_pomona]

Are they making quite a meal of it, then?

I'm glad to be well out of that sort of political nonsense, but I'm sorry you've got to put up with it.

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_sinistra]

Yes, they are. And for really no good cause.

On the other hand, losing myself in parchment is appealing this week.

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_pomona]

Oh, don't worry, I know it's all a ridiculous load of bollocks.

Sadly, that won't stop them from carrying it as far as they think they can.

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_sinistra]

Thank you on the first.

And yes, on the second. They're clearly grasping on most counts, but if I take it less than seriously, that's a problem of its own.

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_sinistra]

Better is not the word I'd pick, really.

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_poppy]

For diagnostic purposes--and not to be either contrary or glib with you--what word would you pick? Feel free to use several if several apply.

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_sinistra]

If I don't answer, you're going to insist on my coming down, or you coming up, aren't you.

Right.

Less insomnia, more nightmares. Still don't want sleeping potions, thank you.

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_poppy]

Did you manage any rest last night, dear?

If not, might it be time to discuss measures you might take to improve things? I appreciate your wish to avoid potions and do not in any case intend to force treatment upon you, but I would be happy to suggest alternatives if you reach the point where you would be willing to consider them.

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_sinistra]

A little.

Wednesday nights are hopeless anyway, as I teach two sessions, and then need time to wind down.

On alternatives, I suppose I'd be willing to listen.

That sounds very grudging, doesn't it. I do appreciate the care, Poppy, truly. Just, well.

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_poppy]

Well, at the very least, we could charm your pillow and duvet for peace and rest.

You're not in the habit of reading or working in bed, are you?

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_sinistra]

That couldn't hurt, no, you're right.

As to your question: my usual habit is to shoo everyone back to their dorms, tidy up whatever special telescopes or devices we've been using. And then come down, have a bath (and usually read the gossip rags), then curl up in bed with something more pleasant.

Nothing serious, and not work.

Right now, that's this rather lovely new historical romance about Tiphaine Raguenel (If He Were But Here - nothing distressing, though I admit I'm having some trouble giving it the attention it probably deserves.

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_poppy]

That seems a sound approach to preparing for sleep, though they do say that if you have difficulty, it might be necessary to make changes in what you habitually do in preparation--as those things may have become associated with the reverse. In such cases, the common advice is to do nothing in bed aside from sleeping so that your mind will come to associate one exclusively with the other.

Perhaps I should have asked, as well, whether you often, seldom or never allow yourself to fall asleep in a chair or in other places than your bed. I will, however, present the issue merely as a matter for your consideration. I'm sure you can see the correlation and may judge for yourself whether any changes of pattern might be useful in your case.

Re: Private message to Poppy and Pomona

[alt_sinistra]

I'll think about that, thank you. And there are a few patterns to consider. I am rather looking forward to the weekend - they tend to be easier.

As to falling asleep elsewhere - mostly not, though I've nodded off on the daybed in my office a time or two.

[alt_luna]

I think this project sounds quite exciting!

My father used to allow me to paint all over the cabinets and walls in our home. And I loved it, experimenting with all sorts of crazy colours and designs, and it made the space seem so much more dear and personal to me.

My foster parents don't quite see the point of that sort of thing though, I'm afraid. The walls in my room are bare white, and my foster mother insists thinks it best that they be kept that way.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_ron]

Heh.

I think I only ever went to your house once, and Mum made me stay outside. But, um. It's pretty hilarious to think what your idea of 'crazy' colours could be!