Tonight's weather

[alt_sinistra]

Students -

The bitter cold and winds predicted for tonight will likely require changes to our evening plans. Please check the usual notices before climbing the tower.

Seventh years, the latest issue of Urania’s Quill, the theoretical journal, has arrived. Madam Pince will have a copy, or you may make arrangements next week to borrow mine. There are articles relevant to a number of your projects. Table of contents posted on the board.

Comments

Private message to Headmistress Umbridge

[alt_sinistra]

Headmistress -

This week has been very hard for me, and I have not given the school my best work.

I would very much like your permission to be away from Hogwarts this weekend. I am hoping that time elsewhere will give me a chance to reflect on some very difficult decisions, and return able to give my full attention to the school’s needs.

In terms of my classes, tonight’s cold and wind would force a cancellation regardless. May I leave once I’m done this afternoon? I always allow for a few missed sessions due to weather, these are the first for these classes this year.

I have also been reflecting on many things, especially your comments about behaviour and availability. In the latter case, I will be writing to Georg Bright, the Astronomy Guild Master, so that he can directly clarify my current obligations to Guild committees.

But I do think being away this weekend would be best. Both for me - that I might return my full skills to service of the school. And, I am sure, to you.

Just - I have some matters I need to sort out. Clearly. Please, may I?

Re: Private message to Headmistress Umbridge

[alt_umbridge]

I can’t imagine why you think I would refuse such an abject and sincere request for assistance. While normally, I would have more concerns about any professor being away during term, I do agree that this weekend in particular might be an especially good one for you to be elsewhere, as we settle into the new dawn.

I am sure you would never mean to be, but there is the teensiest potential for you to become a focal point for student uncertainty during this transitional period. I appreciate that you’ve apparently been quite careful to redirect conversation between students during your classes.

And while there’s certainly been some comment at your absence from meals, I do think it was the better choice, dear, though we would certainly prefer you join us again come Monday. A little brisk conversation about a variety of topics is always good for one’s well-being, I find.

Now, to return to the matter at hand, I do give permission this one time, conditional on you telling me where you will be and how to reach you, just in case there is some teensy need. And that you assure me that you are going by yourself. I could not possibly permit you to set a bad example, of course. We've already discussed that, and I hope I've made myself quite clear.

When you return, there are a number of little tasks I would love your assistance with. I’d hate to overburden Septima with minutiae, and she says your eye for reports could be put to good use.

Re: Private message to Headmistress Umbridge

[alt_sinistra]

Just me, Madam Headmistress. Raz and I have not spoken since Wednesday, in the journals.

I expect to go to my brother’s. Journal is better than floo for reaching me there.

Private message to Georg Bright

[alt_sinistra]

Headmistress Umbridge would appreciate a letter confirming the dates and times of the Astronomy textbook committee meetings as well as my other obligations at the Guild. At your earliest convenience, please. It’s taken me a few days to be able to ask.

I am mindful of the conversation we had on the 2nd of last month, and your comments then. “Gelernt ist gelernt”, as you say. I would like to explore some of what we talked about then further, should time and space allow in the future, and I would appreciate any advice or help you might offer there.

Private message to Cedric Diggory

[alt_sinistra]

Cedric -

I'd prefer no one went further up the tower than the workroom this weekend. If you see anything odd, would you let me know by journal?

I am cancelling tonight. Notice just went up on the board.

Re: Private message to Cedric Diggory

[alt_cedric]

Are you not going to be around?

How vigilant do you want me to be? I'll happily spend my study time there. I could place a short term warning ward that notifies me a few step up the stairs if you post a No Admittance sign.

Re: Private message to Cedric Diggory

[alt_sinistra]

Not around, no. Leaving after class at 2.

Would that be a bother? Don't do anything drastic to stop someone. Or get in trouble yourself. But it would be a reassurance, yes.

Re: Private message to Cedric Diggory

[alt_cedric]

I'll make my way up there and put the ward up around quarter past. I'll use the standard doorbell ward, they'll hear a bell, I'll be warned wherever I am on the grounds and it will preserve a magical impression of the intruder.

I'll also take a copy of the article if you could bring it down on your way out. I can leave it in the workshop.

Re: Private message to Cedric Diggory

[alt_sinistra]

You're a wonder. Thank you.

I'll leave the article for you in the workroom, if I don't see you.

Should be back sometime Sunday, but I don't know when.