Spring

[alt_sinistra]

As the weather’s been clearing a bit, I’ve been out walking more - rather pleasant to get outside in the fresh air, really. And it’s about this time of year that we start seeing the flowers come out. There’s a lovely little burst of snow drops out on my usual way around the lake, and I can just see hints of crocus buds coming up, or trying to.

5th years: It’s also the time of year when my thoughts turn to our year-end exams. I’d like to set up some extra practice sessions with charts, and some chances to try some sample exams so you have the best possible idea what to expect and how to prepare for the OWL format.

Please come to Wednesday night’s class with your schedules, so we can find some dates and times. While I plan to include some evening sessions before May, many parts of the exam can be practiced using the projection stones at other times of day. And of course, I remain glad to work one-on-one - just come by office hours or make an appointment for a mutually convenient time.

(I’ve already spoken to my NEWT students about their own preparation, but several of them have also mentioned they’d be glad to assist in OWL preparation and study under my supervision.)

Comments

Private message to Poppy Pomfrey

[alt_sinistra]

Poppy,

Would you let me know a good time to stop by (or I can comment here?) A few updates on what we talked about Friday.

Also, I’ve a book or two to lend you that you might be interested in - one touches on that weather prediction, the other’s just for pleasure.

Private message to Tosha

[alt_sinistra]

Should you be asked, shall we say that this message is my asking you about the implications of that article I had one of the elves deliver this morning? It’s out of the most recent Urania’s Quill, a new experimental method of using the locational magics for warding with an interesting twist on the aversion approach.

I would actually like to set it as a problem for my newts, if you think it’s safe enough to try - ideally, warding a space out on the grounds some weekend as a test - but I don’t want to give them advance warning. Feel free to use it as a public excuse to meet with Raz, too.

Anyway. I have not yet had the chance to thank you properly for your cleverness. Your Berry is the world’s most insistent house-elf, isn’t she? She was never less than scrupulously polite on Sunday (which I appreciate: it took me at least five minutes to manage anything like a coherent response). Just very persistent. Also, obviously completely devoted.

I know Poppy’s right about the importance of food, but I just can’t cope with Acton and Carpenter’s conversation and manage to eat. It’s enough to give one a complex. (Well, it clearly already has. Never mind.)

Just... Thank you. It’s wonderful and exceedingly kind and sneaky in all the ways I admire best. And you’ve clearly been paying attention to my tastes. I promise I'm eating what Berry brought, and as I'm sure she told you very clearly, I'll let her know when I come close to running out.

Beyond that - Madam Headmistress did not pass through Mum’s usual baked goods from yesterday. I’m waiting to see what she says to me about it. (She did pass through the letters and a couple of books that were in the attached package, though I suspect she knows more now about our family dynamics than I’d have preferred. On the other hand, half of Hogsmeade could tell her Diane and I fought a week ago, so it's not like it's secret.)

Private message to Andie Haley

[alt_sinistra]

Andie -

Just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing, but also ask you something. You didn’t get your usual treat package from Mum, did you? (I didn’t either: don’t fuss your grandmum or anyone else, all right? Give me a few days to talk to people. In the meantime, I’ve a few things from elsewhere if you want a treat.)

I also gather your mum isn’t too happy with me right now. (Both Mum and your Dad wrote me about it.) I know she’s frustrated about the wedding so am I but I can’t fix that just yet. Part of it is that we know exactly how to annoy each other best when we disagree fight. I promise we’ll work it out. Eventually

And whatever else, I owe you a day out without your siblings, don’t I, over hols? Since we didn’t manage over Christmas. Still not sure of my plans, given everything, but we’ll figure something out.

If Madam Headmistress asks about this, tell her that it’s family business, and I’m glad to discuss it with her if she insists. If you’d like to talk further, come up with whatever astronomy question you’d like and come see me, and we’ll go down to my rooms. (Your most recent charts are better than usual, mind.)

Private Message to Professor Sinistra

[alt_harry]

Cedric talked to me.

I think it's a good idea.

I've got some other people in mind who could come along too, maybe?