I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

It was lovely to see you in person - and I very much enjoyed the few minutes I had to speak with you (and Ursula and Pandora and Diane).

Dropping a quick note here, largely so I don't forget the few questions that came up last night in today's activities before I manage to see you next week.

- Eudora Millingham-Kennilworthy: She seemed to be enjoying herself trying to get (extremely personal) details about how I've kept Raz's interest this long, and that's a conversation I'm never sure how to handle. Is there, by chance, a topic I might use to distract her in future? Or a better means of escape?

- The Rowles: Clearly there's some past difficulty I missed - I gather they're attempting to reconcile? Not knowing anything like enough about the earlier history, I found myself stuck in a conversation or two and not sure how to handle it.

- I don't know Maximus Truncheon at all: is that his usual mode, or did he have a bit too much last night?

- And finally: While Facinorous Stint sensibly didn't come near me (or Raz) at all, I wonder if he might have been dropping a word in a few people's ears given a few things I heard later in the evening. Did you hear anything I should be aware of?

And beyond that, I'd be interested in your comments on who was included in supper, and who was only at the reception: some of the choices were obvious, but there were a few that puzzled me.

Narcissa -

So sorry, but I am entirely done in, and can’t face going out at all, even for something pleasant.

I do hope it’s not too inconvenient for you (or Madame Ardenia), and I’m sure I’ll be seeing you Friday.

I’ve had a few questions about the mural project from those outside Hogwarts, so I’m delighted to say that at our meeting last Saturday, we selected the founding of Hogwarts itself as our topic.

Thank you to all who came prepared with such excellent ideas, even though we could only pick one. (For the curious, other suggestions included the investiture of Our Lord, the Fall of the Ministry, scenes from Merlin’s life, Quidditch through the ages, and one focusing on various magical creatures.) It was quite a lively discussion.

Mrs Pencarrow is planning on a meeting Sunday afternoon at 3 for anyone at Hogwarts interested in discussion of some different approaches to the design. She expects to have the basic outline plotted on the wall next week. Those interested may also wish to keep an eye on her journal for daily posts on various portraits and other artwork at Hogwarts as well as the progress of the mural project - I’m finding her posts very interesting so far.

YPL students are reminded to keep their commitments for both painting sessions and the artwork tours and copies of the schedule are in all the house common rooms now. Non-YPL students are welcome to sign up anywhere there is space on the schedule at this point.

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.

This...

I have to say, this isn't what I was quite expecting. I know some of it must be stagecraft of some kind, but, well.

(And are those people trying to leave, across the stadium?)

Students: I’ve had a matter come up that means I’m less likely to be available at the usual odd times outside of my scheduled office hours at least until mid-March. The most current schedule and any changes for the week are posted at the door to the tower on the seventh floor, for convenience, and to save you the flights of stairs to my office. If for some reason the (quite extensive) scheduled hours don’t work, let me know and we can arrange something that does.

7th years:
A reminder that your independent research proposals are due a week from Friday. Remember that you must include both an observational and theoretical component, and clearly identify planned observing times, alternate plans to allow for weather, specific resources (charts, specialised telescopes, etc.) needed, and your precise research goal.

Bring any questions to lecture, please, as our observing time Friday is rather packed this week if the weather holds clear as promised. Those of you still in need of a topic should consult the list on the board by my office for ideas before then.

YPL students:
We’ve now got a break in activities until March, when we’ll be working on the mural project and art discussions with Mrs Pencarrow. In the meantime, do think about whether there are topics you’d suggest for the subject of the mural, or whether there are paintings in the castle you’d particularly like to learn more about.

Back to classes, after some lovely holidays. We’re currently in that glorious week or so where I’m entirely caught up on all my marking and correspondence, I’ve had plenty of time for research on the tower, and quite my share of social outings and other enjoyments. Never does last more than a week or two, but that’s all to the good, really, as it means there’s something new to look forward to.

CCF, YPL, and guests:
It is time to turn our attention to our next outing, on January 28th. The event will be an all-day outdoor strategy event held off Hogwarts grounds, with three teams, each lead by a group of our CCF students (for whom the event is mandatory).

For all who wish to attend there will be a required planning meeting on January 21st at 2pm. The day of, we will depart at 9am, and return around 4pm. CCF students will be expected to attend a post-event debriefing following our return, finishing by dinner time.

We welcome:
- Our guests, as team participants.
- Third year and non-CCF fourth year students as team participants.
- A limited number of first and second year students to assist with various tasks.

Due to logistics, we have a more limited number of places for this event than our usual. Everyone participating should be comfortable with extended outdoor exposure and exertion, skilled with at least one long-duration warming charm, and be willing to work together in assigned teams to reach a mutual goal. Previous active participation in YPL events and recent behaviour will be used to determine attendees if we have more interest than places.

If you wish to be considered, please sign up on the board outside my office no later by 8am on Sunday.

On another note:
I’ve also been thinking about my past year. I’ve never particularly subscribed to resolutions, as much as goals, but I am quite pleased with the ongoing growth of the YPL and CCF programmes, the completion of the chart projection charm project (and related publication), and the usual progress in teaching and learning that happen all the time in my classroom.

This coming year, I’m looking forward to a new research project (made possible by a shiny new telescope) and continuing the work of the past few years in a variety of areas.

I must say, it's been a most amazing few days. I've barely had time to catch my breath or sit down for a minute without having something else come along since Thursday afternoon. Not that a great deal of it hasn't been most enjoyable, mind you.

I'm quite looking forward to a few quiet days to settle down, catch up on various pieces of neglected work, and get some quality research time in, just for the change of pace. (And I've certainly got enough to keep me occupied for a bit.)

CCF students, beautifully done clearing the way for the dancing to begin, and thank you again for all your gracious assistance welcoming all our honoured guests tonight.

Everyone else, what a glorious evening. Do enjoy yourselves!

I woke up to a half dozen notes, but no details, except that apparently you’re much better off than Stint is.

Are you?

And what on earth did you do happened?