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

Narcissa -

A few things from last night, that I wanted to pass on. Or ask about. And sometimes both. First, I heard more than a handful of envious comments about your robes - I'm sure you had no doubts at all, but they had quite the effect.

- What is the story with Theo Higgs and Lana Sandoval-Pennifold? I was watching people, as one does (and well, I'm starting to contemplate seating charts for the wedding supper, so knowing who's not getting along seems especially useful right now), and I don't think I've ever seen her quite that way. Or at least to that extent. And him bidding up like that...

- I did get a lovely chat with Ptolemy Baddock. So glad to see him happy, and I always did like Karo Moon. I gather he's getting along better with his father than he was for a little, but - there did seem something a little odd there. Though I suppose all grown children and their parents wrangle over something.

- It was very good to see Tosha so rejuvenated, truly. (And I gather, watching, that the same was true of Barty and of Lucius?) After the previous week, it was rather a pleasure to see them all at their brightest. I'd gathered from Raz that their work had been successful, but he'd not asked details, and Tosha only said I'd be gladder with what they ended up doing than the original idea.

- I did spend some time watching Dolores, and that's the part I wanted to ask you about. Did it seem to you she spent rather a lot of time with certain people? I saw her spend a very long time talking to Peakes, but also Mr Burroughs (he did go on, apparently, I saw even her trying to get away), Mrs Fleet, and Mrs Rickett, and then rather a long time with Mr Vandemar. But I also saw her in - well, she'd rather cornered that Rowena Robins, who was her assistant for a long time. (And she - Miss Robins - seemed a bit off her usual, did you see?)

And finally, the Cooper party on the 27th quite made me see why you were so nervous about the theme idea for your Christmas party last year. It really is possible to take a thing too far, isn't it? And it all felt so very ... I don't know, inauthentic and flat. I rather wished Tosha'd had more time to give sotto voce commentary than he did, but of course, other demands.

Narcissa -

Raz told me a bit about your conversation yesterday. It has indeed been a very difficult week, following challenging months. Far more my fault than his, though a chance to rest and talk things through has helped me begin to get my feet under me again. I think the best way forward is a bit blunt, to avoid further confusion. I hope you don’t mind.

I was a very late bloomer in a number of ways - in school outside of astronomy, in making friends, in social graces, in dating. I’ve never had many close friends, and those I’ve been closest to have mostly been family or other astronomers.

I do enjoy what one of my mentors called friendly acquaintanceships - so many topics are interesting, if you’re talking with someone who cares about them. But making that next step to true friendship and sharing more personal things is usually very slow for me. That Raz and I ended up as we did still amazes me as much as it delights me.

And when things are not going smoothly, I get even more careful. (Blame it on spending so much time in a field where precision is an illuminating virtue.) That makes it particularly hard, I think, to share how I’m feeling when there’s a problem. Or a question. Or a weakness.

However, this week has been proof that what I’ve been trying on my own is not enough, in a number of ways, and that some changes are necessary. If you are still willing to offer advice, to let me ask questions, to share your time, I would be most grateful.

I don’t have any particular appointments between now and the reception, and I certainly do have a few related questions I’d love your help with. Or if that’s not possible, once we’re past Saturday, much of my calendar is open until we go back to school. I do appreciate, again, every kindness you’ve shown me on Raz’s behalf.

Narcissa,

I do hope you’re well, and that the Witches’ Institute event yesterday went enjoyably for you. I’m writing because I’ve two questions where I’d greatly appreciate your guidance.

First, Raz and I have had several inquiries about whether we’ll be at this or that Frost Faire event, and we’re trying to figure out which should get priority. Would you be willing to advise? Our teaching schedules (particularly mine) do complicate things, but I’m sure we can arrange some time outside of that.

The second is a bit more delicate. Raz and I have been working together since last spring to get my Defence skills in somewhat better form. But various matters - Healer Stint, among others - lead him to suggest if I might ask who you work with, or if you might have another suggestion. Raz is a wonderful teacher, of course, but we’re both well aware that it’s an area where outside perspective might be all to the good.

Thank you, as always, for your time and any insight you might have.

Aurora

I do want to second Miss Clearwater's compliments and congratulations: excellently done, all of you, for representing Hogwarts in the best possible tradition.

My very deep thanks to the Prefects, YPL counsellors, and to the CCF for all doing their part to coordinate all manner of tasks, and I'm delighted everything went so smoothly. And the surprise of hearing "Hey, Hey Merlin" by two of our own was amazing. Excellent work, both of you!

For those who need to return borrowed robes, or perhaps want an ear for any reason, I'll be up in my office for much of the later morning and afternoon, until about four, outside of lunch. (I've also got a fair selection of the press coverage, if anyone wants to have a look.)

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?

I’m in New London for two days of YPL meetings. It’s hard to be away from Hogwarts - and a long list of things that need attention - but a change in routine is also surprisingly pleasant.

I’ve never been a morning person, and apparating over distance first thing is worse, so I made sure to get here in plenty of time for a walk to clear my head before we started our meetings this morning. But that’s given me time to be delighted by the shop windows, particularly this year’s fashion for sparkling light charms - so delicate - and the wider color palette.

I saw a gorgeous window in silvers and blues and purples, as well as many with more classic greens, reds, and golds. And of course, the charmed displays are wonderful: my favorite was several windows of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade in winter with a cunningly done Quidditch match in progress. And there’s the smell of pine in the air, and the clusters of little stalls, and banners snapping in the breeze... And of course, a pleasant little pastry at one of the nearby cafes to put me in the best possible mood before we started this morning.

I’m looking forward to being able to make a great deal of progress with the YPL plans for this spring and summer, but also a few chances to relax. I’m eagerly anticipating a performance tonight and then there’s dinner with my parents tomorrow, and a few other errands and tasks to finish getting ready for the holidays.

I'd heard a few faint rumors of something amazing while I've been in and out of various Ministry offices this summer (nothing specific - everyone was quite careful not to spill the beans - but it was easy to tell something was in the works). But I had no idea something this fantastic was being planned.

I'm looking forward to attending, though it does seem like everyone I know is being seated in different places - makes it rather hard to see everyone I'd like! I appreciate all the hard work and detail that's gone into making the arrival of so many people work smoothly.

I've been largely in and out of workrooms and studies doing research the past few weeks, other than a brief pause for the end of the CCF camp (to all our rising fourth years, fantastic job!) but enjoying spending some time in New London. It's been quite fun to see all the little stands and stores that have sprung up, and I've enjoyed being able to visit some of the exhibits and performances. I particularly enjoyed a small chamber concert attempting to recreate some of the music of Marsilio Ficino, a Renaissance wizard fascinated by the music of the spheres. I know less about music than I'd like, but of course, planets always attract my attention.

I also got a chance to take my eldest niece shopping, as she starts Hogwarts this year, and it was delightful to answer some of her questions, see the first days of school through fresh eyes. And of course, pause for some ice cream.

Mum -

Two favours to ask...

I'm to have lunch with Mrs Malfoy on Tuesday, and I haven't a clue what to wear, and my wardrobe does desperately need a bit of updating. Do you have any suggestions on where to shop on Monday? (I'd planned to stop in somewhere while I'm in New London, but this obviously puts a bit of urgency into the choice...)

I've got a bit in savings from the YPL work, so for once money isn't the first thing (though I'd prefer a couple of unexciting but usable robes to one that I could only wear a couple of times before people noticed.) What would you suggest that would be suitable for a nice lunch or dinner somewhere, but not need too much attention during the school year?

(Dear Merlin, please don't tell Diana, or I'll be deluged with fashion magazines and advice from her and all of her friends. And you know that they've all got such odd ideas of colour.)

Second, related to the first favour: could you send that copy of that etiquette guide you like by owl this week, so I can review it? I can't imagine Mrs Malfoy lunching anywhere that isn't quite public, and I'd obviously like to make a good impression. I feel tremendously out of practice, especially since I've been eating most of my meals in my room due to the observation schedule.

(And avoiding that certain someone, too, yes. Not that he's made a lot of effort to try and catch me thus far. I did pick up a small gift for him, but I'm still not sure if I'll actually give it to him or not. We'll see.)

Dad said in his latest owl that the connection I'd put him onto for the Sing Amis came through - not any of the rarer ones, but several of the dragons. I'm glad to have helped, and far better than my trying to track them down from here. I've got your previous list of things for the stockings and such, but let me know if you've any additions before Sunday.

Love,
A

I'm taking Poppy's excellent advice (and taking a friend up on a spare bed...) and heading off to even more northern climes for a bit. Seems a bit odd, and even more so coming from Hogwarts, but there you are.

We've plans to do a bit of rambling, and a lot more stargazing. My friend's been plotting the movement of a number of comets for the last decade or more, and rather wants some help sorting the results out.

I expect I'll be back around the middle of July, ready to wrap up the last details for the camping trip (and in the meantime, it's not as if the owls can't find me: I've certainly left clear instructions here about any messages that come through.)

Last weekend's freedom was a fleeting thing - I've been in the midst of marking essays from our 2nd years, 4th years, and the NEWT students this week, all of which required extensive comments.

The beginning of the week started well - I had a lovely afternoon tea with Poppy, just to chat. We wandered over a number of topics, but I think she was amused by the combination of my abysmal scores in both Herbology and Potions (I have to admit, they were the worst of my OWLs), and my general knowledge of remedies useful to growing children. (Being one child of many requires you to learn some things out of sheer self-preservation.)

Since then, though, it's been all essay marking, and wondering how to adjust observation times for the weather, and trying to get alternate class topics prepared, and so I find myself at the weekend feeling rather wrung out.

This evening, though, I'm going into Hogsmeade for dinner, as a friend of mine is coming through. It'll be good to catch up with her more easily than by owl or floo. I may be up late to finish the essays after that, mind you - but a break will be nice.