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

In brief, since I had to dash to the Guild:

No pink.

No pink flowers, no pink decorations on the desserts, no pink napkins. (Nor pink sugared almonds, nor pink umbrellas in drinks, nor pink decorative bunting, nor pink charmed glitter, nor pink glowing mists, nor pink cherubs. Not that any of those should appear anyway.) No pink.

Instruct me, if you would, on the best way to make this abundantly clear to all concerned. Fit that can be heard clear to Hogwarts? Visit by Raz, at his sternest? Transfiguration of their hair colour until they see reason? Harassment by a swarm of kittens? En masse synchronised performance by my assembled female relatives, a la Greek chorus?

I'm already planning owls in the clearest possible terms, but anything else, please tell, and I will arrange it. Pity the penultimate one wouldn't actually help: it would give them something to do. Besides owl and firecall and journal me at all hours with "Just one little suggestion, dear." all of which are either entirely impractical, absolutely horrible, or (often) both.

Flowers: modern roses if he must, to fill things out, but I'd much rather things from the bouquet, or the species names Mum gave him. I know I lack artistic vision in the matter of flowers. I don't care. The other things smell wrong.

Dress: entirely splendid, and Joosh assures me that while a fitting in a fortnight would be best, we could make it work the day before if we had to. (And then gave me a ten minute lecture on doing nothing that might alter the shape of my body in the interim, and another ten minutes on managing the shoes. I've achieved 'stable' but am not quite at 'confident' yet. Clearly, I will be pacing my office this week.)

I hope to be in next Tuesday, but just in case OWLS eat all the available time and space (not as unlikely as I'd prefer, they're all quite nervy), I think we're in reasonable enough shape. I hope. You've got the hours I'm likely to be handy if you've questions, and I've got my list of the last few things Raz or I need to do ourselves.

(And if I've not said it enough, you have worked magic upon magic already getting the invites out and keeping everything straight.)

First, a reminder to our fifth, sixth, and seventh years that the first of our observing opportunities for meteor showers - the Draconids - is coming up this weekend. Depending on the weather, you should have the opportunity either Sunday or Monday not too long after sunset. I’ll be up on the tower after supper both nights until around 9 for those who wish to observe.

(Again, you’re expected to do some brief observations across at least two of the three upcoming meteor showers, weather reasonably permitting. Consult your notes or come by office hours if you are still confused about my expectations. You will in all cases want to work with a partner - it makes things much easier - and doing so is required if you’re out of your dorms outside of curfew.)

Looking ahead, I will not be available on Saturday, the 20th, but the Orionids should - if the weather holds - be most visible between midnight and dawn on the 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Those who wish to stay up on Friday night are welcome to come up the tower at midnight if the weather’s clear (though my 3rd years will be working on a different assignment.) Pre-dawn viewing, you are on your own, but I am glad to arrange permissions as needed.

And second, just a reminder on my office hours - you all know I’m glad to be available. However, I do generally plan to be done at 9pm, and often have some other tasks calling my attention. If you have a longer or more complex question, please do come earlier in the session, or arrange a time with me privately. (I do have to have time to do all your marking, after all!)

In New London for the afternoon, a combination of errands and catching up with two of my sisters. It is amazing how quickly things fall into place after just a week or two back at school, really - I’ve been working tidily through my list and plans, and it’s so satisfying to see things checked off.

The weather, alas, not so much - we’ve had some glorious stargazing weather the last week, but I’m afraid it’s the last gasps before the far more uncertain days of the fall and winter.

Temp - thanks again for rounding more of those up. And for the other set of used-book searching, too. Gilly - no worries that you had to cancel, I found other company, but next week? Could do lunch at one.