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

It's rather dire in here, all things considered. You might be glad you're out waiting.

In the corner, we have Alecto, who's glowering at the world, and nearly took off the arm of the last person who came within ten feet. Not that anyone particularly wants to be near her.

Froissart's clearly not happy with any of the situation, but of course he can't do much about any of it. And Karkaroff is just looking stoic. (Though a bunch of the Durmstrang boys have started in on what must be traditional toasts, and at least that's mildly entertaining. "To the motherland!" "To the fatherland!" "To friendship!" though they're degenerating into more chaos now.)

I don't suppose your end of things is better than your fears?

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.)

Of course, I'm quite excited by today's planned activities: I hope that everyone will enjoy the search and exploration of the grounds. (And much thanks to everyone who's helped with set-up and planning.) I know that all of our Hogwarts students will of course make our guests feel welcome as everyone shares in the activities. See you all at 2!

Please feel free to use this entry in case there are any questions or concerns during the event. I'll be keeping a close eye on student journals in general as I circulate about the grounds, but particularly here. You can also look for the CCF members and YPL counsellors in many places around the grounds.

The briskness in the air also reminds me of another seasonal note: anyone who would like a refresher on the best warming charms for our Astronomy work this winter, I'll be available in my office Tuesday and Thursday between supper and curfew. I also always have a bin of warm hats, gloves, and scarves, for people who also like to bundle up a bit more. (Though, as always, no promises that any of the colors will be particularly desireable.)

First YPL event
As you all know, our first YPL event of the year will be on October 22nd, and we will welcome both our foreign guests with an orienteering scavenger hunt of the Hogwarts buildings and grounds that will test your navigation skills, charms, puzzle solving abilities, and more. There will be small prizes for the winning team on each path (there are four), and small tokens for everyone who makes a sincere attempt to complete the course.

I want to first thank Mr Ronald Weasley and Miss Katrina Bundy for a proposal that has been most helpful in planning this event - well done, and good initiative!

Everyone else is welcome to sign up to participate, and should expect to form groups of 3-5 students, including our foreign guests in your groups. You might want to think now about how to arrange that.

For those who participate, all the puzzles and challenges of the course can be solved with magic no more complicated than our students learn at the end of 3rd year. However, in many cases, multiple solutions are possible, and any method that does not damage other students, property, or beings is permitted. CCF and YPL counsellors will be available if you have any concerns.

CCF members and YPL counsellors
You will be needed to help staff the various positions, and of course set up elements of the hunt in advance.

Please sign up on my office door for a prep shift (either Friday night, the 21st, or Saturday, the 22nd), and plan to be available from 2pm to 5pm for the actual event. (A special tea will follow for participants). I may also be adding one more addition to your Saturday morning (a pleasant one, if the scheduling works out) so plan your study time accordingly.

Other notes
Tuesday evening class: I will be in New London for last minute planning with the YPL committee on Tuesday afternoon, and it is likely the meeting will stretch into the evening. Therefore, I am cancelling Tuesday observing classes, but have asked a couple of my NEWT students to be available from full dark until curfew if you need to get caught up on any assignments.

I will also not be available for questions during that time, obviously, so if you have questions for assignments due Wednesday, ask them by Monday.

Poppy: I'd love a chance to consult with you about a few specific considerations. Are you free tomorrow afternoon, or perhaps Monday afternoon? If not, can we chat in private message here?

First, my condolences to the surviving family and friends of Mr Crouch, Jr. and his mother. As some of you may be aware, Mr Crouch, Jr. was instrumental in consulting on a number of security considerations around YPL event and trip planning, and his devotion and dedication to his duty, the Protectorate, and the Lord Protector were clear in every moment of that work.

Regrettably, time continues to march forward, and we are already behind schedule in making final arrangements for this year due to the exciting recent announcement of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. We've arranged the events at Hogwarts this year to include our visiting students as much as feasible, to better demonstrate the skills, learning, and experience that our students gain through participation in the YPL programme. Further details about each activity will be forthcoming, but I wanted to make the dates available as soon as possible for all those who may need to make relevant plans.

(It is possible that one or two dates may shift over the course of the year, based on various other needs, but we believe these dates are now fairly firm.)

We have had several other interesting proposals for activities this year, and space and time allowing may make optional participation in several activities possible over breaks in classes.

October
On October 22nd, the YPL will welcome our guests with an exercise to introduce them to the grounds and other spaces of Hogwarts, giving everyone a chance to learn more about our richly historic location, and meet a variety of students. CCF students and YPL counselors should be alert for announcements about planning meetings, and will be expected to assist in the practical details of the day, all others are welcome to participate.

December
In late November and through December, YPL students in years three and up should plan on some meetings and tutorial sessions so that they may provide support at an event related to the Tri-Wizard Tournament. We anticipate these sessions will be about 2 hours in length, and happen every two or three weeks, depending on your focus.

On Saturday, December 3rd, we will welcome several medwizards for an extended lecture and training session. A general workshop will be available to all YPL members and our foreign guests, while our CCF students (who have already learned some basic material) will also attend an additional workshop with greater detail and expectations.

January
On January 28th, we will have an excursion for all YPL members that will test orienteering, strategy, and leadership skills. Students should dress warmly, and practice a variety of warming charms. Again, our foreign guests will be welcome to join us, provided they attend the preparatory meeting.

March
On March 3rd, we will welcome a visiting artist, Melete Pencarrow, who will lead YPL participants in creating a wizarding mural depicting an event in Hogwarts history. Students will do much of the background design and painting of the mural, and she will assist with details. Students will also learn about mixing pigments for wizarding paintings, the rich language of symbol in artwork, and lectures on notable painting and portrait technique illustrated by the Hogwarts portraits and other pieces. Mrs. Pencarrow will be residing in Hogsmeade for the duration to assist, with a formal presentation of the finished artwork following the spring holidays.

YPL students should allow two to three hours in their schedule each week (for the duration of the project) for a combination of small group lectures and work on the mural, though of course students wishing to contribute additional time will be welcome. Our visitors are welcome to attend the lectures on request.

May
Finally, on May 26th, we will welcome a panel of distinguished witches and wizards with great experience in international wizarding relations, including those teachers guiding our visiting guests. They will discuss and explore where the new horizons in Protectorate diplomacy made possible through the Tri-Wizard Tournament events, and what opportunities in the field might be open for students in the coming years.

Final notes
As always, all students in years one through three are welcome and encouraged to participate in the YPL and explore the opportunities available to them as future productive members of our Lord Protector's realm. Continuing beyond year three requires a greater commitment and success in a variety of skills. Students who expressed a wish to continue (via application to the CCF) last year, but who did not attend the summer training are welcome to attend general YPL activities, but will not be able to participate in the extra training and opportunities of the CCF courses.

Should you have any questions, I have a number of tasks taking my time this weekend, but you may leave a note here (a private message, if you prefer), or can find me in my office during my usual open office hours this week.