Various Items

I'm afraid I've been a bit remiss in my public posting recently, but really, it's very difficult to know what to say about January.

Such a cold and generally uninspiring month--hols are over and exams start to seem all too real. And everything's just grey.

I will say that Parvati's and my fashion night with the younger years went well! Thanks again, Professor Carpenter for supporting us and sharing your time.

Mrs. Patil, the sample robes you lent us were a real sensation; I know you already know this, but pink is definitely the new black this season. Though I would advise all of our younger fashionistas not to go overboard; too much of a new trend looks simply gauche.

And now it's February--still a cold, greyish month--but it has Valentine's Day, which I simply adore! It's a day to celebrate friendship, show admiration, and play the game of love.

Play on, I say! Especially today, when we all have opportunities to spend time together somewhere that isn't this draughty castle.

Hogsmeade

Well, it was quite an interesting day all around!

Always splendid to have an occasion to wear nice robes and go out to the shops, and it's also quite nice to be escorted, even if one's escort succumbs to an unfortunate illness at lunch. Mr. Zabini, I must certainly not fail to thank you for the lovely corsage and the pleasant morning, for as long as it lasted.

In additional to our merry group, I ran into some of our former schoolmates who are out doing interesting things in the world. Towler, it was great to see you and hear all about what you're up to. Bringing credit to our House, clearly!

As befits a Hogsmeade weekend before Valentine's Day, there were much playing of the game of love--although some people seem to view it rather similarly to a Quidditch match. They like to win, and if no one comes out with bruises they're clearly doing it wrong.