Diwali

[alt_savitha]

My dear students, this week is a traditional Indian festival, Diwali. It is celebrated to mark the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and -- among Indian wizards -- pure wizarding blood over the blood of muggles and animals.

Naturally, I do not expect anyone to celebrate with me who does not want to, but on Wednesday evening there will be a special dinner that I've arranged with the house-elves, followed by a celebration at the lake, and all who are interested or curious will be welcome to join me.

Comments

Private message to Antosha

[alt_savitha]

I've been thinking I'd like to organise some sort of regular get-together for those of us at Hogwarts who are on the Council -- including the young ones. I could arrange for a hamper of treats, something a bit more luxurious than one would ordinarily run across, and invite everyone for tea on alternate Sunday mornings, or maybe monthly. Do you think you'd have time?

Private message to Padma Patil

[alt_savitha]

Do let me know if Harry brings up the Diwali celebration.

Otherwise, I will most certainly expect to see you there. Send him my direction if he has any complaints.

[alt_antonin]

I'm sure the student body would welcome you saying a few words at supper on Wednesday to explain the significance of the festival, as well, so that even those who do not join you for your celebration can be enlightened -- no pun intended -- as to what we are celebrating. A few moments to honour Hogwarts as an institution of knowledge, and to celebrate our beloved Protectorate and the purity of wizarding heritage that composes it, would certainly be appropriate.

Private message to Ron Weasley

[alt_savitha]

I'm not sure if you could tell this from Professor Sandoval-Pennifold's comments, but you rather thoroughly impressed her, I think. I appreciate you doing me credit this evening, my dear.

I'll ensure you have the opportunity to duel with her again. In the meantime, let's see if we can arrange the time for a little private tutoring. Perhaps you can surprise her.

[alt_savitha]

I would be delighted, Antosha.

Re: Private message to Antosha

[alt_antonin]

Yes, of course. I had been thinking along those lines myself, in fact! Tea sounds lovely. We can use my office if you'd like, or -- no, your quarters or mine would be more suited; better to take things firmly out of the realm of professors and students. But a chance for the children to get more comfortable would be an excellent idea.

And, in case I do not remember to say on Wednesday -- may your festival be filled with joy and prosperity, and may the Creator rain down blessings upon you and yours.

Re: Private message to Antosha

[alt_savitha]

Why thank you, my dear. May you be blessed in the coming year with success, prosperity, and happiness.

Let's use either your quarters or mine, to encourage the children to begin to think of us as colleagues, rather than professors. We could even alternate. I'll host the first time.

Re: Private message to Antosha

[alt_antonin]

It's a deal. Alternate Sundays? If we plan things for early enough, it ought not conflict with my preparations for the Sunday lectures -- I have, after all, set matters up so that they need minimal involvement from me, for the most part. (Mr Weasley's dragon aside.)

Re: Private message to Antosha

[alt_savitha]

Perfect.

Re: Private message to Ron Weasley

[alt_ron]

Do you rea Thanks, Professor. For saying so.

I definitely have things I want to work on after tonight. It was interesting some of the combinations she used... I sparred with her once over the summer, but I don't think she took it very seriously that time. This was different.

I'd like to surprise her.

And not just her.

Re: Private message to Ron Weasley

[alt_savitha]

Excellent. I'll check my calendar for next week.

Re: Private message to Padma Patil

[alt_padma]

It was wonderful. Thank you.

I'm so relieved