The crow flies at midnight.

Puppies are a handful. So are Animagi. I can't tell who is more high-maintenance: Sirius or Rosie. Both, at least, like having their tummies scratched.

OWLs and NEWTs begin in a fortnight and I am quite worked up about them. It's never easy trying to organise the proper curriculum for exams and all I can think of is how I wanted to throw myself into the Lake during my own exams twenty-odd years ago. Sirius wound up perched in a tree in the Forest, muttering Arithmancy tables to himself. Lily turned everyone into a newt during hers (we all got better), and James didn't come down off his broom for nearly two weeks straight. He walked bowl-legged until July.

Severus, I seem to recall you developing an unnatural addiction to Sugar Quills during your NEWTs. Honeydukes was constantly running low on them. To this day I feel a bit off whenever I see you without one of the pink strawberry ones stuck in your teeth. I'm certain somewhere there are photographs...

Right, it's time for dinner, but before I go - Harry, a quick note: I need your help with a lesson for the seventh years. It's on the Runespoor, and I'd like it very much if you'd come have a chat with them before the classes so they'll behave themselves, especially the right head.

Let me know if your mornings are free this week, love.

Off to feed the animals.