Locked to Allies.
One of the small willows has decided to take root near the east courtyard, and needed to be coaxed back a few hundred yards or so. Although I felt a little churlish to disturb it, after its wonderful performance, I think it would be kinder to everyone to keep it out of the way!
It's very strange to be back at Hogwarts - to have it confirmed that, indeed, so much about the castle has changed. Neither Filius nor I were present here during the battle and when we arrived yesterday...
Some things you really have to see in order to believe.
The devastation is extreme. Although work is of course underway to make the castle good again. Labourers from Hogsmeade and beyond are working tirelessly. Filius is assisting Albus in detangling the twisted wards in the basements and dungeons. I'm sure I saw Remus earlier - was that you, Remus, near the Hufflepuff dungeons? Difficult to recognise everyone with all that dust! It wasn't hard to spot Hagrid of course. There's a lot going on.
I haven't had a moment til now to stop and catch my breath.
Greenhouses Three and Five were razed to the ground. The panes had actually melted to the stones.
Greenhouse One has sustained only minor damage, although it needs to be completely re-glazed, as does Greenhouse Two. This I can deal with, and have made decent progress, with the assistance of one of the lovely chaps who've come to help.
Only Four stands entirely unscathed. It's a mess, but we're ready to receive the plants we sent to Kew as soon as they can be delivered.
Pomona.
It's very strange to be back at Hogwarts - to have it confirmed that, indeed, so much about the castle has changed. Neither Filius nor I were present here during the battle and when we arrived yesterday...
Some things you really have to see in order to believe.
The devastation is extreme. Although work is of course underway to make the castle good again. Labourers from Hogsmeade and beyond are working tirelessly. Filius is assisting Albus in detangling the twisted wards in the basements and dungeons. I'm sure I saw Remus earlier - was that you, Remus, near the Hufflepuff dungeons? Difficult to recognise everyone with all that dust! It wasn't hard to spot Hagrid of course. There's a lot going on.
I haven't had a moment til now to stop and catch my breath.
Greenhouses Three and Five were razed to the ground. The panes had actually melted to the stones.
Greenhouse One has sustained only minor damage, although it needs to be completely re-glazed, as does Greenhouse Two. This I can deal with, and have made decent progress, with the assistance of one of the lovely chaps who've come to help.
Only Four stands entirely unscathed. It's a mess, but we're ready to receive the plants we sent to Kew as soon as they can be delivered.
Pomona.