Winter begins at Spinner's End

The temperature is dropping here. It was 25°F today, with a predicted 18°F tonight; a chance of snow flurries likely. At last, I can leave the laboratory and take a long walk up Vista Hill, buttoned up in frock and cloak as I am wont to prefer, without a single danger of overheating. I made a quick trip to Spinner's End to unearth a couple of old books, and found the place cold as a banshee's nipple in a brass bra and dirty as ever. Still, sometimes I actually find peace there. No floo-calls from Albus. No students banging on the office door, "Professor Snape sir!!!" for whatever pathetic reason. And after all, the hovel does have a fireplace – and a basement lab. ...Who in Merlin's name is 'Bruce'? Should I even bother with a cleaning charm? They'll be at it again soon as I leave.

Winter Cordial

30ml/2 tsp. fine oatmeal
1 lemon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
15ml/1 tbsp. demerara sugar
1.2 litres/5 cups boiling water
Optional: 1/2 tsp. ea. cardamon & cloves, pinch cayenne, shot of favorite spirits

Mix oatmeal, sugar and ginger. Grate lemon rind and add. Gradually pour over boiling water while stirring clockwise. Put in saucepan, add juice of lemon and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and serve hot.