HAILSTONE STORM

Traditionally, a hail storm was not a thing of joy, as it would cause much damage to crops and to dwellings. The people of Serbia and Bulgaria believed hail came from a mythological creature called an 'Ala', which would lead hail clouds in the direction of vineyards and orchards. Older Christian traditions instead attributed hail to the wrath of St. Elijah, and church bells would be rung in an effort to stop hail from descending onto a village. 

Yet, later in the historical record, hail was recognised as an intriguing natural phenomenon, and the causes of hail storms began to be a subject of Naturalist's study... 

“Late this evening a storm of thunder arose in the S., which, as usual, divided into two parts... from the latter division proceeded strong, & vivid lightning till late in the night. At Headleigh there was a very heavy shower, & some hail at E. Tisted. The lightning and hail did much damage about the kingdom.”

— Gilbert White - Naturalist's Journal, 1768-93

Although hail can cause much damage about our own kingdom of Homeland, and although it will frighten the sheep, I still love to see a good hail storm. Looking to the South, and the gathering gloom of cumulonimbi, I can imagine a small demon with a string: trailing the storm behind them like a child with a balloon. Then, the storm breaks, and the wrath is upon us, and it is amazing to behold. Afterwards, I go out into the Hail Swarth - that small lane of white land made by the storm - and I pack the hail into balls, or tiny hail-castles. Hail is much easier to mould than sand.

HEDWIG'S THEME

A LEITMOTIF

One of the only piano pieces I can play by heart is the opening of Hedwig's Theme, from the Harry Potter movies. Composed by John Williams, it is one of several leitmotifs from the first movie. The notes are simple, but the tune is otherworldly: describing a kind of childlike wonder and enchantment. My piano version is a bit wonky, and still needs some fine-tuning, but I like to work on it occasionally, simply playing it out by ear.

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Here is my current, plinky plonky version of Hedwig's Theme:

b e g f# e b a f#

e g f# d f b

b e g f# e b d g# c 

g c b Bb Bb g e

g b g b g c b Bb

f# g b Bb Bb c b

g b g b g d c# c 

g# c b Bb Bb g e

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OWL POST

Now, everyone knows that birds make great couriers, and the practice of using homing pigeons to carry messages is as old as the ancient Persians. Post birds were also used by the Ancient Greeks, French soldiers, and even now by news agencies wanting to report on yacht racing. 

Of all mail-carrying birds, Owls may be some of the best, as evidenced by the world of Harry Potter. Owls in the wizarding world seem to have some sixth sense, and are able to find the letter's recipient even if they are on holiday, on the run, or are being addressed under a pseudonym.

If you lack your own owl, and your neighbourhood does not run an Owlery, then never fear! A small paper owl, some string and a quick charm will do the trick.

THE LETTER & THE OWL

You are going to want to arrange your letters and invitations before conducting the spell. So first gather your quills and parchment, and get writing. Then seal that letter in the envelope with some kind of stamp or wax, as you do not want it to fall out mid-flight. Next, draw up a paper owl, and attach it with a string to that letter. 

 

CASTING THE SPELL

Next comes the enchantment. We are going to use transfiguration here, and the spell we are using is called the Avifors Spell, from the Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2. A few quick tips first:

““When transfiguring, it is important to make firm and decisive wand movements. Do not wiggle or twirl your wand unnecessarily, or the Transfiguration will certainly be unsuccessful.” ”

— Emeric Switch - A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration

Now, the Avifors spell will turn a target object into a bird, or a flock of birds. Use your Avifors spell to turn that paper owl into a real, hooting, postal Owl. Aim your wand at the paper owl, recite the incantation as shown in the Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2, and watch as it transforms. Just be sure to give it the directions to the letter's recipient, as paper owls are much less reliable than the real thing.