Finally! A social event with real purpose. Basil Foxwood was entirely in his element as he cheerfully made his way through Wellingtonshire. In is hand he held a snazzy invitational to the grand opening of the Flint Institute of Advanced Magic! He’d been anticipating this particular event for some weeks now. Not only was it his last academic refuge before the obligatory holiday social season, but it was an event where he had the potential to expand his network of respected colleges. He might even come across a fellow Transfiguration enthusiast! That said, he was also mildly interested in the facility itself and the courses on offer.

It had been a few weeks now wherein Basil had started to consider the possibility of study to become an animagius. It seemed the natural progression in his research, having just submitted his latest, nine month achievement (“Transfiguration Magic and its use in Hexes and Jinx over the last century”) to Transfiguration Today. He had been turning over the possibility in his mind of also beginning to host a monthly check-in of sorts, perhaps assisted tutoring, for the students he knew were also considering the path. There seemed to be a greater handful this year than in years prior, or maybe it had just escaped his attention previously. Whatever the matter, it seemed like the right time to embark upon the journey himself. How better to instruct them than from personal experience instead of theory, anyhow? (Honestly, he was surprised at himself that it had taken this long to realize it.) Perhaps in the next year or so he would devote himself to both greater research and study of the transformational process. The Flint Institute seemed like a fantastic place to start anyway.

Upon arrival, Basil presented his invitation and listened with intent through the opening ceremonies. The first speaker explained the history of the institute and its founding pillars, each of which resonated spectacularly with Basil’s own philosophies. When they broke for a reception, he had a much better understanding of the place and he was pleased with the general direction of the thing. Perhaps he could find someone to offer a tour later; he was very interested in seeing the facilities themselves in greater detail.

In the meantime, Basil moseyed about, glancing at the information provided where he could. He held a glass of champagne and refused a few canapés as they were passed. He was just about to settle in and read a shiny looking new plaque on the wall when someone approached from behind.

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