Private message to Horace Slughorn
Apr. 20th, 2012 03:09 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_sinistraHorace -
Wondering if you've had a moment to think on what I asked you Tuesday.
Of course, I haven't seen applications come in yet, but it's already clear the Slytherin interest in the YPL counsellor positions is extremely high, and I'd much appreciate your thoughts.
As you know, while many of the characteristics are similar to those I know you (and the other heads of house) consider for prefect positions, I’m also looking at how well students work across houses, and with providing direct leadership and mentoring to younger students. And of course, any information you think might be useful as I and the commitee members review applications is always appreciated.
We can stretch to 10 positions this year, I think, due to the size of the first year class, which gives us a little more room, but I do try to keep things balanced between houses and genders. I already know that Miss Greengrass, Miss Parkinson, and Miss Perks are all interested and well-qualified among the girls. And while I understand Mr Zabini is politely not particularly interested, there's the question of both Mr Malfoy and Mr Marvolo. (Crabbe and Goyle, naturally, would not win out in such circumstances regardless.)
On the latter point, I suspect I may need to make some careful inquiries about Our Lord's plans for his son this summer, but I'd appreciate your advice on that before doing so.
Wondering if you've had a moment to think on what I asked you Tuesday.
Of course, I haven't seen applications come in yet, but it's already clear the Slytherin interest in the YPL counsellor positions is extremely high, and I'd much appreciate your thoughts.
As you know, while many of the characteristics are similar to those I know you (and the other heads of house) consider for prefect positions, I’m also looking at how well students work across houses, and with providing direct leadership and mentoring to younger students. And of course, any information you think might be useful as I and the commitee members review applications is always appreciated.
We can stretch to 10 positions this year, I think, due to the size of the first year class, which gives us a little more room, but I do try to keep things balanced between houses and genders. I already know that Miss Greengrass, Miss Parkinson, and Miss Perks are all interested and well-qualified among the girls. And while I understand Mr Zabini is politely not particularly interested, there's the question of both Mr Malfoy and Mr Marvolo. (Crabbe and Goyle, naturally, would not win out in such circumstances regardless.)
On the latter point, I suspect I may need to make some careful inquiries about Our Lord's plans for his son this summer, but I'd appreciate your advice on that before doing so.
no subject
Date: 2012-04-20 07:45 pm (UTC)Rather the opposite of the Capper problem. (Speaking of, have you made any headway, my dear? I certainly have not done.)
Well. Among the three young ladies, Miss Greengrass displays the greatest social poise and has what I would qualify a supple mind. She has certainly applied herself in all her subjects to achieve an adequate level of success. Her attempts to reach beyond the walls of Slytherin's common room, however, may not meet your rigorous standards. And one feels one must point out that her work lately has had a tendency toward sloppiness, though not so much that one shows concern. Her ambitions lie in a much more artistic direction, I understand. I believe the YPL would force her to make more of an effort to socialise outside her set; though of course, a prefecture is not out of the question and would reward her already evident tendencies to manage the affairs of her House.
Miss Parkinson shows her father's determination in my lessons and has a knack for the art but her performance in other subjects, as I understand it, are nothing extraordinary. It must be said she has also quite the reputation for building connections across the houses. However. There's her health to consider and the effect of high levels of stress on her constitution. And of course, much as I dislike to speak ill of one of my own House, she has distinguished herself, certainly, but not necessarily in ways we (or her godfather) would prefer to see.
As for Miss Perks, it's clear that she has benefitted greatly from her close association with Miss Parkinson; indeed the two are inseparable. Would it be indelicate of me to presume that you favour the girl not only on her strong work ethic but because you know she is a hardship case? If that's your concern, I think we may safely conclude that Miss Parkinson sees to Miss Perks' every material need, even if her foster-family chooses to supply her with only rudimentary kit. Still, she does work hard and she is a clever thing. One of the rare halfbloods who has excelled, nay thrived, within our serpentine halls. I might even go so far as to recommend her for a Prefect, if her marks are as strong as expected.
But it's for that reason I caution you, Aurora, not to let your personal liking for the girl govern your decisions in her future. If she were selected as a counsellor for the YPL then it would be impossible to recommend her as a Prefect. You are always assiduous in your consideration for our charges' careers; I only ask that you ask yourself, my dear, which accolade would be of greater advantage to her in years to come? Alas, that answer depends on her own plans, which as I understand from Poppy lie in the direction of Healing. I believe she could succeed either way but would she be better served through academic achievement or the practical opportunities afforded through the Ministry's programme? One thing is certain: She will not get both.
Now, for the gentlemen. I wonder if you have consulted Rabastan on the subject? Surely if anyone knows Our Lord's mind regarding his son, it is the lad's personal security force. But leaving that aside, you are aware that Minerva has been asked to offer up weekly reports and that Mr Marvolo's progress is one of the topics on which he wishes to be apprised? My advice to you would be to interview the lad and ask whether he wants the post.
Mr Malfoy, of course, has followed his father's footsteps throughout his time at Hogwarts. I have every reason to expect the trend to continue. I sense that the YPL is, you'll forgive me, less important to him by virtue of its irrelevance to his future. He has done it because it is there and it is expected. (And truly, one could say the same of Mr Marvolo!) Again, an astute method might be to question him in private and determine whether he even cares.
Of course, you may find that they both care for the simple pleasure of being selected. That is a risk. Nonetheless, you should then be armed with information instead of hazarding a guess as to their reactions.
no subject
Date: 2012-04-20 08:05 pm (UTC)Miss Greengrass: you're quite right about her recent work, and that's a concern of mine. And, likewise, that she's done much better building connections within her House than outside it. That said, she's shown great interest, and been otherwise quite suitable in terms of the YPL work.
Miss Parkinson: I do agree about some of her history - but I admit, she's shown more than a little growth in the past two years, and I'd like to continue to encourage her energies in the service of the Protectorate.
As to Miss Perks, you are right that I find much of value in her - she's been assisting me with some projects this year, and I do appreciate her work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to chip in (no small thing when herding first years through camping and long hikes.) And of course, her classwork is excellent.
On the boys - yes, of course, I've had some discussions with Raz about it, naturally. But I understand there's still quite a bit of discussion at Buckingham about related matters, the question of the best way forward to develop Mr Marvolo's skills and training. I do intend to ask other sources, but had hoped you might have insight as well.
Finally, regarding Mr Malfoy, you're quite right that there's no necessity for him to have such a position. At the same time, given the number of Head Boys and Girls who have also been YPL counsellors (a fact I'm quite proud of), I'd hate to have gossip center on someone - particularly with both his skills and family connections - not being selected, even though it's scarcely necessary to his future.
I am glad we're starting the discussion earlier this year than last - I do intend to speak to a number of people (students, as well as adults who know them well: the Gryffindor boys are also a particularly challenging decision this year) over the next two weeks, and see if that helps.
As to Capper, well. Septima mentioned he made a little progress with her over the holidays, but I admit I am still less than happy with his chart work.
no subject
Date: 2012-04-21 01:23 am (UTC)I am curious as to Rolanda's opinion of her charges. I can only judge what I see over the boiling cauldrons, of course, but it seems to me that any decisions on that front shall require no small amount of careful guidance.
Tell me, since we are discussing the students: What think you of Warrington the younger's adjustment, in the wake of his father's patriotic sacrifice?
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Date: 2012-04-21 02:48 am (UTC)On Warrington - I heard more than a little about his outburst earlier this week (and a bit more from Miss Clearwater this afternoon, actually.) I have to say that going after a much younger student really isn't the thing (and hadn't we made it clear to our own after that matter with the French students, over winter holidays?)
I did hear over the holidays that more than one person's impressed by how bravely his mother's holding up, and the same with the older brother, though of course I don't have Charles in class any longer. I'll certainly let you know if I hear anything further on Darius that you might not be aware of.