Private message to Poppy Pomfrey and Pomona Sprout

[alt_sinistra]

It's a pity I can't say "I told you so", sometimes.

You know I've been arguing against synchronised marching all along (and uniforms, and patriotic songs) as a focus for the YPL time.

This weekend so far has been a rather nice illustration of why. All the people who overruled me have not the slightest idea how to get thirty three students all pointed in the same direction at once. (33, incidentally, is a horrible number to try and arrange in any kind of pretty marching order, no matter the arithmantic possibilities).

And as they keep refusing my suggestions of oh, how to manage students I've worked with for years, I am currently sitting on a stone wall in the sunshine and catching up on my journal reading. It's a pleasant enough distraction from about eight other things I'd rather not be thinking about.

I do think it will come out all right on the day - even the students who I expect would like it just to be over with are doing their best to learn the necessary pieces. And I think the end result should be rather appropriately showy if it comes off right. But really. Is this the best thing we could be spending a dozen hours on? (Not counting all the prep time, of course.)

I do hope both of you are well, and Poppy, that your latest round of mandatory education is not too dire. You may expect to avoid Stint, at least largely, as he plans to be here part of most days through Thursday, apparently.

Comments

[alt_poppy]

You're welcome to say it here to us, whenever you wish. Just so you know.

Tell me that you at least had a day or two away from it all? Last we spoke, I think you were counting on a nice evening with Rabastan. I trust you took at least that much of a respite.

[alt_sinistra]

I told them so, I told them so, I told them so. Actually, that does feel better. Thank you.

I had two very lovely days (well, an evening and the next day) worth of break, actually - more than I expected, though we didn't get away from Spence at all. Though - well, as these times always seem to do - it also brought up some things I'm trying not to think about for a bit. (Or talk about, though I hope to manage that sooner than later with you both.)

The other new thing on that list, of course, is Thomas Capper - I'm sure you've both heard the news. I had a few more details from Helena yesterday: apparently quite the unanimous decision at higher levels to go as far with it as they did.

[alt_poppy]

The Capper boy. Oh dear, yes. Most awful, isn't it?

I dare say I dread exams right along with our pupils, though for other reasons. I suppose I dread the results of their dreading exams. I know it's infrequent, but every year I wonder if this or that one will break down completely and be unable to carry on.

But then there are the ones I don't see, like Mr Capper, who, if report carries true, was simply unconcerned with his marks or standings or mastery of any subject other than arithmancy. I do wonder if he's as unconcerned and as unmoved by regret now as he apparently was throughout his schooling.

I find it horrifying to imagine his Fate. Do you suppose it's possible that he really does not care one way or the other? I disbelieve it.

As for the other. I am pleased you had a bit of an escape with Rabastan. Good show. (As for whatever is weighing on you, you are welcome to share or not as you need or wish.)

I hope only the bet for you, you know.

[alt_pomona]

As frustrated as I was with Mr. Capper at times, I truly hoped it wouldn't go so far as all that, especially considering the adjustments made in other situations--such as that of Miss Calderwood.

One hopes that several months' suspension will have adjusted her disposition, but I suppose we will find out regardless.

[alt_sinistra]

I hoped so too. Especially after some of what I heard from Helena - she's not the most senior in the Exam Authority, but she's been around long enough to be invited to listen into some of the higher debate. They did seem to want to prove a point.

One of those things that keeps me up, wondering if something could have gotten through to him, and we just didn't find it. Surely Septima, too, and she must be devastated, though I've not heard from her.

Poppy - I should warn you, there may be worse exam nerves than usual next year. I've heard a great deal of worry from the halfbloods here, even Miss Perks (who truly has no reason to worry, if her marks stay remotely as they have been.) I did my best to reassure her, but if even she's worried, it may be an especially bad year that way. I just keep saying to work hard, and listen to their professors about suggestions for needed help.

Perhaps an early agenda item for a staff meeting? (And have either of you heard much gossip about the Dark Arts position? I tried to encourage Campanella to apply, but she put me off.)

And Pomona, as to Miss Calderwood, well, I'm just glad she won't be returning until January. That would be one too many things to worry me this summer, really. (Also, our Mr Diggory is being very thoughtful, even broody, but I've not had a chance to talk to him much. I do intend to, as I get a chance.)

Right. I've had a bit of stargazing - enough to tide me over a little longer - and I should find my bed, so I can do my best impression of a bright and cheerful morning person tomorrow. (Perhaps the image will both make you laugh, in which case it's done some good to someone.)