Hogwarts again.
Sep. 1st, 2012 11:33 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_sinistraSuch a joy to be settling in for the year. I just finished finding all of the charts and materials I need the first week of classes, I'm partway through some revisions for later in term in several years, and I'm about to tackle a few needed repairs, including one of the telescopes our fifth years will be using shortly.
And of course, I look forward to welcoming everyone back, and to the Sorting. Always so wonderful to see people find their homes for their time at Hogwarts. There’s the hope of some different and entertaining stories at the staff table, the crispness of Scotland’s air (already!) and all the wonders of the year.
I am even quite looking forward to Quidditch, this year (which fact I am sure has deeply amused most of my family) and I understand that the improvements to the pitch over the summer are quite something. (Very extensive, and more than a few to be much appreciated by the spectators as well as the players.)
Welcome back, students!
And of course, I look forward to welcoming everyone back, and to the Sorting. Always so wonderful to see people find their homes for their time at Hogwarts. There’s the hope of some different and entertaining stories at the staff table, the crispness of Scotland’s air (already!) and all the wonders of the year.
I am even quite looking forward to Quidditch, this year (which fact I am sure has deeply amused most of my family) and I understand that the improvements to the pitch over the summer are quite something. (Very extensive, and more than a few to be much appreciated by the spectators as well as the players.)
Welcome back, students!
Private message to Raz
Date: 2012-09-01 03:59 pm (UTC)I finally feel settled again - being back here's helped immensely and so has having proper work in my hands (though I’ll not make it down for lunch: I am all bits and disassembled telescopes at the moment and I don't dare risk Peeves making trouble while they're in pieces. What I'd do without house elves bearing sandwiches, I've no idea.)
August really was a month of months. (I think the YPL business shook me more than I admitted. And well, Stint.) Wonderful bits, of course - that'd be you - but also complications.
Last night was lovely, though. Far more than I'd quite expected. You don't mind that he flatters me like he’s done, do you? Georg, the Guildmaster, also does that - very European, not meaning anything more than mutual amusement. I'm more than human enough to find it pleasant and especially from someone you and the Malfoys and all clearly think so well of. If it bothers you, Alde taught me long ago the proper ways to gently redirect, and I will.
(You know, I’ve never asked. Are you prone to jealousy? As opposed to protectiveness, I mean. Not that I expect to give you any cause for the former, mind, and I've more and more appreciation for the latter.)
On which note: now we’re engaged, I do think we might allow ourselves a tad more physical affection around here. Which is to say, thank you for your restraint with that, I know it’s been a trial for you, and I look forward to your arm around me, your hand in mine, and so on. Though you should probably still refrain from staring too much at my chest at meals. Gives at least half our students distracting ideas.
And speaking of students, I’ve had a thought about Harry. (Totally unrelated, I promise, except for my very wandering line of thought.)
Right. Back to fixing that lens mount on the Callisto telescope. I can be down at your rooms at half-five, and we can walk down to supper together, or you're welcome up here before then if you want.
Entirely your
Rory
Re: Private message to Raz
Date: 2012-09-01 04:33 pm (UTC)In the past I've been accused of not being jealous enough, so...no? Though it might stand to be determined. There's only one person I can imagine getting jealous over and that's you. But I don't think it's a very attractive quality.
So you're saying I can be less restrained, but ultimately still restrained? This could be hard to work around, but I think I can manage. If I'm staring at your chest at breakfast it's definitely only because you've got toast crumbs all down the front of your robes.
What's your thought about Harry?
Rod had a thought, too. About Stint. I'd be interested to know your reaction. Best saved for in person, though.
Re: Private message to Raz
Date: 2012-09-01 04:57 pm (UTC)I quite agree jealousy is not particularly attractive, no. And it's always rather seemed a waste to me. Much better to sort out whatever's making one feel uncertain, and get on with it, than wallow in distress. (Though as I write that, well, I don't always follow my own advice, do I? Not particularly distressed at the moment, promise, just commenting generally.)
As to restraint, well. Passionate snogging in public is still not on, I fear. (I know you are tempted, but really. I want to be able to look Minerva and Septima and all in the face. Never mind students.) But much more touch than I was comfortable with before in public, yes. All those little affectionate gestures you keep catching yourself in.
(Though as to breakfast, Septima did a few tricks with my schedule, and I likely will take the chance to sleep in when I can, if you can bear not to see me. Though goodness, I'm looking forward to actually being able to share rooms, at the same time I'm dreading the necessary rearrangements.)
On Harry. He and I had a talk last Saturday morning, while you were off with your brother and family. I - well, I was blunt enough to make sure he really was all right with us, and he is. "Well, yeah, of course." to quote him.
But I also got the impression that - look, I don't want to intrude on your time with him, and it's clear he thinks the world of you - but. I got the idea that time with both of us, just the three of us, is something he'd really enjoy. Do you think we could make that work, from time to time? A quiet fly (if the both of you don't mind my comparative lack of skill) or something? (I will cheerfully let you both educate me further on Quidditch, too.)
I'm now curious about Rod's thought, but I will be patient as you wish. And I've no plans but you after the Sorting.
Re: Private message to Raz
Date: 2012-09-01 07:22 pm (UTC)I think it's a good idea to invite Harry on an outing with us, yes- quiet and discreet is best, since he can be a bit sensitive about appearing as if he's been singled out for special treatment- even if everyone does expect it and doesn't begrudge it (out loud).
Perhaps we can get Draco and Hydra on their own, as well? Hydra especially, since she's my blood relation. Now, I've told you how withdrawn she can be around women, so don't be hurt if she doesn't warm up to you straight away. Narcissa and Druella are the only women I've seen her truly be herself around, and she's only known them her whole life. And now she's got the former Beauxbaton's lad that she's all wrapped up in. I can't help but think it's gone a bit too serious for someone her age (and he's nearly two years older than her, at that), but it seems to have done her a bit of good, as well? But as a man and historically terrible judge of these things, it might be good for her to have a woman she can talk to, who she's not related to, about boys and hormones and...whatnot.
And Draco, well. I think he's always seen me as the cool older brother (much older), and I'm not sure it's really sunk in that I'm engaged to be married. He's not nearly so difficult to penetrate as Hydra, but (like both of his parents) I suspect he's got a face for every occasion.
In comparison to those two, Harry is blessedly straight-forward and simple.
Re: Private message to Raz
Date: 2012-09-01 07:40 pm (UTC)Yes, on Harry being blessedly straight-forward and simple in comparison.
Glad you brought it up, honestly, because I've been unsure quite how to go forward with both Draco and Hydra. Truly, I won't be offended if she doesn't warm. Not only has she not known me long, but I'm really nothing like either her mother or Narcissa, and I'm sure that's no help whatsover in her figuring out what to do with me.
I do wonder if books might be a way in, if I can strike on something to talk about with her. I don't know. (Which is to say, should you have suggestions, please share.)
But on the topic of a willing ear. Well. Yes.
(I'd been thinking about that with others, too. Pansy, for a start. One doesn't want to put too many ideas in a head, but at the same time, I know far too many women whose first relationships were rather a mess, even with boys who were trying to do everything best they could, because there's just so much you don't know you don't know. As it were.)
And on Draco - well, yes. There's an easier way in if I let you talk Quidditch at me, there, and see what grows from that? (And truly, I don't mind at all. Especially now you can show me the whole pattern more clearly - see, my present to you was entirely selfish.)
One other thing: Antosha suggested he and I might enjoy some discussion of - as he puts it - the minutae of research that may not interest you, on Fridays. My thought is that we might alternate both of us (he'd love time with you as well, mind) with that. And that would give you some time alone with Harry and Draco and Hydra, as well, if you wanted. And then we could arrange other things for Saturday or Sunday, depending. (Just don't expect me up before 11 on Saturday mornings, is all I ask. Maybe noon.)
Stars, Narcissa is right, and I do appear to be turning into your social secretary. Not that I mind.
Private message to Antosha
Date: 2012-09-01 04:27 pm (UTC)Thank you again for a most enjoyable evening. And for the coffee! (I admit terribly provincial tastes as a rule. My age and limited budget - and a love for books and charts above all other luxuries - meant I never developed a taste for most imports. Real chocolate is the exception.)
I do hope my comments were of use, besides their clear amusement. I confess I've not been quite so opinionated quite so quickly with anyone on staff, well, ever. (I am, of course, with Raz, and with Poppy and Pomona, but it took us quite a time to work up to that.)
Beyond that, it was a true delight to see your pride in Raz. I think, perhaps, it’s easy when you see someone regularly, not to see them growing and changing, and becoming more truly what they could be, and that those things are clearer with time and distance. While I admit I’d have found his parents formidable to deal with, it is wonderful to see someone who’s mentored him so clearly approve of who he has become and how he’s grown.
Seeing him grow as a teacher and guide (much of which I am increasingly sure he must have learned from you) gives me so much hope for the future, beyond those things he’s long been best known for. Do excuse me. You have already realised, I think, that the quickest way to my heart these days is a thorough appreciation of Raz’s virtues. I needn’t go on so.
Again, should you have questions about any manner of school-related need, please don’t hesitate to ask. As long as you do not ask me to be cheerful or coherent before about 9am of a morning (and 10 is safer), I am at your service there.
A.
Re: Private message to Antosha
Date: 2012-09-01 06:12 pm (UTC)The pleasure was entirely mine. And I'm quite happy you felt comfortable enough to be opinionated, or rather, to share your opinions freely; rest assured I shall not repeat any of your observations on our colleagues to anyone.
Casting my memory back over the conversation, and to follow up on your many and varied offers of assistance, all deeply appreciated: I would be grateful for whatever insight you can give about managing the staircases; it's been years since I've set foot in the castle and though I know I'd figured out at least some of the knack by my NEWTs, I can't for the life of me recall.
I would also be eager for the charms your sister gave you for ease in marking -- I wish to achieve as much critical engagement with the material as possible, and therefore must assign as much writing as my time will bear. The Arts are intensely individual, requiring (paradoxically) a disciplined and orderly mind and a flexible and creative approach; when teaching en masse I am less certain of my ability to instill those qualities, but I shall certainly try my best. Who was it whose ideal equation for instruction was one teacher, one student, one log? Whomever it was, he was entirely correct.
Ah, well: as I've said to you before, it will be an adventure. (I have adopted this as my motto for the year; a very dear friend, alas now deeply mourned, used to proclaim that as long as you deemed something an adventure at the outset, any setback encountered along the way would simply become an element of the adventure, not an annoyance to be snarled at.)
Also, yes, please do (if you've a chance) turn up the information regarding Septima's favorite tea, and I shall apply myself to the task of acquiring a suitable amount of it. I do so dislike beginning an interpersonal situation at a disadvantage, and -- having looked at the larger schedule and all the considerations that must be taken into account -- I am clearly at a disadvantage in my balance-ledger with her! (I almost regret my proposal to make such sweeping changes to the curriculum -- and then I think of what I've learned of my illustrious predecessor and the style and remit of her instruction, and the feeling passes. Quickly.)
I believe that is the last of the outstanding items of business from last night, save for me also to say that I am grateful for your cautions regarding allowing oneself to be overwhelmed by a tightly-packed schedule (particularly, though you were quite kind not to call mention to it, given my status as convalescent, one distinction of which I cannot rid myself soon enough). Gruelling though my schedule may be, I am quite used to keeping such hours, from the work I have been doing for Our Lord -- and I can assure you, what your research and stargazing is for you, teaching is for me. Ask your Razzer if you doubt me: I am never more content than I am in the moment when the light of comprehension first dawns in a student's eyes.
And speaking of he: there was a brief fashion in my childhood for Muggle literature; do you know the novel Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up, or its titular character? (If not, I've a copy to lend, should the prospect intrigue; my library is not all old and dire, and the bottomless book-trunk has joined me at Hogwarts along with much of its contents. Though, likely impolitic to be seen reading it these days; you are welcome to borrow my sitting-room as well.) Have often suspected Razzer was cast as the Peter of our company long ago, and certain comments made in my hearing indicate a concerted effort to place you in the role of his Wendy. Darling though you might be (a reference to the text, I assure you) -- it is clear to see the changes in him must predate your happy acquaintance. I do look forward to renewing my ties and becoming familiar with the person he's made of himself.
In the meantime -- by end of week I'm certain I will be in dire need of company above the age of maturity, particularly after Thursday. (One hour's grace in my schedule between 10AM and 5PM. Say it with me: it is an adventure.) If you've time on Friday after 4PM and before your night's classes, or on Saturday or Sunday, I'd be pleased to offer a glass of wine (or another cup of coffee, if you haven't made up your mind on whether you enjoyed it or no), and we could discuss that text you mentioned last week. I could not promise any form of swift turnaround on a formal translation -- you've seen my schedule -- but at very least, could read it aloud to you and provide a very rough rendition; Arabic was indeed one of my childhood tongues, and one I retain fluency in.
Raz is, of course, welcome as well -- I imagine you never get enough time together and would be loathe to surrender even a moment of it -- but I do suspect it would take more than a decade for his itchy wand hand whenever two conversational partners apply themselves to the minutiae of research to disperse. I assure you, though, I will not be offended in the least if you choose time with him over me. The offer will be open as long as it needs.
Longwindedly, but with utmost affection,
A
Re: Private message to Antosha
Date: 2012-09-01 08:13 pm (UTC)On your requests: I should have both routes to your most likely places and the charm notes tonight at supper. You’ll want a dedicated quill for the charm, and an hour to set it to your preferences, but it’s otherwise quite simple. Septima’s tea, my notebook says, is any sheng pu’erh, but preferably 15-20 years old. (I had, prior to that conversation with her, no idea one could ferment and age tea leaves so long.) I’ll bring the name of an import shop that sometimes carries it, too.
As to your comments about not overburdening yourself - well, I do have eyes and ears. And more to the point, have been at close hand to observe Raz the past eighteen months, in both recovery and set-back. (That is, I should say here, something he and I almost never discuss directly, though if you need the chart of what happened, I’ll tell you in private sometime.)
As to overwork - well. As I glancingly referred to last night, I have been known to suffer from the problem. All the joy in the work in the world is one thing, but as Raz told me, in rather small and pointed words last spring, long-term damage to one’s ability to do that work is another. I am not trying to mother - truly, neither my style, nor my intent - just to underline that teaching the arriving hordes is quite different than one teacher, one student, and one log (the luxury!)
On the book, I am now most intrigued. I believe I’ve heard the title, but never read it (and you are quite right that admitting to reading Muggle authors is most impolitic these days. Of course, people do, quietly.) I will take you up on the loan and conversation after.
Finally, Fridays sound most promising. You are quite right that Raz and I never get enough time together, and do our best to keep Saturday and Sunday evenings for ourselves, and find a few other hours in private during the week. (For any number of things, mind you, besides the ones everyone seems to assume.) But for all that, we do not need to be joined at the hip, and it would give him time for conversations and projects of his own.
I’d love a good regular research wrangle on a regular basis (perhaps alternating with time with both of you on less academic topics?) And naturally, I deeply appreciate help with that text, if it’s truly no burden. After supper Fridays would be more relaxed, as I needn’t be up the tower until at least half-ten, but between four and supper would also do.
I am quite looking forward to watching your experience of a Sorting from the staff side of the table. (And I’ve a young cousin being sorted tonight, which adds to my personal interest.) Ah. Now I think I’ve come to a solution for rebracing that lens properly. Handy how that works, really, to do something else and trick the mind.
Yours in the amusements of the day,
A.
Re: Private message to Antosha
Date: 2012-09-02 04:33 am (UTC)Goodness, a Sorting does look different from the other side of the tables. Suspect it shall take me quite some time to answer readily to "Professor Dolohov", as well! (Do they always look so young and unformed?)
The study cards for the staircases have already been a help; the second staircase on the first floor and I engaged in a brief bout of mutual apprehension (primed by your whimsy, I wonder if the castle is taking my measure?) and your notes aided me to an alternate route back to my quarters.
I have been issued a revised schedule -- we all managed to miss that we'd forgotten the third years' theoretical session (and now I am doubly in Septima's debt) -- and so my Friday afternoons are now more full; a standing arrangement for an end-of-day nightcap (or mid-day pause, for you, one supposes) after supper would be lovely. And no, you needn't fear imposing, re: the translation; if you had asked for Sanskrit or Hittite I would have to demur, as my capacities with those are at "fumbling through dictionaries" level, but my mother would rise from her grave and berate me unceasingly should I not be able to translate a few pages of her mother tongue on the fly, though I may need to demur on some of the specialised vocabulary.
If you still feel awkward at accepting assistance: do you know anything of the prevailing attitudes on astronomy in China several centuries ago? Dominic Selwyn dropped by for a visit earlier in the week and lent me a text I've found quite fascinating so far; there's a section touching upon astromantic calculation I'm only barely able to follow (your subject was never my strong suit, alas, and I'm at a double disadvantage as the Eastern practises remain shrouded in mystery) and I would appreciate the chance to consult with an expert.
As to Raz -- "recovery and set-back" sound rather ominous; I won't ask you to betray any confidences, but do tell me there's nothing to fear? A man does fret about his former chicks, even once they've fledged.
Most sorry to hear of your telescope's fate, by the by, and hope your solution proved to be an implementable one. I will confess I'd managed to block Peeves from my memory over the intervening years. I shall hope I manage to escape his notice, or am able to redirect it to a more worthy target.
Awaiting Friday with all anticipation,
A
Re: Private message to Antosha
Date: 2012-09-02 05:23 pm (UTC)Doesn’t it look different? And yes, the firsties do have that unformed look. I do actually adore working with them: they are so new and so nervous, and so full of possibilities. If one can get beyond their spelling and writing skills. (And I am glad my help with the stairs was of use.)
As to “Professor”, it took me more than a little time, though of course I was both quite young and most nervous about proving myself when I started, which did not help. (And while not in my classes, my youngest brother was still at school, along with all his friends and I was very much upon my rather stilted dignity for a while.) There are variants, from time to time - last year, a fair portion of the school went to calling me Professor Siz, at least ouside of class, and while I try not to admit it to them, it delights me entirely. (Raz is likewise often Professor Raz.)
Friday evenings will be lovely. I quite like my Friday evening classes - it’s my OWL class and then my 7th year NEWTs, so while it’s a long evening, they’re extremely willing to focus most of the time. And the latter, of course, adore the subect, or they’d not have come this far. A glass of wine over the course of a few hours would not be a problem, but I’ll demur in advance from anything more alcoholic than that: best practice is not to dull the senses when you are going to be on high towers with steep stairs in the dark of night.
As to the actual research, I suspect the language in the Arabic will not be so obscure as all that, fortunately. On the Chinese approach to astronomy, it’s certainly not an area I touch on all that often, but I do know the theory, and I’ve a few relevant reference books in my rooms. And the calculations are - well, not precisely the same method as we use, but numbers are more of a universal language than theories of the patterns in the sky. I’ll see if I can’t brush the cobwebs off this week, and if I can’t untangle it myself, I do know who to ask.
On Raz. Better kept for in person and in private. But briefly, it’s of a matter with Hannah Abbott’s death, and a situation last June. He does see his healers, and I leave it there because he so clearly does not wish to discuss it much with me.
As to the telescopes, I truly am philosophical about it. It helps that they were not my own (Raz, last Christmas, surprised me with the newest and most elaborate model - a hair wrong on that and my world falls to pieces.) Instead, Peeves played dominoes with my storage. Most of them are well enough, but one had a lens slipped entirely from its place, another had a bracket wrenched, both now mended. The last one, alas, the charms are noticeably weaker, and I shall have to beg for a replacement sooner than planned, but it should last the year.
Truth is, it’s been long enough since Peeves made trouble for me, I’d half expected it. He does take a turn for those newer, if he gets a chance, but we can hope he prefers Dolores over you as a target. Alas, there’s no particular trick to managing him beyond force of personality and a knack for distracting him into something that is less a bother. (If he’s truly a difficulty, you’ll likely remember from your school days that the Bloody Baron is a great ally.)
And now I've the prospect of a cheerful afternoon catching up with Pomona, and my final preparations for tomorrow. Do enjoy your last day without any looming marking for a while!
A.
Private message to Pomona
Date: 2012-09-01 05:07 pm (UTC)Tomorrow, after lunch? I’d love to chat properly, and there’s a few bits of House related business we might wish to discuss, and a few other things.
Private message to Mum
Date: 2012-09-01 06:21 pm (UTC)All settled here, and I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to see you again last week. It was all sorts of chaos over the matter with Stint. (The thought of what he nearly did to Poppy. Well.)
The spinning has gotten much more even, though my attempt to weave cord is less so: we will have to find time to try that again together sometime sooner than later. (My stubborn insistence on doing for myself, yes, but I would prefer given the use it’s going to.) Funny what our hands remember longer than we'd think.
I’ve not had much chance to start going through the books you and Diane got me, though Narcissa and I did talk through some of the larger questions. I am afraid the thing is going to need to be huge: my starting list of family, Council Members and respective spouses, fellow staff is already pushing past 150, before we even get to anyone else.
Dad’s not still - well, upset probably isn’t too strong - about the wording of the announcement, is he? Just, there’s tradition and there’s fairness. And it’s not as if I’m just out of school and have never provided for myself. I promise, we’ll gladly let you both help, in all sorts of ways. Just that I refuse to be a burden, or limit what you could do for Sage or Temp if the time comes for them.