A note and reminder

[alt_sinistra]

Fifth and sixth years: Madam Umbridge will be observing our evening teaching sessions tonight. I’m sure you will give her every possible courtesy. It does look like it may stay clear, so please come prepared to work outside.

Fifth years: we’ll be coming back to locational magic theory in lecture next week (and your observing tonight will relate). If you still have questions about what we’ve covered so far, please have them ready for your next lecture. Or ask here. (Beyond the usual reasons you might want to learn something, yes, it will be on your OWLs.)

Comments

Private message to Tosha

[alt_sinistra]

Toshenka -

Turns out “Dolores observing my classes” makes it onto the short list of least pleasant experiences in my past year. (Yes, despite fierce competition.) That said, I will manage, Tosha, don’t fret. And don’t plot dire things - yet, anyway - please. I'm thinking about the implications.

(I have Jelly Gums, and I’m about to go soak my disgruntlement in the bath while reading #15 - Major Secrets, which has me wondering about New York City, and has some amusing plot arc as well. I'll bring it Friday.)

First, Dolores is definitely expecting to be at the staff meeting. Very pleased - cat with cream - about it, too. Has all sorts of matters she’d like to discuss. I did try to get her to expand, but she didn't share anything new.

Second, it’s clear she intends these observations of everyone. She seems to be going alphabetical by class. (Forgetting that it’s Ancient Runes, not Runes. For all her lists, she keeps doing that kind of thing, had you noticed? Anyway, she said it’s Charms, next.)

I do intend to give Bathsheba and Mina clear warning, and you can guess the contents of the note to Raz and Pomona. But I’m not sure about anyone else (‘whether’ and if so ‘how’ and ‘what to say’), and would welcome your advice there.

Third, I will manage more details and a few faint patterns for you and Raz - just give me a bit. I desperately need to keep my patience through this evening, as she’ll be up observing tonight. (It’s going to be bitterly cold up there for anyone unpracticed with warming charms. Maybe she won’t stay long.)

Re: Private message to Tosha

[alt_antonin]

I am not fretting, dearest: I am attempting to figure out what she is up to. (And pondering what would be best for the class she observes of mine...)

The fourths are filing in right now for their theoretical class, so I've only a moment, but I will drag my arse down to supper so we can discuss before the staff meeting. If it does not run too long, you and Raz are welcome to join me after for a drink, some strategy, and a griping session before your evening observations-in-both-senses.

(New York, meanwhile, is not my favourite wizarding enclave in America -- as I believe I've mentioned, that honour goes to New Orleans -- but I have spent some time there, and would be happy to tell you outrageous stories and cheerful lies.)

Exhaustedly yours,
T

Re: Private message to Tosha

[alt_sinistra]

I am all for figuring out what she's up to, trust me. I just don't want to be fussed at. (Not that you did, but - well, preventative measures. Sorry.) Anyway, sufficiently revived after a long bath and a mug of the very excellent hot chocolate I save for such occasions. And I'm about to work up notes for you and for Raz.

As to which classes, she gave me just under a week's notice. She picked the day, and I got the impression she's particularly interested in the 4th and 5th year curriculum. Protesting - or even changing the date - were clearly problematic, at least for me.

I'd appreciate the strategy, griping, and drink, as long as it's coffee. I think I'd best have all my wits about me and no hint of alcohol when I see her tonight. She - well, she tried a couple of questions about Minerva, on that topic, though I sidestepped them. (Now, after I'm done with the 6ths, that's another question, and immensely tempting.)

On New York, I rather suspected as much. I'll be interested to see what you think of the description. (I rather think this is the author who's actually spent time in America, but I wasn't sure until the last twenty pages.)