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 Raz and Pomona

[alt_sinistra]

Have either of you heard a better excuse for why Dolores is being allowed to observe classes, beyond "wanting to understand the entire scope of the school" better? Septima was entirely oblique about it when she mentioned her own observation last Thursday.

Two classes of mine so far today, plus talking to her through lunch and my office time. (She so clearly was not going to climb the stairs again, and I was not going to leave her alone in my office or classroom, thank you.) She was actually cordial enough, not that poison-in-sugar thing she often does, but she’s so demandingly persistent.

Maybe it’s just me remembering the summer and overreacting that makes it feel miserable. I hope so.

Why this thing, why that. Why do we have to have astronomy on top of a very tall tower? Could I explain why midnight? (Again!) What’s the point of the field anyway? Do I really need all that equipment? Or that many charts? What’s this tool used for? How much does it cost to maintain the telescopes? How often do we replace them? Who does the repairs and maintenance? Where did I learn to do that?

Anyway, I’m writing for two reasons: First, she’s going to be at the staff meeting. “Now that I’m teaching alongside the rest of you, my dear.” Ugh.

Second: Pomona, Bathsheba will fail miserably, if she’s not prepared for it. And we should warn Mina, too. Do you think you could invite the two of them plus me to tea sometime this week? Dolores said it’s Charms next, so we’ve a little time, but not lots. I’ll work the conversation round to the observation, but the invite might look better coming from you.

I’m going to go have a long bath and find something to restore my patience before supper. And that meeting.

Private message to Raz

[alt_sinistra]

Love -

I’m coping, honest. The day I can’t talk her ear off about my own field and keep control of the conversation is the day I should retire to the country and a life of bad novels and occasional sheep.

Having her in my space is the horrible part, and the worst of that’s over. She won’t stop fiddling with things. Which, really, is a rather blunt metaphor for the whole problem.

Seeing Storm yesterday did help with some other stuff I’ve been mulling over. I’ll catch you up when we get a chance, but none of it’s urgent. Sorry I got back so late - I ended going straight up the tower for class.

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.)

Private Message to Auri and Raz

[alt_antonin]

This has not been a very good day.

As you have likely noticed by now, I will not be at supper; I am in the infirmary with Mr Inglebee attempting to arrive at the bottom of what these idiots have been up to. I will attempt five minutes' grace before the meeting to fill you both in on what I have discovered.

Raz: as it is clear that the idiots started their unauthorised duelling club in response to our example, I plan to insist that the right of discipline is also ours. I will assume you are in accord there unless you tell me otherwise?

Auri: I must ask your assistance during the meeting -- if you see that my anger is getting the best of me, kindly step on my foot beneath the table or some such to call me to heel.