Students in the exam years

[alt_sinistra]

I’ve heard the usual worries about the upcoming exams, and I had a thought to make it easier. I’ve notes for each of my 5th years and 7th years - you’ll get them when we meet tonight or tomorrow.

On those notes, I’ve listed the topics I feel you have securely learned and made notes about any places where some time and attention might lead to useful improvement in your exam marks. But! Before you worry, in all but a very few cases (who already know who they are), it is material that can wait until after the holidays. Most of you are doing solidly well - cheers on all the time and attention you’ve put in over the past years.

Which is to say, much as I think everyone should have their heads in the stars nearly all the time, I encourage you to spend your time away from school on other topics. (I’d say relaxation, but I suspect most of you won’t listen.) We will do further revision together after the holidays, of course, just to make sure you can go into the exams with full confidence.

If you have any questions at all about my field, I will be away from Hogwarts over the holidays, but expect to be responding by journal in a timely but not necessarily immediate fashion - I have some larger projects to attend to. (Parents, of course, I remain glad to address any of your concerns as well.)

Comments

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good: Private message to Pansy

[alt_sally_anne]

I had a minute to talk to her quietly during class and told her we wanted to see her during spring break, just to talk, but privately, where Umbridge couldn't look over our shoulders. She said there's a cafe she likes called the Archetype where we could meet her and have a lot of privacy, though we'll want to arrive separately. But they have back rooms, with charms on them, I guess.

I hope the Order doesn't make a fuss about us wanting to slip off and meet with Siz. Although perhaps we can meet her in the evening -- surely we'll have free time in the evening. Anyone else, I'd say evening would be better, anyway, because they'll be tired and that makes people more likely to say things they didn't mean to share. That won't work as well on Siz, but if we meet for dinner maybe we can persuade her to drink a little wine? That works, too.

Anyway. Just getting her ALONE, somewhere that Umbridge can't overhear, might be enough. And she surely KNOWS, at least, even if Harry doesn't, what Umbridge has over Raz.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good: Private message to Pansy

[alt_pansy]

She might not want to tell us. But maybe if we tell her we're working with Harry on it?

They can't make that much of a fuss. It's not a social call. It's business. And if it's making it so we can find out what's keeping Her Royal Bitch on her throne, it's very important business.

Do you think we can convince Harry to ask Raz more closely about the blackmail too? I think he's a bit hesitant about it, otherwise he'd have done already, wouldn't he?

Private Message to Professors Siz and Raz

[alt_cedric]

It is my intention to have all the calculation for my final project down on parchment by the end of break. If you would be willing to help me double check them when we return so that I can fix the errors that I'm sure will have crept in before crunch time, I would greatly appreciate it.

I'm also planning to set up an obstacle course to run while Jaspar tries to peg me with balls. Should help with the physical end of Defence in addition to more book and wand work than I care to contemplate.

On top of all that I wanted to let both of you know I've managed to get called to tryouts with the Ballycastle, Appleby, Chudley and New London! I'm still trying to match schedules with Wigtown, Tutshill, Portree and Kenmore. I'm dreading having to ask the permission of our illustrious leader to leave campus, even if we can work it out so I don't have to miss class.

I hope your holidays are calmer and more restful than mine are on track to be!

Re: Private Message to Professors Siz and Raz

[alt_sinistra]

Of course I'll be glad to look things over. (Though, clearly, I have not told you enough stories of my own errors: I usually get other people to proof my work as well.)

On the trials - let me know when I should be holding my thumbs, mmm? I'd offer help getting you permission, but I rather suspect I'd make things worse. Madam Hooch, though - if you haven't asked her about having a word for you, it might be worth doing.

As to hols - I'm sincerely hoping they'll be a vast improvement, though I suppose we'll have to see.

Re: Private Message to Professors Siz and Raz

[alt_cedric]

I am planning to talk with Madam Hooch about supporting whatever I need to do. I already spoke to her about which teams & coaches I would fit best with, so I would just be a continuation of that conversation.

Re: Private Message to Professors Siz and Raz

[alt_sinistra]

That's a useful thing, then. I wish there were more I could do.

(Did I remember to tell you lot that other than your projects, and whatever review you want to do, I don't actually have a great deal formally planned once we get back? I thought I had, and now I can't remember. Not that it matters for a fortnight, I suppose.)