Two notes

[alt_sinistra]

To answer a number of questions I've gotten recently.

First, I've been asked what I think of our new Headmaster.

In the two years I've known him, I've come to greatly value both Headmaster Dolohov's breadth and depth of knowledge and willingness to share what he knows, and also his ability to admit what he does not yet know and learn more about it.

More than that, I deeply respect his approach to teaching, wanting each student to know themselves and what they're capable of. No small thing, that. I look forward to his plans for the school and I like the ones I've heard so far.

Second, I do intend to continue teaching, and cannot imagine being anywhere other than Hogwarts come September. Students, if you have questions about preparing for the coming year or astronomy, you are welcome to write.

Comments

Private message to Tosha

[alt_sinistra]

People do keep asking. About both my teaching and what I think of you. (Still very slow. The above all took me multiple drafts and hours.) Also, several other thoughts. All in a row. Perhaps the walks are helping.

Basic composition and grammar: You should be getting a letter of application from Gordon Holcomb sometime today. Georg can speak to the relevant skills better than I can (I've biases, mostly in his favour), but he is pleasant, diligent, and patient - been a tutor, the family's fallen out of my head again, last of their kids starts Hogwarts this year, so he's looking for something new.

For Potions, first, have you asked Poppy? She's meeting a number of people in the field this summer. Might have ideas that would help you, or know who absolutely couldn't deal with students. You've probably already thought of that, though, weeks ago.

Second, was reminded that Parthenope York (in the WEA office) knows near everyone. I think I remember your last round with her (over the Noble Arts exams) means you may need want to sweeten her.

Have it on good authority (I double checked) that the useful offerings include fancy pastries (the Archetype's are a favourite, citrus or good chocolate, not the marzipan), real green tea, or invitations to meals with other interesting scholars (smaller is better - a lunch with you and two or three others, maybe).

I've notes to talk through in pieces, assuming I remember what I meant by any of them. For tomorrow.

About going places - it's not just the travel. Quite sure I'm not up for dealing with most people yet. Especially in numbers greater than, oh, two. Also, I know you are exceedingly busy, Toshenka. When I think it might actually help, I will ask, promise.

Re: Private message to Tosha

[alt_antonin]

Asking Poppy is a very good idea indeed, and one I actually had not thought of. I've mostly been combing through the Ministry, to no avail. I've also put out feelers with Mysteries, but most of that lot can't tie their own shoelaces without whiffing the charm six times in a row, much less manage a classroom, so I'm reduced to looking for someone who knows someone who, etc.

And I have been slowly coming around to the thought I will likely need to sweet-talk York somewhat. Or throw around my weight, which I do so dislike if there is no other way around it -- it tends to close off so many other options in the future. Still. Mr Marvolo and I have had a very productive discussion in which he has made it clear he is as committed to the idea of a revitalised Hogwarts as I am; perhaps I might enlist him for that battle. He can pull off innocent puzzlement and of-course-I-must-have-misunderstood-you far better than I.

Holcomb's vitae does indeed seem quite strong; I've put him near the top of the list. I doubt we'll be able to offer compelling wages, for the first year at least (if I am not able to persuade the Governors of the rightness of my cause I shall simply finance the positions myself) but his introductory letter does at least seem as though he enjoys the experience of teaching, which has been sadly lacking thus far in the slushpile; that alone warrants a closer look.

And I do understand about the people, for all that -- when I am in extremis -- I draw comfort from interaction rather than finding it a chore. Still. The offer remains open, dear heart. I am not so busy that I do not have time for necessary things, and supporting you falls under that banner.

Re: Private message to Tosha

[alt_sinistra]

I'm glad I thought to mention Poppy, then. She's been quite busy during the weeks, but a bit more time on the weekend. And I've made a note to ask her when I see her Sunday.

As to York, we can talk more over supper. I was in and out of that office during the YPL days (my clerk being their clerk most of the time.) He's no longer there, or I'd have an easier path for you.

My impression of her is that she's fierce about what she does, and gets prickly when people don't understand what's involved or why an independent examination method is best all round. Maybe there's a way in with that? Appealing to her pride, enlisting her directly in your plans rather than trying to go around her. (I'm fairly sure she's a lion by background, and I think of the type that finds the indirect approach quite suspicious by default.)

I'll also tell you a bit more about Holcomb. (He's working here for the summer, one of the projects.) I suspect that moderate wages and time to pick up other work around the edges would do as well as a single source of income. (He's a widower, no children, so more flexible than some, too.)

And yes, on the people, though I have invited Miss Perks and Miss Parkinson to lunch on Sunday, and they are a change of company, at the least. (Miss Perks, indeed overwhelmed by languages. I have sent her some books to help give her a start.)