Class followup
Sep. 13th, 2012 02:18 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_antoninI have seen several of our Gryffindor and Hufflepuff fifth-year students discussing the locking spell we covered in lecture on Wednesday, and several of our Slytherin and Ravenclaw students looking forward to the lesson on Friday (at which, yes, we will cover the same spell). I have not wished to intrude in your discussions: however, if you have any questions that were not covered in class, feel free to ask them. I will happily answer, though my schedule today is such that I may not be able to answer questions in advance of tomorrow's Slytherin/Ravenclaw lecture.
Private Message to Aurora Sinistra
Date: 2012-09-13 06:21 pm (UTC)My apologies again for dropping our previous line of discussion (and for absence at supper since Monday -- I have not been avoiding you, I swear, simply exhausted). Are we still on for tomorrow night? (Please, tell me yes; I could desperately use a few hours of discussion without having to explain every. last. little. detail of things I thought were self-evident. Ah, well, if nothing else they force me to examine my own premises more fiercely before I speak!)
Fondly, and off now to poke holes in Ravenclaw logic,
Tosha
Re: Private Message to Aurora Sinistra
Date: 2012-09-13 07:15 pm (UTC)How could I refuse, when you ask so nicely for my company? (And don’t feel guilty over Tuesday, at least: I’ve the afternoon entirely free, and it’s my chance to go to New London, plan a wedding, and see friends or my parents for supper.)
More seriously, I am looking forward to an evening together. (My students - well, I don’t expect independent logic and analysis out of them until the NEWT years. Different field. But I do have some bits from this week’s essays that may make you laugh. Or despair.)
I will admit, though, I’ve not yet had a chance to settle into The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, though you’ll likely approve of the reason. My youngest sister either loves me or hates me, still can’t quite decide which. She handed me a stack of books on Tuesday - 10 of them - promising me the dozen or so more that are out as soon as she tracks them down.
I got 50 pages in yesterday before class and then could barely put the first one down - they’re total trash, spun sugar for the brain. Set at the Salem Institute of Magic, all school dramas and feuds. (They’re written here, so I’m sure you’ll have plenty of commentary about what they get wrong about life there, too.) I inhaled the rest of the first after class last night in the bath, and really, you must give it a try. I’ll bring it down with me Friday, unless you think you’ll make supper tonight.
(Also, I saw the comments about gossip magazines: do you want my copies of the ones your esteemed friends are not sending when I’m done? I usually take them down to either Poppy or the Hufflepuff common room otherwise. I take Witch Weekly, Night Owl, Dish!, Whirl, and In The Soup at the moment. And yes, still the last. Better to know the worst, really.)
On the other line of discussion - I do want to pick it up again, please. But at the same time, it’s scarcely urgent: it’s kept six months already, after all. (And it is a conversation that, perhaps, I’d rather Raz weren’t around for initially. It - at the time, it was rather difficult, and the aftermath was the one big fight we’ve had. I’d rather not worry him more than need be.)
Right. Naptime for me. (Wednesdays are my always-short night.) And then office hours and marking the first year essays (I hope they’re better than the other section) mixed with the 7th years to give me hope.
A.
Re: Private Message to Aurora Sinistra
Date: 2012-09-14 01:25 am (UTC)Laughter at the little darlings' essays would be much appreciated. I'm proceeding rapidly apace through my marking, and -- Well. I take your point about the logic and analysis. I hadn't expected the sort of reasoning I am used to, but it is clear we have a great deal of work to do. Am beginning to wonder if I should assign them some emergency Aristotle to sharpen up their logic skills. And there is some utter confusion going on in the comments below that I still haven't sorted out ...
The books, meanwhile, sound delightfully distracting. I do tend to ridiculous romances for brainless distraction, but if you can't put them down, I will eagerly give them a try. As I'm sure you noticed, I took supper in my quarters, but do bring them along tomorrow night. And yes, please do pass along any of the gossip magazines you've read -- I'm not certain which ones Barty and Narcissa have chosen for me, but I suppose I will find out in time! (I mistrust Barty's sense of humor when he affects such helpfulness...) Would particularly appreciate Witch Weekly, even though I get odd looks when seen reading it in public. (One of the reasons I took to using the disguise charm.)
To the other: if you feel it is not urgent, I will bow to your sense of scheduling, of course. And it's a difficult topic to discuss at the best of times. But allow me to urge you, if I might: sometimes it is when one feels the most reluctance to revisit a topic that one has the most need.
At your disposal, in this as in all things,
T
Re: Private Message to Aurora Sinistra
Date: 2012-09-14 03:14 am (UTC)My apologies, the stars were particularly brill tonight, and I was squeezing in every moment on the tower I could. (I will spare you the rhapsodies, but really, best clear night we’ve had in months, and the Milky Way was glorious. I basked.) The thought of “emergency Aristotle”, though, entirely delights me.
Let me pause to read below, before I continue. Oh, Antosha - I assume Narcissa cleared it up for you? I’m sorry, I’m sitting here laughing till I cry. (Not at you, I rush to assure, but at the situation.) I... and of all people, Miss Lovegood. Oh, goodness. (I have not read it, mind you, but Temp was telling me all about it over tea on Tuesday. Quite the rage with various circles of witches - both those who enjoy mocking it and those who like the dalliance with things they’d dare not ask their husbands for. It’s rather badly done of its kind, which is why I’ve not read it yet.)
Look, can I help? I don’t think you need worry too much about Miss Lovegood in class, except for her entirely insatiable sense of curiousity. If you would like, send her to me if she’s got questions about the content - or Poppy, for the mechanics. Poppy has anatomical models, so she tells me.
Right, on to happier subjects. I think you will find the series delightfully amusing, and I look forward to discussing it. And I will pack quite the little set of things to hand you tomorrow. Mum’s scones, the back issues of the various magazines, and two delightful little books. (I’m quite sure I’ll finish the second tonight.)
On the rest - you sound remarkably like Raz, there, you know. I promise, next week, when you have me on my own. (And really, at my disposal in all things? On such short acquaintance, sir! But thank you, truly.) It’s just - well. That’s another discussion, entitled “June, after the third task” that we should probably also have. Short version: I try to avoid worrying Raz when it's not actually necessary. It's not very good for him.
Do you need me to come down with an emergency ration of common sense and alcohol? I've three-quarters of an hour before class.
A.
Re: Private Message to Aurora Sinistra
Date: 2012-09-14 03:28 am (UTC)Now that the first flush of mortification has worn off I've almost found the laughter myself, but -- goodness. I'm less concerned with Miss Lovegood -- and actually, now that I'm aware of the source of the confusion, her essay makes a slight bit more sense, although honestly, I haven't the faintest idea how her mind works and I shudder to think at what she will make of the actual reading -- so much as the fact I shall clearly never hear the end of this from Lyoushka and Narcissa. If Barty weighs in the situation will turn utterly hopeless. I am already fearing tomorrow's owl post. It's not common sense and alcohol I'm in need of so much as a gag for Lyoushka and Narcissa...
A quick skim through the pile awaiting marking turned up two others who appear to have suffered the same confusion, or I would have allowed the matter to die a peaceful death. I am the last person in the world to serve as confessor on that particular topic, as well, so I will take you up on your offer and deflect any inquiries in your direction, and hope something else happens quickly to distract everyone's attention as quickly as possible!
(I haven't the faintest idea how I will possibly be able to meet anyone's eyes in class tomorrow.)
As to the rest: yes, next week. Having just had such a vivid reminder of the need for discretion myself...
Yours in utter shame,
T
Re: Private Message to Aurora Sinistra
Date: 2012-09-14 03:40 am (UTC)Alas, if you hope for me to stand between you and Lucius, Narcissa, and Barty, your common sense has gone very far astray indeed. I can be of very little help there, other than a friendly ear when they're done having their fun. (Raz might be of more help, but you will need to take up your negotiations with him yourself.)
That said, Narcissa's advice to me on matters of this kind does seem to be true: wait a day or two and some other calamity will draw the attention away from one. At least it's Friday tomorrow - by Monday, I'm quite sure you'll no longer be the major topic of conversation.
As to handling it in class, speaking as one who has had her life strewn across magazines, be brisk, to the purpose, and focused. They'll follow you, given a few minutes. Have them start working on something directly, without room for chatter, when they come in. If you get off on the right foot, it'll flow from there.
And I will have further distractions for you tomorrow. Promise.
A.
Private Message to Rabastan Lestrange
Date: 2012-09-13 06:25 pm (UTC)Quickly, over lunch: thank you again for the loan of the box; the little darlings were rapt yesterday at my demonstration. Will you be joining Aurora for drinks and discussion tomorrow night? Would love to pick your brain on what other demonstrations you think would catch their attention. (And not, ideally, result in a visit to the hospital wing; I have promised Madam Pomfrey to minimise mayhem, for first term at least.)
Eternally yours,
T
Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-09-13 06:29 pm (UTC)Have only a moment, but thought this would amuse: am teaching the little darlings Balliol's Blood-Lock this week, and you will be pleased to know that though some have shown a certain interest in the details, your record of being the only student who has ever demanded to unravel the mechanism down to smallest component pieces thus far remains unbroken.
Nostalgic for the "but why does it work that way?",
T
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-09-14 04:02 am (UTC)I see your wish has been answered. 'But why does it work that way?'
Surprised it took until this week before any of them asked, given what you assigned them.
May I suggest an educational expedition for your students to Pseudonymity?
If I'd guessed you had such an interest, I'd have included you in the gift I've just sent Raz. Will rectify that tomorrow.
Musing on the state to which education has apparently come,
B
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-09-14 04:21 am (UTC)I fear whatever you've in mind to twit me about this. Bear in mind I've a limited supply of forbearance: are you certain you wish to use it on this?
Suppose I could go imperiate Dolores into doing something horribly scandalous at supper tomorrow to change the topic of gossip.
In utter chagrin,
T
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-09-14 04:31 am (UTC)Will, however, send you the signed copy the publisher sent me. As you might imagine, Sylkie Reville has an admirable hand.
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-09-14 04:39 am (UTC)And I do suppose after all this fuss, I should at least read the damned thing, shouldn't I?
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-09-14 04:44 am (UTC)Re. Intra P--I doubt you'd find it a hard read.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 12:33 am (UTC)I don't know if you've marked my essay yet, but I'm starting to wonder a bit about my textbook. Intra Profundis, I mean.
I know that you said that we should come to the work without too many expectations, but I'm not quite sure how to glean a working definition from the sorts of arts it's talking about.
I was also wondering: are we really supposed to demonstrate this stuff, if we stay in the Practical class?
And do you provide all the tools? Because none of them were on our shopping lists that were sent out at the beginning of the year. I wonder if mine was left out of my envelope or something by mistake.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 12:43 am (UTC)Regarding Intra Profundis: My plans are to touch upon each section in turn in lecture throughout the year. Some areas of practise are not suited to classroom demonstration, and some of the magics described in the text have fallen out of favor since it was written, but on the whole it is the best overview I've found of a variety of areas of study in the Arts, and so we will likely cover the bulk of the topics at some point during your studies.
If specialised tools are required, I will of course provide them; however, most of the truly elaborate forms of magic the text discusses are not necessarily appropriate to study in depth until you have more of a grounding in the basics.
Does that answer your question? If not, can you perhaps be more specific about your concerns?
Regards,
Professor Dolohov
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 12:56 am (UTC)I'm just quite surprised to be expected to learn these types of things at Hogwarts.
Don't you think some of the parents will object? Most of them, really.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 01:10 am (UTC)If your parents or guardians object to the study, do encourage them to get in touch with me. I've had several highly productive conversations with concerned parents, and was able to reassure them there is nothing to fear.
Is there a particular area of the Arts you are concerned about? If you let me know what section of the text you chose for your reading, I can perhaps ease your trepidation somewhat; I seem to recall that we ran out of time in your class's session on Tuesday and we did not get a chance to discuss your definitions, or the section you chose to investigate further, but I would be happy to discuss it with you now if you feel that would help. (I will pull your essay from the stack as soon as I've a moment and look into it for you.)
Regards,
Professor Dolohov
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 01:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 01:19 am (UTC)And what about the part about safe words?
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 01:20 am (UTC)It sounds very uncomfortable. Unless it enhances the effects?
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 01:22 am (UTC)If you don't mind, can you please let me know what translation you're using, and which publisher put out the edition? The only possible explanation I can think of is that you have unfortunately been given an extremely inaccurate rendition.
Give me a moment to glance over your essay, as well, and perhaps that will help make things clear.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 01:26 am (UTC)The publisher is Paramour Press, and the translator is Sylkie Reville.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 01:30 am (UTC)Did the bookstore give you this copy? Are you certain of the title?
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 01:36 am (UTC)And no, I didn't get it from the bookstore. Mrs Brown (she's my foster mother) had it on her bookshelf. This is her own personal copy. I asked Mr Brown if I could bring it with me to Hogwarts, and he said it would be all right.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 01:55 am (UTC)It appears I was wholly unaware that a volume had been published with the same name as the title I placed on the booklist. The title I intended for you to read was written by Marcus Julius Calidus in Roman times. The volume you have read is of rather more recent authorship.
Please see me at your earliest convenience and I will provide you with the appropriate text. I recommend you return the volume you currently possess to your foster mother and say no more about the subject. Ever again.
I will return the assignment to you unmarked, and allow you to make it up at a time of your choosing.
Regards,
Professor Dolohov
no subject
Date: 2012-09-14 02:07 am (UTC)I'm rather relieved.
I mean, if this really was our textbook, I couldn't imagine what you would ask us to do for extra credit.
Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy
Date: 2012-09-14 01:33 am (UTC)I seem to find myself in a bit of farce with one of my students above; I'm not certain what but it does appear to be. Well.
Do you recognize the publisher or author at all? (Or should I ask Lyoushka?)
Puzzled,
T
Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy
Date: 2012-09-14 01:35 am (UTC)No, we're at the opera. Your timing could not be better; it's the interval. And we're considering leaving but -
Well. At any rate, I've my journal charmed to notify me if one of my dearest is trying to reach me.
Let me read through your journal.
Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy
Date: 2012-09-14 01:39 am (UTC)Oh.
Oh, dear. Oh, Tosha. I should have -
Oh, but no one would have confused the two, surely?
It's just the sort of thing Nasturtium Brown would read, too.
Toshenka, it so happens that just a few months ago, a rather sordid and highly pornographic, er, 'novel,' for lack of a better word, was published with the name Intra Profundis. It seems the inimitably odd Miss Lovegood helped herself to her foster-mother's secret guilty pleasure.
You'll have to supply her with the correct volume. Though I daresay she's just had an entirely different sort of education!
Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy
Date: 2012-09-14 01:43 am (UTC)Oh dear.
And I've just read her essay, too. I haven't the faintest idea how I'll look her in the eye next week. Oh dear.
I'm never going to hear the end of this, am I. What on earth possessed them to use that title?
Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy
Date: 2012-09-14 01:46 am (UTC)But you'll be pleased to know that your Lyoushka has seized on this 'emergency' as a perfect excuse to leave this dreadful opera.
I'll leave you to your own opera, shall I?
Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy
Date: 2012-09-14 01:57 am (UTC)This is not what I had in mind when I was warned about the dangers of the classroom.
Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy
Date: 2012-09-14 02:01 am (UTC)Why do you think your little brother demanded we leave immediately?
Do have another look at Miss Lovegood's comments. And recall that you asked me to look them over.
All Barty needs to do is come and read it for himself.
Now. Where is he this evening ...? Let me see if I can remember ....
Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy
Date: 2012-09-14 02:09 am (UTC)Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy
Date: 2012-09-14 02:17 am (UTC)Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy
Date: 2012-09-14 02:37 am (UTC)ORDER ONLY
Date: 2012-09-14 01:38 am (UTC)Re: ORDER ONLY
Date: 2012-09-14 01:44 am (UTC)Paramour Press? PARAMOUR PRESS!!!
Re: ORDER ONLY
Date: 2012-09-14 01:45 am (UTC)Re: ORDER ONLY
Date: 2012-09-14 01:46 am (UTC)Re: ORDER ONLY
Date: 2012-09-14 01:47 am (UTC)I'm not going to...
Re: ORDER ONLY
Date: 2012-09-14 02:21 am (UTC)Somewhere I don't have to read it.