Private Message to Aurora Sinistra

Aurora my dear,

If you've a moment free -- can you drop by my office and collect Mr Stebbins? No injury, do not worry -- he simply became overwrought during class and I'm afraid I overdid the Calming Draught in his tea a bit; I wouldn't trust him to make his way back unsupervised and I think he could perhaps use a soothing adult presence.

Mr Hopkins had a bit of difficulty in class today as well, but I believe Mr Finch-Fletchley collected him while I was occupied with Mr Stebbins.

Never a dull moment,
T

Private Message to Pomona Sprout

Pomona,

Aurora suggested I write you to brief you on some additional detail regarding this afternoon's class (and I apologise for messaging her, rather than you, to help with the aftermath; I was not thinking entirely clearly or I would have messaged you both, her because I could be sure she would see the message quickly and you as Head of House).

Class today involved the casting and countering of hexes (upon me, not upon each other) from a specified list; most of the children were dubious but willing, particularly after I explained I wanted them to hex me, but there was an unfortunate incident in which Mr Nott, one of the first few students to take his turn, attempted a (rather nasty) hex that was not on the approved list. I was prepared for someone to make a similar attempt -- there always is one who believes himself to be smarter than the teacher and who wants to show off -- and so could block it, after which I emphasised to the class that my classroom restrictions are for their safety and mine, but it did leave several of the children exceedingly shaken.

The problem intensified with Mr Hopkins, whose casting was letter-perfect but who was unable to dispel the effects afterward. (I had expected this to happen as well; it is why I was careful in selecting the acceptable spells to choose ones I could undo "from the inside", as it were.) I had instructed the children in advance not to worry if they were unable to remove the hex, but Mr Hopkins was the first of your House to cast and the first who was wholly unable to counter his own spell, and I believe he feared retribution at a later date even after I was careful to show him there would be no hard feelings.

I had meant to reassure him after class, but was distracted by Mr Stebbins, who was the last to attempt to cast and was entirely unable to achieve satisfactory spellwork. He, too, reacted poorly, and I took him to my office to reassure him (and to offer him tea and Calming Draught, as I feared he would panic himself into a state). Mr Finch-Fletchley saw to Mr Hopkins. (I must also apologise for keeping Mr Finch-Fletchley out so late past curfew tonight; this afternoon's excitement entirely disrupted my schedule for seeing the students one-on-one.)

Aurora has told me something of the issues your House has had with my predecessor and I must confess I had not thought of the past traumas today's lesson might stir up; I apologise. I will be much more careful in future to offer more significant reassurance in advance, and of course by next month those who are least suited to the practise of the Arts will have opted into theoretical study.

Please do ask if you've any questions -- I would be happy to discuss any of this in greater depth. I will likely not be at meals tomorrow, but I have the afternoon free if you'd like to confer. And please accept my compliments for the actions of Mr Finch-Fletchley and Mr Diggory, both of whom were extremely helpful this afternoon.

At your service,
Antonin