(no subject)

[alt_antonin]

There is no greater happiness for a teacher than to see his students achieve success. Welcome to our new brothers and sisters; I am honoured to share Our Lord's service with you.

Comments

[alt_seamus]

Thank you, sir.

Private message to Barty

[alt_antonin]

A schoolgirl, a self-centered young woman who thinks reason is for school essays and not to be applied to one's actions save in hindsight, and a lackey. Stephen's ward is an excellent choice, and Bella's daughter will comport herself well enough, but the other two?

If Our Lord is looking to Hogwarts, perhaps it is time we presented Him with some other candidates.

[alt_padma]

Thank you, Professor.

Is it true that congratulations are in order for you, too? If so, they're very well deserved.

[alt_antonin]

I look forward to seeing what excellence your future achievements will be.

And as we are all equal in Our Lord's brotherhood, you need no longer 'sir' me in social settings. Do call me Antonin, my dear boy. I am certain Stephen is beside himself with pride in you, and that he has the task of orienting you to the rights and privileges of Council membership well in hand, but if you're in need of anything, do call upon me; my door is always open to any of our number.

[alt_antonin]

It is indeed true, though the formal announcement has been eclipsed by the difficulties of the last few weeks; I suppose I ought to make a public announcement before rumour gets entirely out of hand, but I would not wish to steal your thunder.

I will repeat my entreaty to Seamus: do call me Antonin in social settings, my dear, and I'm certain we can all work out the protocols for school once the year begins. I would be happy to help ease your way into what your new role means for you and what rights and responsibilities are now yours, though I of course would not wish to step on Lana's toes; I am certain she is justifiably proud of your accomplishments. Still, my door is always open to you, and to any of our brotherhood. (And sisterhood, I suppose; I am very pleased to see so many witches joining our ranks as well as of late.)

[alt_percy]

Thank you, sir. I am most gratified to stand within these ranks.

Private message to Mr Finch-Fletchley

[alt_antonin]

I was most appreciative of your note of condolence, my dear boy, and I thank you for your understanding.

All difficulties aside, however, I have rather been enjoying our work together, and I would hate to lose the opportunity afforded to us by summer's freedom from Hogwarts' confines. Would you at all be interested in joining me at the Ourobouros on Sunday afternoon for a run through the training course and then supper at the dining-room? If you find it interesting or helpful to your training, we could make it a regular outing, weekly or biweekly. I am always in need of additional sparring partners; it does not do to always fight the same battles with the same people.

If this is not enough notice, or you would prefer not to have your weekends interrupted, but you are interested in the offer, do let me know: I will happily speak to Mr Pontner about the prospect of borrowing you one morning a week. (He owes me a few favours anyway.)

Yours,
Antonin

[alt_antonin]

Really, my dear boy, we are all equals here. Call me Antonin.

You've had several years of excellent example to learn from, but if you find yourself at sea, do call upon me. These waters are easy to lose one's way in, and I would hate to see you make any avoidable mistakes in your early days of your admission to our brotherhood.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_antonin]

And I've taken a look at Weasley's most recent entry; there's a PM to Mulciber in it. Who knows the contents, but it is certainly worth keeping an eye on him.

At very least, one must be consoled by the fact Gryffindors are so painfully obvious when they turn their hand to Slytherin subtlety; if Weasley did have any hand in Lyoushka's disgrace, it will be difficult for him to hide.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

Impossible to guess His intentions. Not all invitations are sincere. Some are cannon fodder. Casual amusements.

Two names to bear in mind: Higgs and McLaggen. Perhaps we are being invited to target practice.

Are there fully ripened candidates you have in mind?

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_antonin]

Point taken. Well, if they survive their first year, perhaps we'll get some use out of them. It will be damnably awkward at Hogwarts next year, however.

As to candidates -- you will no doubt roll your eyes at me, but my money remains upon Mr Finch-Fletchley. I've invited him to Ourobouros for additional training; I am curious to see what he will make of the course. Or what the course will make of him.

Private message to Prof -- Antonin Dolohov

[alt_seamus]

Very well. Antonin. It's hard to get used to. You'll have to forgive me if I slip up.

I feel like perhaps I've finally overcome the taint of my father's blood. My muggle father, I mean, obviously, not -- well.

Re: Private message to Prof -- Antonin Dolohov

[alt_antonin]

Seamus, you must stop such self-deprecation. It is not right for anyone to speak ill of a Councilwizard, not even himself.

That your father was a Muggle is unfortunate; that you have been scrupulously careful to remain mindful of that disadvantage and seek to better yourself is to your credit. But once Our Lord has judged you and found you worthy, it is not right to continue to dwell upon your background rather than looking forward to that which you will achieve in Our Lord's name and service.

No matter your background, wizarding blood can shine through even the darkest of dross. I am very pleased to welcome you to our brotherhood; had Our Lord asked me for a list of those in your year who would suit, your name would have been prominent upon my list.

I am well aware how difficult it is to retrain oneself to address those one respects by first name! (Do ask Stephen how long it took me to call him anything other than 'sir'.) I shall simply have to have you for tea often enough that it begins to feel more natural.

In service,
Antonin

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

My mistake, then. I thought you meant to present more reasonable alternatives than schoolchildren. You merely meant to offer other children for his consideration.

It's like raising dogs to the hunt. One wishes to breed out weakness and train them from birth to cement obedience, but it does sentence one to the tedium of house-breaking. If it amuses you and satisfies Him, by all means. But don't expect me to join you in the leash-training.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_antonin]

Well, I am certain there are likely candidates for the years I was out of the country, but I have been rather focused on Hogwarts since I've returned. If any names come to your mind from the years I've missed, by all means let me know. With the excuse of shaking up Hogwarts a bit, it would not be difficult to interview various people, after all.

(Blast. Speaking of interviews, I must get started on filling the open positions. Noble Arts up to the NEWT, Defence (damn it), Potions, Head of Slytherin -- Arithmancy, Deputy Head, and Head of Ravenclaw, if Septima decides she has had enough of the politicking and decides to retire, though she hasn't said anything to that effect. I don't suppose you want to come teach Noble Arts next year? ...Don't hit me.)

As to Mr Finch-Fletchley, however, he is less unformed than some of the older candidates Our Lord has honoured this past year or so. More diffident than some -- but I am making progress in forging it out of him.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

For Defence, you could do worse than Montague. Have the idea he's unsatisfied with his current placement. Stifled in MEU. Who wouldn't be?

For that matter, you might try Sandoval-Pennifold. If Montague says no.

Doubt either of them wants to make a permanent switch to teaching, but if you were to frame it as a favour that would find reward in a year or two, you might tempt them.

Of course, if you're only looking for someone to come for a year or two, you could try twisting Desai's wand arm. She might agree to another short stint at Defence or Noble Arts.

Re: Private message to Prof -- Antonin Dolohov

[alt_seamus]

Thank you. I'll try to bear that in mind, sir Antonin.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_antonin]

Hm. Savitha is an idea -- she's certainly qualified -- and I know we work well together. Would be slightly hesitant to turn to her as a first option, though; she's compelling enough that she would be most alluring to the children, and if I'm not to have them for the length of their stay at Hogwarts, it would be harder for me to overcome her influence and pick through the crowd for the ones that will be useful.

(Speaking of future use -- my future Healer is coming along nicely with her summer internship, she tells me.)

Montague or S-P might work. S-P just made complimentary noises at me about my offering to pick up Patil and get her used to the life of a Councilwitch, about how Patil would be a fool not to accept the offer. I could likely bargain her a year or two of teaching in exchange for private lessons, or even offer to supervise her Mastery, should she be interested. And it's a long-standing tradition in the Conclave for a Master's apprentice to take over instruction of the younger set -- not a tradition that has seen much traction here, but still.

Hm. That might work.

Potions -- I've no idea. (And again, I miss Tony.) Perhaps I'll ask Mysteries if they've any candidates; they do seem to swallow the most promising.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

Afraid of competition for their affections? She'd be amused to know that.

At least you wouldn't have to worry about that with S-P. More sting than sugar there as far as motivational style. And Montague would appeal to other affections than the ones you're concerned to win.

Private Message to Seamus Finnigan

[alt_cedric]

Congratulation!

You've seen how well true loyalty is rewarded.

[alt_hydra]

Thank you, Professor. The honour is mutual.

From,
Hydra

[alt_antonin]

You have proven yourself well suited, my dear. I am certain your parents are exceptionally proud of you.

And -- please, as I have told the rest of your cohort, do call me Antonin! (No matter how difficult the prospect might be.) We ought not stand on formality when we are all equals in His service.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_antonin]

Less 'fear' than not wanting to make my life more difficult; the universe does seem to be conspiring to complicate things all on its own and does not need more help.

Have you seen this morning's Prophet? If you have not -- brace yourself before you read it.

That's three, then. Nott, Mulciber, and Weasley. Suppose Our Lord would have my head if I kill them openly, though, the legion of responsibilities he has piled upon my shoulders notwithstanding. Still: our brotherhood is about to have a string of very bad luck.

Private message to Antonin Dolohov

[alt_hydra]

Equals?

I'm glad to know you see it that way. I will not make the mistake of assuming that all others do.

From,
Hydra

Re: Private message to Antonin Dolohov

[alt_antonin]

Of course not -- and that is undoubtedly a wise approach to take. But unlike so many of our brotherhood, I do not stand on ceremony, nor do I wish for deference.

I'm certain you've matters well in hand, of course, but if there is anything I might do for you while you are finding your feet in these new waters, just ask. I take my responsibility as your teacher seriously, even when touching upon matters that do not fall in the category of subjects in which I have been tasked with instructing you.

Re: Private message to Mr Finch-Fletchley

[alt_justin]

Professor,

I'd like that very much. I confess I have been curious about the advanced obstacles and how I would match up against more experienced partners.

I should think one morning a week would be more than generous, sir. If Mr Pontner doesn't object, what.

-Finch-Fletchley

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

Your warning came too late -- saw the paper already.

Agree Weasley should be taught the penalty for betrayal. Aim Mulciber in his direction, perhaps? Less satisfying, but more secure.