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alternity2012-08-27 10:39 am
Revision to Hogwarts curriculum
A revised booklist has now been sent to students and parents and I've seen confirmation that at least some owls have arrived. No doubt, many individuals are quite confused; please allow me a moment to address some of the concerns I'm certain many may have.
Those for whom my name is unfamiliar: I am Antonin Dolohov, Our Lord's true and loyal servant and former ambassador-at-large from the Protectorate to wizarding governments of the world.
Over the years, Our Lord has often inspired me with His vision for the future of our nation, particularly regarding the study of the noble and ancient magics known to many by the name of "the Dark Arts". For many years before Our Lord came to power, misguided notions and incomplete information about the Noble Arts have caused people to fear and shun their use. True strength, however, lies in confronting outdated superstition and in understanding, embracing, and working to improve one's own abilities and affinities, which cannot be done when an entire subject of study still lingers under the shameful taint of decades -- centuries -- of mistrust. Our Lord has long wished for the study of the Noble Arts to regain its proper lustre, and I am pleased to serve as the instrument of His will, in this as in all else.
To that end, I write to announce a revision to the Hogwarts curriculum. My classroom door will be open to -- and my class required for -- all students who pass through Hogwarts' gates, beginning with this school year with some few exceptions. There will, no doubt, be a brief (and regrettable) period of disruption as we transition to the new requirements; however, I will do my utmost to minimise the disturbance and enable Our Lord's vision for a safe, strong, well-educated generation of youth marching forth into our collective future.
Parents, I eagerly await the chance to meet each of your children and assist them, on both their academic journey and the path of personal discovery each student of the Arts will find himself upon. Please allow me to reassure the trepidation that inevitably arises from unexpected change: the welfare of your children is my primary concern, and I have years of experience in mentoring students of the Arts to develop self-control over mind and body both. When properly supervised, study of the Noble Arts is rewarding, illuminating, and perfectly safe. If you have any questions at all about the curriculum I have designed and Our Lord and the Hogwarts Board of Governors have approved, I am reachable by owl and by journal. A student is best served by teacher and parent working together; I look forward to allowing that partnership to flourish.
Anyone seeking to expand their familiarity with the Noble Arts and what their effective study entails may wish to obtain a copy of Khātūn's Omnium mortalum (once, alas, the bookstore is able to locate sufficient quantities, which may be some time) or Salieri Brambell's A Tool In Hand, both of which are excellent introductions to the subject and its many facets.
To some practicalities:
For those sixth and seventh year students who have had no previous instruction in the Noble Arts: we have decided the disruption to your studies and to the school as a whole would be too severe to require the class now without allowing for a grounding in basic principles. However, the list of texts has been sent to you as optional reading, and you are encouraged to join in the extracurricular enrichment and the evening and weekend gatherings I will be hosting, should you wish to make up for lost time. Please do make free of my open hours, whether registered for my classes or not. I am here to educate and serve.
Sixth and seventh year students: I must apologize in advance for the difficulty I anticipate the bookstore will have in filling all orders immediately. They have not yet been able to acquire sufficient copies of Wierus's Musaeum mallificarum cardinalium, or an acceptable translation of ibn Waḥšīya's Commentaries Upon 'Intra profundis'. (To accomodate the delay, we will begin our term with the Clements-Chichester and Calidus.) If your head of family will allow you to bring personal or familial copies of any of the required texts, please do so, and save the bookstore copies for those who are not as fortunate. If you have spare, non-heirloom copies whose potential loss would not be a tragedy, please consider lending them to your classmates.
For those entering their third year, your timetables have been revised to reflect that my class is now a core requirement, not an elective, for third year and above. Those of you who feel, or whose guardians feel, this overburdens your schedule will be permitted to choose one elective from which to withdraw. As with the NEWT texts, the bookstore has been unable to acquire Khātūn's Omnium mortalium. (To accomodate the delay, we will begin with Brandt et al.'s Introduction to....) As above, if you have your own copies of any of the texts, please bring them with you, and please consider lending any spare copies to your classmates.
Fourth and fifth year students: though my own Hogwarts years are (well) behind me, I am wholly sympathetic to the shock of such last-minute upheaval to your plans for the year, particularly for those of you preparing for OWLs. Please do not worry: my curriculum is designed to be accessible to all, including those who have had no previous formal study. I will be entirely reasonable in my requirements of you. My love for my chosen field runs deeply, and I shall do my best to instill that love in you as well. I hope to reassure you at our first meeting that my class will be nowhere near as dreadful as you may be fearing.
To all who are new to the subject: in recognition of the sad truth the Noble Arts do not answer readily to the hands of all wizards, my class will -- though now required for all -- be divided into options for theoretical study and practical application. Each student will elect the course of study best suited to his interests, affinities, and future plans. No one will be penalized for an unfortunate difficulty with the wandwork who is willing to apply himself to the theoretical understanding.
I leave you with one small piece of good news: the booklist for the fourth and fifth year students is entirely in stock.
Private message to Antonin Dolohov
I do want to ask - having heard half a dozen names used for you the past few days - what do you prefer as a general rule? Generally, the staff are on a first name basis, with a little variation. I’m Aurora mostly, except for Raz, who calls me Rory unless we’re being formal. (You may already know, but Raz and I are recently engaged to be married, rather to the startlement of many of his friends and relations, and our mutual pleasure.)
But I should move on to the actual reasons I’m writing. First, I've been at Hogwarts long enough (this is my eighth year) to both remember all the things no one tells you when you begin teaching, and to know many of the answers. Where the supplies cabinets hide themselves, the best times to make some requests of the house elves, tricks to managing a class of students, and any number of others.
And while I’m far less familiar with your subject than I probably should be, I’ve a good sense of the length of assignment or complexity that may work best a given year of students. (Though you’re spared the generally atrocious spelling and writing skills of the first years, there is an art to creating meaningful assignments that can still be marked in a reasonable amount of time.)
Likewise, I was until recently head of the planning committee for the Young Protectors’ League, so I’ve had the chance to work with many of our students (and particularly our fourth and fifth years) in a variety of settings outside of my own beloved subject. If my experience with any of the above can be of use as you settle in, please do ask.
Second, a delicate matter. While I know you must have excellent reasons for the booklist you chose, I’ve already had a question or two from students whose family finances are carefully planned, wondering how they’ll manage the new lists on such short notice. (And it’s worse for our halfblood students in fostering: the stipends they get
are wholly inadequatecover only the barest basics.)Coming from a large family where money was sometimes delicately balanced, I’m also very aware of the awkwardness children can feel in approaching a professor - especially an unknown one - directly on this topic, so I thought I might inquire. I’m sure you must have some plan (especially given your other apparent supply issues), and I’m glad to help spread the word of your preferred solution with worried students if you’d like.
I hate to take your time further, so I’ll end here. Raz and I intend to be back at Hogwarts either Wednesday or Thursday, but we both have a few final tasks in New London and I’m hoping for a bit more research time in the Astronomy Guild library. Again, welcome, and I look forward to meeting you in person.
Aurora Sinistra
Re: Private message to Antonin Dolohov
I had indeed heard your news, and must confess to being one of the ones thus startled, though pleased by the hearing. Congratulations, and I wish the two of you a lifetime of joy in each other.
I am not offended in the least to be addressed as a colleague (and must confess my delight at the opportunity; surely some of your holiday compatriots have mentioned how much my past experiences in teaching and mentoring have meant to me). As to names -- a thorny question. My paternal heritage is Russian, maternal Egyptian; individuals of both tend to accrete names and nicknames throughout life and trail confusion of reference behind them like comets' tails. Call me Antonin, or Antosha as we're to be colleagues. I will answer to anything in the spirit with which it is imbued; I do not stand on formality when formality would stand in the way.
Your offer of orientation is extremely kind, and I would be a fool indeed were I to respond with anything other than "yes, and thank you most kindly". There's no doubt I will have an exceedingly trying year as I work to make up for certain past failings. I do intend my curriculum to be intensive (though not overwhelming) -- any tips on not drowning in marking while still encouraging engagement with the material would be greatly appreciated. I am used to providing a far more individual instruction.
I will confess to not giving much thought to finances when constructing the booklist -- do reassure those who have inquired. I've been locked in battle most perilous with the bookstore since Thursday over questions of edition, translation, and availability anyway; if a single person has all texts in hand before November I'll know them to have raided the familial library. Ah, well. It will be an adventure.
Anyone having difficulty of any sort may approach me without fear; reassure them I'll not ask whether the difficulty stemmed from finance or the bookstore's recalcitrance if they don't volunteer it, save to inquire whether they'd prefer I harangue the clerk on their behalf or place a copy at their disposal. Would prefer all to have individual copies of Merindel's A Compendium of Common Curses and Their Counter-Actions by 1st October at latest, as that's about when we'll be starting our in-class practicals, but that should be less of an issue. Happy to run through you if they're more comfortable and you're willing, as well; a certain wariness aimed in my direction is only logical and I'm confident you've developed a rapport through your work with the YPL.
Thursday is looking most likely for my relocation as well (and Friday possible if my followup at St M's Weds morning goes poorly) but I await the chance to meet you, and promise I will hold my tongue about teasing Raz until you are at least out of earshot. If it should suit, you are (both) more than welcome to stop in my office, wherever it's to be, for a visit Friday afternoon or evening and we can get acquainted as I set it to rights.
Yours in anticipation,
Antosha
Re: Private message to Antonin Dolohov
Thank you for the explanation (quite confusing this weekend, until I pieced the names together). And thank you as well for your good wishes - I will certainly pass them along to Raz.
Let me give a little thought to the most urgent questions of managing assignments, then, and to a list of all the other small things people forget to tell you, and we can certainly discuss late in the week. By then I should be able to round up some sample essays from my own classes, that may give you an idea of the best and worst one might generally expect of a given year.
On that note, Friday is fine from my end, and I believe Raz's as well. (Narcissa has been teasing me about taking over Raz's social calendar already, but he has been doing more things this summer - such as flying with Harry and Draco - where a journal is simply not handy.) Though I may well leave you to Raz's company once it's fully dark, if that would not offend: I have been missing my tower and observing mightily this summer, and Raz is blessedly tolerant of my research obsessions.
As to the books, I will do what I can to spread the word (both directly, and to a few students who know those who may not even ask me). I assume, in the short term, that sharing copies would not be too much of a difficulty, as well? I do appreciate the problem of edition and translation - one of my NEWT texts is Latin in translation, and all but two of the translations muddy the astronomy horribly.
At any rate, I'm sure you have many things to be settling out, and I certainly have a lengthy list of my own.
Aurora
Re: Private message to Antonin Dolohov
Briefly (ha!), but: would not be at all offended that a researcher prioritises her research over socialising with someone she's only just met. (Remind me someday to tell you of the time I almost caused an international incident because someone sent me a copy of a manuscript I'd been hunting for years at an inopportune time.)
Sharing copies not at all an issue for the most part -- nearly all of the work will be done outside class, though the Compendium will receive more in-class attention. As for translation, the less said about that the better. Shall be using at least one of my own, in fact, and if I had more time I'd do several more. Do please reassure the children that I may be particular, but I've no intention of being wholly unreasonable.
Looking forward to discussing the vagaries of language, and to receiving your accumulated wisdom --
A
Re: Private message to Antonin Dolohov
I've passed all that about the required texts along, and I hope it eases some of the student worries.
On the research, most glad you understand. Raz is entirely supportive of my research obsessions (and my lack of observation time this summer is entirely my doing, not his), but I can't say the same about much of the world. I would love to hear that story, mind, and I'll remember to ask when we've time for it.
And yes, on the vagaries of language. And the distractions - this morning, I got pulled away into a footnote about the different cultural myths of the naming of Ursa Major and her stars, and frustratingly, I've not the languages to read most of the original sources. (My research being on that constellation, but far more about the origins and movement of the individual stars. A pleasant digression, anyway.)
I do in fact look forward to meeting and much conversation,
A.
Re: Private message to Antonin Dolohov
Most likely I am teaching the cock to crow at the morning, but thought you should be aware: I am in receipt of a rather sugar-coated missive from your successor, intimating (in dulcet tones) your general unsuitability for anything save being penned up in your tower, and advising me to avoid overburdening your poor pretty head. Nothing truly overt enough to have earned an outright rebuke (though I must confess, as she had already set my teeth on edge with her first paragraph and prodded them along to grinding by her third, I was perhaps less diplomatic than I ought). Was taking tea with Narcissa when Umbridge's message arrived; made reference to the sheltering wings of N's tutelage in my reply to aver my conviction you were a better shepherd of your boundaries than charming Dolores would be.
Though we've not yet met in person, your kindness to me (unlike that of some others) lacks the wand secreted up the sleeve of the outstretched hand: that alone would prompt me to your defence even were you not an intimate of my nearest and dearest. I would be extremely naïve to believe you were not already aware of her animosity for you, but likewise remiss should I not pass along the warning. I will trust you have the situation well in hand, but do let me know of any assistance I might render.
(Inquired of N (long since a partner in catty remarks when in no danger of being overheard), am passing along in hopes it will amuse: why has no one ignited that woman's knickers in a tragic accident as yet?)
To happier matters: what languages are you in need of? I am fluent enough for translation in half a dozen, capable of teasing out meaning if not nuance in perhaps a dozen more. I would be happy to place those skills at your disposal.
In regard,
A
Re: Private message to Antonin Dolohov
You have the most impeccable timing for a kind word - I had an odd event this afternoon, and your message quite improved my mood after.
I should begin here by saying I’m a Hufflepuff, from a long line of them (Hufflepuff yeomen, my mother likes to say). But I like to think that I know my strengths and my weaknesses, and put the gifts of my House - hard work and loyalty and fairness - to the best use I can and with pride.
That subtlety is not seen as one of our skills is quite true, though I’ve spent enough time around Slytherins to appreciate the art at its finest. You would have had Professor Bobbin, of course, who was my great mentor in astronomy. And I believe you would have known Aldebarana Moran, as well, my research mentor between my student days and her death in ‘86. I miss them both rather a lot some days.
They did their utmost to teach me how to manage when those with far greater skill are at work and play. These days, I find that a certain thread of blunt honesty serves me very well, when silence or practicality will not do. (Raz now admits he found it charming for its novelty from nearly the first, though perhaps that’s his story to tell and not mine.)
Thus, while I much appreciate the warning (and would welcome others, if chance should fall that way), I’d already suspected her kindness toward me was not quite so well-meant as it appeared. Or rather, that she’d be kind if I’d just do exactly what she said without a fuss. For all her years in the Ministry, I do not think anyone gave her the lessons the Professor and Alde gave me. (And Narcissa, of course, more recently. Though I scarcely presume myself an intimate in those circles yet - this weekend was perhaps the first step there, beyond Raz and Narcissa’s generous welcome so far.)
As to your aside, alas, I have no idea, though that thought is perhaps shared by more than one of the CCF students this summer. And yet, I know there are a number of people - my parents know many of them through work - who find her ‘delightful’ and ‘charming’ and ‘so attentive’, and seem to mean every last word. (Did you know Gilderoy Lockhart? One heard the same thing of him. I am convinced there is some potion or oil involved in making such people seem so appealing to so many.)
As to the languages - well, today’s digression took me glancingly through references in Italian, Greek, Arabic, and a touch of Sanskrit. (As well as the Latin and reading German I have myself.) But my actual object of desire at the moment is Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi's work. He wrote something that was a combination of his own observations and Ptolemy’s Almagest - the transliteration for the title is Kitab suwar al-kawakib, or the Book of the Fixed Stars. There’s no translation into English, or even German, just French, and I wonder how much I’m missing in the text itself, though I can puzzle through the French well enough for the actual measurements.
The section I’m interested in is the portion on Ursa Major - four pages of text and a chart. (You will see, I’m sure, given my previous, why the historical locations of the stars in their best possible measurements would be of interest.) That said, it is scarcely urgent, and I expect to be quite busy with one thing and another myself.
On that note, I'm quite sure you've other things to attend to, and I should have an eye to my own packing. We do hope to be at Hogwarts tomorrow, but that just makes matters more rushed here.
Aurora
Re: Private message to Antonin Dolohov
My deepest apologies -- I've a window of fifteen minutes or so before the evening's potions carry me away, and a day crammed full of visitors which, while pleasant, was somewhat exhausting -- but I did not want to leave you to wonder in the cold light of day whether the previous evening's honesty was ill chosen.
A Hufflepuff's honesty is indeed a powerful weapon when laid against Slytherin guile -- we of the Snake are often caught wrong-scaled when confronted with candor and 'charming' is often as good a descriptor as any. It isn't that only Slytherins are capable of subtlety, of course, but one thing concerted study of the Arts teaches is an appreciation for those who know their strengths and limitations both, and play to them. Were you to continue applying that blunt honesty in my direction and commit to being wholly Hufflepuff, rather than attempting to masquerade as that which you are not, I should commit to returning the favor as much as I may. Look forward to discussing traits and characteristics over a cup of tea of an evening (before releasing you to your stars, of course -- your field is as much a mystery to me as mine is to you, but I shall ever respect passion in all its forms).
I am pleased my note could brighten an afternoon, and hope the oddness subsides, or at very least does not come home to roost at an inopportune moment.
(And yes, I do remember Alde warmly, and though Professor Bobbin's class was never my strongest subject, he as well. Did not have the dubious pleasure of Lockheart's acquaintance, but am somehow not surprised to discover he's another with the gift of ingratiating himself to the weak-willed. Suspect you may be on to something with your potion theory; perhaps interactions with darling Dolores will be made more palatable by looking for evidence. Save me a seat near you at the supper-table and I shall do my best to amuse, or at least stand as human shield between you and your tormentor.)
Dozing off, but with fondness, and wishing you swift packing,
A
Re: Private message to Antonin Dolohov
Goodness, I must have made quite the impression. Truly, trying to be something I’m not has never appealed, though I had long conversations with both the Professor and Alde over the years about how to go about being most fully myself. (I will say I am changed from the wholly-star-obsessed and entirely awkward first year who arrived at school twenty years ago, and for the better.)
I’d quite look forward to that conversation on traits and characteristics, mind you. And on that note, I do enjoy talking about topics besides my beloved sky. Alas, Gwendolyn Acton (Charms) is not much of a theorist, and Bathsheba (Babbling, Runes) and Septima (Vector, Arithmancy and Ravenclaw Head of House) prefer to stick to their own subjects where I am more of a synthesist by nature (and a generalist in my field by training.)
But beyond that, I read, and so does Raz for that matter, more than you might have guessed from previous acquaintance. We overlap most in history (popular and otherwise), and if my collection offers anything of interest to you, I’m glad to lend. I also, often to my despair, read most of the gossip magazines in an attempt to keep the players in various social circles straight. (And a number of trifles - mystery novels for pleasure, romance novels to mock, some books our students recommend.)
I thought you might have been one of the circle Alde knew better. She talked very little about her work for Our Lord, especially in ‘82 and ‘83 (something Raz has comment on: I was far too much protected in those years, though with the best of intentions), but she was an excellent astronomer and mentor, and the charts of her final years remain magnificent.
As to supper companions: I do try to rotate (and insist that Raz do likewise: it is too small a castle for anything else to serve.) I sit most often with Pomona (Sprout, Herbology) and Poppy (Pomfrey, Matron) - both good friends - and Raz, of course, but also enjoy conversation with Septima, Bathsheba, and Mina (Grubbly-Plank, Creatures) in particular. Adding you to the mix will be most enjoyable, even without the assistance dealing with Dolores. (And I do promise you my take on our colleagues on Friday, though there are a few delicate places.)
On that note: Dolores is of my own house, though a rather different breed of it than I try to be. I think I’ll have to turn my attention to a better way to approach her, and see if I can’t improve the situation. If nothing else, it’s probably good for me somehow. (And surely more interesting than at least half the wedding planning on my list.)
Right. I hope in my own rooms in the tower tonight. May your preparations likewise go smoothly.
A.