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alternityThanks to Professor Lestrange's generous assistance, I am pleased to announce he and I will be offering a demonstration of practical field-style use of both the Arts and their Defence. We will be holding this demonstration this Saturday (6th October) in the unused ampitheatre classroom on the fifth floor, east corridor.
For safety's sake, no late arrivals will be permitted, and the doors will be closed precisely at 2PM. If you wish to attend, please plan on arriving with five or ten minutes to spare. There will be a brief safety lecture before the demonstration, and then Professor Lestrange and I will duel, under battlefield accords. We are both quite looking forward to showing you all the breadth and variety of how the spells and techniques we are teaching can be used in varying situations.
Attendance will be required of all students taking my NEWT-level classes, as we will be discussing the fight in class next week, and is optional for any other student. Professor Lestrange feels attendance would be highly advisible for his own NEWT-level students as well.
When making your decision as to whether to attend, please be aware that "field-style" does mean formal duelling accords are not in effect, and there is the potential for some of our younger students to find the experience unsettling. Once the demonstration begins, safety considerations will make it impossible for anyone to leave the classroom entirely, though students who are distressed will have the option to step briefly into the classroom's antechamber to compose themselves.
I would also like to thank Professor Sinistra for offering to serve as our faculty assistant in upholding audience safety guidelines.
For safety's sake, no late arrivals will be permitted, and the doors will be closed precisely at 2PM. If you wish to attend, please plan on arriving with five or ten minutes to spare. There will be a brief safety lecture before the demonstration, and then Professor Lestrange and I will duel, under battlefield accords. We are both quite looking forward to showing you all the breadth and variety of how the spells and techniques we are teaching can be used in varying situations.
Attendance will be required of all students taking my NEWT-level classes, as we will be discussing the fight in class next week, and is optional for any other student. Professor Lestrange feels attendance would be highly advisible for his own NEWT-level students as well.
When making your decision as to whether to attend, please be aware that "field-style" does mean formal duelling accords are not in effect, and there is the potential for some of our younger students to find the experience unsettling. Once the demonstration begins, safety considerations will make it impossible for anyone to leave the classroom entirely, though students who are distressed will have the option to step briefly into the classroom's antechamber to compose themselves.
I would also like to thank Professor Sinistra for offering to serve as our faculty assistant in upholding audience safety guidelines.
Private Message to Poppy Pomfrey and Pomona Sprout
Date: 2012-10-02 11:45 am (UTC)Just a quick note to reassure, lest the above strike foreboding into your heart: Razzer and I are old hands at making a fight look impressive without risking any permanent damage, and we'll have several of our comrades on hand to patch us up afterwards if we can't manage it ourselves. For the children, meanwhile, we will be tucking them away behind the strongest magic-blocking wards I know -- proven capable of blocking anything short of the Killing Curse, which we will of course not be using -- and Aurora will also be on hand to keep the children away from the barrier to ensure it stays unbroken.
I've also, as mentioned above, given some consideration to the children's emotional state -- having been caught up on recent history from several sources, I will do my best to remain sensitive to past traumas. Safety considerations and the classroom's configuration do, unfortunately, prevent us from allowing the children to leave the classroom entirely mid-duel if they find watching stirs up bad memories, but Aurora also will be tasked with watching for signs of distress and directing anyone having unexpected trouble to step away for a moment. (I will also do my best to make certain anyone who avails himself of the opportunity will not be in for any teasing from his fellows -- within my hearing, at very least.) I'll also be asking Miss Pennifold and Mr Diggory to keep an eye out for their schoolmates afterward.
Do let me know if either of you have additional concerns I might help alleviate.
With regard,
Antonin
Re: Private Message to Poppy Pomfrey and Pomona Sprout
Date: 2012-10-02 01:28 pm (UTC)You've spoken with your Healers, I trust? I shouldn't be surprised if one or more of them wished to be on hand. Given that you may be altering the course of your recovery with this activity, and their study of you should take that into account.
Re: Private Message to Poppy Pomfrey
Date: 2012-10-02 03:14 pm (UTC)Rest assured, I've cleared it with my team ahead of time -- Razzer and I did agree on the details last week, but waited to announce until after I was able to speak with the experts. We are not telling the children -- let them think it entirely spontaneous -- but he and I have agreed to barricade off entire categories of spells and tactics that would run risk of more serious injury to one or both of us. Healer Kosta agrees that with those limitations in place, the worst damage I am likely to incur is tripping over my own two feet! (I am serious; he advised I fight in something other than robes lest my legs once more fail to obey me at a critical junction.)
You should be receiving the latest round of paperwork shortly, by the by -- we have altered my formulary yet again. Thus far no unpleasant side effects have manifested, at least.
With regard,
Antonin
Re: Private Message to Poppy Pomfrey and Pomona Sprout
Date: 2012-10-02 02:52 pm (UTC)Thank you for your attention to student reaction, given the apparent necessity of the demonstration. And I am glad Aurora will be there: she does have a deft hand with students in need. Just - oh, goodness. I am not suggesting for a moment she's not mistress of her own will, but I have no idea what she's told you about her own experiences
last spring.I admit, as a friend, and someone who's known her since she was 11, I've a little concern that watching her Raz in such a demonstration might shake her more than she realises now.
I will not be attending myself - truly, not my idea of a pleasant afternoon - but I've already heard some of the chatter. And if you do need an extra hand afterwards, or Aurora does, I'll be quite available.
Re: Private Message to Poppy Pomfrey and Pomona Sprout
Date: 2012-10-02 03:50 pm (UTC)Allow me to take a leaf from your House's playbook and speak plainly and honestly: if you are concerned for Aurora's wellbeing in light of her experiences in this past year, we three have spoken about it extensively, and though she is wary, we do not believe it will be an issue.
In the world Aurora is poised to enter as Razzer's wife, and given the considerations involved and the example of recent history, the chances she will be in a position to be forced to watch Raz in action against someone less charitably disposed are, alas, considerable. We thought it best that she have an opportunity to see, in advance, that he is more than capable, and against someone whom she can trust to have Razzer's best interests in mind. We are hoping that, with the added benefit of the students' needs to distract her if necessary, will help to quiet the unformed fears at the back of her mind should they be preyed upon in future.
I cannot claim anywhere near such a long friendship with her as you can, but she has become dear to me quite quickly indeed. As Razzer is my sworn brother, so is she poised to become my sister; beyond that, she is a delight in and of herself. I recognise you've excellent reason for wariness (and I am pleased to find Aurora in possession of such a fierce advocate) but please believe me: I would not cause her needless distress for all the world.
With regard,
Antonin
Re: Private Message to Poppy Pomfrey and Pomona Sprout
Date: 2012-10-02 04:20 pm (UTC)Aurora has spoken quite highly of you in terms of your attention to detail, so I should not be surprised, but after the past few years, one learns not to take anything for granted.
I do also appreciate the plain honesty, as well. It is a refreshing change compared to some here, to be provided with the necessary information in advance of a problem.
Private Message to Minerva McGonagall
Date: 2012-10-02 11:50 am (UTC)I may have mentioned, but Barty and Rod, and possibly Lucius if he can make the time, will be joining us for lunch on Saturday, and also to observe -- I thought to ask Barty to set the warding, and also to assist Aurora in making sure none of the students breach it.
Afterwards, presuming there to be (touch wood!) no disasters to clean up, we plan a first cleanup expedition into Alecto's former demesne -- mostly for amusement, one confesses. We would love to have you join us if your duties permit.
Affectionately,
T
Private Message to Melinda Pennifold
Date: 2012-10-02 11:55 am (UTC)If at all possible, please plan on staying a few minutes after class Friday afternoon. I'd like you and Mr Diggory (if he plans to attend) to assist Professor Sinistra during the demonstration on Saturday, in the event any students are overly distressed by the experience.
Meanwhile -- I forgot to ask after our session yesterday morning -- have you had the chance to read that section in Origen de las Artes de Sangre that I referred you to last Friday? And if so, did it help to answer your question about blood bonds further? (If it did not -- see if one of your classmates with the translation you are not using can lend you their copy; Gavarró i Berdugo's translation is slightly better connotatively, while Saumarez's translation is slightly better denotatively, and switching from one to the other may prove enlightening if you're stuck on a particularly subtle point of comprehension; I prefer connotative faithfulness in translation myself, but different people achieve understanding in different ways.) If not, do let me know before class on Friday -- looking over my lecture notes for the day, I believe I can squeeze in ten minutes to point you all to a few additional works for further research until we reach the more detailed unit on blood magic later in the year. (You are entirely correct that it logically belongs sooner, but alas. If only the bookstore would get the Wierus in stock.)
With regard,
Professor Dolohov
Private Message to Cedric Diggory
Date: 2012-10-02 12:00 pm (UTC)I do not know if you are planning to attend Saturday's demonstration, but if you are, please stop by my office sometime on Friday afternoon after 4PM and before supper. I'd like you and Miss Pennifold to assist Professor Sinistra during the demonstration if necessary, in the event any students are overly distressed by the experience, and I'd particularly like you to be on the lookout for the students of your House afterward in case there is any delayed reaction; Professor Sprout has impressed upon me the importance of taking care with your fellows, due to past trauma. I do not expect those who would be most troubled by the prospect of two of their teachers in outright battle to choose to attend, but nonetheless I would like to be prepared.
Miss Pennifold will be required to be present, so if you are not planning to attend, you needn't fear we will be left shorthanded; after the other week, however, I am being overly cautious in arranging for resources on hand if necessary.
With regard,
Professor Dolohov
Re: Private Message to Cedric Diggory
Date: 2012-10-02 02:25 pm (UTC)I want to thank you for your consideration of those most effected by recent events.
Short of some emergency I should be able to stop by on Friday.
Re: Private Message to Cedric Diggory
Date: 2012-10-02 03:09 pm (UTC)Professors Sinistra and Sprout have been most helpful in letting me know what might come too close to old wounds, yes. I hope that in time the students all able to come to trust that I've your best interests at heart -- though of course I do understand it will take time.
Thank you for your willingness to assist -- I will not keep you overlong on Friday (and let us hope there is indeed no emergency to pre-empt the appointment, as we have had more than enough of that already this year), but I do wish to cover the basics of what to expect with you and Miss Pennifold so you are prepared in the event of any misfortune. You will not be expected to maintain discipline during the demonstration, as I've made alternate arrangements for that, but your help in looking out for your fellow students will be much appreciated.
With regard,
Professor Dolohov
Private Message to Horace Slughorn
Date: 2012-10-02 12:04 pm (UTC)To follow up from our conversation of last night -- I will come down Thursday evening after supper to brew the potion I'll need for the magic-blocking wards on Saturday, if that's all right with you. The potion really is quite simple to brew (the difficult part of the warding is in the spellwork; the potion is used to establish the boundary) so I should not need more than two hours or so of brewing time -- mostly it is that I do not have a proper stone cauldron and thus need to borrow yours!
If you are still curious about the pieces of seshaw I have learned from my mother -- of which, I must disclaim, this really is not a very impressive specimen -- I would welcome your company as I work, though truly, I would hate to be a burden upon your time and resources.
With regard,
Antonin
Re: Private Message to Horace Slughorn
Date: 2012-10-02 03:54 pm (UTC)Not at all, my boy. My laboratory is at your disposal. I should be quite interested to see the process. The precision of Potioneering is an art with fascinating variations from tradition to tradition--as I'm sure you know--and the minor modifications that accompany the receipts can make up a lifetime's study.
Of course, it's far too complex to address even at NEWT level (and as you also know, it's the sort of thing which, if done ignorantly or poorly, can have disastrous consequences).
Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-10-02 12:18 pm (UTC)Did I mention enough times how lovely it was to have so much time with you this weekend? And see, I have conjured sufficient excuse for you to come visit that you needn't wait until next month's Healers' visit for us to repeat the pleasure. (I shall leave it to you to think up the excuse for November.)
Thank you as well for your offer to do the actual casting -- I would not want to try to duel Raz immediately after raising those wards, nor make him do the same to me (although it might be an effective handicap!) and I doubt anyone on staff could learn the invocations to my satisfaction in time. (Which reminds me: your pronounciation has flourished since last I heard you cast -- not that it was lacking before, but by now I swear you sound like a native speaker! The children will no doubt be impressed; you make the most complex bits look effortless.)
Wondering if darling Dolores will be smart enough to spot the message we are sending,
T
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-10-02 01:50 pm (UTC)Seeing you has left me more jealous than ever of your charges. Trust they appreciate their good fortune. Guarantee they'll be held rapt by your display of power.
Amused, though, by the concern for their sensibilities. Thought you were, perhaps, exaggerating with your tales this weekend. Revising that impression now. Understand your need for diplomacy with the staff, but what, honestly, have they been about up there? Are we raising a generation of kittens and lapdogs? Coddling a creche full of crybabies and bleeding hearts is not going to produce the strong followers Our Lord requires.
Interested to hear what you think Dolores Umbridge imagines her role to be.
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-10-02 03:36 pm (UTC)My methods would be entirely different were there not years of history standing in my way -- of course they have had other exemplars of Our Lord's faithful, but none of those so immediate, nor so frequently reinforced, as the day-to-day example provided at the front of the classroom. For the most of those without benefit of outside instruction, if they are not cowed into terror by the thought of becoming the Carrows' worst example over time, they have gone entirely in the other direction and taken Amycus's grossest failings as gospel writ. (For instance, I have had to refuse Theodore Nott's son's admission into my practical class; I would not trust the boy with wand extended while my back is turned. And there are several students in my NEWT classes I will need to keep a careful eye upon, and perhaps sit down for some home truths shortly; that is at least partially the motive for this demonstration.)
There are bright spots, do not get me wrong -- I have my eye on at least half a dozen who could likely be groomed into our company in future should Our Lord desire to expand our ranks -- and I am confident I will be able to turn the tide with enough effort and enough care, but I must establish myself as a stable adult presence who can be trusted to react consistently, predictably, and with an even hand before I can even hope to begin the process, lest they see me as heir to Alecto and Amycus's legacy. Half of the children have been conditioned into being as wary of anyone bearing Our Lord's mark as a whipped dog is of its master -- it's enough to lead a man to drink.
(About those bright spots, though -- remind me to tell you a tale about a pair of socks, and their wholly delightful crafter, who is definitely one upon whom I have my eye, though not for our fellowship. You will laugh; I could barely keep a straight and authoritarian face.)
I haven't the faintest idea what darling Dolores might be about, but I've heard quite a bit of buzzing from the students about her methods. I am hoping a sufficient show of strength will be enough to convince her that Razzer's and my coalition is not worth bothering with. If I were not being pulled in a dozen directions at once...
And speaking of, must finish the rest of my correspondence and eat before the third-years arrive. (I was dubious about scheduling class through lunchtime, but must admit, the informality involved is actually working well; it is difficult for the children to continue looking at me as a distant and unapproachable figure when I am passing out treats and sharing my coffee.)
Also -- you've nothing to be jealous of, you know. I cannot imagine a world in which you are not my foremost and dearest.
Eternally yours,
T
no subject
Date: 2012-10-02 12:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-10-02 12:33 pm (UTC)RazzerProfessor Lestrange and I have had the chance to match wands for pedagogical purposes; I hope that you all will enjoy the spectacle.Private Message to Dominic Selwyn
Date: 2012-10-02 12:46 pm (UTC)It occurs to me that this weekend's spectacle is precisely the sort of thing you might enjoy, both in your capacity on the Board of Governors (to reassure any panicked parents afterwards that all possible precautions were taken) and in your role as one of our brotherhood. (Barty and Rod will be here as well, and Lucius may if he can free the time; we will be amusing ourselves afterward by defanging some of the Carrows' leftovers.)
If you've the afternoon free, do stop up if the thought intrigues.
With regard,
Antosha
Re: Private Message to Dominic Selwyn
Date: 2012-10-02 05:00 pm (UTC)Re: Private Message to Dominic Selwyn
Date: 2012-10-02 06:33 pm (UTC)I shall look forward to your company, and will most appreciate the assistance with the cleanup expedition afterwards -- I have felt quite guilty for allowing it to go so long, particularly when I did assure Minerva I would take care of it and she needn't worry, but I have rather spent the month being pulled in a dozen directions! (One hopes bribing you all with your choice of the spoils will compensate you for your efforts, even if the prospect of an afternoon telling outrageous lies in congenial company did not appeal.)
Until Saturday,
Antosha
no subject
Date: 2012-10-02 01:15 pm (UTC)I mean, no rules duelling? That sounds dead brilliant, sir. I can't wait.
I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good
Date: 2012-10-02 01:21 pm (UTC)Maybe they'll let us try some of what they show us, even. If they don't kill each other, I mean.
Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good
Date: 2012-10-02 04:56 pm (UTC)Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good
Date: 2012-10-02 05:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-10-02 03:02 pm (UTC)I hope to have several other, more participatory, surprises for you and your classmates throughout the year as well, although I will keep quiet about those lest they not come to fruition! In the meantime, I trust Professor Lestrange and I will be able to give you a merry afternoon's entertainment.
I solemnly Swear that I am Up to No Good
Date: 2012-10-02 09:18 pm (UTC)Right, I'm sure it'll be all laughs.
Re: I solemnly Swear that I am Up to No Good
Date: 2012-10-02 09:20 pm (UTC)Re: I solemnly Swear that I am Up to No Good
Date: 2012-10-02 09:20 pm (UTC)Private message to Antonin Dolohov
Date: 2012-10-02 04:14 pm (UTC)I'm sure that will be most interesting for a certain segment of our students to observe, yes. And I do suppose Aurora did feel it necessary to volunteer herself, considering. So kind of you to find a situation that allows her to play to her strengths.
Now, does this mean I might still have a chance to prevail on your assistance for the CCF activity in November in some greater format? You'd been so clear that you were focusing your attentions at the beginning of the year, but this does suggest you might be settling in properly.
I am also very glad to see someone here setting such clear expectations of behaviour. Perhaps it is coming in with fresh eyes, but I have been finding discipline lamentably lax here, all things considered. The number of students out after curfew, even with what are apparently permitted excuses, or the amount of misbehaviour when they should be focusing on their schoolwork. Any thoughts you had on that would be most welcome - especially should you feel comfortable raising the issue in staff meetings where I cannot.
Now, I won't be attending - I've some obligations already scheduled - but I do look forward to hearing all about it at a meal afterwards.
Re: Private message to Antonin Dolohov
Date: 2012-10-02 06:20 pm (UTC)It's truly a pity you won't be able to attend, but of course I'm certain there will be plenty of tales to share afterwards.
Our demonstration, meanwhile, may seem extracurricular but is actually in service to several points I am attempting to make with my classes; I do not have as much time spare as it might appear, particularly given the addition of three extra hours of instruction to my week! Still, one does like to be collegial whenever possible. Do remind me later in the month and I shall see what I might be able to do.
Must confess I have not noticed any particularly lax discipline, meanwhile; with a few exceptions, all of which I have been quite firm about, I have found the children quite eager to please. Perhaps you are looking towards the wrong indicators, or expecting identical reactions from a wide range of temperaments? One must tailor one's approach to one's audience, after all.
In service,
Antonin