XII.

[alt_lana]

The new term is off to a brisk start, and I'm pleased to see that everyone seems to have settled back into their daily routines with a minimum of fuss. Of course, it would be well if some of our number could stiffen their spines and rely a bit less on Madam Pomfrey to console them for every chill or nightmare or pinched finger. I mentioned to the Headmistress yesterday that it would be perfectly fair to charge a small fee to those who use so much more than their share of the Matron's resources.

It's difficult to believe that this first month of the new year is nearly halfway through--and there is so much on the schedule for its second half! This Thursday is the next meeting of the Duelling Club (and again on the 28th and alternate Thursdays for the remainder of the year). On Saturday, as everyone must surely be aware, Ravenclaw and Slytherin meet on the pitch for a game that may well determine this year's House Cup, but which will, in any case, be a stoutly fought battle of wills between two fine teams. May the best side win!

The following Saturday will see the first Young Protector's League meeting of the new term. I believe that Professor Sinistra means to announce her plans for that gathering very soon, so I will say no more here. Do keep an eye out for the sign-up list on her office door.


LAVERTY: Did you get the note I asked Perks to give you? I was expecting to see you after lunch today in the usual place, but you didn't show. There's something very important Johns and I need to discuss with you before tomorrow evening. We'll look for you after breakfast, but it's imperative we connect by lunch at the latest. (You've seen the list, of course, so you may have an idea what we'd like to propose. I promise you'll be well-served by it.)

Comments

[alt_lucius]

I mentioned to the Headmistress yesterday that it would be perfectly fair to charge a small fee to those who use so much more than their share of the Matron's resources.

An interesting proposition, Miss Sandoval. By the same logic, would you hold students responsible for their medicinal expenses should they suffer a more grievous injury or illness than their cohorts?

[alt_lana]

A fair question, Mr Malfoy. Thank you for taking my proposal seriously enough to pursue it.

I believe that the school does and should provide care for whatever befalls us in our normal pursuits here. Furthermore, it is plainly the case that some of the assignments, opportunities, tasks, and recreations provided us as part of this school's rich and challenging curriculum involve a certain amount of risk to health and body. It is to be expected that if one of the Chasers were to fall from a broom during a Quidditch match, she or he should be treated without incurring additional charge, even if those injuries prove quite dire and expensive to treat.

My suggestion is merely that those who abuse Madam Pomfrey's care and the school's coffers would think twice before asking a Prefect to escort them to the hospital wing in the wee hours of the morning merely because they've wet their sheets for the fifth time in a fortnight.

A fine of sufficient size might amend behaviour. And, of course, it might also offset some of the expense of such unwarranted demands on the Matron's stores.

[alt_lucius]

Intriguing. And may one assume that if the student so taxing the school's resources is a halfblood, his foster-family would be held to account?

Madam Pomfrey is a skilled and experienced Healer. One could as easily ask why her ministrations have not proved effective for the unfortunate who, despite intervention, fails to respond - and in such a case, is it truly the shortcoming of the individual, or an indication that the cure is insufficient?

There is something to be said for disciplining one's reactions to stress; however, when a child develops a chronic condition which no amount of magical healing can undo, perhaps it is a sign that more stringent measures are warranted. In which event, an additional penalty would only worsen the ailment, rather than aid in the cure.

[alt_lana]

I'm sure every family handles these things differently, but if it seemed a terrible imposition, I would think the family--or foster family, if that's the case--would apply a healthy amount of additional pressure to encourage the child to learn discretion and self-reliance. And in some families, I suppose, the child might be expected to repay whatever sum was assessed. Children need to learn there are consequences for their actions. They need to learn that lesson early and have it re-enforced often. Even in my own family, I'm afraid, we have seen both the necessity and the difficulty of this.

As for Madam Pomfrey's abilities, I'm sure I would never question her skill in Healing, and I doubt that Medi-magic can do much to cure a patient suffering only imaginary ailments.

I agree that a strong line ought to be taken. What measures would you consider sufficiently stringent to produce the desired effect?

[alt_lucius]

I could not agree more that children need to learn consequences to their actions.

Perhaps you would care to Cruciate each of them, seeing as how the effects of that spell on reinforcing bladder control are well-known. As well as hypochondria.

[alt_lana]

I beg your pardon?

[alt_lucius]

You may, though I am more interested to know your justification for the use of the curse in last night's excitement.

You propose to disincentivise children from indulging in night fears or other irrational behaviour. My point, young lady, is that behaviour which is inherently irrational cannot necessarily be deterred by rational appeal. Even an extreme measure such as the threat of the Cruciatus may not be a guarantee of self-control in the face of an unchecked compulsion. (Indeed, I see that Bellatrix has noted the lengths to which people will go to avoid the ordeal. Hence you will agree that the threat of the curse is a tool to be used carefully and not capriciously.)

On the other hand, the pattern established by a child who persists in difficulty, even after the introduction of consequences, may well be concealing a deeper worriment, of which their conduct is merely an outward sign.

I assure you, you are not the first to express annoyance at the foolishness of your younger charges, nor shall you be the last. I can certainly sympathise, for the shepherding of the inane is one of the less desirable responsibilities falling to the Head Boy and Girl.

What I wonder, however, is whether these incidents betray a more fundamental source for anxiety. Look beyond the surface action to determine whether their repeated trouble is simply a case of having been coddled, or whether it bears further investigation.

[alt_lana]

I'm sure you are right when you suggest that if imposing reasonable consequences fails to correct the behaviour of a child it suggests a deeper issue, but surely that is a reason to establish deterrents appropriate to the troublesome behaviour. Currently there are none with respect to the Matron's services, and my suggestion to the Headmistress was that it might be time to implement some measures to prevent abuse of Madam Pomfrey's time and resources.

I confess that I'm not certain whether we are in agreement or disagreement on that point.

My proposal of a small fine as the disincentive measure was presented as a suggestion, and there may well be a deterrent better suited to this particular problem. It is now in the Headmistress's hands whether she feels the suggestion worthy of further consideration.

As for my use of the Cruciatus curse last night, I acted there in my role as a head student in the presence of witnesses and under the supervision of a teacher. I stand by my use of the curse in the circumstances. I can certainly not be accused of overusing that method for responding to disruptive students, as this was the first time I have attempted the curse. I see that Professor Carrow has already informed you that he found my first effort unsatisfactory and instructed me in its better application on a second attempt.

Certainly Cruciatus is not a disincentive to be used in all situations or to be abused, but it does appear to have a pronounced effect not only on the student who was subject to its disciplinary effects but also on her peers.

[alt_lucius]

I believe it is for the Matron to decide and track, given her extensive experience, whether the demand for her resources has exceeded years past. I remain dubious, though I could be convinced, that a fine of any kind will be any more efficacious than any other deterrent, regardless of how reasonable or not. A child who is afraid in the night, whether due to a real or an imagined threat, is unlikely to be assuaged by the thought of incurring a debt, any more than that child is apt to become less frightened by more extreme penalties, such as the idea that if she seeks assistance, she is likely to fall under Cruciation for her trouble.

Regarding your use of that valuable weapon, I was not questioning your authority, but the circumstances which you defend so readily. Presumably there was some provocation to the incident that has not yet been disclosed; Professor Carrow's presence and his subsequent use of the incident as a teaching tool are, sadly, not necessarily the most ringing endorsement, though I do not for a moment doubt that he encouraged its further application. As your mentor pointed out, the use of the curse is something that takes a considerable amount of commitment. Whether or not you believe you possess the qualifications necessary to determine that the situation warrants the Cruciatus, applying the curse on a fellow student for any reason less than absolute need may secure you a reputation as a fearsome opponent, but not necessarily as a confidante, to whom one can apply for succor when needed (and in whom one may entrust one's secrets).

Bella counsels you to harden yourself and there is much to be said for that advice, particularly if that is the direction in which your personality leads you. Too many of the demands on an Auror require resolute stoicism in the face of our enemies' rancor. There is also a great deal of merit to remaining approachable, so that you may also draw in those who would otherwise have reason to hide their anxieties. Perhaps you are familiar with the phrase 'Good Auror / Bad Auror'?

[alt_lana]

Thank you for your counsel, Mr Malfoy. I will give it due consideration along with Mrs Lestrange's words.

[alt_amycus]

She needs to refine her technique a bit, for that to be useful, though.

She'll get better with practise, I daresay.

[alt_lucius]

As will her judgement of when it is warranted, one presumes.

Not that I object to her proving to her charges that she is capable - but one must take care that the example set sends the right message, as well.

[alt_amycus]

It'd be less bleeding waste, for both schools and families, not to bother with half-bloods altogether.

[alt_lucius]

No doubt, Amycus, no doubt. But if all goes well with our programmes, then within a few years there will be no half-bloods with whom to bother.

[alt_amycus]

That day can't come quickly enough for me.

[alt_lucius]

Now, now. Patience, Amycus. After all, it's not the child's fault, but the parents', and we have already seen great success with our methods. I daresay many of the halfbloods currently enrolled have no greater ambition than to serve Our Lord as faithfully as we, His own Council.

Our focus must remain on the job at hand, which is to encourage them in their development as productive, pure-minded citizens, overcoming their taint, rather than remaining forever entrapped by its stain. Our Lord has all the vigilantes He needs, at present.

How is your research coming on?

[alt_amycus]

Well enough. Using the NEWT study group will make the work go faster.

I need more rats.