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V.
Patil, I see that many of the best students have added their names to your list. Well done! Of course, weaker students rarely act on opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and performance. That's to be expected. I was surprised, though, that Fawcett is not on the list. From a Ravenclaw, I'd expect a bit more commitment.
I've been thinking about this school and how we could work to restore the glory with which she was crowned in her golden age. I wonder how many of you have read Hogwarts: A History? Its pages tell of the many and marvellous things accomplished by her students from the days of the founders until the early days of our own century. For sad and obvious reasons, the account breaks off as we entered into a dark and fallen age in which the school's reputation grew tarnished and her traditions rusty, but we have emerged from those dismal years into a bright present, and there is no reason why we should not contribute a new chapter that will chronicle our efforts to raise Hogwarts back to her former standing.
In earlier days, it seems that each House produced outstanding students who won renown far and wide for their contributions to our wizarding world. Never mind that we are young and have not yet grown into our full and mature powers as witches and wizards, it is our duty to hone our abilities so that we, too, can contribute when our opportunity arrives.
Of course, each House does emphasise different gifts and each of us possesses different skills, but each has the potential for greatness. Therefore, fellow students, I challenge each of you to propose ways in which we could shore up and supplement the curriculum here, building on its strengths and redressing its weaknesses--as Padma Patil and Seamus Finnigan have done by instituting a History Interest Group for first and second years.
I look forward to hearing your ideas and proposals.
I've been thinking about this school and how we could work to restore the glory with which she was crowned in her golden age. I wonder how many of you have read Hogwarts: A History? Its pages tell of the many and marvellous things accomplished by her students from the days of the founders until the early days of our own century. For sad and obvious reasons, the account breaks off as we entered into a dark and fallen age in which the school's reputation grew tarnished and her traditions rusty, but we have emerged from those dismal years into a bright present, and there is no reason why we should not contribute a new chapter that will chronicle our efforts to raise Hogwarts back to her former standing.
In earlier days, it seems that each House produced outstanding students who won renown far and wide for their contributions to our wizarding world. Never mind that we are young and have not yet grown into our full and mature powers as witches and wizards, it is our duty to hone our abilities so that we, too, can contribute when our opportunity arrives.
Of course, each House does emphasise different gifts and each of us possesses different skills, but each has the potential for greatness. Therefore, fellow students, I challenge each of you to propose ways in which we could shore up and supplement the curriculum here, building on its strengths and redressing its weaknesses--as Padma Patil and Seamus Finnigan have done by instituting a History Interest Group for first and second years.
I look forward to hearing your ideas and proposals.
no subject
Forgive this intrusion, but education is a subject dear to both my and my husband's hearts. I was just saying to your mother yesterday that since his appointment to the school Governors, Mr Malfoy has been trying to reverse the alarming trends you mention.
Please let me know if there is anything the Daughters of the Protectorate or our other excellent networks can do to assist your efforts. The Witches' Aid Society might be a suitable group to ask for lessons in everyday wand-work and handy household charms. A course for your older students on how to sit interviews to best advantage may also be advisable.
Naturally, you ought also to acquire the assistance of a teacher-advisor, to ensure that your efforts fully comply with the school's programme and present no liabilities to the Governors. It occurs to me that many of the initiatives you seek will dovetail very well with the Young Protectors' League. You might ask your Professor Sinistra if she would be willing to offer her counsel and act as a link between you students and the faculty.
As I said, ordinarily I would not presume, but your enthusiasm captured my interest, especially so soon after speaking at length with your mother about our own pet projects.
Best wishes,
Narcissa Malfoy
no subject
Thank you for your kind consideration and for your suggestions. We are still considering what indeed is needed here at the school. Many things, it would appear, so I am very glad for your mention of the Daughters of the Protectorate and the Witches' Aid Society.
Rest assured that we will work through the proper authorities: the Head Boy and I have a weekly meeting with the Headmistress, of course, in which we have vetted a number of ideas, and, of course, we will be working with Madam Pince on filling the most egregious gaps in the library's holdings. Professor Sinistra has been wonderful in her work with the Young Protector's League; that organisation is already making great contributions to the extra-curricular or para-curricular offerings available to students.
You are quite right to note that Miss Patil's interest group ought to seek a teacher-advisor. I will speak with Patil today and with the Headmistress during our Prefects' meeting tonight about seeing that this wise step is taken.
Thank you again for your interest in our initiatives, Mrs Malfoy. That is most kind of you.
Sincerely,
Lana Sandoval
Head Girl, 1992-93
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
no subject
So, yeah. We think it would be nift to have a duelling club.
no subject
Are you and Marvolo volunteering to organise this club, then?
no subject
Um. We'd like to join it. If it existed.
I don't think we'd know how to start it. I've never duelled before, and, um. I don't know. We didn't talk about setting up the club, so I don't know what Marvolo thinks about that, but I don't think he'd really want to be in charge of it or anything. Just, we think it'd be cool to be in the club.
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I wonder if there are any teachers who are good at duelling and would be willing?
I've already asked Professor Vector if she'll advise our History Club, so I don't think she's a good one to ask.
OOH, do you think Professor Lockhart would do it? I mean, I know he's extraordinarily busy with his books and all, and all his fans, but he's really, really done it, too, so he'd be brilliant!
no subject
LoProfessor Lockhart.He probably is too busy, don't you think? Um, maybe we could get the new groundskeeper? He was an Auror before he retired to work here, right? Or Professor Acton could maybe do it.
Just not L