001: France, Muggle Magicians and DADA

[newt_alicia]

When on holiday with your Muggle mum in a Muggle area, have you ever come across so-called magicians who approach you with an offer to perform "magic"? I had such an experience a few weeks ago

Comments

[newt_dorny]

We have a depressed magician regularly buy mochas and banana bread at my summer job?

That woman? Is CRAZY. I suppose I could drop DADA if it was threatening my average... But I was rather hoping I could do that with Astronomy instead.

[newt_alicia]

Oh good. Academics. That I can discuss without worrying about coming across as swotty, because it is natural and acceptable to be swotty when discussing one's classes, no?

I am always concerned that by the time you reach your seventh year, it is too late to drop subjects. That is, up to fifth year you can claim that you've changed your mind about things, and once you've received your OWLs, that you're streamlining your academic workload to focus on what you intend to be doing after Hogwarts. After one year of a NEWT-level class, however, it is easy for the less-informed to interpret it as you not being up to par rather than a lack of interest, as you have had ample time to figure that out.

She how can I put this in a neutral manner, as I am a prefect and should not be seen criticising the staff does have very decided opinions for a newcomer to the staff. And a disturbing, given it is also my favourite hue perchant for pink, wouldn't you say?

[newt_barney]

Hey, that's weird. I have - My mother has a cousin - no wait, not a cousin, a second cousin? Or a nephew. Something like that. Anyway, this bloke turns up to family gatherings dressed a bit like that, except not with trousers dressed up. He's a bit bonkers though, cackles and is obsessed with cheese. Quite entertaining, though. If you like that sort of thing.

I'm not looking forward to DADA this year. I'm generally better at performing counter-curses than writing about them. Good for the Ravenclaws though, possibly? I don't know. They seem to like writing about stuff.

[newt_alicia]

I'm not certain if I feel comfortable around Muggle versions of us. They do, as a collective, seem very odd.

Well, that is a rather narrow analysis of Ravenclaws, but no, I can't write that. It would be rude. I can't barely speak for six years and then start disagreeing with people after all I am a Gryffindor and I prefer writing about rather than performing what we have learned in class, but much of the material in that new book seems like pointless busy-work rather repetitive. I know it is our NEWT year so that should include revision, but we are learning new matter in our other classes still. I think I will owl my brother and ask for his textbook in order to gain a more balanced perspective on the subject.

[newt_barney]

Well, they get the wrong end of the stick, don't they? Think it's all about tricks and stuff. I suppose the Obliviators can't get everybody, so there's just these vague ideas floating about from muggles who saw a witch or wizard do a spell once. Course, with magical relations it's different, then you get muggles who actually understand.

Oh is it repetitive? I thought it looked familiar. That will be why I kept yawning, then. I thought it was because I'm not used to reading books again after the holidays, but no wonder it was boring if we did it before. Reading your brother's textbook sounds like a good idea. Never hurts to read several books for an extra perspective, does it? I might go check out the library, actually.

[newt_fawcett]

Michael Corner already looked at the option of alternative DADA texts. The ones that Lupin used with us, and the ones that Moody was supposed to have used after him (but I dropped the class after OWLs) aren't in the library for some reason. I can't imagine why as Pince usually keeps a collection of old texts there though I don't like how they've disappeared. I don't know why, but I don't. It doesn't make me feel good.

So if Spinnet here does indeed get hold of her brother's copy, I suggest you better get friendly with her, as from what I've heard the current texts are little more than DADA theory equivalent of Dr Seuss books, only a lot more boring, and with the difference being that Green Eggs and Ham is actually educational and instructional for its intended age group.

[newt_stebbins]

The only thing that comes to mind about these new classes (besides unflattering references to the woman's looks and sanity) is that I thank Merlin our previous two teachers were capable and gave us some good practical lessons. However, those two years were not enough and I at least feel we should be carrying on where they left us, rather than just sitting down reading. That's what homework and reviews are for, after all.

[newt_alicia]

Moody was indeed capable at instructing the class if not functional in other aspects. Namely sanity.

Well, aside from the prefect tutoring schedules, there is the option of organising study groups. Perhaps if a few of us were to set one up?

And Godric, did I just inadvertedly volunteer for that? But then I'll actually have to talk at length in person to people from other houses!

[newt_stebbins]

A DADA study group would be a great solution, since we're clearly not going to get any decent study in class.

[newt_karen]

I've had that sort of thing happen to me, only it was in Italy. Trick of the eye stuff. It wasn;t even slightly convincing.

[newt_alicia]

Why are you - oh, Alicia, it's to be expected with these things. You may as well stop being startled whenever someone you don't normally converse with responds. It's getting a tad repetitive.

That it isn't. It's not even necessary to be a witch to pick up on it. An observant Muggle like my mother would notice.

[newt_karen]

Exactly, which is why I think most Muggles don't find them interesting... if they're so lame you can figure them out easily, what's the fun in that?

[newt_katie]

The reason why Thomas and Callum are such good friends becomes clear: they both have serious anger management problems when it comes to their younger sisters and need therapy. I feel better now that I know that, don't you?

And-- as I believe I've mentioned to you already-- the new DADA syllabus is the bloody STUPIDEST thing I've laid eyes on since the last time I saw Marcus Flint. It's offensive, she must think we're complete morons.

[newt_dorny]

Actually, I quite believe that's her general attitude. Has anyone heard her talk to some of her colleagues?

[newt_alicia]

It is just an expression of them being caring older brothers. I wish they'd find a new mode of showing that they loved us, however, as noble as the sentiment is.

A sound knowledge of the theory is useful for most courses, but this text - though I admit I am hardly the best student in the class - does not seem to be particularly useful. The latest homework question I could have used the introduction for my fourth year text to answer, and it would have taught me nothing new. Perhaps Umbridge is only trying to ensure that we have strong foundations of the basics, and this is revision before moving us on?

Anyway, how were your holidays?

[newt_karen]

She thinks everyone bar her own family and people who may be useful to her are morons, according to my father who once had the misfortune of working with her.