Private Message to Aurora Sinistra and Pomona Sprout

[alt_horace]

Well, that could have been worse, eh?

Aurora, I must say, I'm surprised you took up on Mr Capper's behalf. Not that I would ever expect you to give up on any student, far from it, but I fear Septima has convinced you to back a losing Abraxan.

I would certainly think you have enough other projects to be going on with without adding this level of intervention for a student who ought to be able to save himself.

Pomona, she's your junior; see if you can talk some sense into her. It's not that Capper's unintelligent. He simply refuses to acknowledge any subjects but those that touch his particular focus.

Comments

[alt_pomona]

Frankly, it has been a most strenuous weekend, and we are unlikely to reach unanimity tonight.

Perhaps we might find a middle way?

I for one would be willing to offer tutoring, but only if I'd some confidence my efforts wouldn't go begging.

[alt_horace]

If Septima wishes to prevail upon the lad and exact a promise for an honest effort, Pomona, then I am willing to indulge her faith.

[alt_sinistra]

Would you care to discuss the matter with her, or shall I?

[alt_sinistra]

You're quite right, Pomona, on all counts.

It seems that the basic issue is that none of us wish him to fail, but several of you - you, Horace, Acton, Gwendolyn in particular - do not wish your work to be in vain.

Which is quite fair on the one hand.

On the other, if he were persuaded to commit to taking the matter seriously, and enough were willing to tutor him - he doesn't have to pass all his OWLs, after all. Just enough to continue, that would satisfy.

I thought Brutka was quite quiet, as well - perhaps he might be willing?

[alt_pomona]

He does rather keep his own counsel, doesn't he?

Capper is a passable Transfiguration student, so perhaps some headway might be made there, and his schedule is likely to be more open that Horace's or my own, since he doesn't have Head of House responsibilities to contend with.

[alt_sinistra]

He does, yes. Though I've found it interesting, when he chooses to speak up. Saturday afternoon, for example.

Right. He's obviously going to pass Arithmancy - he could probably do the NEWT now, honestly. If Brutka's willing to get him to standard for Transfiguration, I think I can for Astronomy, if he does buckle down.

We'd need .. oh, two more, to have it be a sure enough thing. Helena, in the Exam office, keeps throwing me comments that they're looking at some new approaches to testing various topics - something about a different style of question.

But if you both are willing (assuming, yes, he really does work), that would do, I think. I'd rather than that have someone try and coach him through History, though I suppose that's an option, And it would leave Charms out of it entirely, which might be safer for all concerned.

[alt_pomona]

Wait, he's taking Divination, isn't he?

If Septima can overcome her theoretical objections, she might encourage him to explore the connections between that subject and Arithmancy.

I'm afraid he doesn't have the sort of manner that might make Cordelia more favourably inclined.

[alt_sinistra]

He is. Though I've no idea why either, sharing Septima's take on that topic.

But yes, that might be enough to do it.

Right. As I said above - shall I bring it up with her? Or would one of you rather? I'll have the second years up here in not too long, but I'd have time to get a note out once they're going.