Quirrell (was: Re: DADA teachers)

[eloiseherisson at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 43793

Constance Vigilance writes:

> My understanding was that Quirrel was the DADA teacher, and
> presumably a good one, for some years until he decided to go on
> sabbatical for some practical experience - with the results we all
> know. Then after he came back as Quirrelmort, we don't know how many
> years prior to Harry's introduction that he taught at Hogwarts.
> Presumably, he was there for at least one year previous, because
> Percy was familiar with him. 

This is a thorny one.
At least, the evidence is rather contradictory.
The way Hagrid speaks about Quirrell, it does sound as if he'd been teaching 
at Hogwarts, went off in sabbatical and came back. But Hagrid also says that 
Lockhart  was the only applicant for the post as no one had lasted long for a 
while and the job was thought to be jinxed. I seem to remember some people 
suggesting that Quirrell's was a new appointment.
At any rate, he can't have taught there for very long.

I think that Voldemort's speech in the graveyard tells us that Quirrell only 
brought him back to Britain the summer before Harry started. I say *think*, 
because the canon's been nicked for bedtime reading again! That, of course 
makes Hagrid's statement to Harry that he was now afraid of his students 
rather problematic, as presumably he hasn't had to teach any yet.

But, as you say Percy was familiar with him, which is added evidence that he 
*did* teach at Hogwarts prior to his sabbatical. I don't remember anyone 
bringing that up before.

Eloise

P.S.  I just *love* your name!