You are in charge of Hogwarts

[melclaros]

No: HPFGUIDX 56619

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Andrea <ra_1013 at y...> wrote:
> --- Bill wrote:
> > So Voldemort had been defeated, and celebrations are underway.  
> > Tragically, Albus Dumbledore chokes to death on a Lemon Drop 
during 
> > the festivities.  The Deputy Headmistress, Prof. McGonnagall, has 
run 
> > off to the South Pacific with Madam Hooch.  A desperate Ministry 
of 
> > Magic turns to YOU and asks you to take over at Hogwarts.  They 
tell 
> > you that you have complete freedom to make any changes you deem 
> > necessary, and funding to do so.  You accept the offer.  What do 
you 
> > do?


Me: Wonder where Snape is first....

> 
> *snickers* I really loved the way you laid this out, btw. :)  A few
> quibbles, of course, with how you've laid it out.  (I wouldn't be 
me if I
> didn't argue!)


Me: I gots some comments I'll add to Andrea's

> 
> > Physical Education (5 classes per week)
> > 
> > Right now, there is no physical training at Hogwarts other than 
> > Quidditch.  One class each day would be devoted to fitness 
exercises 
> > and sports.


Me:   EEEWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!  Waves hand--I have a note! 
Oh, unless dueling counts.


>  
> > Writing Skills (1 class per week)
> > 
> > Starting with penmanship and grammar, and then composition.  In 
> > higher years, this would include business writing, etc.
> 
> Well, keep in mind that the students are 11 when they started, so 
they've
> already learned basics of penmanship and grammar.  Extensive 
reading and
> writing will grant these skills without necessarily them being 
formally
> taught, which is I believe how it is at Hogwarts currently.  I 
learned far
> more valuable writing skills by DOING it than being taught it. 

No, I think this about right. Can't get enough writing skills.
  
>  
> > Mathematics (2 classes per week)

Me: EW! Oh alright.

> > Science (2 classes per week)

Me: SCIENCE?


> > Geography (1 class per week)

Special units on unplottablility, no doubt.


> > Muggle History (2 classes per week)

Me: History is history really but a class in INTEGRATED History would 
be very interesting. "See why we hide!?"


> > Muggle Literature (1 class per week)

Me: Literature PERIOD. See my previous comments on writing.


> 
> > Magical Theory (1 class per week)
> > 
> > The relationship between various branches of magic, and how and 
why 
> > it works.
> 
> I think this one is a great idea.  It gives the Muggle-born 
students the
> grounding they need, and the wizard-born ones the actual facts and
> theories instead of "everybody knows" knowledge so they can apply 
them
> better.

Me: Yup, yup. Magic in Theory and Practice...Applied Thaumatics....

>  
> > Potions (2 classes per week)

Me: That's ALL? Crammed into one day? Can I substitute Potions for 
those 5 idiotic PE classes?

Hell it's either that or join the band. Or drama club. 

> 
> > Charms (3 classes per week)
> 
> I find it amusing that 5 classes is all you allot for actual magic 
in your
> magic school.  Isn't that the reason they're THERE?  No 
Transfiguration at
> all, nor Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Defense Against the 
Dark
> Arts, etc that was apparently important enough for the entire 
school year
> to be devoted to them at pre-Bill Hogwarts.  This is like taking out
> English and Science in favor of nothing but Home Ec!  These are the 
core
> classes, and the rest of your schedule should really be built 
around them,
> IMO.

Me: Agreed. They're there to learn magic.


> 
> > Wizarding Daily Life (2 classes per week)
> > 
> > Covers everything from broom-flying, to household cleaning 
charms, to dealing with the Ministry of Magic.


Me: Is this Home ec? Shop class? Would be popular with the likes of 
Crabbe and Goyle. Maybe Pansy Parkinson.



But you forgot...what about bringing back all the "old punishments"? 
Or are we going all mushy-gushy now and building "self-esteem"?

Hand me that Durmstrang application, will ya?

Mel