[HPforGrownups] An intro, and a long letter...

[Laura Ingalls Huntley]

No: HPFGUIDX 81524

Iggy:
> IMHO, Lupin and Firenze are not the only competent teachers AD has 
> hired.
> Snapes is VERY competent as both a teacher and as a Potions Master. Of
> course, as a person, he leaves a bit to be desired.  (Remember that 
> Lupin
> states in PoA that his tonic is a very difficult one to make and that 
> Snapes
> is the only one at the school with the skills to do so.)
>

First of all: Welcome!  Second of all, I hope you know you have just 
made a highly debatable assertion.  I will not argue that Snape is 
(most likely) a superb potions brewer.  However, as I'm sure you've 
experienced in your own education, just because a teacher may be 
brilliant in their field, does NOT mean they can *teach*.  Snape, IMO, 
is a prime example of this.  I would consider him a *terrible* teacher. 
  Not only are his methods biased and unfair, but severely *impair* the 
learning of students such as Neville.  And he doesn't *care*.  As far 
as I'm concerned, I like a teacher who likes teaching.  Period.

Now, there are those on this list *coughs, looks pointedly at some of 
you*  who argue that Snape's style of teaching is a tried and true 
method from bygone (and much better, mind you) era.  While this may be 
so, I still cannot fathom more than a small percentage of students 
*thriving* under the kind of treatment he gives the Gryffindors.  The 
rest, well...perhaps they learn some kind of "life lesson" *resists 
urge to roll eyes*.

Minerva McGonagall...*sigh*...now *there's* a teacher.

Re: the part of your post about thestrals....I have four words for you.

Go. Read. The. FAQ.

(Okay, okay, I know...that's technically three words and an acronym.  
Sheesh.  ^_~)


Laura (who, very fortunately, found a Buffy inclined friend at college 
today, and is v. excited as this new acquaintance owns 3 seasons on 
DVD. ^_^)