Trelawney / Incompetent teachers at Hogwarts

[bciss1]

No: HPFGUIDX 110571

macfotuk at y... wrote:
> I re-read OotP and it occurred to me that Sybil Trelawney's very 
> near ousting from Hogwarts by Umbridge was an ideal way to put 
> Trelawney out into the world so that LV or the DE's could get 
> their hands on her. With the prophecy unavailable or (as it is now) 
> smashed, why not go straight to the horse's mouth? - might require 
> some memory interrogation magic (veritaserum?) since Sybil 
> probably isn't even aware of the prediction's precise wording herself
> - any more than she was/is about the Pettigrew prediction made in PoA.
> 
> I believe that this is why DD took her on and defends her despite 
> not rating her as a teacher - to keep her safe from LV.
> 
>snip


I think I have seen this before (I don't remember where) and I like 
it, but I don't think we really need a reason for DD to keep her as 
a teacher.  I think it is fairly well established that good (or even 
competent) teaching skills are not required for a position at 
Hogwarts --regardless of all the talk of its being a highly 
respected school (maybe it is the only one in the UK?).

Trelawney--obviously incompetent and teaching a subject which few 
wizards (according to McGonagle) have respect for.

Professor Binns--all that he ever does is read from a history book-
not exactly what I would call teaching.  He pays little, if any, 
attention to his students and regularly puts them to sleep.

Quirrel--I am basing my assumption that he is not a 1st year teacher 
in PS/SS on the fact that Fred and George know quite a bit about 
him.  He is obviously afraid of just about everything--a very bad 
quality in teacher who is supposed to teach students to handle 
danger.

Lockhart--I know, he was only there for one year and DADA is a 
difficult position to fill; but, but, but---ok I have no good 
argument for this one but he is just an idiot.

Hagrid--I love Hagrid, he is one of my favorite characters, but he 
is NOT a teacher.

Snape--many people may argue this one, but his behaviour borders on 
abusive to several of his students and occasionally crosses that 
border.  Although I will concede that it is possible that this 
behaviour did not start until Harry came to school.

So, maybe DD kept Trelawny to keep her safe from the DE; maybe he is 
just extremely soft-hearted and loves to take in strays; or maybe he 
doesn't think Divination is a useful subject and so who cares if the 
teacher is any good?.

"bciss1"