Fields of Magic (was Re: Potions Master Question)

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 94071

Neri:
> OK, I'm not going to get into an argument with all the Snape's fans 
> without any specific canon to back me up. But regarding the status 
> of Potions, what do you think are the chances that a man in his 
> early twenties, without any previous teaching experience as far as 
> we know, would be hired to teach one of the two most prestigious 
> fields in Hogwarts? Talented as he may be.
> 
> I already know what you are going to answer. Quirrell also seemed 
> to be pretty young and he got the DADA position. But the DADA 
> position is really not an example for anything. We don't know 
> what's going on with it, but whatever it is, it is probably not 
> natural.

Susan:
You may have meant Carol when you said you knew what answer would be 
given, but I can tell you Quirrell would NOT have been my answer to 
this.  I think you've got a valid point that it's difficult to know 
much about the prestige associated w/ the DADA position.  (My gut 
feeling is it's way up there but that **right now** in Hogwarts' 
history, it's seen as jinxed & so has slipped way down the list.)

Anyway, I'd like to make two points.  First, I think with **DD** as 
Headmaster, it **is** likely that he would hire someone young, with 
potentially little/no teaching experience (and, I'd add, some social 
skill problems!) but lots of talent--that is, Severus Snape--to teach 
Potions.  AND I would go so far as to say he would do that even if 
Potions were one of the prestigious positions, as I believe that it 
is.  [Snape's infamous speech about the science & art of potions in 
Harry's 1st year, to me, shows how much he appreciates & respects & 
(dare I say?) adores potion making].  

Second, I think this assigning prestige rankings to fields of magic 
at Hogwarts is a difficult business, just as I think you'd get the 
same arguments about courses of study in RW schools & universities.  
It's a lot of OPINION, in other words.  If people want to argue that 
one has more prestige than another, I think it needs to be done 
without TOO much reference to the wizards & witches currently in 
those teaching positions *and* by looking across a period of time, 
not just the present. I know my first reaction would have been to say 
either:  a) Transfiguration & Potions; or b) DADA & Potions...but 
then I have to be honest and say that I *likely* chose a) because we 
see so much of McGonagall & Snape as readers and b) because we're in 
a time when Voldy is back and DADA is essential for survival in the 
WW.  [When Harry was 5, say, and Voldy was out of the picture, I'll 
bet DADA wouldn't have come to my mind.]

Anyway, while this is an interesting topic, I find it one which would 
be very, very difficult to reach consensus on.

Siriusly Snapey Susan