Hire Dates (was Re: Timing of the prophecy)

[Eustace_Scrubb]

No: HPFGUIDX 117473


Eustace_Scrubb:
<snips>
> > > Dumbledore isn't precise about the timing, but it was
> > > cold and wet, so let's say early spring/late winter, 16
> > > years ago.  That might make it 4 or 5 months prior to Neville's 
> > > and Harry's births. 

khinterberg now:
> > That very day [Sept.8], Umbridge inspects Professor Trelawney,
> > and Trelawney reluctantly reveals that she has been employed in  
> > that post for "nearly sixteen years."  

Hickengruendler:
><snips> 
> I don't think we should take Trelawney's statement to literally.
> She said she worked in Hogwarts for nearly sixteen years in the
> scene you mentioned, and then again she said that she's in Hogwarts
> for sixteen years, in the scene where she's sacked. All that it
> means is IMO that she was hired between October 1979th and April or
> May 1980.  Not a very specific date, but I don't think we can come 
> any closer in our guesses.
> 
> It's the same about Snape. He said in September/October that he 
> worked in Hogwarts for fourteen years. If we took it literally, he 
> was hired before Voldie's downfall. But it's way more likely that
> he was speaking losely and was hired in November, after Harry  
> defeated Voldemort. That would still count as 14 years, even if not
> exactly.

Eustace_Scrubb again:
The dates of hire _are_ another source of confusion.  I do think the
other evidence cited leads to the conclusion that both Snape and
Trelawney were hired mid-term.  The only similar situations I can
recall during Harry's time at Hogwarts are: 1) Professor Grubbly-Plank
serving both as a short-term and long-term substitute for Hagrid
(wonder what she's up to when not substituting?); and 2) Firenze
filling in when Trelawney's sacked.

I can see that Dumbledore probably wanted both Snape and Trelawney
safely installed at Hogwarts ASAP due to their roles in the war
against Voldemort.  But one wonders...who taught those subjects
immediately prior?  Did they die or retire mid-term?  Did either Snape
or Trelawney come in a long-term substitutes?  Apparently there _was_
an opening in Divination, as the prophecy was given during Sibyll's
job interview.

Details, details!

Cheers,

Eustace_Scrubb
"Not useless," said the Owl.  "Eustace!"