Pirvate to Mr Goldsteinsubtle_simmerJuly 20 2006, 19:29:25 UTC
A pleasant surprise to recognise your rational argument in this normally insipid booklet this morning, Mr Goldstein.
You are correct, Greyback is a monster unique unto himself. I find it ironic that the Ministry, almost as soon as the Dark Lord was vanquished, set about to create their Peaceful Utopia using his preferred tools.
I understand you have accepted apprenticeship with Alvero. Congratulations. Very few chooses this path. I was surprised not to see Alvero in Romania a few weeks ago?
Pirvate to Snapegood_as_goldyJuly 21 2006, 02:12:49 UTC
Hello Professor. I suppose that you would know more than most about the ad-hoc approach to society's problems tht the ministry has. Yes it's the lesser of two evils we find ourself lumped with led by the ever-changing face of the evil of two lessers.
As for potions, I've always enjoyed them, not even Calculus could crush it out of me. His academic activities have been fewer in number in recent years owing to his age (actually I wanted to go to the conference myself, but couldn't afford it). He was reluctant to take on an apprentice but the workload of running a shop will be beyond him one day, he's no alchemist after all, and it will then fall upon me to take over the good name of his business and make a living for myself. I suppose that's one of the reasons why he's so hard on me, worse than you even I hope you don't find that too insulting but you're not the hardest taskmaster there is. But our professional relationship has been taking turns for the better. Lately he's been trying to get me to mess up some of the more challenging
( ... )
Private to Goldsteinsubtle_simmerJuly 21 2006, 02:36:38 UTC
I cannot argue that - or rather, could, but have no desire to do so.
It is a great shame you could not attend the conference! Why did Alvero not send you if he did not wish to attend himself? The man is getting on in years, indeed, which is why he was losing business to me. Remember that, Goldstein, when the shop is yours! The moment you stop hungering for knowledge, those younger and more inventive than you - those willing to take risks and try new and better combinations - will devour you.
Ah, I would have been 'worse than me', too, Goldstein, if you were making potions to be sold with my name attached. Just ask June Connors
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Private to Snapegood_as_goldyJuly 21 2006, 03:03:13 UTC
Thankyou for the offer Professor. I would love to talk shop sometime. I find it odd to hear you talking with such zeal and passion about potions. Maybe I'm too used to Calculus, but it's nice to hear somebody else speak about the pursuit of knowledge in a similar fashion to my own views. But as for idiocy in your classroom... Professor Are you meaning to tell me all those scowls and disapproving looks were actually some kind of tough love? I'm touched!
Private to Goldsteinsubtle_simmerJuly 21 2006, 03:41:57 UTC
My dear Goldstein, why on earth would you be surprised? Did I not tell you that I could teach you to brew fame, bottle glory, and even put a stopper in death? Did I not say, to every first-year-class, that there would be very few who would be able to truly appreciate the elusive art to be found in the subtle beauty of the softly simmering cauldron? Did you think those were mere words spoken for love of the sound of my own voice?
Did you, perhaps, believe the persistent rumour that I secretly wished for the Defence job throughout my career as Potions Master?
Did you think I relinquished MY classroom to Slughorn with relish?
Life has given me few genuine pleasures, Mr Goldstein, but I have never failed to find some measure of peace in the depths of my cauldron. I do not believe there is any purpose in pursuing a goal unless one is going to strive to be the BEST at the endeavour.
I also do not believe in teaching mediocrity, nor allowing such rubbish to receive a passing mark. You excelled in my class because you understood
( ... )
You are correct, Greyback is a monster unique unto himself. I find it ironic that the Ministry, almost as soon as the Dark Lord was vanquished, set about to create their Peaceful Utopia using his preferred tools.
I understand you have accepted apprenticeship with Alvero. Congratulations. Very few chooses this path. I was surprised not to see Alvero in Romania a few weeks ago?
S. Snape
Reply
As for potions, I've always enjoyed them, not even Calculus could crush it out of me. His academic activities have been fewer in number in recent years owing to his age (actually I wanted to go to the conference myself, but couldn't afford it). He was reluctant to take on an apprentice but the workload of running a shop will be beyond him one day, he's no alchemist after all, and it will then fall upon me to take over the good name of his business and make a living for myself. I suppose that's one of the reasons why he's so hard on me, worse than you even I hope you don't find that too insulting but you're not the hardest taskmaster there is. But our professional relationship has been taking turns for the better. Lately he's been trying to get me to mess up some of the more challenging ( ... )
Reply
It is a great shame you could not attend the conference! Why did Alvero not send you if he did not wish to attend himself? The man is getting on in years, indeed, which is why he was losing business to me. Remember that, Goldstein, when the shop is yours! The moment you stop hungering for knowledge, those younger and more inventive than you - those willing to take risks and try new and better combinations - will devour you.
Ah, I would have been 'worse than me', too, Goldstein, if you were making potions to be sold with my name attached. Just ask June Connors ( ... )
Reply
Reply
Did you, perhaps, believe the persistent rumour that I secretly wished for the Defence job throughout my career as Potions Master?
Did you think I relinquished MY classroom to Slughorn with relish?
Life has given me few genuine pleasures, Mr Goldstein, but I have never failed to find some measure of peace in the depths of my cauldron. I do not believe there is any purpose in pursuing a goal unless one is going to strive to be the BEST at the endeavour.
I also do not believe in teaching mediocrity, nor allowing such rubbish to receive a passing mark. You excelled in my class because you understood ( ... )
Reply
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