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Private to Goldstein subtle_simmer July 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.

On that note - never be afraid to blow up a cauldron. Some of the greatest discoveries are 'accidents'. There is a difference between idiocy and intelligent experimentation, and you left idiocy behind in my classroom. You are welcome.

I find myself exceedingly busy of late, for obvious reasons. Yet, I would not be opposed to 'talk shop' some time if you would like. I might even let you read my notes from the conference. You can tell Alvero not to fear, I do not want an apprentice, so I am not trying to steal you away. He might like the idea of you trying to discover my secrets - as if I would be so careless!

S. Snape

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Private to Snape good_as_goldy July 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!

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Private to Goldstein subtle_simmer July 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 the art, and that is a gift, indeed.

However, you will have to strive very hard, if you are going to catch me up. My passion runs deep, and my ambition does any Slytherin proud.

Alvero, as I say, is growing old and tired. You must expose yourself to new ideas to encourage growth and improvement.

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