Defence classes

[alt_savitha]

My dear students.

Having had a week to evaluate your preparation and abilities, I've decided that my NEWT classes this week will run under what we used to refer to as 'Salazar's rules.' This means that you have the right to -- and in fact are expected to -- cast offensive spells at me during class from the moment class begins until the moment class is dismissed.

However, once you have made this attempt, you become fair game. A legitimate target for both me and every other student in the class. You are, naturally, allowed to block, counteract, and otherwise defend yourself. Spells that cause permanent damage may not be used -- I'll post a list of curses I don't want to see outside my classroom door, be sure to take a look before you come in to class.

House points will be granted for style; taken for stupidity. Naturally, should you succeed in landing a curse on me, House points will be generous -- also, you're then exempt from becoming fair game.

We may play this little game in some future class sessions throughout the year -- probably not every time, it's far too distracting.

Some of my OWL classes MAY be allowed to have a Salazar's Rules session later in the year; we will just have to see how it goes. This is a privilege earned through skill and dedication. Persuade me that you might actually have a chance at not making a fool of yourselves!

Comments

[alt_savitha]

Be careful, young man; you realise that since you drew attention to yourself, I'll be watching you much more carefully.

(Though I'd have had my eye on you regardless.)

Don't disappoint me.

[alt_ron]

Reckon I'm good for it.

I'll give it my best, anywiz.

Order Only

[alt_draco]

Bloody nightshade, do I ever wish I didn't have to miss this.

No offense to Raz, may he rest in peace, but this sounds like the way NEWT level Defence ought to be taught. She's basically giving you all lessons in how to overcome her in an actual, real duel. Unless she's too clever to actually respond as she would in a true life or death situation, which may well be the case.

You might not want to show her all that you're capable of, on that score. That goes for the rest of you, too.

Re: Order Only

[alt_neville]

I'll want to learn anything she's willing to teach us, but I'd rather have her underestimate me, yeah. Dad's taught me a lot that's specific to the old style of training Aurors, and I don't want to tip my hand there.

Except that if Headmaster Dolohov's giving her tips about the students, he'll probably tell her that I like being underestimated. He figured that one out eventually.

I'd offer to show you my notes at hols, but I don't write quickly enough to get everything down when she's lecturing. Which isn't often, anyway. Ron's and Justin's notes will probably be better.

Re: Order Only

[alt_draco]

I reckon the tricky bit about trying to go unnoticed is having people notice that you're trying to go unnoticed. Still, you've managed it for six years so something you're doing is obviously working.

I think there's enough of you in Defence that we'll sort out the situation with the notes easily enough.

Re: Order Only

[alt_ron]

Yeah. Hold out for F-F's notes. Or Sally Anne's. Mine'll be rubbish. I mean, I'll be able to tell you all she said and show you the spells, but you won't get much from what I write in lessons.

Expect that doesn't surprise you.

Re: Order Only

[alt_draco]

And why would you expect that?

Surprised none of you use a dictation quill, though. Unless Desai doesn't allow them because she thinks it'll give students opportunity to drift off during lecture.

Re: Order Only

[alt_sally_anne]

I don't use a dictation quill for several reasons, but one is that they write down every last thing the professor says instead of just capturing the main points. Makes it harder to revise.

If you'd like a complete transcription, though, one of us could get one. She seems the sort who'd think it completely reasonable that we'd want to revisit her ever word, so I doubt she'd think twice about me using a dictation quill in her class and no other.

Re: Order Only

[alt_draco]

I don't use them because then the notes aren't in my own handwriting, which bothers me. However, there've been a few times when I've set up an auto-dictation quill next to me while taking my own notes by hand, just for comparison later.

Anyway, whatever you can manage is fine. Hermione would definitely find them useful, as would Sarah. And some of the others, besides, like Terry and Lisa.

But Hermione and Sarah and I are particularly interested in seeing the NEWT-level course work, since we won't be able to sit the NEWTs ourselves (not that they would have let Hermione, of course).

Re: Order Only

[alt_sally_anne]

Right, I got hold of a dictation quill and a suitable roll of parchment; I'll set it going during class tomorrow and then send it along. You can let me know if everyone finds it useful enough to continue.

I can copy my own notes, too.