Deputy Headmistress Office
2 September, 1995

Dear Dolores,

          I couldn't agree with you more: it would be a shame if we were to get off on the wrong footing. We don't know for how long you and I will be working together, do we?

          And yes, the Headmaster is very kind, kinder than most, and often too kind for his own good. I am glad to see that you understand the honour it is to be here and appreciate his gesture in giving you this wonderful opportunity. I am certain you will do your best to meet his expectations.

          I understand that you are concerned over the students' response to your first class. After all, this is all very new to you, very different from your past occupations, and some nervousness and eagerness to make a good impression are quite natural in your situation. As you said in your speech to the students two days ago — a rather enlightening speech I must say, if lacking a better sense of timing —, teaching is a noble profession, one that requires tireless patience, honest commitment and the deepest sense of responsibility. Not to mention actual knowledge of your subject, of course.

          I am at fault for not alerting you of the students' natural reaction to the instalment of a new teacher. It's not something I usually worry about, as it is common knowledge among professionals in this field, but I should have remembered that you are a special case.

          Wariness is to be expected, as is a certain amount of defiance. Regardless of their young age, they know you are responsible for their education and well being, and they want to know they are in good hands. They will test you and scrutinise you until you prove to be up to the task. Being a teacher is — I am sure you realise — so much more than exerting disciplinary power.

          It is also common knowledge that the brightest students are the most likely to display behavioural problems when the teachers fail to show there is much to learn from them. Boredom makes them apathetic in class and they might look for more interesting challenges in other activities. Ms Granger is the most promising student we have seen in years, and by continuously encouraging her to develop her remarkable skills we have made sure that she remains focused on her studies and away from trouble. The fact that she was appointed Prefect this year speaks for itself.

          I have no doubt in my mind that you understand the children can't help comparing each teacher to all the teachers they have had, and that their judgement — and consequently, the way they behave in class — is greatly influenced by the results of such comparisons. I'm afraid this is especially true for the third-years and above; they are still waiting for a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher who turns out to be nearly as good, qualified and estimable as Professor Lupin. There isn't one day that I don't regret his choice to resign two years ago. You have big shoes to fill, Dolores, and it's quite understandable if you don't succeed at first.

          I can, if you want me to, ask the students of my House to be more sympathetic, remind them that you are not as experienced as a teacher as the other professors in this school, and persuade them not to give you such a difficult time. I can even talk to the Heads of the other Houses and request them to do the same; I'm sure they will be glad to help you get over these first stressful days.

          As for Mr Potter, thank you for informing him that there is no threat hovering over our school and our world. I'm sure he must feel greatly reassured now that you have clarified that. I had a good conversation with him when you sent him to my office, and I have made sure that he knows the difference between fact and fairy stories. Shouting at you and calling you a liar isn't wise or acceptable, and I believe I made him realise his error and the consequences such imprudent attitudes might bring upon him. I am confident that you won't have any more problems with him. Writing lines is perfectly satisfactory punishment. I trust the Headmaster has instructed you on the limits of the disciplinary measures in this school?

          Do not hesitate to ask me for any advice you might need concerning the students, as it is my job to assist the new teachers to acclimatise.

          Yours respectfully,

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Written by Morgan D.
September 5th, 2004

Harry Potter characters belong to J.K. Rowling and her associates, including, but not limited to, Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books, and Warner Bros. This fanwork was created solely for fun and has no legal or financial connection to the Harry Potter novels.