September 1st, 0312

[preanimator]

Returning to school is an interesting prospect, but I believe I have soured a bit on the concept this evening. If only the ignorant weren't so rampantly accepted - entrance exams for Hogwarts should be required, really, the way they do for Universities. Then, only the people who truly desired and could benefit from an education would be allowed. Perhaps something else could be arranged for those who did poorly on their exams. Everyone should be given the opportunity to better themselves, but I would rather they not get in the way of MY learning. There are no sacred places any more, I'm rapidly learning.

That being said, my summer went excellently, as my uncle Hans is, as ever, an enlightening and enlightened man. It's a shame he lives so far away, as I would visit him every holiday if I could. It would be nice to have someone to talk to about his work, but some things are just not meant to be, I guess.

Comments

[preanimator]

If you're asking me to develop an indifferent attitude towards idiots, I'm afraid I'll have to decline, sir.

[wwistful]

If you insist. In any case, a school like Hogwarts isn't subject to entrance exams because a great deal of the students are far too young to have gathered a bare minimum of information.

That, coupled with the under educated muggleborns with no prior magical experience and the simple fact that there is no set standard of education for children under tweleve, would make an entrance exam a shambles.

Unless you meant in terms of literacy and numeracy, in which case it would seem that the wizarding world doesn't hold such skills in high regard.

[preanimator]

Literacy and numeracy would be a good start, but I was thinking more of intelligence tests. Are you familiar with them? I don't know that wizards actually have them, but they test things like problem solving abilities, as opposed to knowledge of any particular subject. The ability to learn, in other words.

[wwistful]

I've heard of them, but I'm not familiar with them. Obviously I didn't take them in school, so I've had no experience.

That would depend on what kind of tests they were, but I doubt our Headmaster would ever turn away a student because of their ability to learn.

Which of course, makes life difficult for the professors, but you learn to deal with what you're given.

[preanimator]

Maybe things should change, then, instead of everyone accepting that just because something's been done one way for a thousand years, that it should continue to be so. Or at least install some sort of University system for older students.

[wwistful]

Perhaps you should write a letter to the minister instead of wasting your time with people who can't assist you.

[preanimator]

I'm not an idiot, professor, please don't treat me like one. I'm well aware the Minister isn't going to take advice on the education system from a 15-year-old boy. Nor do I think anyone here is going to change. I was simply expressing my opinion in my journal. If you wish to censor me, I'm aware that these journals are Hogwarts property, and it's within your rights to do so. I'm rather expecting it, at this point.

[You may have a nice ass, Professor, but talking down to Herbert is a sure way to bring the snotty brat in him front and center.]

[wwistful]

No, it isn't likely to change. But perhaps he'll post it in the papers or send you a signed picture of himself, he might even come right to the school and give you that self-assuring pat on the arse you seem to be seeking.

I have better things to do than censor you, West. I was merely encouraging intelligent debate in the place of numerous conversations about bodily functions. Offending you wasn't my intention, despite how easy it seemed to be.

[preanimator]

[Why ... you ... how DARE he ... ]

I have never required a 'pat on the arse', sir. And telling me to write the Minister isn't encouraging any debate at all.

[Can't tell off a professor, can't tell off a professor ... but damn it! HOW RUDE!]

[wwistful]

Sorry for not reading your mind, I'll work on my divination skills.

[Damn it feels good to have something over someone else.]

[preanimator]

[Congratulations, Murdoc. You've managed to get the better of one socially maladroit fifteen year old.]

Divination is a rubbish magic. I have homework to do, good night, professor.

[wwistful]

[HE TAKES WINS WHERE HE CAN SSSH.]

Good night, West.