Internship and Innovations

[alt_lucius]

Looking more and more forward to the opportunity to take that holiday, as the summer agenda has been decidedly full.

Sites one through six have been identified and plans underway to utilise them in more appropriate ways. Crispin surprised me, taking a lead in the last two walk-throughs; Gibson asked at luncheon earlier this week whether I thought Crispin did not have particular talent in the field. Replied that I should not have allowed his continued absence from his regular duties were it not so. However, had no desire for Gibson to fly away with the notion Crispin's services are not essential to the smooth administration of my offices.

Particularly considering that his absence has been felt more keenly at some times than others. Confess that on the whole, our young acolyte's performance has been acceptable. Suspect that his early successes led him to presume too much - but such is the nature of learning. At any rate it's sorted now. Still, perhaps it is as well we agreed he would have the week for the YPL trip with the rising second-years. Expect that his final two weeks, on his return, shall exhibit to a greater degree not only his eagerness to perform his tasks with efficiency, but also better sensitivity to the nuances of the position and, dare I say, influence wielded from behind the gates of this house.

For the moment, plans have proceeded in good faith and with apparent good progress toward our latest review of the loyalty programmes. Met with Cornelius yesterday and then luncheon with Plympton and Massopust for progress report on their audits. Certain Our Lord will be pleased with their results when they are presented at Court to-day.

Despite the continued rain, there have been no plans to curtail any of our activities at the week-end. Cannot say the same for the hapless YPL group! Suspect Barty will indeed get his wish and there shall be no incidents in Hyde Park, if only because the group will likely be compelled to spend its afternoon at the Horseguards. Must admit their antics - viewed from a distance - have proven diverting. If there is one thing this summer has shown, it is that the gap between this week's participants and last week's is not solely temporal.


Speaking of time - Pansy, I did happen on one of the volumes I had promised to look out for you: Priscillianus' Vincis, Tractus et Tempus Itineri. Don't worry - the edition I particularly wanted for you is a concordance, so the English is on the opposing page. I had quite forgot that Millingham's text is not always definitive, however. I shall be happy to provide it to you soon but allow me to see whether I can obtain a copy of Jonson's translation as well. The language may be a touch more poetical, but I believe comparison between the two will prove edifying.

Comments

[alt_draco]

So they did divide the YPL groups up that way on purpose? We were all wondering.

[alt_lucius]

My son, you know I cannot with any certainty pretend to know your professors' thought processes, but it does seem patently obvious that striation is ... inevitable.

[alt_draco]

Yes, and it's a good reminder, too. For those who might need to work and try harder. And also for those who need to keep up what they're doing right.

[alt_lucius]

Indeed. Very good, son. But your Professor Sinistra's point is well-taken, Draco: Our Lord's beneficence extends to all who would rise above and beyond their circumstances as their inclinations allow.

Nor should we presume that 'loyalty' is the sole criterion - after all, you will note that your housemates Crabbe and Goyle are in this week's group and no-one could accuse they or their parents of any smirch against Our Lord or purity of blood. I think you will agree that their contributions are no less valuable, even if their company may be less than stimulating.

[alt_draco]

Yes, I remember what Professor Sinistra said...it reminds me of what you used to say about chess pieces. How a pawn can be as useful as a queen. But I think this is why I'm not very good at chess yet. I don't see how all the pieces can be equally valuable, but some more desirable than others. It seems like a paradox.

[alt_lucius]

Different talents and predilections mean that people are suited to different tasks.

Consider the differences among the following: the clerk at Quality Quidditch Supplies; your side-member Mr Pucey; a professional such as Carrig Drumgoole of the Kestrels.

Imagine you are assembling a Quidditch match at the Manor and could choose only one of them to be your fellow. Who would you pick?

[alt_draco]

Carrig Drumgoole, of course (Ha, sorry for that if you're reading, Puce).

I see what you mean. I'd definitely chat with the clerk about the latest broomstick models, but if he tried to correct my form I wouldn't pay him much mind. Unless it was Carrig Drumgoole clerking, but why would he be doing that?

[alt_lucius]

Exactly so. One would not disparage the clerk for being a clerk - he performs a service and supplies you with provisions you need to play. But one would not invite him to supper in recompense, nor would you be likely to notice if he were to be replaced by another, equally valuable but no more important underling. Presumably he has some affinity for the sport, but perhaps his talent was limited or his ability sadly lacking, and he has risen as high as he is likely to go. Nonetheless, he still contributes to the best of his capacity, though he could not be considered a real player.

Now, Mr Pucey is a teammate, one who performs his duties as you do and with whom you co-operate to achieve common success. If he errs, or you, it would not be surprising for either of you to task the other, but this does not mean his value to the team is diminished, nor yours. We shall leave aside for the time being the question of whether his contributions fail on a regular basis; let us assume that you are evenly matched and neither of you an embarrassment to your side. You would not scruple to eschew his company in the locker rooms or the common room when celebrating, nor would you have any reason to decline his overtures, or he yours, of friendship. Yours is a relationship of equals, each of you striving at more or less the same level of effectiveness. But neither of you is at the level of Mr Drumgoole yet.

As for him, his services are sought throughout the nation by any number of qualified judges and his contributions are indisputably essential to the success of his side. If he were to deign to invite you to supper, you would surely accept - but you would naturally understand were he to decline your invitation in favour of more pressing engagements. If he were to offer critique of your skills, or Mr Pucey's, you would be well-served to heed his advice, coming as it does from a position of greater experience and daily use.


Similarly, if you need a tutor in art, you would not solicit assistance from Mr Goyle. If you need to walk down a darkened street, on the other hand, he might be a suitable companion.

[alt_draco]

I'd take Goyle and Crabbe down the darkened street. All the better to have a big wall to keep myself behind while they walked on ahead.

[alt_lucius]

Now you see? That's exactly what I and your professor mean: Keep them for the tasks for which they are suited, value them for that range of duties they can perform; but do not ask them to partner in Arithmancy essays.

[alt_draco]

Thinking about it that way just seems really practical, and not unkind at all. Because Goyle's feelings might be hurt (though probably not really) if I didn't want to work on an essay with him, but really he should know that he's not very good at Arithmancy. Or writing, for that matter.

I still don't know if I'll ever be good at chess, though.

[alt_lucius]

There are many forms of chess, son.

Have you a lesson this afternoon? You were asleep when I left this morning and I meant to ask if you wanted to come to Presto prior to Court. I could bring you back here if you did not wish to come to Buckingham.

[alt_draco]

I finished my lesson with Herr Gotsch about an hour ago, and nothing is planned for the afternoon. But next time I'm sleeping and you want to ask me about a trip to Presto, you should just go ahead and wake me up. Could I still come with you?

[alt_lucius]

I should wake you? Hm. Do you not have an elf to assure that you come down to breakfast like a civilised person?

But yes. You may come through the Floo, provided your mother consents. We must leave in ten minutes.

[alt_draco]

I only meant that I'd much rather go to Presto than have a lie-in!

Okay, I'll go ask her straight away.