| wheresmytoad in nocturne_alley @ 2003-05-14 18:22:00 |
To:
Professor Dumbledore
Professor McGonagall
Professor Snape
First of all, I wish to publicly apologize to Professor Snape for the inappropriate things I said to him, last Saturday night. I truly regret that I did not show him the respect which is his due as a teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey have explained to me that I couldn't have known what would happen, since I certainly didn't intend to take the Veritaserum, and I didn't know about the memory block. But I'd still like to say I'm sorry, all the same.
Secondly, I must respectfully decline Professor Snape's invitation to transfer to Slytherin House. I realise he truly believes that is where I should be, but Professor Snape is wrong. The Sorting Hat put me in Gryffindor, and Gryffindor is where I belong.
Thirdly, please accept this as my formal petition to be released from the requirement of attending Potions classes with Professor Snape for the remainder of the school year. With all due respect to the professor's teaching methods, he has made it clear that he considers teaching me a burden, and I think this would be best for all concerned. I propose instead to study independently, either advanced botany on the magical uses of plants with Professor Sprout, or the Muggle science of chemistry with Professor Wiglorn. I also agree to make up the potions material I will miss over the summer holidays. I know that I wouldn't be allowed to do the practical experiments while away from Hogwarts, but I could study much of the written material by correspondence under the direction of Professor Snape, by owl post. I would be willing to sit for examination immediately upon my return in the fall to show that I know the required sixth-year material.
Finally, I must ask to be allowed to defend myself against the serious charges that Professor Snape has made against me. I don't have anything to hide. If Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall think it necessary, I will agree to take another dose of Veritaserum prepared by Professor Snape and answer any questions that the three of you think it necessary to ask me. My grandmother is sending her permission as guardian to the Headmaster by separate owl post, since I'm still a minor. All I ask is that my grandmother be present, and that if Madam Pomfrey thinks it necessary, there could also be a mediwizard from St. Mungo's there to monitor who is familiar with the interactions between Veritaserum and memory blocks. My grandmother has said that she can arrange this. I hope Professor Snape understands that soon after I take the dose, the memory block will likely fail again, so he will need to ask his questions quickly. Madam Pomfrey says that it might not be as bad this time, if no alcohol is involved. Anyway, I will do my best.
I understand why the Headmaster might not want to permit me to do this. It could even be dangerous. I hope this helps Professor Snape understand that I truly do want to, well, work things out with him, because you see, I sincerely need his help. I want to do this. I need to know what I'm being made to forget.
I want to stay at Hogwarts, and I truly do believe I belong here. But if the staff cannot agree to my suggested proposals, then please let me know whether it will be necessary for me to make arrangements to leave Hogwarts immediately.
Oh, one more thing. Professor Snape may not believe me, but he is welcome to ask me when I take the Veritaserum. I thought about it, but it wasn't me who gave him the kitten. I don't know who did.
Yours respectfully,
Neville Longbottom
Comments:
| potions_master @ 2003-05-14 11:16 pm UTC |
Clever, Longbottom. Very, very clever. I have underestimated you greatly.
You, however, underestimate me.
I will see you in class.
Professor Snape
| potions_master @ 2003-05-16 09:02 pm UTC |
It is not customary for a wizard worth his salt to apologise following a diatribe. It lessens the impact, it is a weakness.
I suggest you not make it a practise.