Madam Umbridge?

[alt_dean]

So sorry to disturb you. I am sure you are very busy with your preparations for all of our events.I do just have one tiny question to ask of you. I would have made this private, but given the stipulation on private messages,  I didn't really know if I should or not.

This concerns my guardian Mr Peakes. That past couple of weeks we have been communicating via owl. I prefer that all my messages to him remain private.  And while I certainly don't mind sending him owls, it is better for both of us to communicate through the journals. So I suppose I am asking if you would be so kind to allow all of my communications home to be private? It would be very much appreciated.

Dean Thomas.

Comments

[alt_umbridge]

Mr Thomas -

There must, I believe, be two portions to my answer, the specific and the general.

In the first case, your guardian and I have extensively discussed my goals and plans in this matter, and I am sure that he will advise you on the best solution in your specific situation.

In the more general case, the limitations of the journal system mean that, say, were your guardian to address a message to you (rather than you to him), I regrettably cannot see whether you reply, nor how extensive the conversation might be. And because I am aware that on occasion some parents or guardians might find it necessary to deal with matters of discipline or family expectation with their children, it is less likely I would intervene in such a case without other cause.

But I would like to draw your attention - and the attention of others reading, as I am sure they are - to the larger question. I am glad to have the opportunity to point out that we here at Hogwarts live in community with one another, and that it is by engaging with others in the community that we can learn, grow, and become our best possible selves in service to the Protectorate.

And in order for that to work most fully, we must be willing to open ourselves to the scrutiny of our peers and our professors, to lay open our failings and lacks. And then we must listen, sincerely and without resentment, to their advice.

In short, I would encourage all to contemplate the idea that privacy is a privilege, earned through scrupulous attention to proper action and thought, and through unblemished service to the ideals of your highest self, the school, and Our Lord's work. For all those who have not yet improved themselves, teensy but repeated corrections may well be in order, as well as other opportunities for learning and growth.