THE PENSIEVE PAPERS

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[See note on Pensieve Files.]

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Location: Hogwarts classroom 4F. Present: A. Dumbledore, C. Binns (ghost).

DUMBLEDORE: Professor Binns, may I have a word?

BINNS: A word?

DUMBLEDORE: A word, yes, Binns. A moment of conversation.

BINNS: Well – I suppose so. I’m rather busy, you know, planning my –

DUMBLEDORE: Planning your lessons, yes. I will only take a moment of your time.

BINNS: Well. If you must.

DUMBLEDORE: I am wondering whether you’ve incorporated Nicholas Flamel into your first-year curriculum.

BINNS: Nicholas Flamel? In the first year? Good heavens, Professor, how are our youngest students to understand the role of Nicholas Flamel when they hardly comprehend the nature of the Goblin Uprising of 1383? The impact it had on the Parisian magical community –

DUMBLEDORE: Modern alchemy would be virtually non-existent. I happen to agree. Nevertheless, Professor Binns, I believe it is important for our students to be familiarized with Monsieur Flamel. Current happenings in the world and all – some basic familiarity with the man and his history are essential, I believe, in contextualizing our students within the modern world of magic.

BINNS: At first year, Professor, I hardly believe students need to have context within the modern world. Modernity needn’t dawn until at least their OWL year.

DUMBLEDORE: Unfortunately, Binns, you are not the director of curriculum at this academy. I have given you considerable autonomy in your class structure, and I have maintained your tenure despite your undergoing a process that rather universally terminates employment. I ask of you this one thing, and that is to include in your upcoming lectures information about the life and works of Nicholas Flamel. Do you understand my request?

BINNS: I will – I will see if I can find space to – fit him in. I will – I’d planned an entire term around Elfric the Eager – but it will have to wait, I suppose.

DUMBLEDORE: I trust you will see it through.

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