Order Only Private Message to Pomona Sprout and Severus Snape

[alt_poppy]

I've just been warned that the school's post is being or will soon be subjected to scrutiny. I confess, I'd rather assumed it was already being screened, but this is confirmation that our precautions ought to remain at highest levels.

My source for this piece of news was Antonin Dolohov.

I've another bit of information I really ought to share with you both. Last evening I locked horns with Madam Umbridge, who was not pleased to learn that I have omitted to report to her the names of students who injure themselves whilst practising the spells appropriate to the school's curriculum. I am now to provide documentation of every patient I treat.

Which I intend to provide in super-abundance, though she'll be hard-pressed to glean from it the damning details she craves. Prompt Compliance, thy name is Poppy Pomfrey.

Obviously, I expect this is not the final slipper to drop on the matter. If something dire comes of it, I will give you both as much warning as I am able. Pomona, I trust you will see to telling Aurora what has happened, if and when that is necessary.

Comments

[alt_severus]

Interesting.

I had intended to warn you and Pomona when I saw you tomorrow: the pink cow has arranged with Crouch to implement more extensive owl post screening, beginning tomorrow, and enlisted several of her "junior council" — as well as myself, or rather, Milland — to perform that screening. I apologise for not relaying the information sooner; I was distracted by the general concern for Mr Weasley.

It is most interesting that Dolohov was the one to warn you. Shall I take it he acknowledges the life-debt, then? That ought be useful in future.

[alt_pomona]

Severus, really. Do you have any further details than that?

What she seems to be looking for, for one. (Not that I get much out of the expected, mind, but one worries about the students.)

[alt_severus]

If one goes simply by her instructions to the students who will be doing the searching, she is looking for (and confiscating) food items and other forms of contraband from parcels.

It is, of course, far more sinister: she is reading all post, or delegating the reading thereof, and searching for sedition — or things she might twist into becoming such. I have overheard several things that cause me to think owls are first being redirected to MLE, as well, so that they are searched twice.

If you are expecting any post that you would rather no-one else in the castle see, let me know: parcels and letters addressed to staff are reserved for Hooch or Milland to open, and I doubt Hooch would mind being told that she could skip a day.

[alt_pomona]

Good grief.

I am not exactly surprised, but really? What on - no, never mind. We all know she's hoping to find something like the Fleets. But staff mail, really?

I should have a word with Neville, as I know he's ordering various things with that blasted garden in mind.

Do keep us informed if there's anything new to be wary of, please.

[alt_pomona]

Oh, Poppy. Of course I will, should that become necessary. (Mind, she's avoiding me except when we must - she's made it clear she doesn't want to make me more of a target.)

Is there any way I can help? At all?