Order Only: Minerva?

[alt_poppy]

Minerva:

Have you seen what Malfoy says in his latest post about there being questions regarding the items we ordered for our hospital stores? What on earth? Have you heard a word or whisper of this?

At least Spring hols are upon us. I can tell you that I look forward to giving this ward the thorough going over it needs -- and a proper airing out.

Some of my own sense of anticipation seems to be echoed by my young friends, Mr Boot and Miss Granger: they've both been humming with energy and what looked to me like barely suppressed glee, if that word could possibly be used in relation to Mr Boot. I caught him smiling yesterday morning! If I could bottle that smile, I would, and dose him with it each morning he comes to me. Such a good thing to see!

Only, I confess that it causes me concern to think that their lives here are so menial and so full of anxiety and humiliation that they smile only when there's a holiday on the horizon. Do they really wish to escape from us?


I suppose it's understandable, but how utterly sad. I would have it far otherwise if only I could.
 

Comments

[alt_molly]

I can well imagine that Hermione is quite excited to see Buckingham Palace. But do you know where Amycus Carrow is taking Boot off to for the holiday? Did he tell you? I hardly think that anywhere Carrow might take it in his head to go on holiday would be pleasant for the boy, but perhaps he's simply looking for a change in his routine.

Hermione, did he tell you?

But anyway, that's good news that he's apparently feeling better. Perhaps spring is bringing an improvement in his spirits.

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[alt_poppy]

No, I've no idea where Carrow plans to take the boy. I shudder to think. -- Actually, it seems to me he's said something about his services being in demand elsewhere, which can only bode ill. Carrow's services to the Lord Protector do not bear reflecting on. But, no, the lad's said nothing on the subject. He does not speak to me about Carrow. Even when he's been injured by that-- no. And, of course, I've given up pressing him to speak of it.

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[alt_molly]

In a way, I think that is healthy, really. Your little sphere of control in the hospital wing must seem like an oasis of friendliness and safety to him, and of course he wants to forget that beast whenever he can. It must be a relief to him to have a place where he can put away his cares, at least for a little while.

[alt_hermione]

No he hasn't told me at all, Mrs Weasley. I've not the slightest idea...

[alt_mcgonagall]

I have not heard anything, Poppy. I shall keep my ear to the ground.

As for Granger - well, I shall let her tell you her news.

[alt_sirius]

Where does he...? Oh, that. Hm. No idea, Poppy. You did get everything you needed - well, everything we could get you, didn't you?

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[alt_poppy]

Much of it has come, yes.

The greatest surprise was the arrival this week of a carton of Hercules' All-Heal. I intend to test it carefully, however: as I recollect, the label used to show Hercules killing a lion, but these labels show him in short trousers, wrestling a crocodile. Colour me doubtful.


Also, from its continued absence, one supposes that the HotWot will turn up in July. It will be a comfort to know that no one will lose any toes or fingers to frostbite this summer.

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[alt_sirius]

The All-Heal definitely did not come from me! Sounds dodgy, so yeah, do test it before you use it for real. (Maybe Alecto still has some cuts to poultice?)

I did get the HotWot (sorry, still funny) so I've no idea where it scarpered off to.

Half a moment: Folkestone didn't buy most of that stuff from Laszlo - I'd lay odds that's what's got Malfoy's knickers twisted! Do you still have any of the crates? Are they from 'MacAlister' instead?

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[alt_poppy]

You did get paid for the HotWot, then? It's really no matter when it comes now, so I'm not particularly fussed about that (though, believe me, I will be sure they know I've not got it yet).

I'll ask the elves to check what's on the crates. I'm sure they've got them somewhere about.

Re: Order Only

[alt_poppy]

I've had the elves search out those shipping crates and have made note of where everything's come from. I don't know why I didn't think to keep records of this from the start. I suppose I was just glad to have it all arrive; however, now that we know there may be problems, I certainly need to be able to report to the Board and to Malfoy which sources seem unreliable, so this was effort well-spent.

All right, then:

** From Clarriker (Malfoy's agent, it would seem), we've received your pomegranates and chocolate (and, my, such fine chocolate -- I don't know that I've told you how much I appreciate your getting such good quality, high cacao-content bars -- well done!).

** From MacAlister of Dover, we've received a generic (but entirely effective) toothache tonic and Pliny's Dry Dreams syrup (a tonne of that -- I think they might have tripled the order). According to my parchmentwork, it's also from MacAlister that we are expecting our shipment of Aphoresia's Blood Replenishing Solution (which should be on its way, finally, after being held up until we could file the licensure application and exchange 72 owls with some underwizard for medicinal certifications and excess parchment).

** From Jordan and Sons (also of Dover, it seems), we've received three bushels of dried fluxweed and a crate of rather pallid Turkish salamanders, which have taken their time about perking up. I think they'll pull through, but watch: having said that, I'll check tomorrow morning to find them just a pile of ashes.

That leaves the HotWot and the Tincture of Time unaccounted for. The Tincture, apparently, has been held in a warehouse somewhere out of fear that it may contain some artificial colourant that would violate trade restrictions. Imagine it: the manufacturer might have used transfigured saffron rather than the real article, and the Protectorate is holding the high ground against artificial ingredients in imported goods. (Because transfigured ingredients are unheard of here, as you know!) I've no idea which importers are responsible for the Tincture and HotWot, but I'll let you know as soon as either crosses my threshold.

Re: Order Only

[alt_sirius]

Sorry about the delay, then, if it's my Tincture they're holding up. I did get paid for that and for the, er, HW - Folkestone, that is to say, Clarriker, eventually anted up for them.

The salamanders are not the ones I ordered, sorry. MacAlister had already found a supply by the time I could get back to him and promise the ones I found. I did manage to unload mine, though, not to any of these three, but to, let me see. Yes, Plethodon's Palisades. Apparently it's a small park just outside Escomb. Didn't sound like he wanted them for medicinal purposes, but I had to do something with them. So if your lot do fail, you might see if he's willing to part with a few of his.

Oh, and the Pliny's was my fault, too. I told you I had to buy almost a lorry's worth of the stuff. I gave him a deal just to get it out of Agatha's shop.