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[alt_poppy]

Alice, I was unable to view the book last night, despite Cedric's opening the Headmaster's office to me whilst Dolohov was out. The book resides in his private, inner rooms, which were inaccessible in his absence.

As it was, however, he was immediately in touch upon his return to inquire about my having stopped by. His wards had registered my presence.

Not a surprise in itself, but a useful reminder that he is a master of warding and detection.

Comments

[alt_severus]

It sounds as though the castle has rearranged the Head's rooms for him significantly. Odd that it should wish so much to please him.

As I doubt any of the Order in residence would be capable enough to undo Dolohov's wards and protections without him noticing, perhaps Albus might weigh in on other methods that might be employed.

[alt_poppy]

Let's hope the castle is being shrewd with him. Flattering him.

I'm rather counting on the castle's protecting that Book from him, since we ourselves are powerless to do so.

I've always believed the castle has acted to protect us, up to and including Flitwick's last stand, though in the end, even she couldn't save him. I admit that I will be shocked if she proves simply to bow to the will of whomever might be Head at the moment.


If that should be the case, we could all be in grave difficulties before long.

[alt_alice]

I see. Thank you.

As of now, I'm of a mind to not push things. Dolohov is sharp, and I don't want to push our luck.

For the time being, we might think of using the button network to give us an advanced warning, and train the few people with wands in the camps to test the newborns as well.

[alt_poppy]

I agree that caution is warranted where Dolohov is concerned.

Private message to Poppy Pomfrey

[alt_bill]

Poppy:

In answer to you query, here's what I've managed to pull together from various sources so far about Hubert Drubble. He's a contract employee at St Mungo's, working only half-time in the dispensary, in the afternoons. There's something that struck my source as a little irregular about this: he landed this job despite the fact that he'd been sacked from his previous position. My source said that normally St Mungo's is rather picky, requiring that any applicants to open positions have squeaky-clean work histories. I wonder (speaking from my experience as Corax Mulciber's former flunky) whether an allowance might have been made because he worked under an unreasonable boss.

I'm still waiting for word back about the circumstances under which he left his previous position, and who hired him at St Mungo's. I'll let you know what I've learned when I hear.

Re: Private message to Poppy Pomfrey

[alt_poppy]

St Mungo's is extremely careful in hiring. To a fault, perhaps. At the very least, his background would have been scrutinised. In ordinary circumstances, anyway.

I don't know. The only reason I'm prying into this at all is that the dodgy reports about him--about his irregular work in the dispensary, about his unprofessional demeanor, even his hygiene--it simply smells suspicious. Very unlike the St Mungo's I know to take someone like this on. And your report compounds it.

Do let me know if you hear anything more. Now I'm truly curious.

Re: Private message to Poppy Pomfrey

[alt_poppy]

And, Bill.

Thank you. I'm ashamed I didn't say so before.

Truly.

[alt_cedric]

I’m in the room with the book most days. I’m there without his presence frequently. However, it’s rarely at a time I can predict and there’s even less chance of being able to predict how long I will be alone. If he doesn't know that there’s anything special hidden there, and since nothing horrible has happened I’m pretty sure that’s the case, he has no reason to create a particular ward that I might trip. I am also aware of most of the always on wards so I don’t trip them accidentally again.

The next time I think I’ve got the time, should I try on my own? There won’t be time to call someone else in and even if I didn’t the visitor log would show that they stopped by.

The rooms really did rearrange themselves for him. Once it was clear I was staying on for him, additional space was added for me as well. Though that had the disadvantage of pushing me further from any sensitive information and away from his personal floo. Aside from his obsession with the D I hope that it’s because he truly cares about protecting “his charges” and pushing all the students to be the best he thinks they can be. Of course orders from his lord would override that, but aside from that he really is all about good academics.

[alt_poppy]

That's not for me to decide. Alice?

[alt_alice]

Don't risk it.

We have other methods that will be far less risky. It was hard enough with Minerva unable to communicate openly, but now we have a Headmaster who is decidedly not sympathetic in the least, is sharp, and knows his security measures.

It's not worth the risk.