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If either of you are able to come, I need a word. Before noon.
Acceptance
Jun. 2nd, 2014 08:56 pmDear Messrs Smythe and Postlethwaite,
Thank you, indeed, for the invitation to participate in your Robustious Recuperatives seminar. Expect my owl with payment in full tomorrow breakfast. As you know, I am ever in search of improved techniques and tonics to speed my young patients back to full bloom when accidents and ailments befall them.
Thank you, indeed, for the invitation to participate in your Robustious Recuperatives seminar. Expect my owl with payment in full tomorrow breakfast. As you know, I am ever in search of improved techniques and tonics to speed my young patients back to full bloom when accidents and ailments befall them.
I've already mentioned this to Septima and Rolanda, as each of them has been obliged to check on patients here already today.
We had such a quiet start to the week, but I'm afraid exams are catching up with us now.
Do be on the lookout for foolishness. I've seen three who've unfortunately overdone it with Old Nick's Nimblewit syrup and were wound tight as spindlebints before anyone thought to send them my way. And judging by the number and nastiness of this morning's hex injuries, I'd say someone has been vending quite a supply of the stuff.
It comes, as you may recall, in small, easily-palmed phials (the glass has a tell-tale emerald hue, should you see one). The syrup is most potent when mixed with pumpkin juice, alas, and the symptoms progress from irritability and anxiety to compulsive overactivity and galloping heart. Left untreated? Madness and death.
We had such a quiet start to the week, but I'm afraid exams are catching up with us now.
Do be on the lookout for foolishness. I've seen three who've unfortunately overdone it with Old Nick's Nimblewit syrup and were wound tight as spindlebints before anyone thought to send them my way. And judging by the number and nastiness of this morning's hex injuries, I'd say someone has been vending quite a supply of the stuff.
It comes, as you may recall, in small, easily-palmed phials (the glass has a tell-tale emerald hue, should you see one). The syrup is most potent when mixed with pumpkin juice, alas, and the symptoms progress from irritability and anxiety to compulsive overactivity and galloping heart. Left untreated? Madness and death.
I've just spent the last hour and a half reversing curses suffered by Mr Weasley last night when he was ambushed by his dormitory mate, Mr Thomas, who seems to have rigged a silent alert to tell him if Mr Weasley should ever leave his bed in the night. There's no point dwelling on details, but it would seem that the attack began with Petrificus and a silencing spell, after which Mr Thomas piled on every hex and battering curse that came to mind. Mr Weasley thinks Mr Finnigan may have added several of his own curses when he returned from an after-curfew tryst.
In any case, Mr Longbottom seems to have slept through all of it--which is entirely understandable, Mr Longbottom: there's truly no need to berate yourself for not having heard a magically-silenced assault--but it was Neville who found Mr Weasley on the floor this morning and brought him to me.
All will be well, but I do think Mr Weasley feels rather as he did when he got wrongways with a hippogriff in the Creatures pen--or, as he put it, as if he's been run over by the Hogwarts Express.
Suffice it to say, he will not be attending morning lessons and asks to be brought word of any assignments. I shall be sending the usual notifications to his teachers.
Alice, I'm writing you rather than Molly at Mr Weasley's request. He'd rather she not know about this.
In any case, Mr Longbottom seems to have slept through all of it--which is entirely understandable, Mr Longbottom: there's truly no need to berate yourself for not having heard a magically-silenced assault--but it was Neville who found Mr Weasley on the floor this morning and brought him to me.
All will be well, but I do think Mr Weasley feels rather as he did when he got wrongways with a hippogriff in the Creatures pen--or, as he put it, as if he's been run over by the Hogwarts Express.
Suffice it to say, he will not be attending morning lessons and asks to be brought word of any assignments. I shall be sending the usual notifications to his teachers.
Alice, I'm writing you rather than Molly at Mr Weasley's request. He'd rather she not know about this.
Order Only
Feb. 18th, 2014 09:00 pmWell. This is annoying. I'm afraid I've failed at a perfectly simple task after we went to a deal of fuss for a look at the book.
We talked our way past the door wardens and fairly badgered our way into the Headmistress's office (where she's not allowed either of us for weeks). Pomona managed it all perfectly and drew Minerva out of her office while I contrived to be left behind. All I had to do then was find the book, open it, and copy any entries inside. Pomona had the far more difficult task of decoying Minerva for long enough that I could manage that.
And now it seems I failed at a spell I use nearly every day.
Here is the list exactly as it appears on the page I used to take the copy:
Bless.
We talked our way past the door wardens and fairly badgered our way into the Headmistress's office (where she's not allowed either of us for weeks). Pomona managed it all perfectly and drew Minerva out of her office while I contrived to be left behind. All I had to do then was find the book, open it, and copy any entries inside. Pomona had the far more difficult task of decoying Minerva for long enough that I could manage that.
And now it seems I failed at a spell I use nearly every day.
Here is the list exactly as it appears on the page I used to take the copy:
- Cameron Happer at South Ribble
Heidi Clarke at Bassetlaw
Mala Chaudhary at Waveney
Isobel Morris at Derby
at
Seth Hughes at Porlock
Bless.
Mr Thomas, you've left my ward without my approval. I must insist that you return at the slightest sign of difficulty.
Gwendolyn, he's refused to be examined physically and has declined to answer any but the most basic questions about curse injuries he sustained last evening. There is clearly some neurological impairment--you'll notice the facial tic immediately--but I cannot say whether it will pass quickly or begin degenerating. Please keep an eye on him, and send him forcibly back to me if that seems warranted.
Gwendolyn, he's refused to be examined physically and has declined to answer any but the most basic questions about curse injuries he sustained last evening. There is clearly some neurological impairment--you'll notice the facial tic immediately--but I cannot say whether it will pass quickly or begin degenerating. Please keep an eye on him, and send him forcibly back to me if that seems warranted.
I need to see you at once.
And don't think you can charm me into tolerating any evasions.
And don't think you can charm me into tolerating any evasions.
Order Only
Nov. 6th, 2013 03:37 pmFrank, Alice:
I've just had a careful note from our friends at Igtham Mote, wanting to be certain that their shipments of the dietary supplement are being received and are sufficient for our needs. I take it, since you've not said otherwise, that the drop point has been secure and that all is well. How have you been getting the stuff into the camps where it's needed? What are you hearing from those camps where rations have been so severely curtailed? And is there anything more I could do to help?
I've just had a careful note from our friends at Igtham Mote, wanting to be certain that their shipments of the dietary supplement are being received and are sufficient for our needs. I take it, since you've not said otherwise, that the drop point has been secure and that all is well. How have you been getting the stuff into the camps where it's needed? What are you hearing from those camps where rations have been so severely curtailed? And is there anything more I could do to help?
Private Message to Horace Slughorn
Oct. 24th, 2013 12:56 pmI realise you'll be kept busy by your afternoon duties, but if you have a moment, could you let me know if there was anything beyond the usual in the mess with which Miss Urquhart and Miss Pimm decorated themselves in your first-year lesson?
I've treated the burns and have moderated Miss Urquhart's allergic response. (If you stop up, do please avoid flinching when you see the swelling--no point adding upset).
The other symptoms will have to take their course: it was quite a thorough dosing they gave themselves. I suppose I should compliment you on the fact that it was only two of them this time.
I've treated the burns and have moderated Miss Urquhart's allergic response. (If you stop up, do please avoid flinching when you see the swelling--no point adding upset).
The other symptoms will have to take their course: it was quite a thorough dosing they gave themselves. I suppose I should compliment you on the fact that it was only two of them this time.
Private Message to Antonin Dolohov
Oct. 13th, 2013 06:36 amAntonin,
I realise you're unlikely to see this until we've reached a decent hour of the morning, but I should like to consult with you at your earliest convenience. This regards Mr Finnigan, who has spent the night on my ward after suffering a sharp fright at the hands of a Boggart.
He has not had a peaceful rest. No, indeed. And in his troubled spells, he's repeated your name as though he wished quite urgently to speak with you.
If you have time, I believe it would do him good to have a visit from you. If only for a remedial lesson in banishing Boggarts!
I realise you're unlikely to see this until we've reached a decent hour of the morning, but I should like to consult with you at your earliest convenience. This regards Mr Finnigan, who has spent the night on my ward after suffering a sharp fright at the hands of a Boggart.
He has not had a peaceful rest. No, indeed. And in his troubled spells, he's repeated your name as though he wished quite urgently to speak with you.
If you have time, I believe it would do him good to have a visit from you. If only for a remedial lesson in banishing Boggarts!
This is what comes of allowing them to join us.
There's much you have to answer for, Poppy Pomfrey, if our secrets prove too much for them to be going on with.
There's much you have to answer for, Poppy Pomfrey, if our secrets prove too much for them to be going on with.
A Notable Day
Oct. 4th, 2013 08:37 amMany happy returns, Minerva.
I feel certain I speak for all of us at Hogwarts when I say how very glad we are to have you back at the helm.
I feel certain I speak for all of us at Hogwarts when I say how very glad we are to have you back at the helm.
Congratulations, Aurora, Rabastan
Jun. 1st, 2013 09:44 pmThis has been a truly lovely celebration. I thank you heartily for including me in your special hours, and I wish you every good thing--health, comfort, security, love, the blessings of family, and a most amiable partnership--for all the long years ahead.
I apologise for my early departure, and for leaving without thanking you in person, but I do look forward to offering all these wishes properly when I see you next.
I apologise for my early departure, and for leaving without thanking you in person, but I do look forward to offering all these wishes properly when I see you next.
Albus.
Could you stop up to the hospital wing? I have MrM Potter here. He has information he wishes very much that we should hear, and he believes that he may require a pensieve to give us the thorough report he believes is necessary.
If you would be so good?
Could you stop up to the hospital wing? I have Mr
If you would be so good?
Order Only
May. 24th, 2013 09:50 amI've settled in, I suppose. I've unpacked my valise into the drawers here and have re-appropriated the personal effects I was forced to leave behind. (Thank you, Severus, for seeing that those were not simply sent out with the rubbish.)
Other matters are less easy. I find that the students are quite reluctant to come to me with their treatable maladies and are decidedly anxious to enter the infirmary when they've a complaint that cannot be managed without my care. Decidedly more anxious than is usual.
In the stretches of time when students are not seeking me out, I'm cleaning, inventorying, and readying the month-end reports, which brings me to ask:
ALBUS, if you've time, I would appreciate your help with a number of sneaky charms on my records. And Severus, you as well, if you're able come at some point. I've found one or two traps on items Kerr apparently wanted to keep students from touching. (I doubt they're aimed at me, though I suppose that's possible. I shouldn't like to think him that childish.)
I confess I am a bit concerned there might be other snares or surveillance charms in here. My diagnostic register has some sort of remote duplio on it, I think. As soon as I discovered it, I set it aside. I assume it was meant to inform Madam Umbridge of the identities and ailments of those he treated (or saw--treated seems not quite the word), but... the mind conjures other, less savoury possibilities.
Other matters are less easy. I find that the students are quite reluctant to come to me with their treatable maladies and are decidedly anxious to enter the infirmary when they've a complaint that cannot be managed without my care. Decidedly more anxious than is usual.
In the stretches of time when students are not seeking me out, I'm cleaning, inventorying, and readying the month-end reports, which brings me to ask:
ALBUS, if you've time, I would appreciate your help with a number of sneaky charms on my records. And Severus, you as well, if you're able come at some point. I've found one or two traps on items Kerr apparently wanted to keep students from touching. (I doubt they're aimed at me, though I suppose that's possible. I shouldn't like to think him that childish.)
I confess I am a bit concerned there might be other snares or surveillance charms in here. My diagnostic register has some sort of remote duplio on it, I think. As soon as I discovered it, I set it aside. I assume it was meant to inform Madam Umbridge of the identities and ailments of those he treated (or saw--treated seems not quite the word), but... the mind conjures other, less savoury possibilities.
Well, then.
May. 23rd, 2013 08:43 amHere we are.
Students: if any of you are needing treatment for maladies of any sort, please do not hesitate to stop into the Hospital Wing. I will be happy to assist you.
Heads of House and Prefects: do, please, direct students in need of my care to come along for treatment.
Best wishes to those sitting OWLs this week. Persevere!
Students: if any of you are needing treatment for maladies of any sort, please do not hesitate to stop into the Hospital Wing. I will be happy to assist you.
Heads of House and Prefects: do, please, direct students in need of my care to come along for treatment.
Best wishes to those sitting OWLs this week. Persevere!
I have the next shipment of supplement here and would be pleased to pass it along in whatever way would be most convenient.
Antonin, thank you for seeing to the invoice in advance. That has expedited matters.
Antonin, thank you for seeing to the invoice in advance. That has expedited matters.
Order Only: Our Exam Preparation Service
Mar. 27th, 2013 11:54 pmI see that Mr Finch-Fletchley has heard from his foster parents about your offer, Molly. I'm glad they've given him permission. I hope they all will.
I feel quite certain the young people themselves will be quite grateful for the assistance. I've heard as much from Miss Perks, who wrote me to say that she and Miss Parkinson have paved the way with their respective guardians and parents to expect that they'll be spending their holidays readying themselves for exams. '(Possibly with a tutor, depending on how things turn out.)' Of course, she meant 'if the Order follow through' on our promise to teach them Apparition.
It was a reasonably cheery note--she hopes she might see me for tea and a chat--though it ended by reminding me not to write her a reply, as Madam Umbridge's nosy parkers are still opening all the post.
I feel quite certain the young people themselves will be quite grateful for the assistance. I've heard as much from Miss Perks, who wrote me to say that she and Miss Parkinson have paved the way with their respective guardians and parents to expect that they'll be spending their holidays readying themselves for exams. '(Possibly with a tutor, depending on how things turn out.)' Of course, she meant 'if the Order follow through' on our promise to teach them Apparition.
It was a reasonably cheery note--she hopes she might see me for tea and a chat--though it ended by reminding me not to write her a reply, as Madam Umbridge's nosy parkers are still opening all the post.
Private Message to Antonin Dolohov
Mar. 12th, 2013 10:51 pmAntonin,
Thank you for what you said. I appreciate your kind words about my situation and your offers of assistance.
I'm afraid I must decline your offer to put me on retainer as your private healer. I will not step foot in that castle again until Madam Umbridge has gone and my place been restored, so while I would certainly agree to see you should you find yourself in urgent need of my care, I cannot provide the steady, on-going care you require to see that you continue on your upward course. I do regret that.
In any case, I mean to do a bit of travelling, I think, to clear my mind and take advantage of the unexpected holiday. I will do, that is, if I am able to settle the matter of my status at St Mungo's and the matter of my pension. I have spent the past two days at it with little progress. Mine has been a dual appointment, so Madam Umbridge was not able unilaterally to terminate my employment. I am now an institutional healing practitioner sans institution. Sans salary, as well, save for the rudimentary stipend St M's provides. They could assign me elsewhere, including within St M's, but I think it highly unlikely.
I have requested leave, in any case, if only so Luxovius Kerr cannot expect that I will accept fire calls at all hours to answer questions and provide care summaries about this patient and that whose fat files full of treatment notes he will not wish to bother reading. (You asked about his reputation: it is that he is interested in his own rather narrow research specialty and nothing else. He is not accustomed to seeing patients; rather, he studies research subjects, some of them at first hand. He is not said to be a particularly collegial presence in his department.)
In any case, I've been advised that whatever St Mungo's decide to do with me, I must apply within a fortnight of my severance from the school for my pension or forfeit that entirely (whether I'm to be formally retired or not), so off I've gone to the Ministry where I've sat for a day and a half with three dozen other petitioners waiting for my number to be called. On Monday afternoon, two persons were summoned into the inner sanctum whilst the rest of us waited; today, only one person was summoned all day. In fact it was two, but the second had just succumbed to an urgent need to step out for several moments and was called in absentia. When he returned and learned he'd been summoned, he went to the clerk only to be told he'd missed his window of opportunity and had lost his position in the queue. Mind you, they didn't call anyone else in his place. I overheard two of my fellows speculating that it is a ploy to keep people from claiming their pensions. I've yet to discover whether any of my companions have spent a full fortnight waiting in that reception, but I have begun to suspect that one's summons may be carefully scheduled for the day following the expiration of eligibility.
I'm sure this is more than you wish to know, Antonin, but I suppose I want to give you fair warning that I might, after all, need the help you offered in the event I have difficulty securing my pension.
In any case, thank you for your kindness in my time of distress. It meant a great deal to read your words of support and your expressions of shared purpose.
Thank you for what you said. I appreciate your kind words about my situation and your offers of assistance.
I'm afraid I must decline your offer to put me on retainer as your private healer. I will not step foot in that castle again until Madam Umbridge has gone and my place been restored, so while I would certainly agree to see you should you find yourself in urgent need of my care, I cannot provide the steady, on-going care you require to see that you continue on your upward course. I do regret that.
In any case, I mean to do a bit of travelling, I think, to clear my mind and take advantage of the unexpected holiday. I will do, that is, if I am able to settle the matter of my status at St Mungo's and the matter of my pension. I have spent the past two days at it with little progress. Mine has been a dual appointment, so Madam Umbridge was not able unilaterally to terminate my employment. I am now an institutional healing practitioner sans institution. Sans salary, as well, save for the rudimentary stipend St M's provides. They could assign me elsewhere, including within St M's, but I think it highly unlikely.
I have requested leave, in any case, if only so Luxovius Kerr cannot expect that I will accept fire calls at all hours to answer questions and provide care summaries about this patient and that whose fat files full of treatment notes he will not wish to bother reading. (You asked about his reputation: it is that he is interested in his own rather narrow research specialty and nothing else. He is not accustomed to seeing patients; rather, he studies research subjects, some of them at first hand. He is not said to be a particularly collegial presence in his department.)
In any case, I've been advised that whatever St Mungo's decide to do with me, I must apply within a fortnight of my severance from the school for my pension or forfeit that entirely (whether I'm to be formally retired or not), so off I've gone to the Ministry where I've sat for a day and a half with three dozen other petitioners waiting for my number to be called. On Monday afternoon, two persons were summoned into the inner sanctum whilst the rest of us waited; today, only one person was summoned all day. In fact it was two, but the second had just succumbed to an urgent need to step out for several moments and was called in absentia. When he returned and learned he'd been summoned, he went to the clerk only to be told he'd missed his window of opportunity and had lost his position in the queue. Mind you, they didn't call anyone else in his place. I overheard two of my fellows speculating that it is a ploy to keep people from claiming their pensions. I've yet to discover whether any of my companions have spent a full fortnight waiting in that reception, but I have begun to suspect that one's summons may be carefully scheduled for the day following the expiration of eligibility.
I'm sure this is more than you wish to know, Antonin, but I suppose I want to give you fair warning that I might, after all, need the help you offered in the event I have difficulty securing my pension.
In any case, thank you for your kindness in my time of distress. It meant a great deal to read your words of support and your expressions of shared purpose.
I hate to bother you, but honestly I can't think of anyone better to ask. I've received an awkward private message from Antonin Dolohov and I'm not at all certain how best to answer him.
He asks, you see, whether he might put me on retainer as his own private Healer.
It's prettied up with all sorts of promises of what else I might be able to devote myself to on the side, as seeing to his care would not fill my time. And the terms are more than generous. However.
I do rather imagine that I could be more use to the Order if I were not tied at the hip and purse-strings to a death eater. And while I've not given much thought to what I will do, I could presumably do us a deal of good if I were free to pay visits to various of my acquaintances who have proven themselves friendly to our aims over the years.
And I suppose I should admit that what I most wish is for things to change so that I might return to my post. I do actually quite love that school, her students and staff. I'm tempted to reply that if he values my service so very much, he might apply himself to ridding us all of that usurping menace and exert his not inconsiderable influence to restoring me to my right place.
Only, one does wish to remain on best possible terms with Dolohov and not alienate him by saying something ill-considered. That he currently imagines himself in my debt is not an asset to be scorned.
He asks, you see, whether he might put me on retainer as his own private Healer.
It's prettied up with all sorts of promises of what else I might be able to devote myself to on the side, as seeing to his care would not fill my time. And the terms are more than generous. However.
I do rather imagine that I could be more use to the Order if I were not tied at the hip and purse-strings to a death eater. And while I've not given much thought to what I will do, I could presumably do us a deal of good if I were free to pay visits to various of my acquaintances who have proven themselves friendly to our aims over the years.
And I suppose I should admit that what I most wish is for things to change so that I might return to my post. I do actually quite love that school, her students and staff. I'm tempted to reply that if he values my service so very much, he might apply himself to ridding us all of that usurping menace and exert his not inconsiderable influence to restoring me to my right place.
Only, one does wish to remain on best possible terms with Dolohov and not alienate him by saying something ill-considered. That he currently imagines himself in my debt is not an asset to be scorned.
Order Only ATTN Pomona, Albus, Severus
Mar. 10th, 2013 02:46 pmI've only a moment.
It's done. Sacked. Am packing up my personals.
Was ready, of course, for the worst, but-
Pomona. When you get to your rooms, would you see if Tilda's near her Floo? If she has room, I'll go there.
It's done. Sacked. Am packing up my personals.
Was ready, of course, for the worst, but-
Pomona. When you get to your rooms, would you see if Tilda's near her Floo? If she has room, I'll go there.
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.
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.
I should like very much to hear your views on Minerva's condition. Do your measurements indicate any lessening of the potion's benefits? Any sign that she is becoming inured to its effects? I've seen no external signs, but I'm hopeful that your more arcane analyses would give us early warning to make adjustments if needed.
I hope I don't need to tell you that we must remain vigilant: there's unlikely to be any overt signs of slippage so long as she is well enough to concern herself with appearances. She's very good at maintaining her facade, even from me after all these years.
Meanwhile, I worry that Dolores will find some way to inhibit my communication with Minerva. Mind you, that's merely an inkling, based almost entirely on what she's not said or on what I guess might lie between the lines of the things she does say. Something else to keep me occupied during the watches of the night.
I hope I don't need to tell you that we must remain vigilant: there's unlikely to be any overt signs of slippage so long as she is well enough to concern herself with appearances. She's very good at maintaining her facade, even from me after all these years.
Meanwhile, I worry that Dolores will find some way to inhibit my communication with Minerva. Mind you, that's merely an inkling, based almost entirely on what she's not said or on what I guess might lie between the lines of the things she does say. Something else to keep me occupied during the watches of the night.
Order Only: Bill, Nicholas, A Question
Feb. 8th, 2013 09:57 amI have a question I'm hopeful one of you at the Ministry will be able to answer.
What is the process by which a pureblood father might petition to have his parental rights restored to a halfblood child who was placed in fostering (now several years ago)? I had a conversation last evening with Sally Anne Perks--she is interning with me this term--and learned that Madam Umbridge informed her that her father has filed such a petition. (Goodness, he didn't wait a moment, did he?)
Does he stand a chance of succeeding, do you think?
I sense that Miss Perks would prefer his request were denied, though honestly, I believe she may not yet have settled what entirely she does feel. Understandably so.
I'm hoping, however, that if we knew a bit more about the process and the likelihood of the petition's approval or rejection, that might help her reconcile herself or prepare herself, as the case may be.
What is the process by which a pureblood father might petition to have his parental rights restored to a halfblood child who was placed in fostering (now several years ago)? I had a conversation last evening with Sally Anne Perks--she is interning with me this term--and learned that Madam Umbridge informed her that her father has filed such a petition. (Goodness, he didn't wait a moment, did he?)
Does he stand a chance of succeeding, do you think?
I sense that Miss Perks would prefer his request were denied, though honestly, I believe she may not yet have settled what entirely she does feel. Understandably so.
I'm hoping, however, that if we knew a bit more about the process and the likelihood of the petition's approval or rejection, that might help her reconcile herself or prepare herself, as the case may be.
Order Only
Feb. 6th, 2013 04:48 pmMolly, I know you are anxious about your youngest. She is much improved today, though I still have her here with me. She had quite an emotionally purging night of it; I am hopeful that the experience may at least have had a cathartic effect for her.
I'm afraid that she has been suffering a great many stresses. Like all of the young people here, Dolores Umbridge's coup has left her feeling quite unnerved. She says that she wrote that private message to her brothers in the midst of a long night of sleeplessness in which she felt utterly alone, as if she had no friends to whom she could turn, as if no one could ever understand or help her. I believe this is precisely the effect Madam Umbridge means to have: I feel certain she is taking satisfaction in how thoroughly successful her 'innovations' are proving here.
But Ginevra's condition is of more than Dolores Umbridge's making, as we all know. She is still deeply grieving Arthur's loss, and is, she confessed to me, feeling profound guilt for having 'been selfish'. She realises that her work for that fashion magazine consumed her time and attention, and it seems that her feelings about it are still deeply conflicted. Molly, she confessed to feeling very angry that she has had to give up that contract, and I believe the strength of that negative emotion frightens her. In any case, it is adding to her guilt: she feels she oughtn't to feel angry or oughtn't to have enjoyed the attention and praise and salary that she earned there, but she does feel both and also feels quite justified in both regards.
She also believes that none of her family understand her nor could ever possibly come to understand her. She feels like the odd swan in a family of mallards. (My apologies for the blunt metaphor, but it conveys what she also rather bluntly put to me.)
All of this is quite normal for an adolescent girl--particularly one from a large family and a family stocked full of brothers--but it is also shaped by circumstances that are unique to Ginevra herself.
She is quite anxious about her studies, concerned that she has again overextended herself by taking on Quidditch on top of the ever-expanding demands of the YPL and CCF programmes, which are, of course, also on top of her core and elective studies. I asked which subjects particularly concerned her. Like all the students here, she is dismayed by the unexpected interruptions in two of her core subjects due to the illness of one instructor and the removal of a second. She has joined revision groups to keep on track in those subjects, and quite naturally that has eaten into the time she has for attending to her other work. She then mentioned that both Potions and Transfiguration have been causing her to lose sleep, and I offered to help her arrange conversations with each of those teachers to discuss the concepts or assignments with which she's been struggling.
(Molly, I've spoken with both Albus and Horace today, and I believe that Ginevra will be seeing each of them tomorrow to discuss what is causing her transfigurations to fail and her potions to fizzle.)
Mostly, I believe she has been overtired, and, of course, yesterday she was subject to a rather too-vigorous Fleo charm. (And, no, Mssrs Weasley, I did not tell her so. You may thank me for my circumspection. We all appreciate that you meant well and that the circumstances were fraught; in any event, you did her no lasting harm.)
In the end, I administered a full dose of Mind's Ease, and have allowed her to sleep it off. I plan to keep Ginevra here through tonight, but if there are no further upsets, I will allow her to join her peers for breakfast and to return to her lessons thereafter.
I'm afraid that she has been suffering a great many stresses. Like all of the young people here, Dolores Umbridge's coup has left her feeling quite unnerved. She says that she wrote that private message to her brothers in the midst of a long night of sleeplessness in which she felt utterly alone, as if she had no friends to whom she could turn, as if no one could ever understand or help her. I believe this is precisely the effect Madam Umbridge means to have: I feel certain she is taking satisfaction in how thoroughly successful her 'innovations' are proving here.
But Ginevra's condition is of more than Dolores Umbridge's making, as we all know. She is still deeply grieving Arthur's loss, and is, she confessed to me, feeling profound guilt for having 'been selfish'. She realises that her work for that fashion magazine consumed her time and attention, and it seems that her feelings about it are still deeply conflicted. Molly, she confessed to feeling very angry that she has had to give up that contract, and I believe the strength of that negative emotion frightens her. In any case, it is adding to her guilt: she feels she oughtn't to feel angry or oughtn't to have enjoyed the attention and praise and salary that she earned there, but she does feel both and also feels quite justified in both regards.
She also believes that none of her family understand her nor could ever possibly come to understand her. She feels like the odd swan in a family of mallards. (My apologies for the blunt metaphor, but it conveys what she also rather bluntly put to me.)
All of this is quite normal for an adolescent girl--particularly one from a large family and a family stocked full of brothers--but it is also shaped by circumstances that are unique to Ginevra herself.
She is quite anxious about her studies, concerned that she has again overextended herself by taking on Quidditch on top of the ever-expanding demands of the YPL and CCF programmes, which are, of course, also on top of her core and elective studies. I asked which subjects particularly concerned her. Like all the students here, she is dismayed by the unexpected interruptions in two of her core subjects due to the illness of one instructor and the removal of a second. She has joined revision groups to keep on track in those subjects, and quite naturally that has eaten into the time she has for attending to her other work. She then mentioned that both Potions and Transfiguration have been causing her to lose sleep, and I offered to help her arrange conversations with each of those teachers to discuss the concepts or assignments with which she's been struggling.
(Molly, I've spoken with both Albus and Horace today, and I believe that Ginevra will be seeing each of them tomorrow to discuss what is causing her transfigurations to fail and her potions to fizzle.)
Mostly, I believe she has been overtired, and, of course, yesterday she was subject to a rather too-vigorous Fleo charm. (And, no, Mssrs Weasley, I did not tell her so. You may thank me for my circumspection. We all appreciate that you meant well and that the circumstances were fraught; in any event, you did her no lasting harm.)
In the end, I administered a full dose of Mind's Ease, and have allowed her to sleep it off. I plan to keep Ginevra here through tonight, but if there are no further upsets, I will allow her to join her peers for breakfast and to return to her lessons thereafter.
Order Only
Jan. 19th, 2013 01:54 pmI'm snatching a brief moment of quiet to tell you that I have a bit of a situation here on the ward.
Antonin Dolohov has suffered a relapse of the curse injuries that forced his retirement from 'diplomacy', and when I say 'relapse', I mean that he is entirely incapacitated and has had only scattered intervals of consciousness since he was found in his rooms yesterday afternoon. He had not been seen since sometime the previous day, and the elves report that he had not requested any meals.
I do wish that if these Councilwizards are to join us on the staff, they would take better care of themselves. It's the same thing again as when Rabastan Lestrange was cursed. Only this time it is not Auror Lestrange, but Auror Crouch keeping vigil at the bedside and 'overseeing' my work.
(Aurora Sinistra put it to me that 'if we tell Auror Crouch that 'Tosha' is ill, he'll be here in a heartbeat. If we don't tell him 'Tosha' is ill and he finds out later, he will storm in here one heartbeat after finding out, extremely annoyed he wasn't informed. Which would you prefer?' Not much of a choice, really.)
In any case, he's not my only guest. Armenius Fletcher (High Muckety-Muck and Healer to Our Lord's Nearest) arrived this morning first thing and is making his own assessment of the situation. I gather from his conversations with them, that we will shortly have the whole of Dolohov's specialist team here for a proper dressing down.
I intend to keep out of the middle of that if there is any chance of it. Not that I wish any of them ill, but it would not be inconvenient were there an injury or two brought up from the Quidditch match to occupy me.
Antonin Dolohov has suffered a relapse of the curse injuries that forced his retirement from 'diplomacy', and when I say 'relapse', I mean that he is entirely incapacitated and has had only scattered intervals of consciousness since he was found in his rooms yesterday afternoon. He had not been seen since sometime the previous day, and the elves report that he had not requested any meals.
I do wish that if these Councilwizards are to join us on the staff, they would take better care of themselves. It's the same thing again as when Rabastan Lestrange was cursed. Only this time it is not Auror Lestrange, but Auror Crouch keeping vigil at the bedside and 'overseeing' my work.
(Aurora Sinistra put it to me that 'if we tell Auror Crouch that 'Tosha' is ill, he'll be here in a heartbeat. If we don't tell him 'Tosha' is ill and he finds out later, he will storm in here one heartbeat after finding out, extremely annoyed he wasn't informed. Which would you prefer?' Not much of a choice, really.)
In any case, he's not my only guest. Armenius Fletcher (High Muckety-Muck and Healer to Our Lord's Nearest) arrived this morning first thing and is making his own assessment of the situation. I gather from his conversations with them, that we will shortly have the whole of Dolohov's specialist team here for a proper dressing down.
I intend to keep out of the middle of that if there is any chance of it. Not that I wish any of them ill, but it would not be inconvenient were there an injury or two brought up from the Quidditch match to occupy me.
I am apprised of the fact that, in lieu of next-of-kin, you would wish to know that Antonin Dolohov is in my care, having suffered a not insignificant setback to his recovery.
I am in consultation with his specialist team from St Mungo's, but for the present, at least, they have advised that it is best to keep him here in the infirmary. Should you have any questions I wil be happy to speak with you by Floo, as, I am certain, would Healer Kosta at St Mungo's.
At the present time, Professor Dolohov is resting quietly.
I trust one of you will know the best way to reach Our Lord to inform Him if you deem that the proper course of action.
I am in consultation with his specialist team from St Mungo's, but for the present, at least, they have advised that it is best to keep him here in the infirmary. Should you have any questions I wil be happy to speak with you by Floo, as, I am certain, would Healer Kosta at St Mungo's.
At the present time, Professor Dolohov is resting quietly.
I trust one of you will know the best way to reach Our Lord to inform Him if you deem that the proper course of action.
I've just come from Minerva, and I find another degree of improvement. Interesting, isn't it, how such things come in spurts rather than in steady increments?
If she continues as I hope, then by Saturday or Sunday, we might shift to the maintenance regimen we've discussed with a once-per-week dose. I will continue to monitor closely lest there be any slippage as we taper off.
And now to change the subject, allow me to wish you many happy returns! My notes inform me that you've reached another birthday and are due for your annual checking over by the Matron. Please stop up at your earliest convenience.
If she continues as I hope, then by Saturday or Sunday, we might shift to the maintenance regimen we've discussed with a once-per-week dose. I will continue to monitor closely lest there be any slippage as we taper off.
And now to change the subject, allow me to wish you many happy returns! My notes inform me that you've reached another birthday and are due for your annual checking over by the Matron. Please stop up at your earliest convenience.
I'm shattered. Oh, Molly.
Arthur was one of this miserable old world's absolute treasures. We have all relied on his good sense, his measured judgement, his gentle way of guiding, chivvying, reconciling, and encouraging us all in all things.
Oh, he will be so very sadly missed.
Have you been able to sleep at all, Molly? Bill?
The elves included several items for me when they packed the children's trunks, but I imagine you may not have yet unpacked any of it, and in any case, I'd like to see you all for myself before pressing any of you to take anything medicinal on a guess of what you might need.
I'm finishing reports here, and waiting to be sure Dolores has taken herself off to wherever she'll be sticking her unwanted nose in over the holidays, but I would very much like to come tonight to see you, to see how you are and whether there's anything at all I can do for any of you.
Arthur was one of this miserable old world's absolute treasures. We have all relied on his good sense, his measured judgement, his gentle way of guiding, chivvying, reconciling, and encouraging us all in all things.
Oh, he will be so very sadly missed.
Have you been able to sleep at all, Molly? Bill?
The elves included several items for me when they packed the children's trunks, but I imagine you may not have yet unpacked any of it, and in any case, I'd like to see you all for myself before pressing any of you to take anything medicinal on a guess of what you might need.
I'm finishing reports here, and waiting to be sure Dolores has taken herself off to wherever she'll be sticking her unwanted nose in over the holidays, but I would very much like to come tonight to see you, to see how you are and whether there's anything at all I can do for any of you.
Private Message to Antonin Dolohov
Dec. 9th, 2012 08:04 amWe're finished, then, except for continuing care of Goyle, Hooper, Inglebee, Pucey, and Warrington. Healer Vaignoble is satisfied that they may safely continue here through end of term. One wonders if Mr Pucey will receive much benefit from his lessons, given his limitations, but if the Curse Injuries specialists don't think he needs admitting there, I'm not inclined to object.
Have you turned up any further concerns?
Are there any of the students who were involved that I've not examined? I would feel better if I knew I'd had a look at each of them, even if there's no document trail suggesting which curses were cast or taken.
And don't think I've missed that your own symptoms are not in abeyance, Antonin. I should like a word with you about that at your earliest convenience.
Have you turned up any further concerns?
Are there any of the students who were involved that I've not examined? I would feel better if I knew I'd had a look at each of them, even if there's no document trail suggesting which curses were cast or taken.
And don't think I've missed that your own symptoms are not in abeyance, Antonin. I should like a word with you about that at your earliest convenience.
This unsupervised duelling must be stopped. And you are the ones must stop it.
One should have thought that after Samuels, they'd have seen sense, but no! This morning, I have McLaggen with an infected curse burn and Inglebee with no mouth.
No mouth.
In consequence of an unreversed Omniphagitos curse. I've told him they might as well have cursed his brain to atrophy for all he apparently ever uses it. Needless to say he's not answered any of my questions.
They never do.
In any case, I've done all I can for Inglebee; however, full restoration will require specialist treatments, which, I'm pleased to say, will set his family back a substantial sum. I've given him an oral cavity, a tongue, and teeth; I've also reconnected his mouth to his throat and respiratory system, but I'm afraid his lips no longer sit entirely right on his face, and nor is his speech likely to recover without therapeutic intervention. He is also unlikely to be a quiet sleeper for some time to come; one hopes, rather, that this will not endear him to his dormitory companions--peer disapproval ranking high amongst effective deterrents to future misbehaviour, higher than physical discomfort or lectures from the Matron.
One should have thought that after Samuels, they'd have seen sense, but no! This morning, I have McLaggen with an infected curse burn and Inglebee with no mouth.
No mouth.
In consequence of an unreversed Omniphagitos curse. I've told him they might as well have cursed his brain to atrophy for all he apparently ever uses it. Needless to say he's not answered any of my questions.
They never do.
In any case, I've done all I can for Inglebee; however, full restoration will require specialist treatments, which, I'm pleased to say, will set his family back a substantial sum. I've given him an oral cavity, a tongue, and teeth; I've also reconnected his mouth to his throat and respiratory system, but I'm afraid his lips no longer sit entirely right on his face, and nor is his speech likely to recover without therapeutic intervention. He is also unlikely to be a quiet sleeper for some time to come; one hopes, rather, that this will not endear him to his dormitory companions--peer disapproval ranking high amongst effective deterrents to future misbehaviour, higher than physical discomfort or lectures from the Matron.
Private Message to Rolanda Hooch
Nov. 28th, 2012 10:45 amIf you're not in the midst of something that can't be laid aside, I could use your presence in the Hospital Wing. I have one of yours, Mr McLaggen, suffering from a rather nasty curse injury.
Mind you, he won't die of the matter, but it is a serious thing nonetheless, and as it is patently a result of rule-breaking behaviour, I believe it's a matter requiring intervention from his Head of House.
I shall hold him here until you arrive, though it would be helpful if that were sooner than later as I've another, considerably more pressing, situation at hand and cannot be keeping more than half an eye on McLaggen the while.
Mind you, he won't die of the matter, but it is a serious thing nonetheless, and as it is patently a result of rule-breaking behaviour, I believe it's a matter requiring intervention from his Head of House.
I shall hold him here until you arrive, though it would be helpful if that were sooner than later as I've another, considerably more pressing, situation at hand and cannot be keeping more than half an eye on McLaggen the while.
Mr Samuels is in unexpectedly poor condition with injuries not at all commensurate with the body blow I saw him take during the match. That bludger is not alone responsible for what my examination has found.
The bones on his left side from shoulder to hip and the lumbar spine have gone entirely hollow and as brittle as egg shell. He arrived here with his ribs shattered to sand, but whilst here, his hip has gone and his hand as he endeavoured to unbutton his robes.
I've taken steps to stabilise him, but he is quite unwilling to tell me what he knows of his condition. I have asked directly if he knew he had taken a spell in addition to the bludger, but he refuses to answer me.
Septima, it is, I believe, time for his Head of House to press for his cooperation.
I cannot say for certain, but I rather believe that the bruising on his side had developed over a period of hours, which is to say, I believe the malicious hex occurred before the bludger injury. Likely before the start of the match; possibly it is as much as a day old. (No longer than that, judging from its colours.) Nonetheless, Pomona, Hooch is here, and I've agreed with her that questions ought to be asked of the Hufflepuff beater whose blow put Mr Samuels out of the match, though I do also think it possible you will need to look more widely for whomever cast the hex that has made Mr Samuels so unfortunately susceptible to injury.
The bones on his left side from shoulder to hip and the lumbar spine have gone entirely hollow and as brittle as egg shell. He arrived here with his ribs shattered to sand, but whilst here, his hip has gone and his hand as he endeavoured to unbutton his robes.
I've taken steps to stabilise him, but he is quite unwilling to tell me what he knows of his condition. I have asked directly if he knew he had taken a spell in addition to the bludger, but he refuses to answer me.
Septima, it is, I believe, time for his Head of House to press for his cooperation.
I cannot say for certain, but I rather believe that the bruising on his side had developed over a period of hours, which is to say, I believe the malicious hex occurred before the bludger injury. Likely before the start of the match; possibly it is as much as a day old. (No longer than that, judging from its colours.) Nonetheless, Pomona, Hooch is here, and I've agreed with her that questions ought to be asked of the Hufflepuff beater whose blow put Mr Samuels out of the match, though I do also think it possible you will need to look more widely for whomever cast the hex that has made Mr Samuels so unfortunately susceptible to injury.
Assume you've been reading when you could and perhaps listening to the wireless? Know you're needed in your House now, too, but I suppose I just want to tell someone how much I hate this. Knowing and not knowing.
And, of course, there won't be any real news from any of them until it's over. And rightly so. They don't need us distracting them.
In the meantime, the nonsense off the wireless is maddening. But I feel I need to listen. To know what 'news' it is we're meant to have heard.
Trust you'll find reasonable calm down in your sett, if not perfectly stiff upper lips. As always, I'm standing ready to help with tightly strung nerves or whatever else might need treating.
I shouldn't mind if I were kept busy tonight.
And, of course, there won't be any real news from any of them until it's over. And rightly so. They don't need us distracting them.
In the meantime, the nonsense off the wireless is maddening. But I feel I need to listen. To know what 'news' it is we're meant to have heard.
Trust you'll find reasonable calm down in your sett, if not perfectly stiff upper lips. As always, I'm standing ready to help with tightly strung nerves or whatever else might need treating.
I shouldn't mind if I were kept busy tonight.
Private Message to Aurora Sinistra
Nov. 3rd, 2012 08:37 pmNot going to try to make this seem anything other than what it is: I'm worried about you a bit.
I know you must be feeling worried by whatever it is that has pulled the three of them away. And what sent Ms Peel to us in lieu of Rabastan.
I mislike it, for quite ordinary reasons, and I imagine you're finding it excruciating, for tender, personal ones.
If you should like a sympathetic ear, even if it is quite late, I shall be right here on the ward or I could pay a call to your rooms if you'd prefer not to come out.
Or we could share tea tomorrow, perhaps.
I know you must be feeling worried by whatever it is that has pulled the three of them away. And what sent Ms Peel to us in lieu of Rabastan.
I mislike it, for quite ordinary reasons, and I imagine you're finding it excruciating, for tender, personal ones.
If you should like a sympathetic ear, even if it is quite late, I shall be right here on the ward or I could pay a call to your rooms if you'd prefer not to come out.
Or we could share tea tomorrow, perhaps.
Wanted to be certain that all is well with each of you this evening.
I rather hope that you have already dropped off to sleep and are recuperating from your exertions in that most healthful way, but if you have not been able to and if you require anything to ease your way in that direction, do please let me know.
I rather hope that you have already dropped off to sleep and are recuperating from your exertions in that most healthful way, but if you have not been able to and if you require anything to ease your way in that direction, do please let me know.
Private Message to Aurora Sinistra
Sep. 22nd, 2012 07:13 pmI enjoyed our time together yesterday.
Wanted to let you know that readings on the samples I took are all quite normal. On the low end of normal for the blood and hair vitality analyses, which I take to be stress- and sleep-related, but not dire. There are signs, in fact, of improvement there.
Aurora, did I guess correctly that you were debating a question about sampling for susceptibility to things related to the nuptial magics? Forgive me if I'm pressing into matters you did not intend, but I had the idea this might have been on your mind, though I thought I'd wait to ask until we'd seen for certain there was nothing more pressing we might need to address.
I'm happy to say that I've not been called upon to patch up any of the would-be Quidditchers today. Nor have I yet heard of any mishaps with tonight's first YPL calisthenics session.
I trust you've had some peace for your marking this afternoon. Or did you brave the weather to see your House trials?
Wanted to let you know that readings on the samples I took are all quite normal. On the low end of normal for the blood and hair vitality analyses, which I take to be stress- and sleep-related, but not dire. There are signs, in fact, of improvement there.
Aurora, did I guess correctly that you were debating a question about sampling for susceptibility to things related to the nuptial magics? Forgive me if I'm pressing into matters you did not intend, but I had the idea this might have been on your mind, though I thought I'd wait to ask until we'd seen for certain there was nothing more pressing we might need to address.
I'm happy to say that I've not been called upon to patch up any of the would-be Quidditchers today. Nor have I yet heard of any mishaps with tonight's first YPL calisthenics session.
I trust you've had some peace for your marking this afternoon. Or did you brave the weather to see your House trials?
Private Message to Antonin Dolohov
Sep. 14th, 2012 09:38 pmAntonin,
I thought it well to follow up with you about the fact that I have now seen three students who were directed to present me with the quite penetrating questions and concerns they've conceived while completing the (supposed) assignments for your course. (To be fair, all of them have acknowledged it was their own fault they'd given insufficient regard to the discrepancies in author and date of publication between the assigned text and the work they bought instead. Moreover, all of them confess they realised their error quite quickly, yet chose to continue reading.)
While I'm always pleased for the opportunity to educate students about their physical and psychic health, I regret to say that these particular students were rather badly upset by some of the details they've gleaned from Ms Reville's novel.
I've now read it myself, and I must say its mistaken ideas about the human body are lamentable. I doubt even contortionists are capable of certain acts described there, but more than that, I suspect the author has actually had very little in the way of direct experience of the things she attributes to her characters. So, not only are our students having their minds' eyes trained on things they've never before imagined, they are being fed a great load of rubbish about the mechanics, dynamics, sensations, emotions, and consequences of these things.
When you promised you'd do your best to limit the number of casualties you sent me, this was not the sort of damage I imagined.
How are you getting on? I doubt this business was much help with your insomnia. Or is the Pliny's doing for you, after all?
I thought it well to follow up with you about the fact that I have now seen three students who were directed to present me with the quite penetrating questions and concerns they've conceived while completing the (supposed) assignments for your course. (To be fair, all of them have acknowledged it was their own fault they'd given insufficient regard to the discrepancies in author and date of publication between the assigned text and the work they bought instead. Moreover, all of them confess they realised their error quite quickly, yet chose to continue reading.)
While I'm always pleased for the opportunity to educate students about their physical and psychic health, I regret to say that these particular students were rather badly upset by some of the details they've gleaned from Ms Reville's novel.
I've now read it myself, and I must say its mistaken ideas about the human body are lamentable. I doubt even contortionists are capable of certain acts described there, but more than that, I suspect the author has actually had very little in the way of direct experience of the things she attributes to her characters. So, not only are our students having their minds' eyes trained on things they've never before imagined, they are being fed a great load of rubbish about the mechanics, dynamics, sensations, emotions, and consequences of these things.
When you promised you'd do your best to limit the number of casualties you sent me, this was not the sort of damage I imagined.
How are you getting on? I doubt this business was much help with your insomnia. Or is the Pliny's doing for you, after all?
Private Message to Rolanda Hooch
Sep. 5th, 2012 02:54 pmI think you must be as busy as I have been, since you've not stopped up to collect the items you requested.
No worries. I think I'll bring them out to you, if you're finished for the day.
I've been wanting to see the refurbishments to the pitch and stands, and this is as good a chance as any, assuming no crises overtake me between here and the front entrance.
I trust your offer's still on for the guided tour?
No worries. I think I'll bring them out to you, if you're finished for the day.
I've been wanting to see the refurbishments to the pitch and stands, and this is as good a chance as any, assuming no crises overtake me between here and the front entrance.
I trust your offer's still on for the guided tour?
I was just checking to see if we'd had any word of Sirius's soiree. But since there's nothing on that front, I shall tell you several things that came out during my tea with Aurora, instead.
I was relieved to know that she's not heard anything more from MLE about Stint. It was reassuring, almost, to compare notes about the way they questioned each of us--what they wanted seemed all very straight forward, really. Where we'd been, when we'd seen him, what we knew of him, etc. We both agreed that they seemed more interested in what she and I could tell them about Stint's behavior and where he was when, than in questioning either of us about whether we might have killed him.
By the way, did you happen to notice a death notice in The Prophet for Auror Fulton? I missed it, but Aurora saw it and wrote her friend, Auror Wright, hoping to find out more--I gather the paper said nothing about how or when or where he'd died. But apparently MLE are keeping mum about those details. Wright sent an owl today--not a reply to Aurora's private message, mind you--that said, more or less, 'no questions, please'.
Aurora's got reason to know there was more to the Stint business than his harassing the two of us and a handful of other females junior to him at St M's. There was something to her worries about his undermining the CCF exercises--involving someone in her new circles, someone highly enough placed that she was quite careful not to give away the details. She did say that she'd passed along word of Fulton's abrupt attempt to question her off the record to someone who could look into his breaches of protocol. Campanella Wright, again, I suppose, which may be why Aurora finds it so telling that Wright is unwilling to share anything at all with respect to Fulton's demise.
Gracious. I've just had an awful thought. I hope Wright's refusal to comment doesn't mean they think Aurora could have had a hand in that. Surely not.
At any rate, we mostly talked about schedules then, which seem to have been discombobulated for everyone due to the additional Dark Arts offerings. I gather Septima tried scheduling Aurora at 9am following one of her 2:30am finishes up the tower, but she says they sorted that out: it was possible to shift things and leave her with a bit more time for sleep.
How has your week been so far? Has your schedule suffered on Dolohov's account?
And, oh. Now I see we've minutes to digest, so I'll leave this and see what Remus has to say.
I was relieved to know that she's not heard anything more from MLE about Stint. It was reassuring, almost, to compare notes about the way they questioned each of us--what they wanted seemed all very straight forward, really. Where we'd been, when we'd seen him, what we knew of him, etc. We both agreed that they seemed more interested in what she and I could tell them about Stint's behavior and where he was when, than in questioning either of us about whether we might have killed him.
By the way, did you happen to notice a death notice in The Prophet for Auror Fulton? I missed it, but Aurora saw it and wrote her friend, Auror Wright, hoping to find out more--I gather the paper said nothing about how or when or where he'd died. But apparently MLE are keeping mum about those details. Wright sent an owl today--not a reply to Aurora's private message, mind you--that said, more or less, 'no questions, please'.
Aurora's got reason to know there was more to the Stint business than his harassing the two of us and a handful of other females junior to him at St M's. There was something to her worries about his undermining the CCF exercises--involving someone in her new circles, someone highly enough placed that she was quite careful not to give away the details. She did say that she'd passed along word of Fulton's abrupt attempt to question her off the record to someone who could look into his breaches of protocol. Campanella Wright, again, I suppose, which may be why Aurora finds it so telling that Wright is unwilling to share anything at all with respect to Fulton's demise.
Gracious. I've just had an awful thought. I hope Wright's refusal to comment doesn't mean they think Aurora could have had a hand in that. Surely not.
At any rate, we mostly talked about schedules then, which seem to have been discombobulated for everyone due to the additional Dark Arts offerings. I gather Septima tried scheduling Aurora at 9am following one of her 2:30am finishes up the tower, but she says they sorted that out: it was possible to shift things and leave her with a bit more time for sleep.
How has your week been so far? Has your schedule suffered on Dolohov's account?
And, oh. Now I see we've minutes to digest, so I'll leave this and see what Remus has to say.
Private Message to Madam Umbridge
Sep. 2nd, 2012 01:11 pmI've not had a chance to introduce myself, and, of course, I hope there will not be many occasions when you find it necessary to visit my ward, but I did wish to tell you how very striking I found your remarks last night.
You have a remarkable vision for the future, and I admire that you are one who not only speaks many fair words about the hope we place in our children, but who intends to work directly with those young people to realise their promise.
Joining you in the hope that our young charges will thrive,
Poppy Pomfrey, Matron
You have a remarkable vision for the future, and I admire that you are one who not only speaks many fair words about the hope we place in our children, but who intends to work directly with those young people to realise their promise.
Joining you in the hope that our young charges will thrive,
Poppy Pomfrey, Matron
Return to Routine
Sep. 2nd, 2012 08:08 amI dare say I've never felt more pleased to see the long vacation end and term begin. I have filed the materials from my summer courses, unpacked the supplies that were delivered in my absence, and set this ward to rights.
And have had not a spare moment since!
I forget that as much as this school is my home, the place I miss dearly when I am away, it can seem a strange and foreign place to those newly arriving on its docks and doorsteps. My first official duty of the term was to assist those of our newcomers who found the water journey discomfitting. And, of course, there have been the usual weeps, wobbles, and wettings, but on the whole I'd say we've had no worse a first night than usual.
Welcome to those joining us for the first time, and welcome back to the rest.
Do not hesitate to come if you need my care.
And have had not a spare moment since!
I forget that as much as this school is my home, the place I miss dearly when I am away, it can seem a strange and foreign place to those newly arriving on its docks and doorsteps. My first official duty of the term was to assist those of our newcomers who found the water journey discomfitting. And, of course, there have been the usual weeps, wobbles, and wettings, but on the whole I'd say we've had no worse a first night than usual.
Welcome to those joining us for the first time, and welcome back to the rest.
Do not hesitate to come if you need my care.
Dear,
I want you to know how sorry I am for your experience yesterday. I shan't ask how you are feeling. I'm sure there aren't words to properly convey it.
Do know that you are always welcome to visit me. I am always happy to provide a reason for your presence should you wish simply to come and have a quiet place to be for a bit. (All matters of other permission acknowledged.)
Be well, my dear. I look forward to our return to Hogwarts.
I want you to know how sorry I am for your experience yesterday. I shan't ask how you are feeling. I'm sure there aren't words to properly convey it.
Do know that you are always welcome to visit me. I am always happy to provide a reason for your presence should you wish simply to come and have a quiet place to be for a bit. (All matters of other permission acknowledged.)
Be well, my dear. I look forward to our return to Hogwarts.
Order Only
Aug. 28th, 2012 04:36 pmWell, bother.
Have just received an owl saying I'm expected at MLE's offices to answer questions as an interested party in the investigation into the death of Facinorous Stint. Tomorrow. At my 'convenience'. Mordred. When is it ever convenient to submit to questioning by MLE.
And the worst of it is, I'm still at the sanctuary. How long might that owl have been searching for me?
No good worrying about that now. I was planning to leave after breakfast at any rate. I've a stop to make in Winchester and one in New London before my appointment at St Mungo's. I've told MLE they may have the pleasure of my company after that.
And then if anyone wished to buy me a drink in some little hole in the wall beer garden, I'd very much appreciate it.
Supposing they allow me to leave the Ministry on my own recognisance.
I swear if that man has made my life misery for two years only to get himself killed and me arrested for his murder, I'll ... not find it funny in the least.
Have just received an owl saying I'm expected at MLE's offices to answer questions as an interested party in the investigation into the death of Facinorous Stint. Tomorrow. At my 'convenience'. Mordred. When is it ever convenient to submit to questioning by MLE.
And the worst of it is, I'm still at the sanctuary. How long might that owl have been searching for me?
No good worrying about that now. I was planning to leave after breakfast at any rate. I've a stop to make in Winchester and one in New London before my appointment at St Mungo's. I've told MLE they may have the pleasure of my company after that.
And then if anyone wished to buy me a drink in some little hole in the wall beer garden, I'd very much appreciate it.
Supposing they allow me to leave the Ministry on my own recognisance.
I swear if that man has made my life misery for two years only to get himself killed and me arrested for his murder, I'll ... not find it funny in the least.
Order Only
Aug. 25th, 2012 12:07 pmReporting in to tell you all that you may stand down from fussing over me. I am perfectly well.
I've survived poisoning, harassment, boredom, the physical duress of trekking at high altitude over challenging terrain, and have endured sleeping rough in variable conditions controlled by the station. (My results have proven without doubt that it needn't be actually freezing to induce hypothermic symptoms, but that those set in faster and more severely the colder it gets--which one wouldn't have thought needed investigation, but they are most welcome to my report if it will please them to accept it and release me from this tedious course.)
I have several stops to make after leaving here and no intention of sharing my itinerary with anyone but you all. I've learned my lesson, thank you.
Alice. Could I be of help if I were to make a stop at Moddey Dhoo? I could be there for a couple of days. Are there supplies you need that I could pick up before coming?
I've written Charlie to see if he could find a way to get me some fresh dragon's blood. My stocks of Cinnabaris Vitalis have gone beyond their date and will need replacing. I haven't heard from him yet, but I know it's no easy favour for him to manage.
Hope the rest of you are well and that I see some of you soon!
Sirius. Thanks are not enough to repay your efforts on my behalf. Are you still hereabouts? Perhaps I could buy you a drink at the Giant's Cloak this evening?
I've survived poisoning, harassment, boredom, the physical duress of trekking at high altitude over challenging terrain, and have endured sleeping rough in variable conditions controlled by the station. (My results have proven without doubt that it needn't be actually freezing to induce hypothermic symptoms, but that those set in faster and more severely the colder it gets--which one wouldn't have thought needed investigation, but they are most welcome to my report if it will please them to accept it and release me from this tedious course.)
I have several stops to make after leaving here and no intention of sharing my itinerary with anyone but you all. I've learned my lesson, thank you.
Alice. Could I be of help if I were to make a stop at Moddey Dhoo? I could be there for a couple of days. Are there supplies you need that I could pick up before coming?
I've written Charlie to see if he could find a way to get me some fresh dragon's blood. My stocks of Cinnabaris Vitalis have gone beyond their date and will need replacing. I haven't heard from him yet, but I know it's no easy favour for him to manage.
Hope the rest of you are well and that I see some of you soon!
Sirius. Thanks are not enough to repay your efforts on my behalf. Are you still hereabouts? Perhaps I could buy you a drink at the Giant's Cloak this evening?
Fresh Wind
Aug. 21st, 2012 07:42 amI've arrived here at the top of the world, or so it feels. It takes a bit of adjustment, living at altitude, but the topic of this course is stimulating. A breath of fresh air, indeed.
We've another two days of lecture and demonstration before we strike out to do our own research into the processes of hypothermia on a rough trek. It promises to be a quite challenging exercise.
We've another two days of lecture and demonstration before we strike out to do our own research into the processes of hypothermia on a rough trek. It promises to be a quite challenging exercise.
From Seathwaite Onwards
Aug. 19th, 2012 08:34 amI've spent the past week in Cumbria at Seathwaite, a precious place that likes to boast it is the rainiest settlement in Our Lord's good realm. The local weather witch assures us that although it has been an extraordinarily rainy year elsewhere, Seathwaite has held off all challengers for first in the standings.
Seathwaite is, quite naturally, the perfect place to study those illnesses which attend on mould and damp--fungal afflictions (internal and external), pneumonias, agues of various sorts, affective disorders including the grey ennui, and ailments caused by proximity to or tangles with a variety of creatures and growing things that thrive in dank corners.
One likes to think there is always something new to be learned, and the Seathwaite Institute has not disappointed, having provided me my first view of a creature I had long believed imaginary. Friday, for the first time, I came nose to snout with a moult-tailed musting. Though I'd never before seen the gleam of its sharp little eyes, I can say with certainty that I've smelled its telltale scent on too many occasions. I have, accordingly, forwarded the relevant materials to Mr Milland with a suggestion that he set about fumigating the lower reaches of the castle before term begins.
A useful week, to be sure.
After a relaxing weekend at the Mortal Man in Troutbeck, I'm off tomorrow for Mount Snowdon and the Experimental Weather Station on its summit.
Seathwaite: Raising Dreariness to an ArtformOne shouldn't wish to question the local sloganeering. (Pomona, I've sent you a parcel with the hat and sash they gave us--to soften your disappointment at having to miss this seminar. Should I have enquired about a spot for you on next summer's course?)
Seathwaite is, quite naturally, the perfect place to study those illnesses which attend on mould and damp--fungal afflictions (internal and external), pneumonias, agues of various sorts, affective disorders including the grey ennui, and ailments caused by proximity to or tangles with a variety of creatures and growing things that thrive in dank corners.
One likes to think there is always something new to be learned, and the Seathwaite Institute has not disappointed, having provided me my first view of a creature I had long believed imaginary. Friday, for the first time, I came nose to snout with a moult-tailed musting. Though I'd never before seen the gleam of its sharp little eyes, I can say with certainty that I've smelled its telltale scent on too many occasions. I have, accordingly, forwarded the relevant materials to Mr Milland with a suggestion that he set about fumigating the lower reaches of the castle before term begins.
A useful week, to be sure.
After a relaxing weekend at the Mortal Man in Troutbeck, I'm off tomorrow for Mount Snowdon and the Experimental Weather Station on its summit.
Water Logging in Moray Firth
Aug. 5th, 2012 08:23 amSince Healer Stint kindly indicated a desire to read what I'm learning at the seminars I'll be attending in these summer weeks, I'll steal a moment on this Sunday morning to tell you about my studies here on a research platform in the middle of Moray Firth.
This is a beautiful and fascinating outpost in our northern waters. Some of the teams here are studying weather; others, water; others still are studying the marine life in this bay; but I'm here with a group of Healers to learn what can be taught about treating water-related injuries. I only wish I'd had this course before our tournament last year when we asked our champions to brave the bitter waters and hostile creatures of our Hogwarts lake.
In the first week, we treated victims of savage creature attacks, saving a surprising number and easing the trauma of passing in the remaining cases. I refreshed skills that are easily transferable to treating other sorts of trauma than merely aquatic accidents. We've also, of course, been studying the effects of hypothermia and exposure to extreme conditions, collecting data that our instructors, Healer Soddenham and Master Healer Sturgeon, will use in a paper they are writing on the subject.
This week we will be turning our attention to the problem of identifying the line that separates treatable waterlogging from irremediable drowning.
In fact, we had a bit of an unplanned foretaste of that topic when one of the weather wizards washed off the platform in the midst of a hail storm Friday. (The weather has been one of the incidental challenges here--not unexpected, but not insignificant, by any means.) The poor man was beaten nearly to death against the structure before they could retrieve him, and he was severely waterlogged--so much so that we wondered if he could possibly be revived. He was fortunate to have two of the Protectorate's foremost experts at hand to treat him, and we, of course, were privileged to witness firsthand their skilled mediwizardry. I'm pleased to say the fellow is beyond danger now, though he's lost an eye and a forearm to the experience.
The weather report this morning was drear but not dire, so all is well.
This is a beautiful and fascinating outpost in our northern waters. Some of the teams here are studying weather; others, water; others still are studying the marine life in this bay; but I'm here with a group of Healers to learn what can be taught about treating water-related injuries. I only wish I'd had this course before our tournament last year when we asked our champions to brave the bitter waters and hostile creatures of our Hogwarts lake.
In the first week, we treated victims of savage creature attacks, saving a surprising number and easing the trauma of passing in the remaining cases. I refreshed skills that are easily transferable to treating other sorts of trauma than merely aquatic accidents. We've also, of course, been studying the effects of hypothermia and exposure to extreme conditions, collecting data that our instructors, Healer Soddenham and Master Healer Sturgeon, will use in a paper they are writing on the subject.
This week we will be turning our attention to the problem of identifying the line that separates treatable waterlogging from irremediable drowning.
In fact, we had a bit of an unplanned foretaste of that topic when one of the weather wizards washed off the platform in the midst of a hail storm Friday. (The weather has been one of the incidental challenges here--not unexpected, but not insignificant, by any means.) The poor man was beaten nearly to death against the structure before they could retrieve him, and he was severely waterlogged--so much so that we wondered if he could possibly be revived. He was fortunate to have two of the Protectorate's foremost experts at hand to treat him, and we, of course, were privileged to witness firsthand their skilled mediwizardry. I'm pleased to say the fellow is beyond danger now, though he's lost an eye and a forearm to the experience.
The weather report this morning was drear but not dire, so all is well.
I don't wish to make matters worse by pressing you to talk, so please, don't feel you need say anything at all in reply. I only want to say that I am sorry. I know you must be hurting, and I wish there were anything at all that I could do to help.
Order Only
Jul. 19th, 2012 01:37 pmI'm having a conversation with Aurora Sinistra. About Facinorous Stint--again.
Only this time, she's said something that should concern us. He's turned up this afternoon at the Protector's Collection and she's caught him asking Mr Marvolo a string of questions about his plans--whether, for instance he's going along with the Malfoys on their family holiday and where they'll be staying this year. She says he was inexplicably interested in the specific plans for certain of the CCF training exercises that would send students off on their own to various remote locations. It wasn't his role to concern himself with those details, and yet he insisted on having a voice in those assignments.
And she's talked recently about her worries over security, especially involving Mr Marvolo.
I think Aurora's concerned that Stint's plotting some harm to the boy, trying to engineer opportunities for an attack of some kind. I know it sounds implausible, but there could be something in it.
Only this time, she's said something that should concern us. He's turned up this afternoon at the Protector's Collection and she's caught him asking Mr Marvolo a string of questions about his plans--whether, for instance he's going along with the Malfoys on their family holiday and where they'll be staying this year. She says he was inexplicably interested in the specific plans for certain of the CCF training exercises that would send students off on their own to various remote locations. It wasn't his role to concern himself with those details, and yet he insisted on having a voice in those assignments.
And she's talked recently about her worries over security, especially involving Mr Marvolo.
I think Aurora's concerned that Stint's plotting some harm to the boy, trying to engineer opportunities for an attack of some kind. I know it sounds implausible, but there could be something in it.
