Private Message to A Dolohov

[alt_crouch_jr]

Batya. Apologies for writing late. Don't fret if you don't see this until tomorrow.

Three bits to pass along.

1. Conversation with Runge, who says Baddock's mad to doubt Malfoy and offered 4 items in support of his conclusion that Malfoy's not so deep in quicksand as 'some' are saying.
2. Rowle pulled me aside after a briefing last night to ask what I'd heard about Commerce. L's control of recent matters there has made an impression.
3. Conversation with Rookwood. Actual conversation. Last time I saw him he seemed completely unaware he was dropping every sixth word and forgetting a third of what we'd already covered. Wouldn't say he's back in form, but tracking better.

Trust all is well with you. What have they invented to try your patience this week?

Entirely,
B

Comments

[alt_antonin]

Conversation with Gus? Coherent, rational conversation that held together for more than a few moments? Praise be to all the gods and saints; Fletcher is a master. Now let us only hope that news of his improvements do not reach the wrong ears; I will stop in Saturday morning to pay my respects, and check again on his security, just in case. Last I heard, matters were far from being settled as to whether his decline was assisted or not.

Overtures from Runge and Rowle -- curious. Unprompted? Interesting that Runge was prepared with evidence -- was he trying to convince you, trying to convince himself, or showing you he'd done his homework?

I continue to work on charming the children -- the Sandoval-Pennifolds have invited me to supper Saturday, and I'll likely invite the lot of them up to Hogwarts for tea in a few weeks. (Better here than in New London: nostalgia, plus reinforcing the impression of dear old professor Tosha.) I'll be seen about the usual haunts Saturday afternoon and see if anyone takes the bait and strikes up a conversation.

This week, touch wood and praise all the gods, has been quiet thus far, although the third-years are having a bit of trouble settling in to their study and some of the sevenths are having trouble understanding that when I say 'research project', I mean something that takes more than half an hour in the library. And there have been a few minor fifth-year meltdowns about impending OWLs; apparently their elder housemates have been telling them horror stories about last year's exams. (I really must do something about how poorly the Dark Arts exam is constructed. Ah, well. On my list it goes, along with everything else.)

Your,
T