Private Message to A Dolohov

[alt_crouch_jr]

Obviously not much to report yet, but Starling's on it.

S certain the books were printed by non-magical means while the afterword was reproduced by wand. Ink is inconsistent throughout. Made in batches. Thinks binding materials may prove interesting--mixture of adhesives and magic. Comparison of typeface to known seditious presses underway. Investigating the paper used. Amateurish production--high likelihood mistakes will lead us to source.

Will want to see every copy you can collect. The less handling they undergo, the better. If there's to be any reliable evidence gleaned. Expect that is too much to hope--chocolate smears on inner pages of two of the five you turned over yesterday.

Perhaps I should come for supper again tonight. Might encourage cooperation.

Comments

[alt_antonin]

I rather think the children will be more likely to respond to kindly Professor Tosha than Auror Crouch, dear heart. You frighten them. Which is not to say that you are not welcome for supper, but if you do come, come for the company and not the interrogation.

I have collected seven additional copies so far. Quality varies; I see what you mean about amateurish production; the binding on the one I am reading I have been examining more closely has peeled away entirely. I was hoping for hairs or skin traces stuck in the glue, but nothing, on this copy at least. I've locked the others away for you to pick up whenever you've the opportunity.

Must admit, I am curious as to how the manuscript was leaked to begin with.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Expect me. That I frighten them can only make kindly Professor Dovs more sympathetic. And effective.

See if you can't get an estimate of how many books were distributed to students. Want all of them. Have Thrush working on methods for revealing hidden copies. Attempting something with the adhesive. Shame the ink doesn't connect the whole lot.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Re. ms leak. Starling working two theories: 1) someone copied one of the promotional copies sent to press and various parties for reviews/publicity; 2) publisher could have left behind a copy we didn't learn of.

Re. first, all preview copies were recovered. Now being checked for residual signs of duplication.

Re. second, author knows nothing and publisher not avail for comment. Bella furious about latter. Breaths being held in various quarters. You can imagine.