Private Message to Hydra Lestrange

[alt_crouch_jr]

You're losing your edge. That was obvious, even before you accounted for yourself. Suppose sixth year has that effect. No one there expects enough of you post-OWLs, but not yet seriously facing NEWTs. You need serious demands and actual challenge.

Mentioned that to Desai. (Did not repeat your evaluation of her lessons, by the way.) Will remind Toshenka when he's not playing host to the masses. I'll see if I can't arrange several Saturdays or Sundays with you, training. At the very least, you've a Hogsmeade day in October, don't you? Plan to spend that with me.

Your father's facts and artefacts were well worth the trip. Particularly that treacherous shadow caster.

Comments

[alt_hydra]

I know, and I welcome any advice on how to keep it.

It's not Professor Desai's fault that I've been bored. The lessons are good but my classmates don't present much of a challenge, even with Salazar's Rules. I wish I could sit in with the 7th years.

I'll plan on October, then. Perhaps I should ask Patil and Finnigan if they'd like to train. We've gone out running a few times, but that's it.

Oh yes, he brought that one home several years ago. It's one of his favourites because it took him so very long to learn how it works. There really aren't any followers of Sulis left today, after all.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Ask. Receive. Take advantage of the sparring space your Headmaster's providing.

Aside from that, you might start a round of AK. Ever played it? Excellent for honing hunting skills. And sharpening instincts for evasion. Tip: define rules to avoid annoying Tosha and staff. You might ask Desai to sponsor it as an activity, but she might be obliged to impose rules that would take the edge off the activity. Best to run it surreptitiously. (Ask forgiveness later if necessary.)

Is there a conflict in your timetable if you were to add 7th year Defence? If you want me to speak to Desai on that subject, say.

Re. Patil and Finnigan. Is there no one better suited you could train with? Doubt that P would enhance your training. Would F? Is either of them at your level? Expect not.

There might be reasons to consider it, even so:

* Would either of them make a notable enemy? If so, is it wiser to train with or without them? (Which of you would benefit more from learning the other's abilities in detail? Given your legilimency, I doubt the benefit of co-training favours you.)

* Would either of them make a useful ally? (Do you already hold their allegiance? Is it necessary to train with them to cultivate that bond?)

* Possibly it would be useful to cultivate Finnigan in order to cultivate Rosier. That, however, is a very long game. For now, Rosier views you as a satellite--your mother's, father's, mine, since I've taken you on. His calculations will factor whether you're useful or necessary relative to those of us you orbit. (So cultivating Finnigan won't make much difference to Rosier for the foreseeable future because he's unlikely to see you as an ally in your own right, whether you're his fosterling's friend, enemy or mere acquaintance.)

Short answer: only train with either of them if you see a clear and compelling advantage in doing so.

[alt_hydra]

There was a school-wide game of AK the year before I arrived at Hogwarts. I think Draco won, actually. I don't think it's been played since. I know that the Headmaster doesn't want a repeat of the secret Dueling Club again, but AK sounds like something altogether different.

Sitting 7th year Defence wouldn't create any conflicts I couldn't manage. I would appreciate it if you spoke with Professor Desai, yes.

P's ambition may make her an enemy, but not a threatening one. And she has no significant ties within the council, as her friendship with Lana S-P is more one-sided than she realises. I'm less sure about F, but suspect he'd not make an enemy of me unless pushed to do so by someone else.

So, no, I won't train with them. Not at the moment, anyway. The best of the 7th years are probably Harry, Finch-Fletchley, and Weasley. I don't think Finnigan is far behind, though.

It's quite the boys club.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Had a word with Desai by fire tonight. Made no promises, but she's considering it.

Your path leads straight into a nest of wizards. A boys club shouldn't be any challenge. Particularly that trio. You have the skills to match any of them, if you have the will.

Have sent you rules for AK.