Private message to Poppy and Minerva

[alt_antonin]

Minerva: I deeply regret having to be the bearer of bad news, particularly when it will no doubt come down upon both our shoulders. I have found the book that went missing from my office, and it appears Mr Thomas took it and -- despite my frequent cautions -- attempted to cast something from it. The attempt was, to my utmost regret, fatal.

I cannot imagine what motivated him to such an end if it did not have to deal with this blasted competition. I will enquire with his sponsor. I will also handle informing Peakes of his ward's demise; it is ultimately on my shoulders.

Poppy: Barty is here -- he came to help with the in-depth tracking spells, which require a second pair of hands -- to handle the MLE and Council end of things, but could I trouble you to contact St M's and request a containment team? I have secured the book, but Mr Thomas's earthly shell will need certain precautions taken.

Comments

[alt_mcgonagall]

Naturally. It is May.

It was far too much to hope we could manage a single school term without losing one.

I suppose the Govenors shall have to be notified. As Peakes belongs to that body one presumes he will demand some sort of...of assurance that this occurrence was isolated. And inevitble.

[alt_antonin]

I will answer to them with as much humility as I might muster. I am already second-guessing my choices -- but Mr Thomas proved more adept with the dismantling of wards than I had guessed any of them to be.

I do not want to leave Barty alone with the body until such time as the containment team arrives, although I have taken a handful of precautions already. I will notify Peakes myself as soon as we have finished matters here -- you need not answer for my own mistakes.

Miss Lestrange has informed me she believes this may be related to one of Miss Patil's challenges. I will be summoning her to the attics to discuss the matter. And so that, if she is responsible, she may see what she has wrought.

[alt_antonin]

And Ptolemy, who was Mr Thomas's sponsor, has replied to say that his latest challenge had nothing to do with my office, and that as Mr Thomas's performance had proven inadequate to the field, he had been removed as a contender as of this morning.

It does appear that Miss Patil chose to target Mr Thomas as part of one of her challenges; if she has not responded to my summons in another several minutes I will send an elf for her.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Well?

Perhaps we ought to consult with Miss Patil's sponsor as well. Mrs Sandoval-Penifold, that is.

It may be our spring harvest has yet to be fully reaped.