Private message to Barty

[alt_antonin]

We've had word from Buckingham; Our Lord is to join us for the weekend. I don't know His exact plans, but Broome mentioned that He wanted to evaluate the field of talent; if you still plan to join us, you may be asked to pitch in.

And I need to talk to you about what

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Have just bid Daphne goodnight.

If you're still awake, I could come up.

Have been thinking about what this visitation might signify. Have you had any clarification from Broome in the meantime?

[alt_antonin]

Nothing more than hints. I would not be surprised if He meant to pick through the field and add the most promising to His ranks, without the farce of last year's competition -- with how matters have been going lately, He's certainly thinking that more wands would not go amiss. If only he'd thought of that before he killed or imprisioned half the

The timing, of course, is wretched; NEWTs next week and OWLs the week after. If this visit turns out as emphatic as the last one, I've no idea how we'll deal with the aftermath. I don't know whether to

...sorry. Don't mind me, solnyshko, I'm overtired and underslept, I have the most demonic headache, this week has been an utter shitshow and I'm this close to and I'm constructing an endless series of worst-case scenarios. Yes, do come up. If you are so inclined to stop at the infirmary on the way and fetch me a headache potion, I would be most pathetically grateful; Patil knows which one I've been taking. (Not my usual, but that one relies on ingredients we are, apparently, no longer able to obtain.)

[alt_crouch_jr]

Suppose He may have calculated that by waiting until exams are at hand, He'll be able to see the talent in highest polish. If there is that much calculation If that's the calculus He's appl

Overtired and underslept are going around, I hear. And workplaces in turmoil. Tempers in the department are... highly combustible at the moment. And interdepartmentally... I'll see your shitshow and raise you both muck and mire.


Headache potion procured.

On my way.

[alt_antonin]

I would say "I wish I knew what had gotten into everyone", but that would be a rather inane and pointless comment, wouldn't it? I wish I could grab you and Harry and a few others and make a run for it, but it's far too late to

If I could be certain he would stay dead, I would gladly sacrifice my souls for all eternity in order to

What have we done? How could we have gotten it so wrong? And where was the point at which we could have changed this, that we missed?

Thank you, dear heart. I'm glad you're here tonight.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Stopping just long enough to put this in writing. So you can read it over whenever you need to be reminded.

If you spend yourself on a dicer's throw, you'd best hope our souls don't meet in eternity.