Private Message to Lucius and Raz

[alt_antonin]

For future reference: Dolores Umbridge has developed an extremely idiosyncratic response to Imperius.

Further detail when I can, after class at bare minimum. No luck, unfortunately, with clearing Raz's name.

Comments

[alt_lucius]

Good God You learned the hard way, I take it? Yes. She's grown resistant.

I did mention that to you, best brother, during one of our chats. Perhaps you were not as lucid as I thought at the time.

Trust that the effect has not inconvenienced you too greatly?

[alt_antonin]

Oh, dear.

No, I don't remember that conversation; I suppose it while I was still in the hospital wing? Several other things people have said to me in passing make me think there were times when I appeared perfectly lucid and conversational but retained absolutely no memory of the conversation once it concluded.

I do hope there wasn't anything else I missed. Or anything I agreed to that will come back to haunt me.

Fortunately, I had decided to start with an extremely light touch to 'encourage' her to talk to me about her allies. Unfortunately, she interpreted that as an invitation to talk to me about relationships with others. At great length. Exhaustively. I believe she has decided her next goal is to marry me off to Professor Acton -- and I do not want to hear a word about that!

Back to the drawing board, one supposes.

Your,
T

[alt_lucius]

Bratishka, your little flower tells me you ought to take Madam Umbridge up on her offer of Professor Acton forthwith - if only to surprise her so utterly that she is rendered speechless.

(Of course, Narcissa also advises putting Acton out to pasture before the match can be consummated, but I am fairly certain she is merely having a joke at your expense.)

Now. Meant to tell you earlier: Have made little progress with Peakes regarding the summary manner in which Pomfrey was ousted. For the time being, your own health is in hand? Do not trust Kerr with your case; this is one of the main thrusts of my argument with her frogginess and the other Governors who stand behind her, that you (and others) have been endangered by the removal of a competent Healer with the appointment of one whose motives are ... less clear.

But if you need assistance, shall have Fletcher offer himself on retainer.

[alt_antonin]

Little brother, you may tell Narcissa I will not indulge her macabre sense of humour even that far, no matter how amusing it might be! (As to that, I rather suspect Acton would find the prospect of being offered up in such a fashion humiliating; she fancies herself the pursuer, not the pursued.)

But thank you -- I needed that laugh. Rather desperately, I am afraid; matters here are most unpleasant.

I am well enough for the moment, and Poppy assures me my recovery is well in hand; she has offered to treat me should there be true need, so long as she does not need to return to the castle while that woman is still in residence. (Would that I could make the same vow.) I will indeed take you up on the offer of Fletcher's services, and thank you very much; I will certainly not be getting anywhere near Kerr. I have had enough of being a research subject.

The moment I hear of any failure of his to achieve a basic level of care, I will inform you immediately. And please (please!) do use my example in your arguments with the Governors if you think it would be of any use; if you need a convenient relapse to bolster your efforts, it could likely be arranged; another few days in bed with no headaches piled upon me sounds heavenly at the moment, in fact.

(Forgive me; I am feeling particularly dreary and fatalistic this evening.)

I don't suppose you've sussed out any additional hints as to what sort of adolescent rebellion Our Lord is hoping to spur Harry towards? I am almost ready to explain matters to him and offer to hold his robes for him while he skins the woman alive

Will you and Narcissa be attending the Revue, meanwhile? From what I have heard, I am afraid I cannot promise you as much amusement as the last theatrical production the children attempted -- but it might be time for us all to make a showing of solidarity. We can all retire to my quarters afterwards and have a council of war -- or at least drink heavily and you can all commiserate with me and Raz for having to put up with the cow.

Wearily,
T