Private Message to Ron Weasley

[alt_antonin]

Mr Weasley,

While I am more than happy to run interference with the insufferable bureaucracy for any of my more promising students, in the future it might behoove you to alert me ahead of time; had the notice not been delivered when I was at hand to be made aware, I would likely not have been able to step in before you had been penalised.

That having been said, if any of your cohort have been likewise practising Apparition outside an official aegis, neither Savitha nor I will enquire too closely should there be a string of Apparition successes tomorrow morning: the quicker you all pick it up, the less time we will need to spend on instruction, and can move along to imparting other useful skills.

Allow me to say, meanwhile, that both Savitha and I have been most pleased with your performance this week. You have the making of a fine field lieutenant; should you be interested in a career course in which further developing those skills would suit, or even find that you enjoy the experience, I would be happy to work with you independently throughout the next few years.

Regards,
Professor Dolohov

Comments

[alt_ron]

Thank you, Sir.

It was kind of you to talk to them for me. Only, I didn't expect your help. I would have taken the punishment, especially as it was my fault they discovered I'd been trying to learn on my own. I couldn't really have told you they were going to cite me, since I really didn't realise I'd said anything that would bring that on.

Which was very stupid of me. I recognise that. It wasn't the sort of sharp thinking a leader should show. Especially because I drew one of my squad into trouble along with me.

I understand that you and Auror Desai may be reconsidering my role as a team leader.

[alt_antonin]

Think nothing of it, my dear boy. Few among us have not had the experience of a slip of the tongue at an inopportune moment -- when we have a moment free, remind me to tell you the story of the time a misplaced bookmark once nearly got me killed.

Discretion in trying circumstances can be learned ex post facto; strategic gifts such as yours are, I have found, partially innate. And initiative, of course, is a pearl of great price.

Do get some sleep tonight; I suspect none of you are thinking entirely clearly.

Regards,
Professor Dolohov

[alt_ron]

No doubt about that, Sir.

I'm planning to take some time to think over the offer you made us--Harry and me--tonight. I need to think through the consequences as well as the benefits.

[alt_antonin]

Oh, of course -- that is why we let you both know a few days ahead of time, after all. There are positives and negatives to both options. Mind you, I have been quite intrigued by how well you've handled certain of your team members throughout; I am well aware there are, shall we say, historic tensions between several of them. You've done quite well in forging a workable unit out of highly disparate personalities.

In fact, this entire exercise has been most illuminating. It's always interesting to get a chance to get out of the classroom and into the field, is it not? We will have to take the chance to run some similar exercises throughout the year.

Regards,
Professor Dolohov