Private message to Ptolemy Baddock

[alt_antonin]

Augustus and I have been working together on the Fidelius variation used on Saltash, trying to unpick how exactly it works and how it might have been developed. It occurred to me tonight that Gus's memory for detail no longer being what it once was might mean he had not consulted you as a resource.

Would it be possible for me to stop in Monday afternoon and call upon your expertise with journal monitoring? I am looking for, in rough order from what I expect to be most to least relevant:

— mentions of Fidelius, particularly discussions of the difficulty of casting it and variations upon the standard method;

— discussions of experimental runic technique;

— mentions of Albus Dumbledore;

— traffic coming in from journal holders outside the wards, with a particular concentration on conversations that might be coded or otherwise convey information through channels other than the obvious.

I will of course fill out whatever paperwork you deem necessary.

Comments

[alt_ptolemy]

Monday should be fine, Antosha. I'll leave word at Reception.

Incidentally, you've not talked to Aunt Narcissa recently, have you? I can't be certain from the last time I saw her whether she's given up the quest to beg clemency for Uncle Lucius. And--much as we all want him back....I think perhaps after the holidays might be a better time for it. Don't you?

Well. She's coming to us for supper tomorrow and I'll try to get through to her. Any particular message you'd like me to add?

[alt_antonin]

I last spoke to her ... last week? No, a week and a half ago, just a few days after her birthday. I doubt she's given up on Lucius, but Barty and I were able to make her understand that Our Lord's temper recently has been uncertain enough that any petition of hers on Lucius's behalf would ... not be looked upon favourably.

Yes, after the holidays at least. Or at such a time as Our Lord has recently had a great success, of whatever form that might take.

I'm glad you'll be having her visit, though. She needs all the support from family she can receive. Tell her that she is always welcome here, as well.