Private Message to Barty and Lucius

[alt_antonin]

Before you come across the children fretting and likewise fret at me: I am feeling poorly, and plagued by a host of new and interesting symptoms, but I am under the Matron's most diligent care. (Before one of you suggest St M's rather than Matron: I do not wish to make accusations, but at this point I am more confident that Madam Pomfrey will have her patient's best interests in mind; it is nothing concrete and nothing I can make a complaint over, but the more I think about it, the more I realise my team at St M's is showing more interest in research possibility than patient improvement. At very least I will be confirming their advice with her from now on.)

I am most vexed: I was not expecting the rite's restorative effects to last much longer, but this is a rather more dramatic reversal than I had been expecting. So much so that I spent lunchtime yesterday checking self and environment for curses that might have made it past my protections. (Verdict: nothing. I suppose it would have been too easy an answer.)

I am eating, sleeping, resting, and minimising my effort expended, and with luck this will just be a temporary setback; I will keep you both posted. (And please do reassure Narcissa!)

Meanwhile: Lyoushka, Dolores is growing more insufferable, and behaving as though she is utterly convinced of her mandate to stick her nose into everything --mandate from whom, I remain uncertain. Remind me to show you the list of "helpful" questions she sent me after observing my classes last week. (And the response I wrote her, which was -- if I do say so myself -- a masterwork of subtle insult wreathed in effusive flattery.) I still do not know what her game is, and I am keeping an eye on her, but you may wish to do so as well.

Barty -- solnyshko, I have not forgot your birthday next week. How would you like to celebrate?

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

I can be there in half a minute.

Or on Kosta's doorstep if that's the better first step. What have they done to you?

What do you need?

Private Message to Toshenka

[alt_crouch_jr]

Are you certain you've checked everything? If you are already so far within a curse's sway, your senses may not be sufficient to find the agent.

I don't mean to doubt, Toshenka. But I'd feel better if I made the search myself.

Aware, however, that my crashing through the doors of the school would create a stir and might not serve your interests in other negotiations. (With students. With comrades. With adversaries.)

Re: Private Message to Toshenka

[alt_antonin]

Oh, darling.

It's not necessary; Poppy is taking excellent care of me, and we are hoping that rest (and rest, and rest, and rest -- I have slept twelve hours a night all week and took a nap over lunch yesterday to allow myself to face the rest of the day) will do the trick. I am able to keep to teaching my classes, for instance; I only need minimise the effort I expend.

Hold your wand until I've more than suspicion -- it might be nothing and I may be imagining it all; I have never been susceptable to post-rite paranoia before, but who knows how things might have changed recently? If I do find more than suspicion I will cheer you on as you make your displeasure known.

I have checked everything I could imagine, my dearest of hounds, and my protections on office, quarters, and classroom alike are as paranoid as I could make them; I do believe they would have alerted for anything likely to cause this. But if it would make you feel better, I will ask Raz for a second opinion. Or, yes, you; if matters have not improved, there is a Quidditch game scheduled this Saturday and your presence would not be as noticeable then.

(The damnable gossip rags will no doubt notice no matter how much we attempt discretion. Perhaps we should go in the other direction: you bring flowers, I will swoon at the sight of you.)

Your,
T

Re: Private Message to Toshenka

[alt_crouch_jr]

Discretion be damned. As far as gossip goes. Policy, another matter altogether.

Will hold off, but ready.

Will have that matron's skin if she fails you.

Re: Private Message to Toshenka

[alt_antonin]

Beloved, do we need to have the discussion again about how the time to intimidate people is after it's clear that they're not giving you their best effort? She is very good at what she does, and is providing excellent care. (Whilst quietly harumphing at me for the fact I am insisting on continuing to teach unless I worsen, but sitting at my desk and lecturing is little effort, and at least takes my mind off things.)

But for all I fuss about the overprotectiveness -- and I will continue to fuss about the overprotectiveness, particularly given the perils of your profession while I am ensconced in this nice safe castle -- I will say: it is very nice to know that you are there, and that you are worried.

And as you may have seen, I have messaged Razzer to ask him to stop in and check things over. So you may at least be assured that I am taking all reasonable precautions.

Your,
T

[alt_lucius]

Tosha,

Have been in meetings all morning but anxious to answer your notice.

First, regarding St M's: What sorts of demands are they making on you and Madam Pomfrey? And who is directing their inquiries? Should you require it, can have Armenius Fletcher look into the matter through St M's; as you know he is intimately familiar with curse effects and their long-term management. Could send him up to see you there and consult with Matron as well.

Second, regarding Dolores: Please do send a copy of the list she gave you (and your response; should like to see it). Cannot presently move against Caldwell or Strangeweale without attracting unwelcome attention - however, shall endeavour to obtain knowledge of their plans through Fudge. Blast. Had I seen this before meeting with him this morning, could have added to agenda. As it is, cannot turn back again to-day, particularly after requiring private conversation with his Undersecretary on an entirely personal matter.

Am aware that she has designs on the Governors as well: Will have Weasley bring them in for discussions prior to next week's Board meeting.

Regarding that: Reserve your evening next Thursday and dine with me when I am there. In your rooms, if you are not up to a trip to the village, though should not be surprised if a few better meals would make a considerable difference to your overall health. We can strategise.

[alt_antonin]

The juniors are in search of data, data, data. Some of which is baffling. (I have been asked, for instance, to have Madam Pomfrey measure my eyelashes weekly and report the results. Apparently this is partially indicative of the efficacy rates of one of the experimental potions they are trying.) Poppy has called some of their requests sensible, some silly, and some invasive; we've gone over the list and she's advised me on which to agree with, which to reject.

A second second opinion, however, might be helpful; let us see what the next few days bring.

Shall forward you Dolores's teensy-little-suggestions and my response (I do not want to hear a word mocking the length; it is entirely for my own amusement and if she is going to invent her own busywork I will snow her under with it). Am not at all surprised she found Strangeweale a kindred spirit (he was tedious at Hogwarts, tedious after Hogwarts, and tedious throughout the War; unsurprised he is still tedious in a way that appeals to Dolores's own tediousness.)

Which Governors' terms are expiring this year? Do you have anyone in mind to be replaced? I am willing to lend my skills to the quest. (Would suggest, actually, trying to get some younger voices on the board -- not immediately out of school, but young enough that the bulk of their adulthood has been lived under Our Lord's benevolence. Someone like the eldest Weasley, or one of the Pennifold-Sandoval pair, or -- oh, you take my thrust.)

I would be delighted to dine with you on Thursday if I am well enough. The Hogwarts elves are perfectly willing to serve me in my rooms -- and I do get what passes for the pick of the table, I believe; I have made efforts to establish myself with them as appreciative of their efforts -- but if you would prefer something less institutional I will make arrangements to have the evening catered.

At your service in plotting and planning, as in all things,
T