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[alt_mcgonagall]

Well, it's done.

Welcome to the fold, young men.

I said it to your faces, but I shall say it again: this was a difficult decision to make. Do not make us regret it.

Comments

[alt_poppy]

Well, then.

So be it.

[alt_severus]

I would ask if this comment were entirely necessary but for some of the fascinating reading I have been doing very lately. Apparently you have established something of a precedent for this type of contribution.

However - and this pertains to all who can now read these words - I am not here to attempt to be liked. I am here to do work. I can only hope that this dire pronouncement will be the last of its kind as we move on to far more important matters.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Well, your personality hasn't changed a bit since you were eighteen - I can say that much for you, young man!

To be honest, I find it rather charming. I'm pleased I am not in the line of fire, of course.

[alt_severus]

Nor will you be, Headmistress, so long as you hereafter desist addressing me as "young man." Delightful though it is that it offsets the new moniker Mr Black has bestowed upon me, "Severus" will do.

Having had the opportunity to read some of the goings-on within your organisation this year, I would appreciate another audience with you sometime in the near future. My schedule is, by matter of course, open.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Severus, then.

'Audience'? You make me feel like the Supreme Mugwump! Of course I will come, though it may take some doing to slip away. It isn't at all easy, when one has meetings from dawn till dusk. Look for me in animal form.

[alt_macnair]

She's pretty much like that in person, too.

More irritating to have to read it, though.

[alt_poppy]

Severus. It's no secret that I spoke against trusting you--or Walden Macnair. I can see vanishingly little in your past deeds, affiliations, or places of residence to recommend either of you to us. My view was and is that you represent a risk we can ill afford.

However, mine was not the only voice in the conversation, and my recommendation did not carry the matter. So here you both are, and I hope sincerely that neither of you prove my misgivings well-founded.

Private Message to Poppy Pomfrey

[alt_severus]

Madame Pomfrey:

At this, the beginning of this particular professional relationship, I wish to make one thing clear: I will accept your learned input as pertains to my research, but no further. As I am doing you the favour of considering you a colleague, you must do the same, lest we be rendered unable to accomplish our goals without needlessly distracting personal debate.