Thank-yous

[alt_mcgonagall]

My greatest appreciation to the ladies of New London, who have been so solicitous in making sure that I am well, safe, and resting.

I realise that I was rather sharp with you all last night. You are, upon reflection, correct that I have been overtired of late. I will certainly submit to whatever you think is best for my recuperation—and I am most sorry to have to send you back the wine. Perhaps I can make it up somehow.

Comments

Order Only

[alt_mcgonagall]

Seized by ladies of the second circle upon my exit from Hogwarts, all solicitous and all deeply concerned with ensuring that my home was made ready for me "after so long at Hogwarts." Every room has been aired, every corner cleaned. Fortunately, none of them questioned the idea that I might have private rooms not open to their nosing.

Eventually I winkled it out of one of them: the Dark Lord himself made a suggestion that I had "not been around other women enough of late." This was enough, it seems, to cause the outpouring, although it noticeably did not include Narcissa Malfoy or any of what might be termed the "top rank" of ladies who lunch.

I am afraid I was rather terse after ten or twelve of them had paraded through. Poppy, you did not see the half of it. After a good night's rest, however, I have come to see that aloofness will do no good. I will exert myself to appear more "natural" and friendly, and we shall see what it brings.

But there is more interesting, and better, news than this. La Umbridge has found herself incapable of entering the Head's office. I did not attempt to bar her (that would have been suspicious indeed) and so it must be the castle itself keeping her out. Another layer of protection for the hidden books! Fortunately, no-one will begrudge me refusing to work with her: one thing I did glean from the ladies is that there is a great number of differing opinions among the loyal of New London, and my ejection from Hogwarts is by no means the unanimous decision Dolores would like her students to believe. (Lucius has said the same, but it is one thing to hear from a Slytherin and another from a dithering and fanciful Hufflepuff.)

Re: Order Only

[alt_molly]

Oh, that is excellent news, that the castle is safeguarding your office.

Take heart, Minerva. If there is a day that the crowd thins out, let me know, and I would be more than happy to come visit you.

Re: Order Only: Private message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_terry]

Dear Headmistress:

(For you are still the Headmistress of Hogwarts, and I'm dead chuffed that the castle agrees and is protecting your authority. AND protecting other muggleborns like me by keeping the Book safely locked up.)

I am so sorry that you have been pulled out of Hogwarts, and I hope with all my heart that it's just a temporary measure. I want very much for you not to feel too sad about it, and that's why I'm writing to thank you. I am so grateful to you for what you did for me. You saved me from Amycus Carrow for a year. You were the first to show me that a witch or wizard in authority could actually be kind. You taught me, not caring about how dangerous it was, and you have no idea what a difference it made for me.

I also want to thank you for all the other children at Moddey Dhoo that you personally helped to save. I couldn't be saved from the git, and I know you feel badly about that, but please realise that I understand why it wasn't possible. But when I see the difference between my experience and theirs, I'm struck al the more by what an incredible thing the Order is doing for children like me. They are growing up happy and educated and innocent and free. You helped do that, and you should be very proud.

I know I am a free wizard, and nobody's slave. But still, if I could--although I know I can't because it's not safe, what with all the other people around you now--I would be happy to come back to serve you for awhile. Not as a mudblood, but because I am your friend, who is very grateful for all that I owe you. But because I cannot, I will just say that if there is anything else I can do to repay my debt to you, will you please let me know? I wish you a quick and easy recovery from the hard time you've had lately.

Yours,
Terry Boot

Re: Order Only: Private message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_mcgonagall]

While I appreciate the sentiment behind your offer, young man, I would not accept your offer of service, even given willingly. It has a symbolism that I do not like.

In any case, I shall inform you when I see an opportunity for you to pay your debt. I appreciate that it would be intolerable for me to tell you that you owed me nothing, but I ask you to consider that perhaps I have as much to atone for as any other who has benefitted from the Lord Protector's reign.

Private Message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_lucius]

Have you changed the password, then, and told no one? Should not blame you in the slightest had you done.

The damnable pink scow thinks to dictate to me when she shall and shall not take my visit. And then has the temerity to blame usurping Razzer's lessons as the reason she is 'pressed for time'?!

Believe me, should like nothing better than to never accept a cup of tea from her pudgy fingers again - but there are larger considerations.

That the Office has sealed itself (if it truly has done) is not strictly speaking an impediment. Assume that if so, giving up the password to another makes no difference - otherwise Vector or Carpenter or one of that lot should have opened the doors to her before this. However, wonder if you would consent to accompanying me when necessary to gain access to the book and any other sundries you might wish to obtain whilst there on my authority.

Wouldn't it be delicious to go, open your office, disappear inside and leave her peeping at the keyhole whilst we conducted our business? We'd have to throw in a hearty laugh or two once in a while so she can hear that we are still deep in consultation.

This will be temporary, am sure of that. She cannot begin to comprehend the complexities of the school, nor the necessary diplomacy involved in balancing parents against curriculum.

Cannot pretend that you have not exposed your weaknesses, Minerva - and perhaps that is part of Our Lord's lack of opposition to Dolores' appropriation of your title. To be sure, she has grown so desperate for a return to her former power that she seems content to terrorise children to get it in any measure. More to the point, has Fudge convinced of her unimpeachable credentials for the task; otherwise might have an avenue to success with him by the suggestion that from Hogwarts she means to regain his job once more.

At any rate, Dominic and I have no end of resources yet to bring to this. May take us time (one does not wish to burn too much capital all in one place, as it were) but believe me, she shall regret her presumptions.

Re: Private Message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_mcgonagall]

I have not changed the password—though I wish I had, I had no sense of what the reaction would be to such petulance. I have been doing some reading: I believe that the castle is reacting to defend itself, and furthermore that until it feels the crisis has passed, it will allow only myself and my accompanied guests to enter the room.

As for the office, we may certainly make a trip there, if you think you can stem Umbridge's tide of rage at the thought, and prevent her from entering with us (I do not have any sense of whether the castle will accept her as my guest, or whether it would keep her out, and I do not wish to allow her in if it is at all possible; petty I have been called and petty I shall now be), There are certain magical objects there that I would hate to lose access to, and, of course, the book is of utmost concern.

Re: Private Message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_lucius]

Well, have never believed that the prohibition against magic in the corridors applies to fully qualified wizards. She might try to force her way in - if she knew about the visit. You have friends on the staff, still, I believe.

Moreover, were she to encounter the open door, as a Governor, could not deny her access; but should your wand happen to slip, would not be able to say with certainty whether it had been an accident or a deliberate act of defiance.