Hectic Friday

[alt_lucius]

Sometimes I really detest being right.

I knew I would need a cleared schedule to-day - naturally, one cannot set foot on the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry without something occurring to demand attention.

And I was correct, more's the pity. I hardly expected my own son to be at the centre of trouble on this scale but I suppose it was only a matter of time before he did something atrociously reckless. (He's fine, Narcissa, dear - if considerably chastened. I've just seen him.)

The only mitigation is that his (and Harry's) transgression has allowed us to apprehend a person of interest to the Lord Protector - and my duty to Him perforce superceded any wish I might have had to upbraid Draco myself last evening. I daresay the Headmistress was wise to suggest I wait until morning, when cooler tempers could prevail.

Yet apparently this incident is not enough to occupy us for the nonce: I had no more finished my interview with Draco when I received an urgent summons from the MLE requesting assistance in the Derby mudblood camp. Anyone in the area has by now been informed to be on the lookout for some half-dozen fugitives, who apparently broke out some time in the night. One was apprehended and their means of escape has been detected - but these are matters requiring Council attention - and that of the Enforcers and Aurors available to be despatched to the region. (In addition, I am told several reporters from the Prophet have caught wind of yesterday's events and must be managed!)

So. Hogwarts to London back to Hogwarts, and now Derby to see what incompetent fools have allowed security to be so lax as to enable such a sizeable bolt!

Comments

[alt_mcgonagall]

I am glad that my advice was useful to you, Lucius.

At some point when matters have settled we must discuss what, if anything, the ultimate outcome of this scrape should be. There are a number of solutions that might resolve the problem - young Mr Marvolo's need to curb his admirable sympathies towards Mudbloods, the Granger creature's need for less freedom, and so forth.

Utterly shocking to hear about Derby. Do you suppose that being around Muggles for too long can make one stupider? That's the only explanation I can muster for such behavior out of the Ministry employees involved.

[alt_lucius]

On the whole, I am relieved I was still in the vicinity, but I admit I slept not a wink between our captive's interrogation and my vast disappointment in my offspring.

And yes - I appreciate your involving me in the decision, Minerva; very good of you. Naturally the Lord Protector will wish his own input, but clearly, although she proved useful in the situation, it is obvious that she and Carrow's poet have grown over-accustomed to their relative comfort in the castle. Over supper Carrow and I discussed the latter, but Granger is in the direct supervision of the school and therefore she is your responsibility to keep in line.

Nonetheless, it cannot be denied that her intercession saved the boys from what could have been a nasty encounter.

As to the relative loss of intelligence resulting from over-exposure to Muggles, I wouldn't know. I spend as little time among their filth as possible. You may have a point, however, that deserves examination. I fear the likely answer is altogether more mundane and considerably less refined than a simple contagion.

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[alt_arthur]

This seems to indicate that when he talked over dinner with Carrow about young Boot, he received the impression that the boy is still alive. That is hopeful news, of a sort.

Also promising is his acknowledgment Hermione saved the boys. Merlin, if that girl had ever been sorted, she'd probably be a Gryffindor.

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[alt_molly]

Did Malfoy say anything to you directly about the fate of the one who was 'apprehended'--that would be the poor Fawcett woman, wouldn't it? I'm sure Bill would want to know.

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[alt_mcgonagall]

I'm afraid she didn't make it, Molly.

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[alt_frank]

figured as much.

Damn.

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[alt_sirius]

Yeah, it didn't sound like she was giving them much choice.

Did he tell you that officially, though? Are you at least free to tell the child privately? It's not the sort of thing one wants to learn through the papers.

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[alt_mcgonagall]

That's my task before the Quidditch match begins. Fortunately it hasn't hit the Prophet yet. I haven't had permission to tell the child - but I don't believe there can be any objection.