MLE and Buckingham
Mar. 10th, 2009 12:00 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_luciusIt has been an exasperating week on many accounts.
Naturally, the shocking news from Derby was disappointing, particularly as I understand the two mudbloods - brother and sister, according to the report - are of an age suited to the work programme, but could not now be considered owing to the impossibility of releasing them from the camps until they have been fully re-indoctrinated so as to make them harmless. But this was merely an inconvenient end to an otherwise disappointing recovery effort. Yes, of course, their recapture brings the total to seven of the thirteen, and we know that Black's interference makes learning the whereabouts of the remaining six unlikely. Still, it is a pitiful rate of return for the Aurors. I quite agree with Bella's assessment and look forward to her recommendations to, ah, shake up the MLE. Hopkirk and Scrimgeour clearly need lessons on more effective methods of tracking.
What really puzzles me is how Black gained word of the escape in the first place. Someone from the camps must have found a way to send a message to one of his traitorous accomplices, or else he has someone placed where the first sign of a breakout can be reported. Admittedly, this is a realisation that only the leisure of the last few days has afforded; still, there should have been a mention of any working theories in the reports. Think when I have a chance I'll point it out to Nott - I'm sure he's already thought of it; I'd be curious as to his proposed course of action.
I had hoped to complete the review of the new work programme itself, or at least the report that had been in preparation before half the department was questioned about the 'misplaced' memo, but apart from stepping out to attend priority meetings at the Ministry (half of which have been on that very topic!) and one Board meeting for NRBC, I have scarcely left Buckingham this entire week. With Bella in the field, His Lordship has been most anxious that He have additional assistance in His latest project. Barty, Avery and I have been taking it in turns to attend Him but it has been slow going, of necessity. No-one would wish the masterpiece ruined by an over-exuberant brush stroke!
Actually, it does concern us three of late, since it seems the subject grows increasing fragile. His Lordship feels sure He is near the point of discovery and no-one wishes to lose ground so ... painfully gained. Nonetheless, on occasion a respite can yield as much result as relentless pursuit. We have temporarily halted the proceedings now and again, in the hope that catching our breath may provide the required advantage.
Meanwhile, the constant proximity to Our Lord has also afforded me the opportunity to discuss with Him a state of affairs I have long worried might cause problems if not addressed. He took time to hear my thoughts on the matter and indicated His wishes, which I am more than pleased to pursue on His behalf. Have instructed Crispin to find time in Selwyn's books in the next week or so to make arrangements.
Well, Crispin assures me that the shipments for Hogwarts and St Mungo's have arrived in Dover (he made a point of following-up once he realised how dreadfully Peakes' new clerk has been performing), so that at least has progressed whilst I have been busy elsewhere. (Minerva, good of you again to make time in your schedule to meet with Moon and Frobisher on behalf of your school. Sometimes the intervention of a former authority figure can accomplish more in an hour than any simple appeal to good sense.)
Finally, I see that Carrow has possibly found our conversation useful. A cursory glance to-day indicates that not only has the change in approach had a desired effect, but Carrow has also taken pains with his own role to ensure the poet's successful re-integration into usefulness. That's one drawback, of course, to mudbloods as servants: They require a bit more attention than house-elves, who can be relied on to feel adequate remorse on the rare occasion they err. It occurs to me that Selwyn has mudblood domestics himself; I believe he mentioned it at the last Labour Committee meeting. Perhaps Warrington ought to meet with him regarding measures he has found efficacious. It can only help the proposals and Merlin knows it certainly cannot hurt.
Naturally, the shocking news from Derby was disappointing, particularly as I understand the two mudbloods - brother and sister, according to the report - are of an age suited to the work programme, but could not now be considered owing to the impossibility of releasing them from the camps until they have been fully re-indoctrinated so as to make them harmless. But this was merely an inconvenient end to an otherwise disappointing recovery effort. Yes, of course, their recapture brings the total to seven of the thirteen, and we know that Black's interference makes learning the whereabouts of the remaining six unlikely. Still, it is a pitiful rate of return for the Aurors. I quite agree with Bella's assessment and look forward to her recommendations to, ah, shake up the MLE. Hopkirk and Scrimgeour clearly need lessons on more effective methods of tracking.
What really puzzles me is how Black gained word of the escape in the first place. Someone from the camps must have found a way to send a message to one of his traitorous accomplices, or else he has someone placed where the first sign of a breakout can be reported. Admittedly, this is a realisation that only the leisure of the last few days has afforded; still, there should have been a mention of any working theories in the reports. Think when I have a chance I'll point it out to Nott - I'm sure he's already thought of it; I'd be curious as to his proposed course of action.
I had hoped to complete the review of the new work programme itself, or at least the report that had been in preparation before half the department was questioned about the 'misplaced' memo, but apart from stepping out to attend priority meetings at the Ministry (half of which have been on that very topic!) and one Board meeting for NRBC, I have scarcely left Buckingham this entire week. With Bella in the field, His Lordship has been most anxious that He have additional assistance in His latest project. Barty, Avery and I have been taking it in turns to attend Him but it has been slow going, of necessity. No-one would wish the masterpiece ruined by an over-exuberant brush stroke!
Actually, it does concern us three of late, since it seems the subject grows increasing fragile. His Lordship feels sure He is near the point of discovery and no-one wishes to lose ground so ... painfully gained. Nonetheless, on occasion a respite can yield as much result as relentless pursuit. We have temporarily halted the proceedings now and again, in the hope that catching our breath may provide the required advantage.
Meanwhile, the constant proximity to Our Lord has also afforded me the opportunity to discuss with Him a state of affairs I have long worried might cause problems if not addressed. He took time to hear my thoughts on the matter and indicated His wishes, which I am more than pleased to pursue on His behalf. Have instructed Crispin to find time in Selwyn's books in the next week or so to make arrangements.
Well, Crispin assures me that the shipments for Hogwarts and St Mungo's have arrived in Dover (he made a point of following-up once he realised how dreadfully Peakes' new clerk has been performing), so that at least has progressed whilst I have been busy elsewhere. (Minerva, good of you again to make time in your schedule to meet with Moon and Frobisher on behalf of your school. Sometimes the intervention of a former authority figure can accomplish more in an hour than any simple appeal to good sense.)
Finally, I see that Carrow has possibly found our conversation useful. A cursory glance to-day indicates that not only has the change in approach had a desired effect, but Carrow has also taken pains with his own role to ensure the poet's successful re-integration into usefulness. That's one drawback, of course, to mudbloods as servants: They require a bit more attention than house-elves, who can be relied on to feel adequate remorse on the rare occasion they err. It occurs to me that Selwyn has mudblood domestics himself; I believe he mentioned it at the last Labour Committee meeting. Perhaps Warrington ought to meet with him regarding measures he has found efficacious. It can only help the proposals and Merlin knows it certainly cannot hurt.
Order Only
Date: 2009-03-10 08:53 pm (UTC)You still managing to side-step that inquiry about the lost memo?
Re: Order Only
Date: 2009-03-10 09:03 pm (UTC)I've missed the hex backwash entirely, I'm sure of it. One of Scrimgeour's clerks came out to interview me and everyone else, but he practically dismissed me as soon as I sat down, saying he knows from Dunstan I wasn't there that day.
no subject
Date: 2009-03-10 10:11 pm (UTC)Professor Carrow's mudblood is calling itself "it." Dennis doesn't do that, do you think I should tell him to start? You didn't say I should in your Owl, but I wanted to check.
no subject
Date: 2009-03-10 10:25 pm (UTC)Carrow's poet is rather a test case. He was deceiving his master with false deference and is learning the price for defiance and, I believe, the reward for propriety.
Dennis, by contrast, ought not to have adopted duplicity, even with increased exposure to Granger.
Order Only
Date: 2009-03-11 02:31 am (UTC)That poor boy.
Re: Order Only
Date: 2009-03-11 02:49 am (UTC)I have a hunch Malfoy may be quite a bloody expert on the subject. Literally.
Poppy, it also looks as though your supplies will be arriving soon. That IS good news.
Re: Order Only
Date: 2009-03-11 02:58 pm (UTC)We may now escape death by plagues and parasites only to be solidly healthy on the day each of us is dragged before the Inquisition.
I'm sorry. I feel truly out of sorts reading this.
no subject
Date: 2009-03-11 04:47 am (UTC)I heard from Crispin today and I think we're on for Friday. Unless it was Tuesday. I'm not sure if my clerk wrote 'Malfoy' or 'Ministry' here in my schedule.
no subject
Date: 2009-03-14 05:41 am (UTC)At any rate, it must be Tuesday; I was at Buckingham again all day to-day, or I should have seen this before now.
Unless you might have a little time following the Commerce committee Monday afternoon? I believe I have nothing between it and tea at the Ouroburos - that is assuming nothing comes up over the week-end.