Private Message to Draco and Pansy

Good to see you both this after-noon. Must admit the social hour before and following did put our other tasks behind, a bit, and returning from those, naturally, found the day's correspondence grown to mountainous proportion. Still have a personal note or two if to-morrow is not to begin already behind.


Trust you both found to-day's (yesterday's, one should say!) educational presentation edifying. Harry looked a bit tense, during the bout. Draco, is he all right? Glad to see you appreciated the display for all it was, and led the others in a properly jovial, but respectful, light.

Antonin Nikolaevich tells me you are both showing great promise, already. Not surprising, but good to hear his professional assessment, nonetheless.

He has his eye on a few others, as well, who were much more ... unexpected. But that is his way.

Be careful, however: He is incorrigible. If you let him he shall ply you with all manner of temptations, suited to your particular interests, in order to bend you to his will. No doubt soon enough he shall supplant even your favourite professors as your tutor of choice.


Speaking of favourites, did not have much of a chance to speak to either of you privately. Wished to ask you: How has the CCF programme been thus far, under Madam Umbridge? (Be honest, both of you; should expect you both might feel any positive comments are disloyal to its previous mentor. Have no fear of your opinions generating unwanted repercussions.)


Well. It is late. Though you shall doubtless not see this before morning, should observe brevity and proceed through my other notes, in order to sleep, as well.

Private Message to Toshenka and Razzer

Have either of you been glancing through the children's journals?

Well played, bratishka. Believe the effect you desired has been achieved. In spades.


Raz, forgive the intrusion, but must point out: It may not have occurred to Rodolphus yet but I did see the look on your face when our brother here so-casually mentioned the relationship budding between our niece and Stephen's defector. Confess myself as surprised as you or Rod that our Tosha sees so much in the lad - but then, know better than to doubt his instinct, which has so often led us to valuable compatriots in the past. Good luck, when Rod realises that you've known and not told him before. (And for some time, if I am not mistaken?)

Then again, at least you've reminded him that you are far from an easy target.

(Not that it matters much to me, one way or the other. Particularly if Toshenka believes he can bring the boy under his wing.)


Still chuckling over that remark of - which of your students, Toshenka? A seventh-year by the look of him - that he'd never thought of duels lasting so long. And how we all said almost at once, 'Usually, they don't.' Hope he's not in your NEWTs (and if so, then you are entirely correct that your work has been made manifest. Let it never be said we underestimate your ability to fashion miracles!


Do you think Dominic has quite got over his own shock at the breadth of your casting? Must remember to invite him into one of our sessions at the Elysian. Suspect he's itching now to find out just how he'd stand up in a proper contest of skill.

Almost jealous of you both for seizing the chance to make clear your prowess; but thinking how exhausted you both were, and seeing how much was waiting for my attention on my return, perhaps it was as well to leave you both to the exertion. (Do not take that as either challenge, or the fear of one, however!)

Blast, but it is late. Expect you both to be sleeping the sleep of the just. Ought to follow your example in that, as in other things.

My thanks again, gentlemen, for a highly amusing day.