Fudge's First Weeks
Jan. 31st, 2010 01:18 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_luciusIt is dizzying to reflect that Minister Fudge has been in office for a full three weeks already.
Not all of the transitional activities are concluded, but thus far it seems he has made some progress, particularly in the direction of the investigation into the security breaches that enabled Black and his spies to exacerbate the medical crisis.
(Dominic, you may have heard by now but I'm pleased to tell you that you were spot-on regarding Miss Robins; Cornelius has re-arranged his personal staff somewhat and recognised her ambitions with a promotion much more suited to her at this time. I believe the young lady will go far - but this ought to appease her as an interim step!)
The travel restrictions have made several meetings difficult. At Nimbus and Presto, there have been no need for changes to the procedure but Muggleborn Labour and Magical Commerce each have a member or two who happen to be halfbloods. Consequently the boards have made allowance for their absence by means of providing the agendas early so that they may register their opinions and recommendations via owl. Tedious, but it gives them their fair say without requiring them to violate the terms of the edict. The Daily Prophet has simply replaced those Board members who cannot attend in order to ensure quorum. The Hogwarts Governors, of course, cannot meet at the school owing to the quarantine, but have communicated directly to Peakes who shall extend the decisions to the Headmistress.
Despite the increased limitations and precautions, we have continued to enjoy a pleasant winter between home and London. Last week-end, of course, we went to the theatre with Barty; mid-week there was a reception at the Dulwich to unveil the newest exhibit on early Reformation portraiture; last night we attended Lady Percy's annual winter ball. To-day we shall be celebrating young Rigel's six-month anniversary with Bella and Rodolphus and the rest of the family.
Narcissa had a commitment arise that prevents her from her St Mungo's volunteer activities. Not sure when she will return to the Auxiliary, though it seems at least not for the next several weeks. Some sort of course she agreed to lead for the Witches' Institute, I believe, conflicting with her ordinary St Mungo's time - and of course it is impossible for her to switch with someone else indefinitely. So for the time being, we continue our support for the dedicated Healers of that fine institution through our regular donations and other means.
Rookwood insisted I stop into the DoM to-morrow. Suspect I know what it regards. Although as this is the third time in as many months he has been 'convinced' he has achieved breakthrough, I remain skeptical.
Not all of the transitional activities are concluded, but thus far it seems he has made some progress, particularly in the direction of the investigation into the security breaches that enabled Black and his spies to exacerbate the medical crisis.
(Dominic, you may have heard by now but I'm pleased to tell you that you were spot-on regarding Miss Robins; Cornelius has re-arranged his personal staff somewhat and recognised her ambitions with a promotion much more suited to her at this time. I believe the young lady will go far - but this ought to appease her as an interim step!)
The travel restrictions have made several meetings difficult. At Nimbus and Presto, there have been no need for changes to the procedure but Muggleborn Labour and Magical Commerce each have a member or two who happen to be halfbloods. Consequently the boards have made allowance for their absence by means of providing the agendas early so that they may register their opinions and recommendations via owl. Tedious, but it gives them their fair say without requiring them to violate the terms of the edict. The Daily Prophet has simply replaced those Board members who cannot attend in order to ensure quorum. The Hogwarts Governors, of course, cannot meet at the school owing to the quarantine, but have communicated directly to Peakes who shall extend the decisions to the Headmistress.
Despite the increased limitations and precautions, we have continued to enjoy a pleasant winter between home and London. Last week-end, of course, we went to the theatre with Barty; mid-week there was a reception at the Dulwich to unveil the newest exhibit on early Reformation portraiture; last night we attended Lady Percy's annual winter ball. To-day we shall be celebrating young Rigel's six-month anniversary with Bella and Rodolphus and the rest of the family.
Narcissa had a commitment arise that prevents her from her St Mungo's volunteer activities. Not sure when she will return to the Auxiliary, though it seems at least not for the next several weeks. Some sort of course she agreed to lead for the Witches' Institute, I believe, conflicting with her ordinary St Mungo's time - and of course it is impossible for her to switch with someone else indefinitely. So for the time being, we continue our support for the dedicated Healers of that fine institution through our regular donations and other means.
Rookwood insisted I stop into the DoM to-morrow. Suspect I know what it regards. Although as this is the third time in as many months he has been 'convinced' he has achieved breakthrough, I remain skeptical.
no subject
Date: 2010-02-01 04:33 am (UTC)It's rather shocking how disruptive it is to have the halfbloods quarantined. I was rather taken aback at how many of them there are about, especially on Ministry committees and so on.
no subject
Date: 2010-02-01 05:26 am (UTC)It has been instructive to learn the heritage of some witches and wizards of whom I had not before been certain. I had suspected that Chadwick was at most quarter-blood, but he contacted MacMillan regarding last week's Commerce meeting to confirm he could not travel.
Do you anticipate having to make any permanent staff changes should this drag on?
no subject
Date: 2010-02-01 05:40 am (UTC)There's a man named Monroe who works under Plympton who sent word he'd come in if 'required' -- I'm not sure where he got the idea work was optional. Still, I'm leaving it to Plympton to handle for now. So long as the department is still getting its work done I try to stay out of personnel matters that far down the chain.
no subject
Date: 2010-02-01 05:44 am (UTC)It's been surprising enough to hear how many are married to halfbloods. Some of the ones who aren't quarantining themselves are bunking at the office; I've run into several when I've worked late. At least they're showing a bit of a work ethic in the face of the crisis.