Private Message to Toshenka and Razzer

[alt_lucius]

Have made appropriate excuses for Saturday. Narcissa still committed to her ... something. WI, I think. Not that she is normally eager for their programmes but it had to do with her involvement in the planning (I try not to know too much about such things). Not sure where she derives the tolerance, frankly. At any rate, she will be sorry to miss you but asked me to make her apologies.


Tosha, understand from entirely different sources that you are already leading merry hell among students and staff alike. Not surprising, considering the examples they've had to date. Had quite the time convincing Theo to give you the benefit of the doubt, before stirring up the Governors to think you are exercising professorial privilege to the detriment of his son. (More likely that you're the only source of discipline the boy's likely to get, and none too soon. Theo has always been ... difficult to appease, as you know. Have him becalmed for the time being, however.)

Also understand from Ned you've been making free with your library. Careful, bratishka; recall that these children have limited capacity to separate external fact from exotic fiction, even if they know they are reading the latter. (Currently am embroiled in just such a debate concerning publication of the latest in a popular but troublesome trilogy whose author - well. Her gift for analogy is matched only by her penchant for predictability. Likely will recommend allowing production to proceed but anticipate another rash of illicit reading to rival the sudden upsurge of interest in the other (ridiculous) Intra Profundis.) Suffice it to say: You are no doubt already recognising the challenges of controlling a large group of pupils at once, all of whom would far rather be practising the techniques described in your tatty romance novels than in their dry meditation books! The last thing they need are 'manuals' on every form of phantasy imaginable.


Speaking of hormones, have you had occasion yet to rebuff the attentions of Professor Acton? Razzer, do point out to him her various attempts so he can be sure not to give the poor witch false hope.


Looking forward to Saturday, both the demonstration and the expedition afterward.

Comments

[alt_lucius]

Toshenka I fail to see how you can take note of the merest shadow of thought that crosses the face of one under your diplomatic scrutiny and yet you have not recognised the overtures of 'Action' Acton. It is the one blind spot you have rarely overcome. No fear: She is used to disappointment. (Though in the case of our Razzer, understand that manifested later.)

Theo will also get used to his dismay. Confident he can see the wisdom of your methods although at present the words 'upstart' and 'emigre' are still somewhat too frequent in his discourse. But then we all know that he has always been easy to take offence and slow to forgive. Perhaps if you make strides with the boy as you hope, the transformation will serve your point better than anything else. And if not - Scotch works, though I don't recommend an abundance in his case.

Narcissa bitterly regrets that she cannot disentangle, as well, shyel'ma. Rest assured she shall demand more time of you at the next available opportunity. Though truth be told, she was not much enthused by the idea of picking through Alecto's nest and decided best to leave us to our macabre pursuits. (Though she did say you 'promised' to go with her to one of her interminable faires or pageants or whatever it is she finds she cannot turn down. Better you than I, bratishka. I'll let you know the next time the opera house turns out Puccini, as well.)

[alt_antonin]

It isn't as though I'm morally opposed, mind you. Just, argh.

Meanwhile, am happy to serve as Narcissa's escort whenever the prospect of another ribbon cutting or country fair seems beyond the pale, dearest. (Presuming I am not otherwise occupied, of course, which does seem to be the case more so than not.) Her commentary is always delightful (and both of us have only improved our ability to make catty remarks without being seen to move our lips) and you know I always enjoy meeting people -- despite so many of them being barely worth their air, there is always the intriguing prospect of an exception. Or, at very least, someone who only needs a bit of flattery and fifteen minutes of earnest attention to prove a usable resource in future -- all of which I can provide in my sleep, and probably have.

I do not doubt I will be able to impress upon Theo's boy the importance of discipline -- the question is whether I will be able to convince him that my way is the best route to it. Still, it is worth a try. (As I have said many times in the past few weeks. First sort complete, and I've half a dozen at least who should pay dividends in future, over and above the obvious such as your Dragon and Mr Marvolo. Am beginning to think I shall need to convince Gus to lend me some arcane artefact that will allow me to be in three places at once to do them all justice!) Will give Theo's ego a bit of stroking when next opportunity affords -- though, truly, calling me an upstart? Ha. How quickly they forget.

And speaking of effort, here come the Ravenclaw fifths. Wish me strength and courage, dear one.

Professorially,
T

[alt_rabastan]

Hey, there was no one warning me when I encountered Acton the first time! Have some sympathy, Lucius mate. I was used to a constant flow of beauties, then found myself wandering the desert. Who wouldn't stop to drink from the first oasis? Even if it turned out to be a bit...brackish.

Toshenka, there's a sweet bird or two in Hogsmeade I can introduce you to, if the fancy strikes- or the need to escape.

[alt_antonin]

That's quite all right, dearest. No need to trouble yourself on my behalf. At all. Period.

Really. I assure you.

[alt_rabastan]

As you like. Just remember I've picked a winner here and there, too.

[alt_antonin]

You certainly have! I had always figured you would find someone to settle down with eventually, but I could not have imagined someone so well suited for you as Aurora is, and you for her. Have I said recently how wonderful it is to see you so happy? Because it is, more so than I could possibly say. Watching the two of you together is enough to lift the spirits of anyone.

Sappily,
T

[alt_rabastan]

You figured that, did you? Well, I reckon you're probably the only one!
And you have my thanks for that, as well.