Private Message to Toshenka and Razzer

[alt_lucius]

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.

Comments

[alt_rabastan]

Don't be jealous- I'm much more exhausted today than yesterday. Yesterday I was too caught up in the flush of victory to notice what my body is all too aware of today.

As to the tale of Hydra and the Young Defector, it's Rod's fault that it turned into such a high drama. They had a shy sort of courtliness going after their date at the Yule Ball, and when the boy tried to kiss her cheek or somesuch, the bracelet Hydra was wearing (you can guess who gifted her with that) set off all sorts of alarms and Rod demanded that I go find whoever was molesting his precious daughter and hex him into an early grave.

Well, Hydra was practically hysterical about the whole thing- and you know that she's not prone to the dramatics that seize most other girls, either. It was obvious to me at once that she had a staggering amount of feelings for this Justin kid, and I thought pretty much as you do, Lucius, that to try to dam that up or stop it would only create far bigger problems.

So yeah, I've been covering for Hydra and the boy. Or, more accurately, pretending not to see what was so obviously happening. Not sure how she managed to get around that bracelet, since I still see her wear it, but she obviously found some method for fooling it.

[alt_lucius]

Mordred, is there any creature so pathetic as a pubescent girl in the throes of her first crush?

May have envied your opportunity to show them a thing or two about duelling, Raz, but not in the slightest your position as their teacher.

Am more than ever pleased we had only Draco boys to raise. Though in the case of my son, that itself is presenting its own challenges, currently.

Has this Fletchley shown any promise in Defence akin to Tosha's observations of him in his own lessons? Given that he freely chose to shift his loyalty to Our Lord, it may be possible that he could suit her, that is of course always assuming her affections are so steadfast as she supposes (which one doubts). He's fostered, surely? To whom, do you know?

[alt_rabastan]

Boys are just as pathetic, I'm finding. They're just taught to hide it better.

The Beauxbatons curriculum is a bit different from ours, so when he arrived he was lacking instruction in a few specific areas (interrogative resistance, most notably), as was the same with the rest from his school. But he caught up and adjusted with minimum difficulty. He's a bit of a frustrating student, truthfully; has a marked tendency to opt for minimal defensive measures, usually deflection, but one senses he could turn the tables and go on the offensive if he chose- appears he's reluctant to do so, for whatever reason. Essays are typically top-notch, though.

He's fostered with the Jugsons. Part of my extended family, as you know.

[alt_antonin]

I did not realise until after I'd seen Rod's face that I might have put my foot in it -- truly, knowing Bella's opinions on things, I wouldn't have thought it would have been a problem. Mea culpa. I do hope it doesn't cause trouble for the children, particularly given how much work I have ahead of me with Mr Finch-Fletchley.

(And yes, Razzer, that's exactly it, the reluctance -- under that Hufflepuff exterior is the seed of a cold and ruthless calculation; I have seen it more than once now, but I believe it frightens him. But in all these years, when have you ever known me to step back from a challenge? You will both remember my theory about Hufflepuffs, after all.)

Meanwhile, Razzer dearest, I hope you're not very worse for wear. I've just woken myself, and I think I will be spending today right here in this bed. (Well, perhaps I will alternate between bed and bath.)

Lyoushka -- I have indeed been reading around, and been quite pleased with the results -- believe they are all thinking in the direction I'd like to put them on. With luck the message will filter out to the other ears I'd like it to reach as well. The seventh-year with the unfortunate question, meanwhile, was a Mr Miles Bletchley. (And yes, the instinctive choral response was well delivered to make the point!) He is, alas, indeed one of my NEWTs, and sadly not even the worst of them. It is not that they are stupid, but they came of age in a far more settled time. And, of course, Alecto's approach to the Noble Arts encouraged them to believe themselves the chosen few right off the bat, with little effort required; I have had my hands full disabusing them of the notion. (Shall be introducing them all to Salazar's Rules in a week or two; that will help.)

Dominic did seem thoughtful, did he not? If you do wind up bringing him along to the Elysian some afternoon, let me know; I will make time. (Though I doubt I will be in shape to join in for quite some time.)

But I meander. ("Again," they say, or possibly, "so what else is new?") Am so very glad you were able to make it yesterday, Lyoushka, and I hope I have not done too much damage to your schedule; I deeply appreciate you taking the time. And Razzer, I owe you one indeed; if there's something I can do to help your students, let me know. We have, I think, done a good day's work among us. Let us hope it will be of use in future.

Lazily,
T

[alt_rabastan]

Knowing Rod, I think you can count on it to cause trouble.

Give us a shout if you ever suspect that my niece is a target of that cold and ruthless calculation. Much as I have no interest in dictating her love life, I would never see her harmed.

As for how I am faring- I've had more energetic Sundays, to be sure. I'm up and about but already looking forward to an early turn in. Good to know you'll still be able to make it all the way to the bath, ha!

[alt_antonin]

No, he clearly worships the ground she walks on -- do not fear there. Another reason I thought Rod already knew, and had given the boy the talk!

And, ha. You with the early turning-in, me having slept in (and in, and in). We're quite a pair.