Good riddance to February

[alt_selwyn]

This has been a thoroughly difficult month; the continued spread of Black's paralysis alone would have seen to this, but naturally Black never sows trouble in one field when he can sow it in ten. There is at least a light at the end of the tunnel regarding the sickness, but it remains rather remote at present.

I have instructed all my staff to give whatever help MLE requires with the ongoing investigation into both Archer's death and the matter he was being questioned about. In the meantime, I sent word today to Muggleborn Labour regarding the family of the disgraced younger brother; records show they are all alive and even healthy, and they are to be taken into protective custody immediately and removed to a location where they can be quarantined until the epidemic is over. Final decisions will of course not be made until the investigation is complete, but naturally some leniency can be expected for the family of a Protectorate subject who has made a strenuous and sincere (if belated) demonstration of loyalty.

I am optimistic that March will be better, especially if the formula for stopping the spread of Black's paralysis proves good.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Yes, I think we're in agreement about the child. I believe, however, we've sent someone to have a conversation with the estranged widow. 'Estranged' is such an equivocal category.

[alt_ron]

Hello, sir.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_sally_anne]

RON, WHY DO YOU KEEP TALKING TO THESE PEOPLE? Are you going to go pester Bellatrix Lestrange next?

SHUT IT.

Oh and good news about Gareth. I hope things come out alright for his mum.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_ron]

Did she write something?

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_ron]

I don't know what's going on, but I keep

it's like I have to

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_sally_anne]

BREAK YOUR QUILL. OR HAVE NEVILLE TAKE IT FROM YOU.

Can you reply under the LOCK to everyone at least?

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_ron]

I dunno! I'll try!!!

[alt_crouch_jr]

Beg your pardon?

[alt_ron]

Sir?

[alt_crouch_jr]

Poke your wand where it doesn't belong, and you're likely to have it snapped.

[alt_ron]

I'm really sorry, sir! Really!

[alt_narcissa]

Oh, but Barty, it's already snapped. Or as good as.

He's the one who took Marvolo to school in that flying contraption, don't you remember?

I can't imagine what's going through his head today, though.

[alt_ron]

I'm not sure, ma'am.

Someone seems to have hexed me for my birthday. At least that seems likely. I'm trying to stop. Really. But I

I

CaN'

t

[alt_narcissa]

A hex? How very droll.

Well. That explains everything. Run along, then, and wait until it wears off. Or see if perhaps Professor Acton can remove it for you.

But I do advise you to stop antagonising Barty. He doesn't take well to children, under the best of circumstances. He's liable to hex you himself, and then you'll be in dire straits.

Director Selwyn at least has children, but they are both very busy wizards, you know. As is my husband. Best not to distract them when they are at work.

[alt_ron]

I'll try, ma'am.

I'm not doing this because I think it's funny. Cause I really, really don't!

I just can't stop it.

I'm very sorry. Really, truly.

[alt_crouch_jr]

That's enough.

[alt_ron]

Oh, I'm really sorry, sir. See, I have to answer if you say something to me. It's a hex.

Or a curse

Or something

Someone thought it'd be funny

But

it's really, really NOT FUNNY AT ALL!!!!

[alt_selwyn]

Don't you have some homework you should be doing, lad?

[alt_ron]

Yes, sir. That's true, sir.

[alt_selwyn]

It most certainly is.

We received an owl from the third brother as well, Adalbert I think his name was, asserting his own ignorance of Aloysius's activities. He also vouches for the widow and said he'd sent a bundle of letters on to MLE for examination. Apparently Aloysius carried on a lengthy correspondence with his niece at Hogwarts. Adalbert said he saw no sign that his brother had made a serious attempt to corrupt his daughter but was appalled to think it was only a matter of time. At any rate you may wish to question the niece, if you can manage it given the quarantine. The present head girl interned with Bellatrix, didn't she? Perhaps she could see if the niece knows anything of interest. It's unlikely she was involved in seditious activities but he may have let something slip in a more recent letter.

[alt_crouch_jr]

That's a good thought about Miss Sandoval. I'll have a word with Bellatrix about it this afternoon.