Private message to Poppy Pomfrey

[alt_sinistra]

If someone asks me why I’m writing, I’m going to tell them I asked you what the charm you like for blisters is. A couple of people brought new shoes this trip, and are rather feeling it this morning. (The Poole’s Jelly Gums are quite useful, too, thanks.)

But really, it’s more Stint. We’re in the Protector’s Collection this afternoon - nice to have a chance to see it before it fully opens and there’s crowds, really. I’m keeping an eye on my journal because of a conversation with Theo, so I ducked off into an alcove with a bench while they were getting the introductory lecture.

A few minutes ago, Stint came in to the room next to me. He’d been having quite the chat with Umbridge when I’d last seen him, but he came along with Harry, and was asking him all sorts of details about the plans for the rest of his holidays. Was he looking forward to the CCF weeks? He’d heard something about the Malfoy vacation, and was Harry going on that? Were there any other plans? All about the various clubs and organisations and who was going on which thing.

Harry handled him quite well, really, didn’t give much away and finally said that he had to get back to his duties. (To which Stint was all complimentary. Such a reliable young man, attentive to his obligations.)

I just wish I had any idea what he was about. Besides, presumably, making trouble for me, and for you. He’s clearly trying to get some sort of location info, especially after all that business about the maps and timing for the Hambleton day during the CCF programme, but I cannot manage to figure out what. Or why.

Comments

[alt_poppy]

Well, that's interesting. I'm glad to know where he's gone off to this afternoon. We were all expecting him to be here in our seminar this afternoon, ready to harass the poor souls assigned to give presentations. He's been horrible--especially to the youngest of the witches in the group, which I know will surprise you no end. Several of them have begun talking about giving up and breaking their contracts here. They just don't see that he'll allow them to enter the profession with their dignity intact. And I don't blame them a bit.

We're to have a drinks 'party' this evening, and lunch was nothing but whispers about hexes that could be useful if he or one of the others presses his advantage too far. And it's not just the witches who are feeling the ugliness of his power games.

But, I'm sorry. I'm rather missing the thread, aren't I? What's he up to with your lot? It must be something he finds important for him to leave the sport he's been enjoying here.

I don't need to tell you to keep your ears and eyes open, of course. Do you think, after all, you've enough to make having a word with Lucius Malfoy, a wise precaution? Or is there a chance he's somewhere behind whatever it is that Umbridge and Stint are engineering against you?

[alt_poppy]

I trust you didn't really need my recommendation on blister cures: sticking plasters (Beerman's), Desuppurate, or any of the usual anti-friction charms.

Also socks.