Private Message to Professor Lestrange and Madam Pomfrey

[alt_horace]

Bless me, I've just been reviewing the journals and saw there was a commotion last night. Involving Mr Jugson and Miss Lestrange?

Razzer, am I correct in deducing that you've got your niece's side of the story already? If you'd be so good as to let me know what you've learned?

I've been speaking with Mr Jugson. It seems two of the young men from Beauxbatons led him to believe that Miss Lestrange would be in some spot of trouble if he did not follow their instructions. They used him to lure Mr Finch-Fletchley from the safety of the Beauxbatons quarters and ambushed him there.

At this point, I believe, Mr Jugson was told his services were no longer required and he escaped. However, I do not think he had any idea that the other two would cast a spell of such severity.

Poppy, how is the lad? I'll have a word with Froissart once he's back. He was spending Christmas with the Malfoys, I thought, but if it's grave as all that we can summon him to return to deal with his students. At any rate I think Minerva would find that preferable to embroiling us in an international incident. So far, the only involvement of Hogwarts' students I can discern is in the other boys' use of Mr Jugson as their bait.

Raz, is that the story you've had from Miss Lestrange as well? I understand that Miss Perks and Miss Parkinson accompanied her to the Hospital Wing last night. Let me know if you think any of them require additional reassurances.

Comments

[alt_rabastan]

Thanks for your report, Horace. Hydra's up here for tea, and she's fine. I don't think she was fully aware of how either she or Remy were used in the plan to attack Mr Finch-Fletchley, but I shall soon explain to her in full. She did tell me that the two lads, Toubon and Coty, have a history of terrorising Mr Finch-Fletchley, though of course not to this extent.

If you think it helpful, I can come with you to speak with Froissart- if not, shall otherwise leave it in your hands, as Hydra and Remy are of your house.

[alt_horace]

Yes, I think that would be most helpful, Razzer, if you don't mind. You've a marginally closer connection to him, after all, through Lucius and Narcissa.

(Speaking of which, that was quite the bash last night, wasn't it? I can't recall your sister-in-law using themes before but it was entirely successful, I thought. And I hadn't had the chance to tell you and Aurora that I wish you both very happy.)

[alt_rabastan]

Very well, I'll drop by your quarters in a bit, then, and we shall be on our way.

The Malfoy party was more spectacular than ever, I agree- though it could be that having special company on my arm made it so. Cheers much for your well-wishes.

[alt_poppy]

Ah, Horace. The boy is much improved, but it was quite a grave situation last night.

And I'm afraid it has already got beyond Hogwarts in scope, though I believe there's hope it will not, indeed, become an international incident. St Mungo's have been scrupulous, however, in documenting all details of his injury and treatment. And I've had a fire chat with the Minister's staff about which of those details could be released by whom, to whom, under what circumstances, etc. I can only guess what negotiations preceded that call. Not my brief, in any case.

So, yes. It is quite a concerning matter.

[alt_horace]

Well, it is certainly good to hear he is feeling better, Poppy. I'm sorry I wasn't about last night but it seems those who were did all that could be done for the time being.

I've already sent an owl to M Froissart asking if he could come this evening for a few hours so that we can discuss what's to be done. Shall you be able to leave the Hospital Wing if we need to interview you or would it be all right, do you think, to bring the inquiry to Mr Finch-Fletchley's infirmary bed?

[alt_poppy]

Well, I suppose if there are questions that must be asked the boy, then you'd best come here. If you think that could be helped, though, I'd gladly come to you and spare him the ordeal.

If it's to be here, understand that you'll need to keep it brief and respect his physical limits. He's not yet up and about, and he tires quite quickly.