Private message to Bill Weasley

[alt_percy]

I assume you've heard about Ronald's scores? On the whole, he did rather well, didn't he?

Well, neither you nor I had a 'P' of course, but still...it could have been much worse. Ron has never impressed me as being particularly devoted to his studies, and so I was pleasantly surprised that he achieved as many 'E's as he did. And an 'O' in Defence! I was also particularly pleased to hear of his 'E' in Dark Arts. It's excellent that he'll be allowed to continue, and good thing, too: he is truly fortunate to have the opportunity to study under someone like Professor Dolohov.

I wonder when the twins will get their scores? They sounded as though they took their NEWTs rather more seriously than they took their OWLs. Nice to see them settling down and getting serious about things.

Have you heard anything about their plans for the summer? I'm trying to think of what we might do to help open up opportunities for them at the Ministry. Surely between the two of us, we should be able to identify a couple of open positions for them which would be a good fit.

Comments

[alt_bill]

Oh, yes, I've heard all about Ron's scores, and Mum and Ginny cooked up a feast for us on Tuesday night to celebrate. Mum's pretty pleased with how he did, although I think she would prefer it if Ron didn't continue on in Dark Arts. I suppose since she and Dad didn't even have the option of taking that class when they went to Hogwarts, she doesn't quite see the point. I don't think that Ron's quite made up his mind which classes he'll go on in. He has time to think about it of course--he doesn't have to report to the school the subjects he intends to read for NEWTs until July 1.

Fred and George have been talking with Mum about their idea of setting up a business. They've mentioned, however, a chance they have to do a one-week internship with someone this summer. I don't know the details, but apparently it's an entrepreneur who wants to explore the practical applications of some of the stuff they've been experimenting with this spring.

[alt_bill]

I really don't think they have any interest in working for the Ministry, by the way. So better not get your hopes up.

[alt_percy]

An internship? Really?!

I must say I'm surprised. What responsible business person would be interested in the kinds of nonsense those two get up to? You know how Mum has fussed about the senselessness of their interests for years.

[alt_bill]

Have you really looked at their products? Because they really are impressive, and they demonstrate that the boys have a rather sophisticated facility with Transfiguration and Charms. I suppose that's what caught this entrepreneur's eye.

Mum is warming up to the idea of their business plan. It helps that they've proven there is a market: they had a lot of interested customers among their classmates at Hogwarts.

[alt_percy]

It's hard to imagine Mum mustering up any enthusiasm about the whole thing, after all her complaints about the explosions from their room.

[alt_bill]

Well, she's trying to develop a new mindset, what with this idea of hers of fostering new businesses and all. She's talked to you about it, hasn't she?

[alt_percy]

Yes, she has. It's interesting. Not the sort of thing I'd ever imagined her doing.

[alt_bill]

Yeah, well, she has a lot of energy to spare, now that they've taken her off of the administration duties for the barter network.

I suppose that Dad's death has shaken things up a bit, too. With her need for an income, she's had to consider a whole range of things that she never would have explored before.

[alt_bill]

How'd Draco Malfoy do on his OWLs, by the way? Has Mr Malfoy said?

[alt_percy]

Oh, quite well indeed. He was one of the top students, I understand. Third or fourth or so in his class, I believe? Mr Malfoy is rather pleased on the whole, although of course he has high expectations for his son. Perhaps he harboured a hope that Draco would come in first.