Owl posts resume

[alt_percy]

I must say, morale has certainly improved now that students are receiving posts from home, including packages (thanks for the one you sent, Mum. Ronald was delighted to receive the comics, and I was almost out of the ginger-pear spread. And I passed on the knitting patterns you sent to Luna and Ginny.) It has particularly helped some of our first years who have had a spot or two of homesickness this year.

I received a very courteous note in reply to the one I sent to Mr and Mrs Clearwater, since I've been stopping by the Hospital Wing periodically to visit Pe check with Madam Pomfrey concerning when the Mandrake potion will be ready. Of course we do want to have our full complement of Prefects to fill the patrol roster, so Penelope Clearwater has been missed.

I also sent a few letters out this past autumn to some individuals I had identified at the Ministry, who had obtained positions there which I found to be of interest. This was something suggested to us upper year students to try as we think about possible careers. Of course, a number of the people to whom I sent letters have quite busy schedules and do not have time to carry on a true correspondence. But one person has written back--several times, in fact, in a very friendly and civil fashion: Mr Crispin, who works as the Personal Secretary to Mr Lucius Malfoy. I have been extremely gratified by his willingness to reply to my questions. His work offers him the opportunity to meet some exceedingly interesting people, many of whom work at the heart of our government. It has been quite eye-opening and helpful. I'm certainly glad I implemented the suggestion.

Comments

[alt_lucius]

I had no idea you had struck up a correspondence with my clerk, Mr Weasley, but given your interest in the subject last year, he is an excellent choice for mentor. I'm sure you've become aware through him of the range of tasks and unforeseen projects we on the Council and in similarly high positions at the Ministry face on a daily - sometimes hourly - basis. I can certainly attest to Crispin's unparalleled ability to maintain the pace necessary to support my efforts. I cannot think but that you would do well to emulate him, if your career interests do lie in that direction.

If I recall the item at the last Board of Governors' meeting, the Model Wizengamot begins on Monday. I mention it because we held Executive Session this week, which put me in mind of the exercise (and several other students have commented on their preparations). Are you involved as well? You are a sixth-year, are you not?

[alt_percy]

Yes, it was actually from reading your journal, sir, that I've gotten a sense of how indispensable Mr Crispin is to you, and the many ways his job brings him into contact with the movers and shakers, if you will, of our society.

Yes, sir, I am a sixth year student, and I have been participating with the Model Wizengamot. I am interested in all aspects of the various departments of the Ministry: I've had some long conversations with my father and my brother Bill about the manner that department responsibilities have adapted and shifted over the past decade, as a result of the wisdom of the Lord Protector's leadership.

Order Only

[alt_bill]

Bollocks. If I'd known this would have been the result of talking with him about the Ministry, I would have cut out my own tongue first.

Dad, can't you head this off, somehow? Sucking up to Lucius Malfoy, of all people!

Re: Order Only

[alt_arthur]

Oh, dear.

Re: Order Only

[alt_molly]

Oh, no!

[alt_arthur]

I'm delighted to hear that your efforts to learn more about the Ministry are bearing fruit, my boy. If you are interested, perhaps you might come in with me to the office a few days this summer? There are a number of people to whom I can introduce you.

[alt_percy]

I'd like that very much, I think.