ORDER ONLY
Nov. 12th, 2013 06:16 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_aliceSirius and Caradoc look far better this evening than they did when they first arrived, and we're still patching up some of the Sherwood group, but they appear to be in good spirits on the whole. Frank is unchanged for the time being.
Albus spent some time with me this afternoon, working through what exactly happened this morning to Frank and Saltash.
When he was first learning about whether we could ward an area as large as Moddey Dhoo, Albus did a great deal of reading up on the early development of the spell. Apparently, in a rather obscure source, he found that one early attempt at creating a magical field of protection went oddly awry -- the caster died, and the effort caused a temporary field where magic was not effective. From what I've been made to understand, the precautionary steps we use in Fidelius today -- the salt barrier, for instance, and walking the perimeter in bare feet -- are to prevent that magical feedback from occurring, which could otherwise hurt the caster and create odd or unpredictable magical fields within the area.
Albus got the idea that this early attempt could be studied and modified in order to deliberately create and sustain a magical nullification field for defensive purposes, and developed a technique that he believed would be safer for the caster, as the field would be self-sustaining after the initial magical surge rather than continue to deplete the energy of the person who cast it. There were concerns, however, that were the area too large, the caster wouldn't be able to handle the surge.
Frank cast the spell with full knowledge of the risks involved. He does not appear to be losing energy or declining in any of his vital signs. Albus seemed to be hopeful that as he has survived thus far, his chances were good. However, we do not know how long he'll be like this, or how he might have otherwise been impacted by the spell.
We'll have to explore the area some later -- clearly, the secret-keeping mechanism has largely been effective so far, and the field has maintained. It is most likely very dangerous to attempt to Apparate to an area inside or around the field, however.
There are all sorts of considerations for how we might proceed -- there are several hundred people inside the field, and we must assess their immediate needs and attempt to provide them. Being unable to appear directly in the protected area will be a challenge for supplies. We can anticipate that the surrounding area will be heavily patrolled as well. John, Remus and I have been talking through what that might look like, and sorting out who will be best able to go out there tomorrow to re-establish contact.
I'll also be extensively assessing what went well today, and what we'll need to improve upon. As always, I appreciate any insights you can give so that we will be better prepared in the future.
We have bled for the ground we won today, and the costs have been dear. I am humbled by your sacrifices, and proud of all of us for what we've accomplished today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but we're facing it together. Thank you.
Albus spent some time with me this afternoon, working through what exactly happened this morning to Frank and Saltash.
When he was first learning about whether we could ward an area as large as Moddey Dhoo, Albus did a great deal of reading up on the early development of the spell. Apparently, in a rather obscure source, he found that one early attempt at creating a magical field of protection went oddly awry -- the caster died, and the effort caused a temporary field where magic was not effective. From what I've been made to understand, the precautionary steps we use in Fidelius today -- the salt barrier, for instance, and walking the perimeter in bare feet -- are to prevent that magical feedback from occurring, which could otherwise hurt the caster and create odd or unpredictable magical fields within the area.
Albus got the idea that this early attempt could be studied and modified in order to deliberately create and sustain a magical nullification field for defensive purposes, and developed a technique that he believed would be safer for the caster, as the field would be self-sustaining after the initial magical surge rather than continue to deplete the energy of the person who cast it. There were concerns, however, that were the area too large, the caster wouldn't be able to handle the surge.
Frank cast the spell with full knowledge of the risks involved. He does not appear to be losing energy or declining in any of his vital signs. Albus seemed to be hopeful that as he has survived thus far, his chances were good. However, we do not know how long he'll be like this, or how he might have otherwise been impacted by the spell.
We'll have to explore the area some later -- clearly, the secret-keeping mechanism has largely been effective so far, and the field has maintained. It is most likely very dangerous to attempt to Apparate to an area inside or around the field, however.
There are all sorts of considerations for how we might proceed -- there are several hundred people inside the field, and we must assess their immediate needs and attempt to provide them. Being unable to appear directly in the protected area will be a challenge for supplies. We can anticipate that the surrounding area will be heavily patrolled as well. John, Remus and I have been talking through what that might look like, and sorting out who will be best able to go out there tomorrow to re-establish contact.
I'll also be extensively assessing what went well today, and what we'll need to improve upon. As always, I appreciate any insights you can give so that we will be better prepared in the future.
We have bled for the ground we won today, and the costs have been dear. I am humbled by your sacrifices, and proud of all of us for what we've accomplished today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but we're facing it together. Thank you.
Private Message to Mrs Longbottom
Date: 2013-11-13 03:46 am (UTC)All our thoughts are with Mr Longbottom and the rest of the Order members. I'm sure he'll recover, if Professor Dumbledore thinks he will do.
-Justin
Re: Private Message to Mrs Longbottom
Date: 2013-11-13 03:52 am (UTC)We shall see what happens.
It helps greatly that he knew what the danger would be going into it, and that he believed it to be a worthwhile sacrifice.
I know first-hand how hard it is to sit out of a fray. I also know that were there to be an urgent need, I could count on all of you. So thank you for that, as well.
Private Message to Neville and Evelyn
Date: 2013-11-13 04:09 am (UTC)I wasn't thinking like your mum today. And you deserve better than that.
I was hoping you could see your dad today, but it looks a bit tricky. I'll see if I can slip you out later for an hour or two. I wish more than anything that I could hold you both in my arms right now.
I love you both so very much, and it does my heart good to know that you're safe right now. Please take good care of one another until we can see one another properly, which will be just as soon as I can manage it.
Re: Private Message to Neville and Evelyn
Date: 2013-11-13 05:38 am (UTC)I think I'll feel better when I can see dad with my own eyes, though.
So I know he's really still here.
Re: Private Message to Neville and Evelyn
Date: 2013-11-13 03:12 pm (UTC)I'll do my best.
And Evie, Neville, watch out for Cormac McLaggen. He might get the report of his brother's death before it becomes widely known. Make sure you keep safe, and don't hesitate to ask the adults at Hogwarts or your fellow students for help.
I know the general gossip will sting, and I'm sorry for it, but McLaggen is dangerous.
Re: Private Message to Neville and Evelyn
Date: 2013-11-14 12:45 am (UTC)How is Dad? Has he woken up yet?
Sure wish that we could see him.
Re: Private Message to Neville and Evelyn
Date: 2013-11-14 12:51 am (UTC)But he hasn't gotten worse, and we're keeping our hopes up.
I'm going to try and get you both out to visit him tonight, even if it's only for an hour or two. I'm checking with Poppy to see if we can get her to extend herself for another evening to buy a bit more time.
Once I hear from her and we know how much time we have to work with, we can meet at the Shrieking Shack to take you both to Moddey.
Re: Private Message to Neville and Evelyn
Date: 2013-11-14 12:59 am (UTC)Re: Private Message to Neville and Evelyn
Date: 2013-11-14 01:01 am (UTC)I'm sorry we couldn't manage it sooner, love.
I'm very much looking forward to seeing you both.
Re: Private Message to Neville and Evelyn
Date: 2013-11-14 02:06 am (UTC)I'll have Harry meet you on the way with the invisibility cloak. As soon as it's safe to slip away, you can make your way to the shack. Be careful. I'll be waiting for you.
no subject
Date: 2013-11-13 04:18 am (UTC)My contact said McLaggen was killed 'late in the day.' But Frank was evacuated by then, hours earlier, so it couldn't have been him.
Which means...they're just wanting to pin it on him.
no subject
Date: 2013-11-13 04:25 am (UTC)Perhaps something else happened to him, and they're covering to save face.
Private Message to Bill and Charlie Weasley
Date: 2013-11-13 03:15 pm (UTC)And thank you for keeping an eye on things at the Ministry, as well.
How are you holding up today, Bill? I know the twins and Molly were otherwise occupied last night, and I can imagine you had a bit of a rough go. I'm sorry for it.
And Charlie, while I've got you, we've got a sea of logistics to wade through this upcoming week, and I could use your brain. Mine isn't quite up to par at the moment. Can you slip away in the next few days for some serious planning?
Re: Private Message to Bill and Charlie Weasley
Date: 2013-11-14 01:14 am (UTC)Well, except it'd half-kill me. It is a huge job. Left me too busy to think, really. That was a blessing, all things considered.
I did quietly move some people around, in the hopes my boss won't notice. Took the opportunity to pull and creatively edit some files, too. Might as well take advantage of the opportunity.
I'm
well enough. Thank you for asking.I'll be all right.I've been thinking a lot. No definite conclusions yet. Except that you made the right decision last month, when I brought that personal matter to your attention.
I'mbuggerHow is Laura doing?
Re: Private Message to Bill and Charlie Weasley
Date: 2013-11-14 02:51 am (UTC)Laura is
She's not speaking to me at the moment.
I don't blame her.
His daughter Kathrine has had her friends rally around her for support, but they all were rather rattled by losing Stephen -- he taught them all potions, and was the kindest
Many of them looked up to him a great deal.
He will be sorely missed.
Re: Private Message to Bill and Charlie Weasley
Date: 2013-11-14 02:05 am (UTC)I have Friday off, if they don't shuffle our schedules around after all this. I can come then. Let me know if you need any supplies for the infirmary that I can smuggle in.
Re: Private Message to Bill and Charlie Weasley
Date: 2013-11-14 02:56 am (UTC)The field might nullify potions and salves too. I'm honestly not sure.
But it's certainly worth a try.
Please come if you can. I need another set of eyes on all of this. I just ask the same questions over and over again, and am second-guessing my instincts right and left.
Re: Private Message to Bill and Charlie Weasley
Date: 2013-11-14 03:31 am (UTC)Right then, I'll see what I can turn up.
And it's natural to start second-guessing yourself once you've had a chance to stop and think about it. But the first thing they teach you when you become a dragonkeeper is that it's all right to look back over things you did when you were in the heat of things, because there's always a chance you missed something, but you should never change your mind completely without a damn good reason -- that as long as you're well-trained and have good instincts, the decisions you make when you're in the thick of things are more likely to be right than the decisions you make once things have cooled off and you're starting to get second thoughts. That your first impulse is more likely to be the right one than the impulses you get later, which are more likely to be too conservative or too reckless.
Dunno if that helps any, or if it's just another thing to worry about. But, yeah, I'll come be practical at you as soon as I can.
Re: Private Message to Bill and Charlie Weasley
Date: 2013-11-14 04:07 am (UTC)And please do. I'm looking forward to it.
Private message to Mrs Longbottom
Date: 2013-11-13 05:18 am (UTC)Re: Private message to Mrs Longbottom
Date: 2013-11-13 05:26 am (UTC)Re: Private message to Mrs Longbottom
Date: 2013-11-13 03:51 pm (UTC)ButRe: Private message to Mrs Longbottom
Date: 2013-11-13 07:53 pm (UTC)We're holding steady here. We've sent some of the more stable Sherwood residents home for the time being, and are continuing to progress nicely with Caradoc, Kingsley, and Dorcas, as well as the handful of Sherwood people who were in more immediate need. We're out of danger, and at this point, it's more a matter of maintenance.
Molly and I are both capable of handling basic Potions now that we're out of crisis, and although I sorely wish we had more healthy adults who could do magic here, we've got plenty of hands to help with the other things that need doing, and Colin, Divyesh, Roger, and Patty have been tireless in providing whatever help they can to keep us all running.
I think we'll manage.
Private Message to Jeremy Stretton
Date: 2013-11-13 05:29 am (UTC)Once things have calmed down a bit, I'd like to meet with you to talk about your upcoming work at the Ministry, and to sort out what else you can do to help our various projects. Thank you for helping at Doughty, and at the farm as well. I appreciate your willingness to help, and your ability to follow orders when necessary.
Private Message to Poppy
Date: 2013-11-14 12:32 am (UTC)And sorely needed, too.
Thank you for covering for them last night. I know it was a strain. I also very much appreciated knowing that you and Severus were going to try your best to make sure our young people weren't jumping in to a situation they were not prepared for.
Merlin, they are far too eager to sacrifice themselves.
I'm going to try and get Neville and Evelyn out to Moddey to see their father.
If you can provide adequate cover for them to spend the evening, that would be lovely. If not (which I would understand given your having to juggle so much yesterday) we can manage with an hour or two of stolen time.
I can be responsible for getting them out and back again.
Re: Private Message to Poppy
Date: 2013-11-14 01:43 am (UTC)As it happens I do have a handful of patients, but they are already tucked in for the night--with a bit of help from the system-settling draught I administered. (A good night's sleep never hurt anyone.)
If Neville and Evelyn were to suffer a relapse of their 'symptoms', I could admit them and, as you say, cover for them overnight. I do believe they will be missed if they are not here to be checked on by morning. Several Gryffindors, including Mr Finnigan, are among my number. It would be preferable if your two were in evidence at breakfast time on the ward.
Re: Private Message to Poppy
Date: 2013-11-14 02:04 am (UTC)Thank you.
I'll have them back in plenty of time.