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[alt_alice]

Christmas seems to have snuck up on me quite suddenly. It seems like only yesterday, we were celebrating Halloween. I'd like for us to get together, if possible, if only to give a bit of Christmas cheer, and we're in need of a general meeting as well -- perhaps Boxing Day at Moddey would work?

There's quite a few things to keep on top of the next few weeks or so -- top on my list is the matter of our sit-down with Ridley. I'd like that to happen sooner rather than later, so we can move forward with Strangeweale. Bill and I will be there, of course. Sirius, I'd like you there as well if possible. Severus, I'm anticipating she might bring a Legilimens -- would you be available to help balance things out? I'm thinking we might sit down after Christmas -- possibly the 27th.

Tonks, thank you for your report -- that was an excellent find at Dover. Apparently, there is another Octoboros there, and it was generating an odd magical field during the Solstice. As Kingsley, Dorcas, and Caradoc were unable to feel anything out of the ordinary during their flying sessions, we can assume it was localised, which gives us something new to work with.

I know that several of us are otherwise being kept quite busy, but I was wondering if anyone would be free to go flying around Dover and Walsingham after Christmas to see if we can't get a bit more information about the specific trajectories of the fields generated by the two octobori we've found thus far and do some more extensive mapping of the ley lines around them and how they might have been altered -- I know Cecelia would appreciate it for her research.

Charlie, Mac, now that Hogwarts is a bit more accessible, I'm assuming you'll be attempting to renew conversations with the centaurs. Is there anything you want to bring as a gesture that we can provide? I've been holding on to a variety of poisons that Stephen made up for Fu's research -- perhaps they might use some for their arrows, if you think they'd respond well to that. Would they appreciate cross bows?

And Tonks, Kinsgsley, let us know if you need a few extra hands as you move forward to extract the people from the camps under starvation rations.

Those are the most immediate concerns I can think of for the time being -- and most certainly can wait until we've had a chance to enjoy the holiday season for a bit.

Comments

Private Message to Ron

[alt_alice]

Ron -- how has your first day at the Ministry been treating you so far? Anything concerning in terms of security?

I've been thinking about the possibility of your talking to Auror Lamont, if you think it would be worth your while, that is. If she were to be open with you about her experiences, we'd have to show a bit of our hand and let her know that you were part of our organisation, but given that she already knows that several of your family members were involved, I don't see it as too much of a danger. What do you think?

She is in a similar position to what you're considering, and is an animagus, and she might have some useful information when it comes to her experiences.

I realise that she's connected with Bill, which might make you reconsider whether to seek her advice. If you do decide that you'd want to talk with her, however, I'd be more than happy to help you set it up.

Re: Private Message to Ron

[alt_ron]

Oh, say! Sally Anne just told me you'd left me a private message here. I hadn't seen it. I'm sorry. And I'm just in between deliveries for the Strettons now, so I can't write much.

So far it hasn't been too bad. Yesterday was just parchment-signing and listening to all the rules. Today I met people in all the Auror units, and that was interesting. Not sure it's really anything you don't already know, but I'll tell you anything I can.

Um. Sure, I could talk to Auror Lamont, but I think I want to wait a few days to see what they're going to have me do. Today Auror Desai put me through a defence test, which was interesting. And tough. And I did okay, but wasn't brilliant, but she didn't seem disappointed, either, so I reckon it was fine. She said I did fine.

Anywiz, I don't know if I have to work for Auror Lamont or if she's going to be evaluating me at all, and that would make it a bit queer if I'd talked to her about other things, y'know? I mean. I don't want to risk looking like I already know her or know her differently than I ought to or- yeah. I'd like to wait a bit. And see what's what before I do that.

Re: Private Message to Ron

[alt_alice]

I agree that it'd be worth your while to evaluate things at first, and you're right that it probably wouldn't be in our best interest to seem overly familiar.

If you do decide that you'd be interested in talking to her openly about her experiences in Dogstar, let me know, and I could see what could be arranged.

Private Message to Neville and Evelyn

[alt_alice]

Your father and I are very much hoping to get the chance to see you both over hols. I've talked with your Gran about spending some of Christmas day over at Moddey, and we'd like to see you for a longer visit once things have calmed down a bit.

Re: Private Message to Neville and Evelyn

[alt_evelyn]

Mum! Mum! Professor Sinistra just invited me to a lecture about the Bright-Deverill comet, and Guild Master Bright, one of the people who discovered it will present, and it's just so very exciting!

Re: Private Message to Neville and Evelyn

[alt_evelyn]

And of course seeing you both at Christmas will be utterly brilliant, and I can't wait. Will we be splitting time between Moddey and Grimmauld?

Only it looks like Mr Snape won't be there, and I was hoping he would be, but I might pass along something for you to give him from me later?

Re: Private Message to Neville and Evelyn

[alt_alice]

That is exciting. And before you've reached your OWL levels, too. You ought to be very pleased with yourself -- I know I am!

I think we'll spend an hour or two at Moddey before heading over to Grimmauld, so we're looking at a very busy day, filled with people we love. And I very much want to be able to sit down with you after Christmas and our negotiations are over and done so you can tell me all about what you've been up to in all your classes, and what you've been learning about this comet.

And yes, I'll make sure to pass along whatever you want. That's very thoughtful of you, lovie.

[alt_sirius]

Alice -

We've been discussing things here re: Christmas. What with Mrs Perks, Sally-Anne and Pansy all coming on Christmas Day (the only time they're available, apparently), we decided we might as well invite everyone to ours for Christmas Dinner. Everyone who can come, that is - Molly, I know things might be difficult for the Weasleys since you've got Ginny to consider. Others of you might not be able to get away from family celebrations, either.

But for anyone else at loose ends on Wednesday, we'll be serving around 3:00.

(That doesn't preclude Moddey on Boxing Day, if that's better for you!)

Oh, and ... if you do come, there are some new ... precautions. We discovered that Bea's language and observation skills are developed enough that we need to be extra careful around her. So, we're asking for the following rules:

1. No real names of fugitives in front of Bea ever


2. No Animagus transformations in front of Bea ever


3. If you come under Polyjuice, stay that way for the duration of your visit


4. The words 'Animagus,' 'Werewolf' and any other compromising word must be spelled or not said anywhere Bea might hear


5. No Order business in front of Bea


6. Even if you don't think she's listening


Essentially, if it would be dangerous for her to repeat it, do not say it. She's turning into a right parrot. We're taking measures to ensure she can't repeat anything outside Grimmauld but we'd much rather not expose her to anything she'd be tempted to say to strangers.

Well. That's it, basically.

(Alice, of course I'll come. Just tell me when.)

[alt_severus]

While I will not impose my presence upon you for the holiday, do let me know if my presence at Grimmauld would likewise be an imposition throughout the next weeks until Hogwarts resumes classes. While I have wrangled my stolen space at Hogwarts into something resembling a laboratory, your cold-room is significantly better for certain types of work.

[alt_sirius]

Apparently our Floo is always open. Hermione sent an owl to say she's planning to come a few days, too.

[alt_alice]

Oh! That would be lovely. As we won't be discussing Order business at Grimmauld, we might save that for a business meeting at Moddey on Boxing Day for those who can make it.

Private Message to Sirius

[alt_alice]

Sounds like you've been having an interesting time of it with Bea. These all sound like good first steps to take, and it seems like you've got everything well in hand, but let me know if you need any help, or someone to brainstorm with.

If it'd be useful, we'd be happy to have her at Moddey to work more on her out-of-home skills in a safe environment.

[alt_severus]

I am of course at your disposal. I have no plans for the holiday other than research and brewing.

If you care to make an updated list of what Moddey requires, I believe that, with the assistance I have arranged for, I should be able to meet most of the demand until you are able to find someone to take over the work.

[alt_alice]

Thank you, Severus. Much appreciated.

[alt_charlie]

Honestly, we've been concentrating more on the goblins than the centaurs, since the goblins at least make sense when you talk to them. But yes, with Hogwarts out of session, it's a better time to reach out to the centaurs. Last time we talked, they were still a bit hacked off at being blamed for the death of Sarah Fawcett back in the spring, but we'll give it another try.

Thinking about the gifts -- I think crossbows would be an insult, since they'd take it as us saying our crafting is better than theirs, and they're sensitive about that. Last time we spoke with them, though, one of them mentioned in passing that it was a very bad year for the mallowsweet crop in the Forest. Pomona, do you have any mature plants you could spare?

[alt_pomona]

Likely, yes. I'm at Tilda's at the moment, and I'd rather not raise suspicions with others here about where I am, but I'll make a list of whatever we can easily send for you when I'm back in my greenhouses.

I'd also be quite willing to see about starting seedlings for your bargaining, if you can find out from them what plants would be useful, and we can arrange seeds or cuttings.

[alt_kingsley]

My crew can be part of that ley flying and mapping group, yeah.

As for camp extractions, yes, will let you know. We have the button networks well in place and very tightly disciplined in the worst hit camps now. (If anything, the buttons have given people the hope they're not entirely forgotten.) I think it will give a real boost to the spirits if we can quietly start smuggling the hungriest out.

[alt_harry]

I might be able to take some people with the distance flying club depending, too.

[alt_bill]

I'm flexible for several days between Christmas and New Years if the 27th is too soon for setting things up.

[alt_lupin]

With Ridley, are you going to want me there to take notes?

[alt_alice]

If you'd be willing, love. I've a feeling we'll all be doing quite a bit of back and forth, and having a record of it would no doubt be exceedingly useful.

[alt_cedric]

As long as I make the major family meals, I should be able to get away for a few hours each day. The later in the day on Christmas the better.

How should I arrange to get to these places?

[alt_alice]

That's right.

It'll be easier to get both done at once -- I'll send along some coordinates to Apparate to, and you can meet me and Arabella there to get the locations of Grimmauld and Moddey Dhoo. Would you be free tomorrow for half an hour?

[alt_cedric]

Yes I can be free for an hour or so. Is there a time I could claim to be visiting the Twins?

Unfortunately, the Healers have not yet cleared me for Apparation. I could fly toward the Weasleys, meet someone and be side-alonged?

[alt_alice]

Yes, of course. And they'll know exactly where to take you.

[alt_nymphadora]

Sorry, Alice. I meant to answer yesterday. Just wanted you to know we made a quick run this morning and pulled another three people who've 'starved to death'. It's a few here and a few there, since we want to keep it realistic and we've got to work out timing with the shifts of people we can trust in the camp facilities. But we are getting people out. And, yes! We could use a few volunteers for the job if there're wands available.

Say, would you tell Frank I've been trying that new agility drill he set me... and it's wiping the mat with me. Seventeen times I've gone arse over elbows now, and I've only managed to get off the last of the spells once. Mostly, I end up flat on the mat wondering what day it is. You can tell him for me that I'm going to learn this if it kills me, but it's on his head if it does.