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[alt_alice]

Well, we're all settling in quite nicely. It's quite a pleasant change to raise a newborn whilst surrounded by very helpful people. To be sure, Augusta was endless help for both Neville and Evelyn, but after we've all spent so many years here raising so very many babies, I'm surrounded by experts who are more than willing to change diapers and give Kevin a bottle should I be unavailable. It lends itself to remarkable peace of mind.

I've spent a relaxing past few days, taking quite a few theraputic baths and enjoying my time just being a full-time mum. I've also finally gotten those announcements in the post, with Arabella and Colin Creevy's much-needed help. He's such an artistic boy, and always eager to please. It'll be back to work as usual fairly soon -- thank Merlin we have a nursery right here so that I'll be able to just pop by whenever I want to check up on Kevin. Frank and I are also adjusting to our new sleeping schedule -- he's such a light sleeper that he sits bolt upright whenever the baby cries. We've taken to having naps of an afternoon to catch up on missed rest.

Poppy has been kept quite busy since she's been here, giving everyone a thorough checking-over. It's so pleasant to have her around -- she's so good with children that all of them absolutely adore her.

That's all the Moddey Dhoo news for the time being.

Bill, I've got a question -- I know you've got a contact at Smythstone, but would it be possible to send and receive items from that contact through floo? Owls would also work, I suppose, though they do tend to be much slower. But is there a secure way for you to floo things back and forth?

Comments

[alt_poppy]

Well, Alice, I must say that I believe you've been receiving polished-up reports of my interactions with the young ones. My rapport with children may have been greatly over-estimated. Truth be told, they come in with trepidation and go out of the room with the sourest faces you've ever seen (because, of course, no one has yet discovered a way to make that Healthy Bones potion taste anything other than nasty). In between the entering and the exiting, there are often quivering lips and a not a few tears.

[alt_alice]

They absolutely love those little animals you make with sticking plaster and string.

I think it's become a bit of a badge of honour for those that have already gone through check-ups.

I caught Louis Barton trading his pudding for one last night, and that boy has an enormous sweet tooth. I've overheard at least one conversation where you're referred to as the "nice lady who makes animals and nasty potion." So at the very least, they fear the potion, not the potion-giver.

[alt_poppy]

Oh, well. I can't take credit for that trick; I learnt it from one of my instructors aeons ago during my training.

It does help keep the littlest ones from squirming off the table whilst one's trying to look them over.

[alt_bill]

Yes, I could transfer items through the floo, I think. As long as it isn't something too big or noticeable. I haven't worked with this contact very long, and don't want to push my luck too far, but he's definitely on our side, all right. Let me know what you have in mind.

[alt_kingsley]

If you're not sure, Bill, I've asked Arthur to check whether the Players might be allowed to visit Smythstone. Perhaps we could do a hand off.

[alt_arthur]

I did inquire, Kingsley, but I'm afraid I've had absolutely no luck. Not my department, you know, and Haversham at Regulation and Control is an arrogant berk who apparently takes a very dim view of offering cultural events for purposes of entertaining werewolves. 'No bloody point to it. Nothing but a bunch of--' well, I won't insult Remus by repeating what he said.

[alt_alice]

Well, good. I need to check in with Minerva first, of course, but just as soon as she agrees, I'll fill you in further.

It would be small, and very discreet.

Thank you, Bill.

[alt_mcgonagall]

I can't see why not. It seems appropriate.

[alt_alice]

Thank you, Minerva. And you can make arrangements with Hermione to get what we need from her?