To the loyal subjects of the Protectorate:

[alt_ptolemy]

Have no fear, the Little Venice festival is ready and waiting! Take a gondola trip up the Thames, under bridges that for this weekend evoke the City of Canals. Stroll along the Embankment and delight in the food and drink available for purchase. Stop for a time at the outdoor piazzas where entertainment has been arranged.

It promises to be a beautiful day today and tomorrow looks just as fine. Our Department of Magical Law Enforcement has been working diligently to ensure that all those who are loyal may enjoy the pleasures to be found in the world's greatest city. We shall not let the Phoenixes ruin our freedom, nor shall we allow them to spoil our opportunities for celebration.

Comments

Private Message to Barty Crouch

[alt_ptolemy]

Who've you put on the checkpoints at Victora Emb, Blackfriar's and the Tower? Think they've taken an unscheduled break. I was just popping round all the points to make sure the gates are ready to open, metaphorically, and there was no one on duty at those three spots.

Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch

[alt_crouch_jr]

All doing their jobs, keeping out of view.

Visible presence is at the registration checkpoints. As discussed: goal is not to frighten people off, but usher them in and keep order. All proceeding quietly and to plan.

Private Message to Ginny Weasley

[alt_ptolemy]

We greatly enjoyed your company the other night.

Karo says you're rather bored. I must say, I can't blame you. I've asked Antonin and he believes you deserve an outing. We'd be pleased to escort you through the streets of 'Venice,' if you care to join us.

If you're worried about the Phoenixes, you will be in our party the entire time. MLE are prepared for an attempt, in fact, expecting one. I promise no harm will come to you.

Re: Private Message to Ginny Weasley

[alt_ginny]

Oh, yes, thank you. That sounds lovely.

Re: Private Message to Ginny Weasley

[alt_ptolemy]

I couldn't help but notice your brother wrote you again. And... Miss Lovegood? She's been sending you messages now and then.

No doubt you've already discussed the contents with Antonin, as is appropriate, but if you wished to talk about anything with someone nearer your own age... well, I was Head Boy in my time, if you recall. I'm also experienced at negotiating the intricacies of sibling relationships which are, shall we say, less than ideal.

Only if you desire it, of course.

[alt_jason]

Looking forward to it.

Private message to Ptolemy

[alt_jason]

It'll be interesting to see who shows up, won't it?

Re: Private message to Ptolemy

[alt_ptolemy]

Yes, and who does not.

Order Only

[alt_justin]

Hullo,

There are rather many people venturing out, what, but also a number of archways that seem to have been erected specifically for the purpose of examining the attendees. Shake-down stations, most likely.

On the other hand, it seems most of their people are committed here. If there were any job that needed doing elsewhere, today might be a jolly good time to do it.

-J F-F

Re: Order Only

[alt_alice]

Quite right.

Rachel, Poppy, Siz, are there any sensitive errands on your to-do lists that we can tackle? Sirus, any grand ideas?

Re: Order Only

[alt_sinistra]

I was going to say nothing just yet - I'm working up final notes for things in the next few weeks, will get those shared this afternoon. We've made a lot of progress in about five directions at once this week.

But then I had a thought. Any chance we could secure any of the other Octoboros points? They may have Fideliused them by now, mind, in which case securing them wouldn't help (we can still manipulate the system with the two we control, at least enough), but if they haven't, that'd be a nice thing, and not tip our hand too much.

I have maps, and some notes about the protections we've observed from a distance, the last couple of times people have been near them.

Re: Order Only

[alt_sinistra]

Also, while writing up notes. Possibly also the Floo Control station in the Forest of Bowland. We got some information this week about how to get in, and Gilly's contact rather thinks Bellatrix may not have realised how critical it is.

Everyone assumes that the central station was in the Ministry, or at least near, but no - the actual controls are centred on one of the major leys, because they're much more effective there. Limited access, but we think we've got the codes for it sorted now, and someone who's willing to assist with the actual technical details.

Re: Order Only

[alt_poppy]

That sounds particularly promising.

I've been there, actually, more than once, though without realising its significance as the control point for the system. Of course, it makes perfect sense, but is also perfectly counter-intuitive. The best magic always is.

Re: Order Only

[alt_alice]

Yes. Let's put together two teams, then -- we'll prioritise the floo control station, but if we can manage to take hold of one of the more vulnerable octoboros sites as well, it'll be well worth it.

Re: Order Only

[alt_poppy]

I'm available this afternoon, Alice.

Private message to Barty

[alt_rodolphus]

I've asked Bella if the evening is shaping up to be relatively quiet and secure, but she hasn't seen fit to give me an answer.

Lana wants to come out and see the fruits of her planning, of course, but her condition still needs to be considered. Particularly after what happened with Crispin and Corbyn.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

All quiet so far. Good participation. The leafletting seems to have done its business of conveying that appearance = displayed loyalty = obligation.

Have made circuit of checkpoints and registration appears to be going well. A reasonable start on restoring records lost at MoM.

As for this evening: if I were going to stage an attack, I'd aim for dusk/suppertime to maximise confusion and terror. Suggest you come a bit later, providing that all remains quiet.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_rodolphus]

Glad to hear it's running smoothly so far. Know that I haven't misplaced my trust in your MLE, old friend, but one rarely reads a sincere and earnest "have no fear."

We'll take supper here and come for afters.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

Still has a great deal to learn about public messaging, doesn't he? Apparently Bella chooses to read potential where I see weakness.

How irritated was Lana re. the change of venue? Know Burdett-Coutts was furious. Regent's canal is too difficult to protect. Too many vulnerabilities there, and too cramped in spots for adequate crowd management.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_rodolphus]

I believe Bella feels she can no longer indulge in the sort of choosiness that she no doubt longs to indulge in- which I'm sure is causing her great displeasure.

If nothing goes awry, then it will turn out that there was nothing to fear, indeed.

More disappointed than irritated. And not so disappointed about the change of venue than what it represents. Things simply don't come as easily as they once did. It's a difficult transition for someone who has never known an England that was not the Protectorate's England.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

I'd forgotten. Her family immigrated as the war was ending, didn't they? By invitation, I know. So, yes, I'm sure she does feel attachment to what we built.

Does she not see the opportunities now to build anew? And better?

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_rodolphus]

Her delicate condition does have her idealising her own childhood at times, and comparing it to the period of uncertainty that her own child may face. And then there's the feelings of over-protectiveness that all those hormones produce to account for, as well.

But Lana is far too tenacious not to persist in the face of disappointment, and has plentiful faith that this period of transition, rocky as it may be, will lead us to a stronger future.


Of similar note, I thought to suggest to Bella that the Burdett-Coutts event scheduled for July's end conclude with a public demonstration that overwhelmingly severs any association between us and the former lord protector.

I know the intent is to put a new spin on "Freedom Day" altogether, so why continue ignoring the erumpent in the room that he now is?

How do you find the notion?

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

Think that is an excellent idea and a logical time to make the gesture.

Renouncing him is both politically pragmatic and a needed cathartic. I'll support the idea if you present it. If she should object, I expect it would be on the grounds that one doesn't like admitting to having been so misled. Not sure whether she'd let that stand in the way. What do you think her reaction will be?

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_rodolphus]

Bella doesn't like to be wrong. She likes admitting to being wrong even less.

If I craft my message so that it's less about her being wrong, and more about how a bastard halfblood managed to yoke us to his cause without fulfilling all the promises he made, she will be more receptive.

Think of the wards and other magic that went into disarray after his death. He did not want the Protectorate to survive him, and in fact went to great lengths to ensure that it would not. That she is left cleaning up his mess should enrage rightly enrage her. She need only be reminded of it.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_crouch_jr]

You must know you can count on Tosha for support in this, as well.

Re: Private message to Barty

[alt_rodolphus]

I do.