(no subject)

[alt_albus]

To all those living in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales,

It has been far too long since I had a chance to speak to many friends, peers, colleagues, former students, acquaintances, and even enemies. Perhaps you missed me?

You will find that there have been some changes at Dover this morning. At dawn, I and my closest associates made ourselves at home in the Old Customs House and its immediate surroundings, giving us control over the sole import site for the Protectorate along with a most intriguing magical device.

Those of you who have become accustomed to spices and fine wines from the continent, silks and sandalwood, esoteric texts from the finest minds outside the wards, even the foreign Quidditch news will, perhaps, be disappointed. It is a mild burden compared to the restrictions on so many in the country.

That said, certain items are needed for more than personal pleasure. I and those assisting me will be glad to make arrangements for delivery of essential supplies to qualified Healers, through a secure and private drop point. You may make inquiries via journal, where they will be evaluated by experts in the relevant fields who may also suggest suitable regional alternatives.

Yours in the pursuit of freedom,
Albus Dumbledore

Comments

Order only

[alt_bill]

Albus,

I've been called to the office, on an 'all hands on deck' order, and it's like--

Merlin, Albus, I'd say you have no idea what a firestorm you've created, except that I expect that you perfectly well do know. (And this is the second one in one week, after Gringotts.)

You were at the meeting yesterday. Not that I don't think it's a brilliant move, but you could have told us first. At least those of us in the Ministry would have appreciated a heads up.

This time the higher ups are not only furious, but terrified.

Re: Order only

[alt_luna]

A 'most intriguing magical device'...that's the Dover Octoboros, isn't it?

Professor Sinistra and Evelyn will be glad of the chance to study one close up.

Re: Order only

[alt_bill]

Merlin, yes.

That's why they're terrified.

Re: Order only

[alt_albus]

One Octoboros (opals for eyes).

The floo entry to Calais.

Several nearby warehouses. Mr Stebbins and a few others are assisting in assessing the contents, but we are certain they include medicinals intended for St Mungo's and varied other essential goods. Some are under secure warding: it will take me some time to be prepared to move them.

The staff present this morning were surprised, Obliviated for good measure, and kept outside the Fidelius zone. I presume they've been found by MLE by now.

Re: Order only

[alt_rachel]

It probably would have been kinder to kill the lot.

Re: Order only

[alt_sally_anne]

Calais?

Is that the French city that sounds like it ought to be spelled Callay?

We could go to FRANCE?

Re: Order only

[alt_pansy]

...and get reinforcements from France? Maybe?

Fancy a coffee in Paris, Sally-Anne?

Re: Order only

[alt_terry]

You could go on to Switzerland and get some Swiss chocolate, too. It's really good. The Headmistress gave me a piece once.

Hang on...depends on how much of a stockpile they have, but it looks as though the ones using dementors against us won't have chocolate to protect them much longer. We will.

Re: Order only

[alt_sally_anne]

YES.

Re: Order only: Private Message to Stebs

[alt_pansy]

Imagine you're quite occupied at the moment. Still. Everything all right? The whole crew along for the ride?

Had to have been bloody terrifying, leaping into it head first like that. Things'll be too hectic to stop by before I head back, most likely, but I'll write, and make sure that Sloper and Towler check in with you, get you sorted.

ORDER ONLY

[alt_alice]

I know you are rather busy, but the sooner I can access the site in question, the better we'll be able to sort out where we go from here.

Re: ORDER ONLY: Private Message to Albus

[alt_alice]

I am not sure how different things would've been with a little advanced warning. An evacuation of the surrounding area immediately following, for instance. Planting some of our vehicles there ahead of time.

It isn't the small things we would have been able to do, it's the utter lack of

I need you to tell me these things. I need you to pretend just a little that we are working together, and that you might respect me - I don't presume to give you orders, or lead you, but this is dysfunctional at best. We cannot win this by being reactionary, and the thought that I must now spend valuable time and energy reacting to something done by our own - are you one of our own? Is utterly maddening.

You need to talk, or at the very least, tell Poppy to pass things along to me. And believe me, I'll be having words with her too.

This is a coup, no mistake, and I will take this asset and be grateful for it. It is likewise good to see your words writ large. But this is not the sort of thing you win alone, and I will not be dragged along blindly.