Order Only

[alt_nymphadora]

The three of us have been talking here this evening, and Sirius has persuaded me I ought to raise a question for Pomona, Severus, and Minerva.

Is there a way we could take advantage of Madam Umbridge's absences during the holidays to access the Headmistress's office and steal a look at the book?

Only, Alice and I went Wednesday for Stella Dodds, who was the last of the babies we know about, but there could be more and this might be a chance.

Comments

[alt_alice]

I agree that it's worth a try, if only because we may not get another chance until summer.

Severus, Pomona, you know the risks far better than any of us -- would it be possible to smuggle Minerva in?

[alt_pomona]

Tricky, I'd say, though I defer to Severus here.

She was in a fury this morning - repressed, but you could see it simmering. I know she's got meetings this week in New London, but there's at least a student or two staying, and there's always the matter of the ghosts. And the portraits. I'm more certain some of them are helping her than I was, though Aurora's had suspicions about that for a while.

That said, Severus, has she moved any portraits near Minerva's office itself? Since Minerva need scarcely walk into Hogwarts on two feet (and four feet might well be easier to obscure) we might manage something if we can solve that part.

[alt_severus]

I do agree the prospect of checking the Book is urgent.

Dolores has stuck her hand into every aspect of the castle; this does, yes, include rearranging many of the portraits. I have reason to visit the corridor near the Head's office occasionally, however, and cannot immediately recall whether it is tenanted. Upon my return next weekend I will make it a point to check.

I believe, however, that Hogwarts' magic binds the portraits to the service of the Headmaster or Headmistress, and several things the elves have said — and indeed, the fact the Head's office will not open to her — causes me to think Hogwarts herself does not view Umbridge as having any particular authority. It may be as simple as Minerva ordering the portraits to cease obeying Dolores entirely.

If all else fails, I do have several samples of Dolores' hair that could be used as necessary: if we find a time when we are reasonably certain she will not return to the castle, and if Minerva is willing, she could polyjuice into Dolores and evade detection that way.

[alt_gredforge]

We smuggled the Professor--uh, Terry, we mean--into the Burrow the week of Dad's funeral inside one of our book bags. Right under the noses of a whole bunch of people who were there for the vigil. If the Headmistress's dignity can stand that, then the portraits wouldn't even have the opportunity to report seeing a cat.

Just a suggestion.