Private message to Headmaster Dolohov

[alt_harry]

It was a nice surprise to run into you at the auction house the other day, Headmaster. Were you looking for anything in particular that belonged to the late Headmistress, or just seizing the opportunity to add to your library?

Comments

[alt_antonin]

Book-hunting, mostly -- I was concerned that some of the volumes the auction house was offering might have been entailed to the Head's office, rather than Minerva's personal possessions. I was able to go through the things she left behind in the castle before turning them over, to verify what was more properly Hogwarts' than Minerva's in her own right, but she had been in the position for long enough that I would not have been surprised had her discipline regarding what was hers and what was Hogwarts' begun to grow sloppy. I have only been in the role for a year and I have already found myself getting lax about being certain to bring volumes from the Headmaster's library back to the castle after I take them to New London to finish reading; I'm sure that in another four or five years the books will be hopelessly mingled. (As well, I had given her several rare volumes on Transfiguration as a Christmas gift several years back that I'd taken some pains to acquire; I did not relish the thought of them going to someone who would not appreciate them.)

And you? Or were you looking for something to remember her by? You were close, unless I am mistaken.

[alt_harry]

I was looking for something to remember her by, mostly. Also, a gift I sent to her a few years ago. I didn't find it, though.

[alt_antonin]

I see. I believe I may know the gift you mean; if it is what I am thinking of, rest assured I considered it one of Hogwarts' treasures, and made certain it was not brought to the auction house in the first place.

[alt_harry]

Oh, I see!

Well, that is good to know. Though to be honest, while I'm relieved to hear it was never in the auction house, I'm a little sorry to hear you beat me to it.

[alt_antonin]

Best to leave it with me for now, I would advise; once you are more settled in your future life -- and a more private living situation -- I may be persuaded to pass it along. I understand that it is undoubtedly a sentimental memento.