Private Message to Padma Patil

[alt_blaise]

Where are Harry and Weasley? They should be here for this briefing. Unless...

Draco looks like something the cat sicked up this morning. And did you see how his broom was listing off-centre?

At least our side's only got one of them to carry along.

But really, if Harry's ill, we could promote a lieutenant to commander and not let ourselves be dragged down. I mean, listen between the lines of what they're saying: this is going to be loads more challenging than anything we've done yet.

Comments

[alt_padma]

What? No! No, not like that--I mean--where did you hear that about him? That he's a poufter?

Anyway, no, I've never been interested in him so you don't have to be jealous. We're just mates. And I'm not saying he's equal to a pureblood, exactly. Just that he's a cut above the average half-blood.

Okay, let's give everyone ten more minutes for a break, then get back on the trail.

[alt_blaise]

If he wanted it secret, he should never have snogged Jugson. If you know what I mean.

You're right it's time to get this lot moving. We want to make camp before dusk.

At least the shrubbery's not exploding. Yet. Do you get the idea they didn't plan to stage this here? I mean, it seemed they were making a bunch of things up on the fly this noon.

And we're back to maps that are at least half wrong about more than half of what they show. Jolly, that.

[alt_padma]

You mean, because we're all being told to move southeast and all the other exercises so far have been mostly north?

Yes.

We can put Lines on map detail again, although we could also send F-F forward by Apparation and he could scout round and then come back.

Oh, that reminds me, though, I think Harry put maps on his list. We should check and see if there are any accurate ones in the bags. Slim chance but worth a try.

[alt_blaise]

Score! Excellent thinking there, Patil!

Proper maps. And a stash of very nice chocolate. The former will save us Moon's endless nattering about surveying variances. The latter, I've commandeered. No need mentioning it to anyone else.