Order Only: Field Tests

[alt_sirius]

Arthur, Bill, I've just noticed that my brother set off a bit of a tiff between that prig Malfoy and his shrew. Seems to me he knows full well purebloods can get the Scourge at any moment - and from what I could conclude, he's worried. Have you seen the exchange I mean? Do you know anything about Rookwood's tests? Is it possible he thinks he has a cure?

I hate to say it but if anyone can at least stop the disease spreading, it's a good thing - no matter who comes up with the solution. As long as it doesn't require them to bleed Muggles dry or anything else similarly gruesome, that is.

And I don't even want to venture a guess as to what Reggie is doing for that murdering bastard. Pilfering empty houses for trophies, no doubt. What a madman!

Hermione, I hope you're feeling all right today. Believe me, the only reason I haven't composed a Grim Truth in outrage over what happened to you is that I know you don't want any more attention over the matter, anymore than we want to invite more trouble for you. Just remember, Remus is right: if ever you want to talk to any of us, we're here. I expect you'd rather discuss it with Professor McGonagall or Madam Pomfrey, or Mrs Weasley, but don't forget that you've a whole legion of honourary uncles who'd be more than happy to bash in a few heads in your defence.

Comments

[alt_bill]

Augustus Rookwood? Augustus Rookwood?

[alt_arthur]

He's an Unspeakable, Bill. Surely you know that.

[alt_bill]

Well, yes, of course. The thing is, I can't figure out how he'd be involved in researching a cure. I mean, St Mungo's, yeah, but the Unspeakables?

The only thing my analysts have been able to figure out about his work is that he has a lot of budgetary pass-throughs with the Department of Squib Affairs. No one's mentioned Squibs coming down with this disease at all, at least from what I've heard.

[alt_kingsley]

Could that be the reason they're interested in Squibs? If it's been proven they can't get the disease or something?

[alt_sirius]

Good point, Kingsley.

Perhaps they're trying to pinpoint the origin within the camps, and they're using Rookwood to keep St Mungo's out of it all?

[alt_bill]

I dunno. But I'll set my network on the task to see if we can find out more. Of course, we never know what goes on in that department itself. But sometimes we get hints from the budget, especially budgets and monthly reports for departments with which they interface. Maybe there've been some changes lately that might suggest some clues....

[alt_bill]

Maybe, but why wouldn't it be St Mungo's that'd be following up on that, rather than the Unspeakables? I mean, it's more of the healers' department, you know?

[alt_arthur]

Perhaps the Unspeakables have more pull. Bigger budget, the ear of the LP, that sort of thing. It has to be of the highest priority, if the purebloods are threatened now. St Mungo's may be buried in caring for everybody, and can't spend resources on pure research.

[alt_sirius]

Hang on, I've been paging back looking for mentions of Rookwood in Malfoy's journal.

It appears he's been taking field trips to the camps since at least April of last year.

Circe.

Does anyone know what Carrow was working on when he went to the camps last summer, with our Terry? I've just come across an entry where Malfoy arranged them to work together.

Merlin....

[alt_sirius]

Well, hang on, maybe there's more clues in things Malfoy's said before. I've noticed sometimes he goes on rather more than I'd think prudent if he's trying to keep secrets. Typical, actually: Still trying to impress everyone who'll notice that he knows more about what's really going on than anyone else.

[alt_sirius]

Yeah. Was I reading it wrong? Malfoy has talked about Rookwood and Narcissa said Augustus. There's not more than one at the Ministry, is there?

Old Augustus was just starting there when I first went to Hogwarts. I think my father knew him at least peripherally. I know he's close to the Bagmans.

Have I got it right?

[alt_bill]

Well, there is a Hephaestus Rookwood at St Mungo's, yeah. But he's in administration, not any kind of medical research. Augustus Rookwood, on the other hand, the Unspeakable?


No idea why he's involved.