Order Only: Waiting

[alt_sirius]

Well, if the Ministry's going to come and inspect Doughty Conduit, we all wish they'd hurry up and do it, already.

It's making us all realise what a squeeze it was before, since Dora and Remus have been spending more of their time there at points when we anticipate the knock on the door. Of course, 'Junius' reasonable request that any inspection come between the hours of 2:00 and 6:00 PM so the family could all be awake was met with a stony reply to the effect that their staff cannot possibly predict when they'll be able to get to us and that the point of an unscheduled inspection is that it's not on a particular schedule. We figure they're unlikely to come after supper, anyway, but other than that this waiting is putting a bit of a strain on us all.

I'm tempted to say Dora's got the worst of it, as she pointed out last night that if they find anything that doesn't pass muster, she might well face some repercussions in the Department of Magical Maintenance. Merlin knows details like where we've hung out the washing might not be considered confidential and who can tell whether our inspectors will report back to her supervisors what they observed in her home.

So we're stuck until they can get 'round to us. Which is not particularly easy when Saturday's full moon is making a certain one of our number more tetchy than usual. (Hence why Dora may not actually be the most nervous of the family.) But then I'm not one to talk. My part in all this is easy: act like a normal dog and keep Kreacher busting through the grate at an inopportune moment.

Any word on Ivy Lovell?

Comments

[alt_kingsley]

Yes on Ivy Lovell. I've sent word to Arthur this morning. Yes, we have located the family--at least we think. We've sent a request through channels that they trust that we'd like to meet with them. I think it's best if Emmeline and I approach them, since our contact can vouch for us (although we haven't explained our business, of course, and we'll be going Polyjuiced as usual). We hope to get word that we'll be allowed a rendezvous tomorrow.

[alt_bill]

I'm sorry that I'm not quite as well situated in this new position that I can find out what's happening behind the scenes for you (I might have at least been able to learn which inspector has been assigned). I do have a contact in that department, and I'll try to rig a way to give you an hour's notice if I possibly can.

[alt_sirius]

Much appreciated, Bill. Don't get yourself in a tight spot, though. We'll manage.

In all honesty, I think we're as well-prepared as possible. We've left just enough clutter upstairs to make it look lived-in, not so much that it looks desperate.