Private message to Antonin Dolohov

Antonin -

Welcome back to Our Lord's most glorious realm, I'm sure. So unexpected to hear of your return and I do hope your transition to a new role is smooth. Having made that type of shift - all in His service, of course - myself, I know how discomforting it can feel. Going from your diplomatic tasks and your additional duties to the tedium of unformed children must feel something of a blow.

Now, I read your little post to the students with quite some interest. I do hope that this additional workload won't interfere too much with all of their other important duties. Their classes of course, but I know Our Lord is particularly interested this year in my plans to develop the YPL into a truly vibrant, active, and effective organisation to solidify the desires of our youth behind Our Lord's most glorious goals and projects. And of course, to give them the appropriate skills needed to do so.

In that vein, I must admit I was a little startled to see the Dark Noble Arts required for all students through OWLs. I must admit that my own philosophy has been to only offer more complex and challenging opportunities to those most able to benefit. Regrettably few of our current students may be fit for such work, though I do hope for better once those going through the revised village school programmes come to Hogwarts. I'm sure I must have misunderstood something in your intentions, though, and that you'll gladly explain.

Now, I do also hope that you'll feel free to call on me for assistance. I'm sure that we could wonderfully support each other through the first trials and tribulations of the adjustment. I've already been out several times to look at rooms and find a space for various YPL related storage, and it was quite wonderful to be back in the old place in some ways.

I did see that Aurora had written as well. Now, I'm certain she means well, really, but she's always insisted on taking on so much, and her adjustment to life among dear Rabastan's circle must be quite challenging for the little thing. (Not that she's not bright enough, I suppose, and no one can dispute her diligence, but that is one of the reasons they removed the weight of the YPL from her.) Knowing her as well as I do, I'm sure she offered some kind of assistance, but I do hope you weren't thinking of overburdening her at a time when she really should be focusing on building her future life. (And honestly, I'm none too sure she'll continue teaching much past her marriage.)

So, do let me know if I can be of any assistance at all. We'll not be starting YPL matters until a week or so into term, so I'll have plenty of time for all manner of things should you need a friendly hand.

Yours in His Service,
Dolores Umbridge