Private message to Auror Crouch

[alt_umbridge]

Auror Crouch -

You were so very helpful in the matter of the Fleets that I hope you'll be willing to lend your ear again.

As part of my watchful diligence about the wellbeing and proper instruction of the children of the Protectorate, I believe it is time to keep a closer eye on all forms of communication coming into Hogwarts. While I have already taken steps to encourage public rather than private messages except when truly necessary, I believe that there are still confusing and perhaps even disloyal communications coming in through owl post.

I am therefore intending to move forward with having all owl post to the school reviewed by a carefully selected group of students with staff supervision, in order to ensure that the message we are enforcing here at Hogwarts is not undermined - whether intentionally or unintentionally - by their parents or other family members.

If there is any additional information I am unaware of that might require adjustment to my plan, I am certain you will be able to inform me or direct me to the proper person.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Headmistress.

Trust you haven't committed too many resources to this already.

Can save you the trouble. As it happens. Similar efforts are already being taken elsewhere.

[alt_umbridge]

Indeed?

I am sure that the relevant MLE staff are most skilled at their roles - the high standards of the division are well known, of course. And yet, they are, I am sure, not looking at all the educational issues inherent in communication.

I have the charge of each and every child at Hogwarts, and must be watchful over each and every aspect of their education, social as well as academic. I would assume that additional review here would pose no difficulties.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Can arrange to direct the birds to you, then, when they leave here.

Trust you to be discreet. Are you prepared to be quick enough that it will not become obvious the post is being searched?

You see the issue, yes?

[alt_umbridge]

Would you be so kind as to confirm the current volume of mail? By my rough count, it seems to be 30-50 items (more like the lower number most days), above and beyond the Prophet owls and other subscriptions.

If so, yes, I believe we can handle that quickly enough to satisfy. I'll want a day or two to arrange a suitable space and instruct those reviewing the mail in what I'm most interested in. Should I alert you when I'm ready to have the owls diverted?

[alt_crouch_jr]

Yes. Volume varies by season. Wise that you've started post-Valentine's. Interesting point there: we do not screen intra-institutional mail, but presume you will. Useful.

Be prepared for uptick post-Easter. (Left behind socks. Last admonishments. Empty nest nonsense. Resurgent homesickness.) Significant surge again at Exams. Expect large volume of parcels, hampers, etc.

[alt_umbridge]

Most interesting. And yes, I intend to monitor internally, as well, for a variety of reasons, though timing will be an even greater consideration there.

I hope to have other reasons to discourage parcels, mind. Keeping the children on a healthful regime would be so much easier without them.