Rodolphus Lestrange

( Application for Rodolphus Lestrange )

[Warded to Death Eaters]

May I say bravo to our members responsible for yesterday's message. Extremely well worded, I was quite impressed. Surely, our Lord will be pleased to see his message so efficiently explained.

[End Ward]

[Warded to the DMLE]

It seems my return to my duties was well-timed. I would like to congratulate all of you on your hard-won victories in the last week. While I'm sure we would all like to see more Death Eaters and Order members brought to justice, the defeat of beasts like vampires and werewolves is still a decisive victory for the Ministry of Magic. I feel the tragic loss of life as keenly as any of you and it pains me to see and hear about more victims of this war, but I take heart in knowing that defeating these beasts will prevent them from claiming any future victims. So again, well done and if the Minister's office can be of any assistance, please let me know and I'll work with Department Head Crouch, Sr to ensure we do all we can for our hard-working men and women.

[End Ward]

I do believe I prefer seeing ladies receiving flowers and our population posting pictures of children and pets over the news lately. It shows there is always hope for the wizarding world.

[Warded to Salazar Society]

Gentlemen. It was good to see everyone on Saturday. I trust you all enjoyed yourselves. We'll have to organise another get together soon, as it's a good excuse to set aside some time to be amongst friends and step away from the daily annoyances and frustrations we all have to contend with.

[End Ward]

[Warded Private]

I'll be returning to work this week, thankfully. Father has given them nothing and their investigation has yielded no results on myself or my family. No doubt I'll be watched at all times, but that's nothing I am not already used to. I would not be surprised if this Order of the Phoenix hasn't been watching me since the first time their foolish little movement started - just like any other overt Purist. That's another thing to thank Wilkes for... proving that it runs in the family.

I bristle with amusement when I wonder how Rufus Scrimgeour, Chief of the Aurors, is feeling about his own brother all but openly supporting the Order of the Phoenix. Granted, he was smart enough to word it so that he can say he was merely appreciating their message and not showing an support, but it's not difficult to read between the lines. It occurs to me that there seems to be more visible positive responses to Order activity. I think we need to work on them taking the blame for another dangerous situation. I'll have a chat with Rabastan soon, if he's done it once, he can help do it again.

[End Ward]

[Warded Private] - added later

Ah, seems dear Rufus stepped in and slapped his poor brother on the hand, resulting in a great amount of cross-outs. I was right, I'm amused.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Inner Circle]

Ernshaw just informed the Ministry of some event on the 3rd floor and an addendum to Department Heads that he'll be rather put off if any information is leaked to the media.

My immediate suspicion is that it involved either ourselves or a member of the Order. Since I know Will Goyle and Max Wilkes works on that floor, I'd like to request you consider getting the other Death Eaters to check in as well as to see if anyone has heard or seen from Goyle or Wilkes. It is not my intention to overstep, but merely to keep you informed.

-Rodolphus

[End Ward]

[Warded to the Salazar Society]

Gentlemen,

I trust, despite the insanity that plagued the journal system yesterday, we're still on for tomorrow's gathering? I've had the house elves polish the billiards and bring the parlor to a shine, after all.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Bellatrix]

Good morning, love. Hopefully a good night's rest has led to a better morning?

[End Ward]

[Warded to the Purple Hats]

Just as many people will likely suggest that being a Pureblood does not necessitate that you are a Purist unfortunately, being a Purist does not necessitate that you support vigilante organisations. Suggesting otherwise is a fallacy and only breeds hate-mongering. Purist values are not illegal (they are as old at the wizarding culture itself) and if the leadership of particular war effort groups are dominated by people of particular values, then that group will lead towards the same. The same can be said for any organisation and I suspect that if Mrs. Longbottom were in charge with like-minded individuals, she would have Purists bristling and find justification for her actions. This is akin to taking your quaffle and going home if the match isn't played by your rules.

The Purple Hats have always been high society and old families. That has not changed and whether you choose to be involved and accepted is by your own merits. It doesn't make them cruel, evil, or anything of the sort. Muggleborns in high society if any existed would be welcomed into the group the same as any Pureblood. Even as an outsider, apart from the group, I can see this much.

I don't pretend to understand the inner workings of the organisation or the selection process involved for planning their galas, but to my knowledge their ideals and goals remain the same as always. That allowed, I wish Mr Ketteridge's little charity great success, just as I would wish success for any charity. After all, is that not the idea behind a charity?

[End Ward]

[Warded to the Salazar Society]

I'd like to offer my parlour for this weekend's meeting. I've recently secured three decanters of a forty year old cognac distilled by the famous Camus family in Borderies, France. I may be mistaken, but I believe my brother may have come into possession of a rather impressive cache of cigars for you all to enjoy.

My leave of absence while the Department of Magical Law Enforcement completes their inquiries is making me restless, as you no doubt can imagine. It seems to me that we're overdue for a round of polite, respectable conversation and the lot of you simply must keep me up to date on the current politics since I'm floundering on the outside at the moment. My father will not be a topic of discussion, howev

Until Saturday,

-Rodolphus Lestrange

[End Ward]

[Warded Private]

I've fallen upon my own sword, father. I claimed to have no knowledge of your dealings, allowed the investigators to ridicule you (no doubt in an attempt to unsettle me and cause a slip), simply ignored all of the idiotic cheerful chatter on the journals about your arrest, and in truth, completely shamed the family in an effort to not follow you to Azkaban. We both know that's where you'll soon be. You no doubt would have done the same and would cast no blame upon me, but the feeling of failure is still there.

Rabastan is, I think, still in mild shock. I think he expected you to always be there. He's quieter lately, like he's been cast adrift. Bellatrix blames herself. She denies it, but I see it in her eyes- the way her hands move as if she's reliving the moments before your capture. But do not worry, father. All of us are still adamantly loyal to our Lord and we will see you free again. I only ask for your patience. And your forgiveness for being elsewhere when you needed me most.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Bellatrix]

I am still not ready to write publicly in these journals. It takes every ounce of my willpower to avoid responding to the nattering fools going on about celebrating father's arrest. As you know, I've taken to reading the transcripts of every Order broadcast, looking for clues as to their identities (and they are no doubt doing the same of us, if they have any intelligence), searching for some way of making them pay for this. Any information that I can provide to our Lord, I will. He will know what to do, and when to do it.

If you will allow for a moment of confession; I am grateful to have you at my side through this.

[End Ward]

[Warded Private]

Rabastan is the social half of our brotherhood. He has already begun to spread the word and collect condolences. Meanwhile, I sit guarded in my own office. Guarded. For my own protection, I'm told. In case a vigilante or angry mob (is this the French Revolution now?) decides to take action based upon my name. My only consolation is that they're keeping the media out as well. At least they have not confiscated my journal.

I will write the Minister and tell her that I, obviously, had no idea of my father's subversive actions. After all, we've both attended his parties and she has no reason to believe otherwise that I've seen him any more than she has. Unfortunately, I will have to suggest that I take a leave of absence while the DMLE completes their investigation. It's only proper, et cetera. Either that or they decide to forcibly remove me.

My other option would be to gather my family, reinforce the wards around our home, and stay on the move doing our Lord's work full-time. What good is this position if I'm under suspicion now? Rabastan is right, they'll likely strip his placement in the Werewolf unit. It might as well be a stack of playing cards at this point. To don the cloak and mask, remaining at His side at all times would be ideal, though it would be hard put to rise above anything other than a common grunt without the right connections and placements within the wizarding government.

You've put us in a tough situation, father. I either have to disown you as a parent or become almost utterly useless to our Lord. Which would you have me pick? Will I even ever see you again? I know you. You would rather die than give up His secrets.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Close Friends and Family]

Thank you for the kind words in response to Rabastan's announcement. Know that the Lestrange family will remain strong and we will weather this embarrassment. Your thoughts and kindnesses are well appreciated.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Raban and Moirai Lestrange]

Mother, has father returned home? Or father, if you see this, are you home safely? Bellatrix has sent me a most distressing message. Please respond when you're able.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Rabastan]

Have you seen father?

[End Ward]

[Warded to Barty Crouch, Sr]

Chief Crouch,

I'm putting together the paperwork for Minister Bagnold in regards to the Werewolf Capture Unit. Have you assembled your candidates? I trust you'll have this organised in your usual expedient and impressively detailed fashion. As you know, the Minister appreciates your hard work and attention to detail.

If you've compiled your list of candidates, please interoffice it to me so that I may add it to the folder for submission to her.

Respectfully,
Rodolphus Lestrange
Senior Undersecretary

[End Ward]

[Warded to Death Eaters]

I had a sit-down with our Lord and a few members of his Inner Council in an effort to put my newly won position in the Ministry to good use.

As such, I will begin identifying Ministry employees that can potentially be used to support the Dark Lord either by Imperius or Coercion. If the Minister refuses to step down, then the next best thing is to slowly wither her power base. Department Heads and other employees without obvious family choices would be key potential targets for a well-placed Imperius, where warnings and aggressive threats against loved ones may sway support of those who do have loved ones.

Should you have any suggestions of whom within the Ministry would work best from departments you're more intimately familiar with, do let me know so that I can more easily sort my list by priority. Otherwise I will be scanning our employee lists and doing my own research.

Where this plan would work best within the Ministry, there are certainly opportunities outside of this prestigious institution that currently support the Minister that may not be immune to our sort of suggestions towards an allegiance change. If you possess any ideas, please bring them forward.

After all, every witch and wizard wants to see their spouses and children safe from harm. In exchange for support, we offer the ability to protect loved ones from the violence and rigours of a drawn-out war. Surely it's a wise and easily-made decision. The Dark Lord protects those who follow him, as we all know.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Bellatrix]

I'm thinking of hosting a nice society dinner and invite some of the potentials mentioned above to get a better feeling of what may or may not work.

It could also be a prime opportunity to utilise an Imperius if deemed necessary, since I intend to invite a number of our compatriots as well. Are you in the mood to play the dynamic hostess sometime in the near future?

[End Ward]

[Warded Private]

Ah, some people condemn Mondays. Mine has been brilliant. Between Gwendolyn Dobbs resigning and the tragic events yesterday, my temporary promotion to Senior Undersecretary has been made permanent. Quite good that I was on hand to assist in the aftermath of that heinous attack by the Death Eaters.

Sometimes, it's rather hard not to laugh.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Family]

The position was confirmed as permanent this morning. This week is shaping up rather nicely.

Oh, and belated thanks again for the lovely dinner, Lucius and Narcissa. As always, you outdo yourselves. We'll have to return the favour soon, yes?

[End Ward]

[Warded to Rabastan]

How was the investigation, truly, brother? I have the reports in from the Team Leaders and Chiefs, but I could do with some honest evaluation. We left no trace at both sites? Chaos and confusion abound? Give me details and I'll buy you lunch.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Barty Crouch, Sr, and DMLE Heads]

So much for a relaxing Sunday. I trust you're all already out and on the job in regards to what I heard on the wireless and what also arrived at my doorstep.

It's not my intention to tell you how to do your job; I merely wanted to ward a quick message to let you know if you need anything, let me know and the full resources of the Ministry are behind you. Whatever you need, I'll make sure it's provided.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Minister Bagnold

I'll stay on top of this and get you a report first thing in the morning. I'm currently attempting to liaise with the DMLE to show support and I'll make sure you're kept notified of any developments.

-Rodolphus

[End Ward]

[Warded to Ministry Employees involved with yesterday's incident]

While Mr Wilkes' delivery may leave something to be desired, the lad has a point. Several teams were involved in our success and everyone involved should receive their due praise for quick thinking, hard work, and for lack of a better phrase, saving a bloody lot of lives.

As such, I intend to contact Madame Rosmerta and see if we can hold a small gathering at her pub this evening. Anyone off-shift is welcome to come out for a bit of socialising and a few rounds. I'll ensure each of you are provided with two drink tickets when you arrive. What you do with them is your own business, as befits a true celebration.

Those of you who are on-shift and unable to attend, let me know and I'll speak with your supervisor to see about making it up to you in some way. Perhaps higher priority in requesting a holiday or similar small bonus.

Regards,
Acting Senior Undersecretary Lestrange

[End Ward]

[Warded to Madame Rosmerta]

Madame Rosmerta,

I apologise for the short notice, but would you be able to accomodate a potentially large number of Ministry employees this evening for a bit of drinks and socialising? I would like to throw something together this evening and was thinking perhaps providing a pair of drink tickets to each guest along with a cheeseboard or small cart of snacks wouldn't be such a bad idea. I shouldn't expect more than a dozen or so attendees.

Regards,
Senior Undersecretary Lestrange

[End Ward]

[Warded to Death Eaters]

I am inviting the heroes of the hour to a few rounds of drinks in Hogsmeade. Should anyone we're currently feeling unkindly towards have a bit much to drink and need a side-along back home, should we consider utilising that opportunity?

[End Ward]

[Warded to Bellatrix]

Wish me congratulations, love.

[End Ward]

[Warded to the DMLE]

I was in a closed meeting with the Minister and the Senior Undersecretary when all of the news started pouring in about strange and vicious attacks. As can be expected, our valiant men and women of the DMLE dropped everything and rushed to the aid of our citizens. I'm certain the Minister is quite proud of all of you and it goes without saying that your actions no doubt prevented what could have been a very deadly night.

Many of you are going without sleep, not for the first time, and your hard work is a true testament to what makes our Ministry great. It is just a small token, but I am having more coffee brought in along with a collection of pastries from some of the local establishments and I have contracted a few massage therapists to ply their talents where necessary to hopefully help reduce stress and tension in the workplace. All paid for, so please, let them help you.

Well done, again, to everyone.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Death Eaters]

As you can see, the plan yesterday worked masterfully. That abominable Alice Longbottom even helped lead the charge. It was delicious. Do you see why the Ministry is a failure? Throw in one half-planned venture and they can't even stand together and show support of each other. They'll fall all over each other to pick apart their own Ministry.

It's a beautiful thing.

But enjoy the sight of stupidity while you can. I'm certain the Dark Lord will not tolerate such behaviour when he takes control of the wizarding world.

[End Ward]

My fellow wizards and witches, in light of your feedback last evening, we at the Ministry would like you to know that we have heard you! The Hug-a-Muggleborn initiative has been temporarily shelved while we work out a better method of execution. I would like to thank those of you that responded with constructive criticism and well-reasoned argument, as it is citizens like you that make our society stronger.

We hope to re-introduce this campaign with something more universally accepted. Thank you for your support and patience.

While I certainly can't speak for Minister Bagnold, I hope you'll entertain me for a moment regarding my thoughts in an unofficial capacity. Let me start of with stating that I entirely agree with the well-reasoned words of one Mr. James Potter. And by all rights, the lad has every right to be angry at these Death Eaters. Yet he brings out very valid points without so much as a hint of anger. Though, Mr Potter, I regret that your more immature side may have surfaced in your comments to others, but I will choose to focus on the message of your initial epistle.

Perhaps many of you out there look at those in the Walpurgis Party as insufferable Purebloods, and likewise many of the Justinians as filthy Mugglelovers, Mr Potter's ascertation is wholly correct. Politics should not factor into assumptions regarding external allegiances - a witch or wizard seeking a return to a Pure wizarding society does not mean they are a Death Eater any more than a person spending their time with muggles is a member of the Order of the Phoenix (and I may have their mission statements somewhat incorrect, for that I apologise). I am a registered member of the Walpurgis party and I dedicate my every day to serving our Ministry as nobly as I am able. There are several employees of the Ministry that I see eye to eye with, and several more that I could debate political standpoints with for days. We may not agree, but we manage to set aside those differences for our common goals.

Those of you outside of the Ministry may also know that new initiatives have been enacted this month - chief among those being mandatory sensitivity training. I think it has been a rousing success, considering some of the past - and even mildly recent - outbreaks of angry words between our employees, or even our employees and the populace we're here to assist. And to show how well this initiative has been received, the Minister has asked me to spearhead a new campaign. There has been so much bile and hate spread to what must be a misunderstood selection of our populace, and we hope to put a stop to that.

I'd like to take this moment to introduce this new campaign.



I feel I have been somewhat enlightened by the sensitivity training and I endeavour to show more kindness to our Muggleborn brothers and sisters, and I urge each of you to do the same. Show some hope and tolerance for our communities, so that we can look toward a better tomorrow.

[Warded to the Inner Circle]

I suspect there may be a handful among our number that waited to see if perhaps Bellatrix, Rabastan, and I were foolish enough to collect young Mr Crouch for another evening out after Potter's rhetoric. The Dark Lord's lesson was well-learned. I trust this more subtle gambit is acceptable.

For the Skull and the Snake.

[End Ward]

[Warded Private]

This journal, this quill. This ink. No amount of cleaning will do. It must be burned. I have spares. I must remind myself that I do all of this for a great and noble Cause. Think well of me, Lord.

[End Ward]

[Warded to Bellatrix]

Check in the cubby where we keep the dark objects. I left you a small something.

[End Quote]

[Warded to Barty Crouch, Jr]

Well done, young Mr Crouch. You've really managed quite a stir. I can't quite yet speak in His stead, but your work was rather impressive last night. Even Bellatrix was moved, which should say something. As something of a small reward, I've sent a house elf to find you with a small gift. We'll have to invite you along again, I daresay.

[End Quote]

[Warded to Rabastan]

All right. Now that we've had our fun and relaxation, let us buckle down. Grace Burke. Twenty-four years of age, Slytherin alumna 1974. Family seat is in Cumbria, closest relations are the Urquharts and Macnairs. Personal Assistant to Pollux Black, a grand point in her favour. Previously engaged to one Fabian Prewett. Looks like she managed to dodge a curse there. Also rumours of her once blacking the eye of a suitor. Active in the Purple Hats and I understand she's quite decent at French.

All in all, dear brother, I think she'd suit you very well, should she be at all interested. I think it'd be best if you used this date to the wedding (and if someone else takes her instead of you, I'll be rather disappointed to say the least) as a... trial run. Do not let mother know, or she'll have the Burkes over for dinner before the wedding even arrives and trying to set up her own.

[End Quote]

[Warded to Ministry Department Heads and Team Leaders]

Attention Heads and Team Leaders.

Auror Team B happened upon a gruesome discovery late this evening. Details are still coming in, but be alerted that the media and your reports may come to you for answers. Keep calm and remember - No Comment.

The Minister and Senior Undersecretary Dobbs have been alerted and will be here soon. In the meantime, may I stress that those of you directly involved with this effort prepare your reports and pass them to me so that I may coordinate and deliver them to the Minister. Details are important, I know I needn't tell you to leave out guesswork, but from what I gather just on what I've heard so far, emotions are running high.

Godspeed to all of you.

-RL

[End Ward]

[Warded to Death Eaters]

Should we take a leaf from our esteemed brethren in this Order of the Phoenix? Perhaps our next broadcast should show that we, too, can black out the entirety of the wireless network instead of hiding our message between channels. Perhaps even a little music for flavour, as Mr. Hart suggested so colourfully.

Before any of you think I've lost my faculties by suggesting we follow their lead, please note that was all written with sarcasm in mind.

I would, however, like to point out the nature of the journaling network. It allows a false courage. They know we cannot strike out at blood traitors or mudbloods through their journals (yet? something to investigate), so they have no real fear of speaking their treasonous filth without concern for repercussion. "Why fear a Death Eater if I can write about how cowardly they are from the safety of my secret hiding place, surrounded by protective wards?" Hypocrisy is a wonderful thing.

With the blessing of our Dark Lord, I think we should actively pursue one of these more vocal fools quickly and decisively. Put one down and the others will fall in line. I do not want to waste magical blood more than any of you do, though examples must be made. When they know they are not safe behind their journals, we will see less of this false courage. They can't all be as lucky as the Potters and Longbottoms

[End Ward]

[Warded to Minister Bagnold]

Minister,

I would like to take the liberty of scheduling an audit of the WWN headquarters, and I will begin by setting up interviews with key members of the production staff. Would you like to be involved, or should I handle this for you and prepare a report? I fully intend to have all interviews conducted by our capable men and women of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

We will get to the bottom of these mysterious broadcasts, I am certain.

[End Ward]