Journal Entry - August 27, 2001 - Morning

[a_weasley_apart]

Mr Aidan Rhys seems to have no shortage of opinions, but I fail to see anything resembling hard truth or even conclusions among his ramblings. Instead, he appears to merely be spouting the same endless questions which have been bandied about in these journals and in various other public forums for years. Yes, these questions must ultimately be

Comments

Private to Percy Weasley

[subtle_simmer]

Well stated, if surprising, Mr Weasley.

~Professor Snape

Private to Professor Snape

[a_weasley_apart]

Temporary insanity, sir, I am certain.

Thank you for your response.

Sincerely,
Percy Weasley

Private to Percy

[m4moony]

While I am afraid we may disagree on one or two points, I must thank you for the unexpected vote of confidence. I'm sure there must be someone more capable somewhere. There always is, no matter how good one is at what they do. But, your assessment means more than you might expect, Mr. Weasley.

Thank you.

-- Remus J. Lupin

Private to Professor Lupin

[a_weasley_apart]

Professor, it is only the truth as I perceive it. I'm willing to concede that there likely are people who can do the job as well, though my seven years of schooling would seem to suggest otherwise. Certainly the mere fact that you've remained in the post longer than one year is a powerful point in your favour.

I am not attempting to please anyone for once, nor to appear partisan. I simply felt that a response was needed from a Ministry perspective. As to disagreements, sir, I will only reiterate that when it comes to this particular issue, disagreements seem inevitable.

Thank you for your response.

Sincerely,
Percy Weasley

Private to Percy

[m4moony]

Did no one tell you? The post was cursed in actuality as long as Voldemort was alive. I was, in fact, lucky to get out as easily as I did the first time around. Whoever had the good fortune of attaining the position at war's end would have had as good a chance.

But, I do not mean to belittle your assessment, when it did indeed mean a great to hear it -- precisely because I have been acquainted with your family long enough to know you would not have done so lightly. It means something more coming from you, who I have not had the chance to come to know as well in your adulthood as many of your siblings, than it might from say, Bill or Ginny, much as I may love them.

All of which is a long way of saying thank you for the vote of confidence.

-- Remus J. Lupin

Private to Professor Lupin

[a_weasley_apart]

Perhaps we can blame Bill and Ginny and their obvious allegiances. I've failed rather spectacularly to talk any sense into them, but perhaps they've managed to have a bad some influence on me.

In any case, no thanks are necessary. As you yourself say, I would not have written it if I did not believe it was warranted. And yet people keep insisting upon thanking me. Why?

Sincerely,
Percy Weasley

Private to Percy Ignatius Weasley

[aphotic_auror]

I'm sure if you had vetted this through your Minister it would be a completely different opinion piece, in that it would lack an opinion.

You deserve some thanks for showing a bit of pluck, if I'm right.

M.D.

Private to M.D.

[a_weasley_apart]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I don't venture to speak for the Minister, nor for the Ministry in any official capacity. This is my own opinion only, albeit from the perspective of one who has worked closely with the last three Ministers.

Pluck? I daresay that's something I've never before been accused of having. Feels a bit like foolhardiness, does it?

Might I enquire as to whom I am writing?

Sincerely,
Percy Weasley

Private to Percy Weasley

[aphotic_auror]

Dear Sir,

Indeed, an official Ministry opinion on the matter would have read much differently, and no doubt enraged a number of people in these books already decrying Mr Rhys's editorial.

Accusation comes with a negative connotation. You should be proud of your opinions. That you have them after so long toeing the Ministerial line is remarkable.

As to who I am, I was an auror who had my opinions, and chose perhaps unwisely to stand on them.

Sincerely,
Maria Dulac

Private to Maria Dulac

[a_weasley_apart]

A pleasure, Ms Dulac.

An official Ministry opinion would not be an opinion at all, but policy. And in its conception must take into consideration all the widely-varying opinions being pressed upon it by the various factions of the wizarding public. The Ministry must bow to the whim of the people, Ms Dulac - all of the people, not merely a vocal minority - or else it cannot claim to provide true representation and leadership.

Everyone has opinions; that is human nature. The question becomes one of prudence in expressing them - as you, it would appear, have already learned.

I would ask you not to regale me with stories of Ministry employees being discharged for speaking out, if you please. I'm nervous enough as it is.

My condolences.

Sincerely,
Percy Weasley

Private to Percy Weasley

[prof_stargazer]

Percy,

It's nice to be reminded that there are still people within the ministry who can look at something objectively, yet still form their own opinions. I believe that if there were more people such as yourself within the ministry that the werewolves in our society who do try to live as normally as possible would be treated more fairly than they are now. Thank you for writing this.

-S. Sinistra

Private to Professor Sinistra

[a_weasley_apart]

Professor,

I fear you are doing the Ministry of Magic a disservice. The Ministry is, after all, an institution comprised of individuals, and individuals will always have opinions. Some of those opinions may coincide with the official policies of the institution, and some may not, and in this case I believe there are more widely-varying opinions than snowflakes in winter. Mine in particular is formed with very little established factual information behind it, so I would not presume to present it as fact. I simply sought to point out the logical fallacies in Mr Rhys's diatribe, and to assure people of the Ministry's best intentions.

It may not always appear so on the surface, Professor, but those of us who have the privilege of being 'people within the Ministry' wish only to serve the common good.

Thank you for your response.

Sincerely,
Percy Weasley

Private to Percy Weasley

[prof_stargazer]

Percy,

I am well aware that the Ministry is made up of individuals with opinions, as I have several family members who are also employed there. I was just glad to see someone who was actually willing to share his opinion, especially on this issue.

And it is always good to see a former student who is working so hard, as you say, to 'serve the common good'. I know you will continue to do so.

-S. Sinistra