Order Only: The package has been retrieved

[alt_arthur]

Bill and I have been wrestling with the problem for the past three days, but eventually we both agreed we couldn't wait for Flamel any longer. (I fervently hope that whatever has delayed Nicholas will be sorted out soon so we'll hear from him or Perenelle. Any word at all yet, Minerva?)

Anyway, the two of us had quite a row over which of us should attempt the retrieval, which we eventually sorted out by resorting to that old childhood favourite 'Stone, Parchment, Scissors.' In the end it was Bill who drank the polyjuice and made the trip to the Central Owl Office. I had gnawed my fingernails down to the quick before he returned, but all went smoothly, and we're both quite sure he was not followed.

Sirius, you'll be pleased to learn we have your contraband in hand. We'll divide the package, sending a 1/3 to Moddey Dhoo, a 1/3 to Hogwarts and keeping a 1/3 for Bill and me. The chocolate, spices and French burgundy will prove quite useful for bribing purposes, and everyone will be very pleased to see the potion ingredients. Kingsley, have you managed to retrieve the package that Sirius directed to you? Be sure to keep Benjy from finishing off all the liquor before you get a taste!

Comments

[alt_mcgonagall]

None whatsoever. - I fear we must give him up, Arthur, and start thinking of contingency plans. I cannot see what would keep him from contacting us if he weren't taken; and in any case if he is taken he's been taken far, far from my area of authority.

[alt_arthur]

Oh dear. It seems quite serious, then.

Bill might have an operative he can use to do a discreet check on the Flamel residence. If he can learn anything, I will pass it along.

[alt_mcgonagall]

That would be quite helpful. I feel so useless - all this waiting!

Order Only

[alt_molly]

So THIS is what happens when I get sick and can't keep my eye on you both! You both take hair-raising risks!

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[alt_arthur]

Now, Molly, there's no need to take on so. Bill was able to nip in and nip out without anyone being the wiser.

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[alt_molly]

You say that now! But you had no guarantee! If someone does have the Flamels trussed up in a sack, they could have come after Bill!

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[alt_arthur]

We didn't want you to worry, but really, dear, we took every conceivable precaution.

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[alt_molly]

Arthur, I won't have Bill running such terrible risks!

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[alt_arthur]

We all have to take them, my dear, but Bill has your level head and he won't come to any harm.

I'm about to leave work, Molly. Watch the clock; I should be home in twenty minutes.

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[alt_molly]

Don't think you can get around me with flattery, Arthur Weasley!

I will see you when you get home.

[alt_sirius]

Well, that's a relief - in a number of ways.

Tell Molly that you had to do summat about that parcel, or it would've raised notice simply by not being claimed.

As for Flamel, that's bad news, of course, but if Bill thinks he can send a spy to get a better sense of what's going on, at least we'd have an idea whether anything is compromised.

Sounds as if, for the time being, anyway, the import operation is in the clear.