alt_bellatrix | Entries tagged with training

Today's observation and sparring session was effective, I think, if, as ever, somewhat of a let-down. I remember my own training programme all too well, of course. It took place in the real world, with no instruction beyond what we were willing to teach ourselves and each other, and what we took from the bounty of His teachings. There was no relief from our battle at the end of the day - no celebrations, no "awesome" music, no dancing with ghostly rock-stars. Indeed, there was no end to the day at all. We were fighting for pride and for purity, against an entire system that was bent on protecting muggles first, and wizards last. That we were able to topple it only shows how corrupt and malignant that system was, rotting from within like a stunted tree. To strike it down all of us would have gladly died - gladly! - and to be sure, some did. Those who survived were prepared to protect what we had helped Him to create, and we have done so ever since.

Sometimes, I wonder if a quaint little programme can really teach any of that. Perhaps something far more brutal is in order...something where survival is at stake. Not just your own, but the survival of everything and everyone you hold dear.

I am not sure that the current crop of hopefuls would last in such an environs. Certainly not McLaggen, who is certain to wash out within the coming weeks. Willet shows a shred of promise, if only because he is so very desperate to escape a fate at the Prophet. Desperation certainly helps, though not for very long.

What does not help is a history of having sought out and won my approval. Not unless you have the skill and savvy to show for it. When I attach my name to someone, say a certain Head Girl with aspirations of being an Auror, then I have, in essence, allowed that individual to function as an extension of myself. Any and all extensions of me are enjoying the privilege of my association, and with that privilege comes responsibility. Let me be direct: if you're one of mine, you go above and beyond the call. Anything less is unacceptable. And if my association to you becomes tarnished...then I will remove it, as forcibly as I see fit.

But I'm sure that we all understand that now, don't we?

Tags:

Miss Sandoval,

I cannot find a single damn reliable owl at the moment (Hopkirk, please alert the necessary parties that several of these bloody owls are overdue for retirement), so forgive me for passing along a message in so public a manner. Public scrutiny is part and parcel of working for any branch of the Ministry, however, and there is no time like the present to acclimate oneself to the public eye, hmm?

Cruciatus is, of course, a highly useful tool in an Auror's arsenal, and we are expected to perform it with mastery and control. Always remember, though, that the usefulness of the spell isn't found in the pain it causes so much as the fear it inspires. People will often say anything to avoid enduring it, and what they say may not necessarily be true, but simply what they think will spare them the pain.

Another drawback is that cruciatus causes no visible injury, which may prompt the spell-caster to go to far, not realising that the receiver is being damaged beyond repair. I was an avid user of cruciatus early in my career, but for various reasons have since moved on to more creative interrogation methods. A good Auror never relies on one thing too much. Leave that to the local constabularies.

I must congratulate you for showing yourself to have the grit necessary to pursue the path. After our few short weeks together I did wonder if you were suited to it; you had the intellect and composure, yes, but I thought it possible you were soft. You'll notice that very few women have achieved success in this career. Indeed, it is a career that even men may find physically and mentally challenging. An Auror must see everyone as a potential enemy and traitor. They must always be on guard, and they must always be willing and ready to strike. There is no room for hesitation, introspection, or mercy.

To cut oneself off from compassion is a difficult thing, particularly for women. Once you have done it, it will change how people view you forever. In time you may learn to hold a few people close without fear that it will weaken your effectiveness on the job, but even that will require a balancing act that is nearly exhausting. Still, you must make it look effortless. Anything less and you will soften like butter before their eyes. And because you are a woman, their eyes will always be on you, searching out for any signs of the collapse that is so often seen in those of our sex.

Yes, even other women will be watching out for your weaknesses. Perhaps even more than men.

I see the small ones are already chattering about the incident in a most vocal manner. They are watching you now, to see what you will do next. As am I. As are others. The aftermath of an encounter is often the most crucial, after all. I remain interested in seeing where you go from here.

Yours,
Bellatrix Lestrange

Tags:

My happy condition has not made life any less hectic. I am relieved, though, that everything is progressing so smoothly this time. The first few months were quite hard on me, and there were times when I wondered if we would be disappointed yet again. But I've just seen the midwife this week; she told me that everything is pitch perfect, and after a moment or two, I was quite convinced that she was telling the truth. Truth told, I feel quite healthy and energetic - as much as I ever did, in fact.

So much so that when running the Aurors through their new training programme last Wednesday, I helped Barty with several demonstrations. He might've gone easy on me, of course, but I don't think the boy is that sentimental. As of now the group will be tested on their new skills in early May, and anyone who can't keep up with be turned out for parchment work. Because honestly, if I with my load can manage, then surely any respectable man ought to be able to keep up.

I was hoping that Hydra would get to have a play date with dear Harry this week, but it seems that there was no time. Hydra misses Harry quite desperately, I think. She often does chatter on about how she can't wait to join Harry and her cousin Draco at Hogwarts next year.

Oh, blast it - I haven't had a minute free for Owls this week, so I'll just mention here that we should reach a decision by early this week, Professor Sinistra.

Tags:

Professor Sinistra, I've sent you an Owl this morning and I do hope that it has arrived in due course. It mostly includes detailed plans for the project, as well as a copy of the recommendation I penned for you following my observation of your class. Two others that I know of have been recommended for the position as well, but the fact that it is I who am recommending you should put you in good favour, I think. Please look the materials over and do not hesitate to Owl in return if you have any questions.

Along with that business, I've got to meet with Hoppykirk about the changes to the training programme, get her siggy all over everything before passing it on. Harkiss and Dawlish are feeling quite nervous, I believe. As they should be, a pair of lumps like that.

My Lord has asked to be left alone this week. Time spent with the new pet project, no doubt. I only wish to be of service on that count, but if it is solitude He desires, He shall have it. Praise.

Ah, Cissy... we did the charm last week. It's a boy.

Yes, for all of you reading along: I'm pregnant. Almost into the third trimester. All looks safe and well this time, and Hydra is beside herself at the thought of having a brother. A son! I'll have to begin thinking of suitable names right away.

Tags:

Nottingham has some truly spectacular architecture, it must be said. Looking at the heavily gothic style, I'd say it bears the mark of Waterhouse, which means that it's Wizard-done. Even better. There's a fair-sized community of half-bloods up here, most of them employed at Bobbin's main factory. Quite a few of the less established ones have flats at the Clifton estate. It's a pretty piece of land, with the Trent River running alongside. The escaped mudbloods must've followed the river all the way from Derby - quite an extraordinary trot by anyone's standards. The fact that Dawlish and Harkiss were searching the river from the east and yet somehow managed to miss them is also extraordinary. Stunningly so.

At the Clifton estate, a young couple by the name of Dames witnessed the elderly Wilbur Thompson admitting the escaped teenagers into his flat. By the time we got there, Thompson was having a grand old time showing the mudbloods how to use his wand to conjure up coloured handkerchiefs and bits of lint from a hat. It was quite reassuring to see how comfortable he was amongst the mudbloods, seeing as he'll be one from now on.

Lance and Carla Dames will generously rewarded, of course, for displaying their loyalty to the Lord and His Protectorate.

I'll be having a chat with Hopkirk this week about running the older Aurors through a more rigorous training programme. The difference between a Dawlish and a Yaxley, or a Harkiss and a Barty, grows more and more troublesome. In any case, I will have her know that tasks will no longer be delegated by seniority, but by my own preferences. I would have liked to have seen the mudbloods try to slip by any of the other Aurors and live to tell the tale. Even me. Though in my case it is high time that I remove myself from active engagements. I can't say I'm entirely happy about it, but His decision is, of course, for the best. I certainly don't want what happened to Yaxley and Marks to happen to me - not now.

Tags:

Bellatrix Lestrange

XXII

XV

X

IX

VIII

Profile

Syndicate

Page Summary

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags