Rufus Scrimgeour was in his office, reviewing documents related to the dragon’s integration into the Ministry, when Clara knocked softly on the door. “Minister Scrimgeour, a letter has arrived for you. It’s from Ms. Geneviève Delacroix.”
Rufus looked up, his curiosity piqued. “Thank you, Clara. Please, leave it on my desk.”
Clara placed the envelope carefully on the polished wood of his desk and exited, closing the door behind her. Rufus waited until he was alone before breaking the seal of the envelope and unfolding the parchment inside.
The letter was written in elegant, flowing script, and as Rufus began to read, he could almost hear Geneviève’s voice in his mind.
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Dear Minister Scrimgeour,
I hope this letter finds you well. I was delighted to hear about the successful arrival and presentation of the Hungarian Horntail. The event was quite spectacular, and I must commend you on orchestrating such a grand affair. The dragon was truly a sight to behold.
As you might imagine, I have been following the news with great interest. The dragon’s majestic presence and the bonding ritual were nothing short of impressive. I had the opportunity to view some footage of the ceremony, and the atmosphere of the event was electric. It is clear that the Ministry has invested a great deal of effort into ensuring the dragon’s successful integration.
I must admit, as someone who has spent considerable time in the magical community, I find myself both fascinated and intrigued by the implications of this new addition. The Hungarian Horntail is renowned for its strength and formidable nature. I am curious to know more about how it will be utilized in the Ministry’s security measures and what role it will play in future endeavors.
The ritual of bonding was particularly noteworthy. It is not often that one witnesses such a profound connection being established between a magical creature and its handlers. The respect and care with which the dragon was treated were evident, and I was heartened to see the attention given to ensuring its well-being.
I would be remiss if I did not mention how the event has sparked lively discussions here in Paris. The magical community is abuzz with opinions and speculation about the dragon’s role and the effectiveness of the bonding ritual. It seems that your efforts have captured the imagination of many, and the dragon’s arrival has become a topic of great interest.
Additionally, I would like to ask if you could call me “Gene” in our correspondence. I consider you a friend, and my friends in Paris use that nickname for me. It feels more personal and friendly, and I would appreciate it.
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I am still in Britain and enjoying my time here. If you have the time, I would be delighted to receive an update on how things are progressing with the dragon.
Thank you once again for your hospitality and for keeping me informed. I look forward to our continued correspondence and to hearing more about the dragon’s integration into the Ministry.
Warm regards,
Gene
Rufus set the letter down, a thoughtful expression on his face. Geneviève’s observations about the dragon and the ritual were insightful, reflecting a deep understanding of magical creatures and their significance. Her request to be called "Gene" was noted, and he respected her preference for a more informal and friendly address.
He considered her questions and reflections carefully. The Hungarian Horntail was indeed a powerful asset, and its successful integration into the Ministry was crucial. Gene’s letter emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and communication about such significant developments.
Rufus took out a fresh sheet of parchment and began drafting a response to Gene:
Dear Gene,
Thank you for your thoughtful letter. I’m pleased to hear that you found the dragon’s presentation and the bonding ritual impressive. Your feedback and insights are greatly appreciated.
I am indeed quite excited about the dragon’s potential contributions to the Ministry’s security. The Hungarian Horntail’s strength and capabilities will be invaluable, and we are currently working on integrating it into our operations. I will be sure to keep you informed about its progress and any notable developments.
I also appreciate your understanding regarding the confidentiality of the event. Your discretion is invaluable.
Regarding your request, I’ll certainly honor it. From now on, you may call me Rufus as well. It’s refreshing to have a more personal touch in our correspondence, and I’m glad that we can communicate as friends.
I look forward to our continued communication and will provide you with updates as the situation progresses. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please feel free to reach out.
Best regards,
Rufus
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As Rufus sealed the letter, a familiar sharp voice cut through the calm of his office.
“You’re rather pleased with yourself, aren’t you?” the portrait of the ancient witch remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Rufus sighed and glanced up at the portrait. “What now?” he asked, trying to suppress a smile.
“Oh, nothing much. Just observing how you’re quite taken with that letter,” she said. “Didn’t think you’d be so eager to embrace the informality of ‘Gene.’”
“It’s just a name,” Rufus said, sounding more indifferent than he felt.
“A name, indeed!” the portrait retorted. “But it seems you’re rather enjoying the personal touch. How charmingly sentimental of you.”
Rufus rolled his eyes but couldn’t help a small smile. “It’s not that big a deal.”
“Ah, but it is,” the portrait said with a mischievous twinkle. “You’re letting yourself get swept up in the charm of it all. Just remember, even dragons have their off days.”
Rufus chuckled softly, feeling a rare sense of contentment. “I suppose that’s true. I’ll keep that in mind.”
With that, he turned his attention back to his work, the old witch’s laughter echoing faintly in the background. Despite the mockery, Rufus felt a renewed sense of satisfaction. The dragon was a significant achievement, and the personal connection with Geneviève added an unexpected layer of joy to his professional success.
As he focused on his tasks, he allowed himself to enjoy the moment. Life, with all its quirks and challenges, seemed good.