Private message to Madam Pomfrey

[alt_sally_anne]

I just wanted to let you know, Professor Dolohov has arranged to introduce me over hols to Healer Ekaterina Petrovna Korotkova. Her specialty is ophthalmancy, both the treatment of eye disorders and the manufacture of eyeglasses and prostheses. He thinks she might be willing to take me as an intern over the summer.

I had never even thought about this speciality. But, it actually combines BOTH healing, and crafting things. I actually made a false eye years ago for a muggle on the Stretton Estates (they do 'favours' for their muggles on Boxing Day each year) -- it wasn't a working prosthesis, of course (I'm not sure if that would even work for a muggle) but merely something that would look plausibly like an eye. He was quite pleased with it, although I imagine I could make something rather better now.

Anyway -- Professor Dolohov says that Ekaterina Petrovna has quite a bit of influence at St Mungo's and is friends with the woman who makes decisions about acceptances to the apprenticeship programme. He thinks that if I can manage to impress her -- and I really think I can -- she could help me get in.

Comments

Order Only

[alt_sally_anne]

It's not one of the specialities you mentioned the Order being in particular need of, but it definitely meets the criteria of being something useful that you aren't an expert in. Also I think those prosthetic eyes can be useful for spying, I read a book about them last year. (I was trying to find out if I could go back to that muggle with something better -- but, I can't find anything that says if magical eyes can work for muggles.)

Anyway. ALSO, I thought I should probably let one of the grownups know that I told Professor Dolohov about Avery's threat to Pansy. He said not to worry, 'Avery does not have the sort of influence necessary with Our Lord to make good on such a threat.' (He also thought it would be a good idea to be discreet with the relationship but not break it off completely. Or pretend to break it off.) He also thanked me and said we should bring that sort of thing to him because it's helpful. I'm hoping it will help to encourage them to fight each other.

By the way, Teddy got the snot beaten out of him yesterday, but I think he thinks having a black eye looks dashing. If he winds up in the hospital wing for any other reason in the next few days, though -- at least some of the bruises are from last night.

Re: Order Only

[alt_poppy]

You are quite right that ophthalmancy is beyond my skill.

Ekaterina Petrovna is more than a master of her arts--both as a Healer and as a fashioner--I have seen more than one of her prostheses close up and am able to say that the one she rendered for Alastor Moody is quite simply the most marvellous small device I've ever examined.

As for Mr Nott, he rarely seeks my assistance unless he believes my treatment will involve serious discomfort. We might do well sometime to discuss pain-seeking and the perversions which stem from that propensity.

Re: Order Only

[alt_sally_anne]

Oh, so she DID make his mad eye? I wondered if that was her, but I couldn't very well ask Professor Dolohov. (I mean, I suppose I could have. Ron played Mad-Eye's Mad Cat, after all, and there are history books with his picture in it and so on, it just would have seemed sort of tactless.)

Anyway about Teddy, yeah, okay, that makes sense about him liking pain. He was telling Hydra that he'd like it if she hurt him. For instance. It's why I was trying to think of a spell for her to use to make him go away that wouldn't be something like the ball-busting spell, I think he'd just think that was her being flirtatious.

Re: Order Only

[alt_poppy]

Yes, indeed, she made it, though I'd urge you to avoid the topic with her (more especially than with Professor Dolohov). Or, if you do broach the matter, I'd suggest you avoid implying that there is anything mad about the eye. If you take my meaning.

[alt_poppy]

Healer Korotkova is, indeed, influential at St Mungo's and Professor Dolohov is quite right that she could pull exactly the strings that require pulling for you to be accepted into training. Quite a coup if you win her backing.

I do wish I'd been able to do as much for you. Very truly pleased for you, my dear.