by Horatio Beech

( Application for HORATIO YEHUDAH BEECH )

( [Warded Private] )

Hard to see the leaflets and not think of my father. He was never given warning before they collected his life from him for the crime of serving a wide customer base. Granted, I doubt he would have done anything had he received one prior; he did love money more than anything. Who it came from was immaterial; this seems to be the principle sentiment among most 'business men' I've come across.

I can't help but be a little curious about how this turns out. In a big picture sort of way, this could indelibly alter the place Britain holds in the world. Moving away from large business, global trade (will the Death Eaters cease at just British businesses? What if you trade through Muggleborn partners abroad? Do they expect everyone to vet every customer base of every international supplier?) and a centralized marketplace would certainly decrease monetary circulation. The galleon against foreign currency will plummet (lower than it already has, natch). Since the demand for goods and services will not abate, alternatives must be generated to both fulfill and reward the exchange. Micro commerce occurring in small communities, an expanded black market, and a return to a barter system -- really, it's every member of the Gillyweed Party's wildest dream.

Granted, I'm not an economist, but I'd love to hear some economists' assessment of the repercussions on the country of this new 'policy'. By all means, stop by my desk.

[Warded to Damocles Belby]

How goes your work?
[/Ward]

[Warded to Sebastian Bagnold, William Goyle and Head of WTF, individually]

Hello,

This is Horatio Beech with the Daily Prophet and I'm working on a piece regarding new and past werewolf legislation. I'd like to trespass on your time to ask a few questions. Please contact me either through the journal system or through fire call at your earliest convenience.

Respectfully,
H. Beech
[/Ward]

( [Warded Private] )

[Warded to Florean, Aaron]

So, which one of you is going to make sure I don't A) get alcohol poisoning and B) don't blow up anything I'll miss tonight?

[/Ward]

I found myself wondering whilst waiting at the portkey station why Britain doesn't have any communists. Is it a lack of trust amongst our fellow Britons? Are we all just too savvy about the realities of human nature? Is it fear of that large a change to society?

All the optimism is burnt out.

( Warded Private )

Were I to have a source embedded deep inside the Ministry, I would not call them Deep Throat regardless of the tenor of their voice.

[Warded to Friends]

Took the kids to get hair cuts. Both Annie and Derek wanted mohawks. I told them they weren't Indians and that if they didn't act sensibly I was going to take a bowl to their heads and do it myself.

This, by the way, is a mohawk.
( Taken from the 'style' book: )

I like to think I'm not too domineering when it comes to their out-and-about, but this is where I draw the line.
[/Ward]

[Warded to Dulcinea]

Still on?
[/Ward]

Well, well, well.

And his son one step from the Minister, no less.

A hell of a week to be on vacation.

[Warded to Daily Prophet Employees]

Have fun, kids. Taking down a Ministry official is just about the most fun a reporter can have.
[/Ward]

[Warded to Marlene McKinnon]

I need to borrow your expertise for an article I'm writing. Are you going to be at Angie and Michael's for Passover?

[/Ward]

[Warded to Hadrian, Aaron, Florean]

Tell me I shouldn't just make them stay at Hogwarts over the holidays.

[/Ward]

[Warded to The Mightier Quills]

I leave the Mightier Quills in all of your capable hands this coming month. With my children due home mid-week and the upcoming holiday, I will not have the time to arrange and attend. I know it's difficult, but feel free to carry on without me.

[/Ward]

[Warded to Family/Friends]

Oh God. April. Children. How did we get here already?
[/Ward]

You know what these journal debates need? Moderators.

So much passion, so incredibly misdirected.

Sincere, heartfelt appreciation to my cohorts this evening: Florean Fortescue, Hugh Li, Ava Warwick and Augusta Longbottom. I can't say I enjoyed our time together, but it was certainly an experience I won't soon forget. Hopefully our paths never cross in such a fashion again.

( Warded Private, save for Hadrian )

[Warded to Roisin Doge]

Hello Healer Doge. I was wondering if I might take a couple moments of your time for a story that I am working on. If your schedule allows, might I visit you at St. Mungo's (or a place of your choosing) sometime this week?

--Horatio Beech, The Daily Prophet
[/Ward]

[Warded to Damocles Belby]

Hello Mr. Belby. I was wondering if I might take a couple moments of your time for a story that I am working on. If your schedule allows, might I meet with you at a place of your choosing sometime this week?

--Horatio Beech, The Daily Prophet
[/Ward]

[Warded to Hadrian]

I am drowning in hamentaschen. Is she that bored in Montreal?

In case you're wondering, I am not portkeying to Canada for Passover and I've already told her so.
[/Ward]

[Warded to DP Employees]

Biscuits in the canteen. I promise they haven't been purchased from any disreputable purveyors.
[/Ward]

[Warded to Cedric Weasley]

I know that your department is handling quite a bit this morning with the attack on Hogsmeade last night, but would you have an opportunity today to answer some questions?
[/Ward]

I'll admit to being surprised by the attack on Hogsmeade. A Walpurgian constituency is not the first place you'd expect to be attacked by the Dark Army, considering their alleged leader's political proclivities. An interesting development at a terrible human cost. My condolences to the families of the attacked.

[Warded to Members of the Mightier Quills]

Since we are coming up on the beginning of a new month, I think it's time we schedule up a meeting. I've taken the liberty of booking the great room at the Leaky Cauldron 12pm-1:30pm on Friday the 2nd. Hopefully I've bracketed up enough time for everyone to make it.

Also: no, that does not mean I'll be footing the bill for lunch.

As usual, please come with your quandries and queries, your concerns and complaints.

[/Ward]

( [Warded to Daily Prophet members] )

[Warded to Hadrian]

Are you still in Cardiff drinking your life away with Bilius Weasley?
[/Ward]

[Warded to Marlene McKinnon]

Derek and the girls are gong to see this. I'd like to see them - tonight, if I could.
[/Ward]

And I can't do radio because I'm a Geordie.

[Hadrian]

You haven't been hired for that new serial The Daily Scoop, have you?

The best part of this holiday is mocking this holiday. Decapitated roses, an empty box of chocolates, and reading the worst poetry known to humanity over a dinner of garlic na'an and curry takeaway.

Happy Un-Valentine's Day to the best wife to have ever lived: Maureen Beech. I'll see you in my dreams.

( Picture Spellotaped In )

( [Warded to Dulcinea Bulstrode] )

[Warded to Mighty Quills]

I think it was Wei Chang who said that much may still happen between last week and this? Well assessed.

I don't doubt that everyone is feeling a little shaken-up by these events. I'd like to get a count on who is still up to our monthly meeting tonight.
[/Ward]

[Warded to Doris Crockford]

Find some place safe to be tonight. Now.
[/Ward]

[Warded to Hortensio Hoodwinkle and Nicole Mason]

Clear space for 300 words and a splash for tomorrow. Mass murder in Wales. You'll have copy in two hours.
[/Ward]

added ten minutes later
[Warded to Ed Rifle]

Find some place safe to be tonight. Now.
[/Ward]