Private Message to Mrs Longbottom, Auror Brodie, and Mrs Weasley

[alt_lavender]

I know there's a lot happening right now and people are grieving, but that's going to be going on for a while and I wanted to ask you about something that's rather time-sensitive.

I've been pondering all sorts of ways to bring this up, once I thought of it, but in the end I couldn't think of anything better than the direct and simple method, so:

It doesn't seem right for students to come back to Hogwarts and find The Three Broomsticks, which has always been a symbol of the happiest times of our school years, a devastated crime scene.

And they can't very well go to The Hog's Head--it's dirty and full of sad elderly Firewhiskey addicts, which is hardly a family atmosphere. So, unless Madame Rosmerta had family who are ready to take it on, I'd like to try to get the Broomsticks up and running for the autumn term. Is there any reason I shouldn't?

Mrs Weasley, if you have time, I was hoping you might be able to advise me. I know a lot of domestic charms and such, but I can't say that I ever even thought of doing anything like this with them.

Comments

[alt_molly]

I certainly think that's an idea worth exploring, Lavender. This is exactly what I was doing with the Hope Emporium, you know...advising people on starting new businesses. Or resurrecting them, in this case.

You will have to investigate who Madam Rosmerta's heirs were, of course, and then see about securing a loan, I suppose, unless your family is willing to help you with the financing. Frankly, it might be quite ambitious to get everything up and running for the autumn term. Goodness, Albion's process for licensing businesses is still being sorted out, too, you know--although I assure you the procedure won't be nearly as arbitrary as under the Protectorate!

But assuredly, I will help. And I think you are right: it would certainly be a business we should prioritise, so that the children coming back to Hogwarts will have a welcoming place in Hogsmeade.

[alt_alice]

What a thoughtful idea, Lavender.

I think Pansy Parkinson might be willing to help -- she's heading up a group to provide loans for new businesses, and has had some experience in these matters as well, and could make recommendations.

We can let you into the Ministry to see if you can track down any relevant paperwork that might help identify ownership or a possible will. No guarantees, mind, and it might be easier to just place an advert in the paper and ask for appropriate documentation.

[alt_lavender]

There won't be money coming from my family, unless my mum comes around and that could take awhile.

Surely no one would object if I just went down to Hogsmeade for a look round, to see what might need to be done to get it going again?

[alt_molly]

Of course no one will object, dear.

Why don't you stop by and see me, and we can settle on a time we could look around together? I know a bit about the sorts of things you should look for.

[alt_lavender]

That'd be lovely, thank you.

And I'll grit my t write to Pansy Parkinson to see what expertise she might be willing to offer.