Alter schützt vor Torheit nicht: Age does not protect from foolishness.

These letters begin in English but Ignan switches to German as he begins to get used to conversing in it full time again while away from Hogwarts.

Johann Storm
Department of International Magical Co-Operation
Ministry of Magic
London

Professor I. Storm
Winterstraße
30989 Gehrden, Germany

19th June 2009

Dear Johann,

I apologise for not managing that final drink with you before going back. Between the two of us, it appeared we were just too busy. If you make the trip over here, be sure to let me know.

The house elf has perished, on the dining room floor no less. I don't quite know how none of the family have realised. It was on its last legs, I just hoped it might stay on its feet until I got back. My guess is its been at least a month. The carpet needs replacing - elves leave magical residue that doesn't do describing. The room is sealed until that is done.

Its incredibly difficult to find a replacement elf these days. You would think there would be plenty, but the house elf liberation seems to have picked up pace over here in the younger generations where the blood is less pure. I will need to procure one soon though, if only to mind Merik.

I've had to confiscate his wand. Your father called earlier today and we made the mutual decision. For safekeeping, I have asked Wolfgang keep it so there is no chance of him procuring it. Unfortunately there is still the minor wandless magic to contend with, but doors opening and closing and lights extinguishing are the least of my concerns.

Do keep me informed of progress in Britain. The Daily Prophet deliveries treble in price to deliver here, so I have reduced them to Saturday editions only (for the benefit of the crossword, you understand). Though I am rather looking forward to an uneventful summer without teenagers and colleagues. Thoughts of September are far from my mind.

How is living with your werewolf companion? I trust more comforting and 'cuddly' than the snake?

Regards,

Professor I. Storm
Winterstraße
30989 Gehrden, Germany

Johann Storm
15, Westboune Park Road
Uxbridge
UB10 0DX
United Kingdom

20th June 2009

Dear Ignan,

How good to hear from you cousin, even if your letter brought news of decomposed house elves and senile old men!

Colin is asking what you have done with the body of the elf? If you're going to correspond body parts or photographs please would you mind addressing them directly to him at the above address, not via my desk at the Ministry? I have enough trouble explaining perfectly normal, intelligent matters with those at work without having to explain why someone is sending me details of a dead house elf.

Gabrielle turned up to the Ministry's open house event last night. Plenty of drink and food to be had along with the conversation - much better than houses with rotting carpets and grumpy wizards who open doors and extinguish candles in wake of their wand loss. You missed out. She has a filthy tan.

I don't think I will be in your area all summer sadly. Work has really picked up here, and with luck I'll persuade Gabrielle to take me on full time. I need the money what with moving in with Colin. He likes Muggle things and they can be more expensive to maintain. Also, I am suspected of breaking anything by using magic in the residence. Honestly, how can a wizard live without even the simplest of charms?

You may be able to source a house elf from the wizard I used to work for - he sold a dozen a year, not quite sure where they come from. Worth a try, I enclose the card. Perhaps two considering how Merik is. Either that or a really dominant one. Are house elves ever dominant?

Actually, don't answer that. I believe Colin mentioned something about female elves to me the other night and I had to apply a book on Japanese Magical law to my forehead several times to try and forget.

Pass on my regards to my father, he'll undoubtedly moan I write to you more than him. He doesn't disclose such rampant adventures in Germany in his letters though. Still thinks I should be back there working for the bank. You do agree that's perfectly boring - even if he does manage the Durmstrang accounts these days, in light of the Tetra wizard tournament. Apparently they're sending him out to value the ship and such before departure for insurance.

Regards,

Johann

Johann Storm
15, Westboune Park Road
Uxbridge
UB10 0DX
United Kingdom

Professor I. Storm
Winterstraße
30989 Gehrden, Germany

24th June 2009

Dear Johann,

The house elf has already been disposed of. I doubt it would have survived being sent to England in the state of decomposition it was in. I contacted your man regarding the house elves, and he will send word as soon as he can assist. Thank you.

I am sure I will catch up with Gabrielle at some point, though I don't hold my breath considering this Tetra-wizard tournament. She will undoubtedly take you on full time given the workload, I am sure you already know how to make yourself indispensable but lay off the antler charms this time round.

I suppose the bank is a pretty dull place to work, though I have never been interested in financial management. It has certainly kept your parents engaged and in good financial health all their life, from which you greatly benefitted. However I do suspect Wolfgang's wish for you to work for the bank may be partly due to wanting to keep an eye on his only son. You still have not adequately explained why your rented residence back here was broken into and turned over, or visited.

He did mention the boat, yes. He may well be over at Hogsmeade for the celebrations or periodically throughout the year to meet with Eisenberg and ensure he has all the funds he needs. These events are vast drains on money, but the bank probably rejoices in the business it gets for managing the accounts.

Much as I I don't want to think about September, I may enquire at the castle as to whether I may move back early in time for the arrivals of the foreign schools. The more time I have to study the 'enemy' the better perhaps, and I won't get a room anywhere else that month.

Send Gabrielle my regards and tell her she's welcome to escape here for a weekend (as are you).

Regards,

Professor I. Storm
Winterstraße
30989 Gehrden, Germany

Johann Storm
15, Westboune Park Road
Uxbridge
UB10 0DX
United Kingdom

1st July

Dear Ignan,

Sorry to be late in replying to your letters. I don't think I will have time to take up your invitation this summer, but give my regards to anyone who asks of me.

Along with the Tetra-Wizard Tournament, my private clients have become a little busier - summer is good trade time for some and I only wish they would all get along and not keep sending each other letters. Then again, I shouldn't complain for the coins. It helps me keep up with Colin and his rent requirements. Its incredibly hard to stop myself using magic around his various Muggle toys, apparently they're all fiendishly expensive, and I'm bound to break the most valuable one.

It is good to hear you may be coming here early. Despite myself, I do miss opportunities to speak with you in person. Hogsmeade is a lot more accessible than Hannover, cousin. I realise this may not be mutual.

Plans for the Tournament are in full swing, though there is a high degree of misinformation here as well as information. Lots of people in the Department have gone for occlumency training, but they don't seem to worried about my thoughts, given I'm still part time. The cheek of it, apparently there's no money to employ me full time. Lies! Its merely because I perform enough work in the few hours as another would in full hours.

Do tell me what is happening at home. I would dearly love to return, but it just isn't possible.

Regards,

Johann