I hope you, and those you care for, remain healthy and whole in the wake of yesterday's events. Although I obviously wish none of it had happened, I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen your department in action. The speed at which you were able to mobilize everyone and the efficiency of your personnel once on site in London was impressive. Having never personally been on the relief side of disaster relief previously, it was heartening to see how well your department was able to rise to the unexpected challenge. I know lives were lost yesterday and those cannot and should not be minimized, but I am also confident that your teams mitigated the damages significantly.

It occurred to me today that in the wake of such events there is never much recognition being handed out — certainly not from the public — and given your job, perhaps you're in the position more often than most. So I thought to write — to let you know that at least someone recognizes and appreciates the work done.

---

Mr. Dempsey,

I apologize for the delay in response. It's been a hectic week.

I am unharmed, as are the majority of my employees. I'm sure you've been keeping up to date with the latest in the Ministry considering your candidacy, but between the cleanup and the paperwork and the following up with families of deceased and injured individuals, it's been a hectic week in my department. Ministry work is often thankless—and oftentimes attempts at solving problems result in more criticism than anything else. I appreciate the recognition, and I will make sure to pass along the commendation to my employees. They see very little praise in times like this. It may be their job, but it's not an easy one, so any chance to remind them of their importance cannot be passed over.

I must in turn thank you for your assistance. I am not too proud to admit my shortcomings, and my knowledge of magical theory and spell modification goes only as far as my Hogwarts education. Your help during evacuation efforts no doubt saved countless lives.

Perhaps, when all of this is settled, we can have a drink.

Sincerely,

---

My letter required no reply, and so there is no need to apologize for your delay. I understand. I haven't slept well since

Perhaps it is presumptuous to say I understand, but I am at least trying to.

I'm not sure whether to parse your phrase "all of this" to mean the fallout from the dragon attack or the election (at this stage it feels surreal to think the election is still looming but I suppose it is), but in any case, I would be happy to share a drink on the other side of it.

---