— addressed to Ford at the Ministry —      

10th June, 1892

Mr. Greengrass,

I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to attend Mr. Sidebottom's Celebration of Eternal Life late last month. I understand that you were there in a professional capacity, of course, but it was kind of you to touch base with him nonetheless. While our clients do, on the whole, seem to appreciate what we are able to do for them, I worry that the anticlimax to follow—the thought of eternity—can weigh heavily upon them. It no doubt does them good to know that there are diligent men of the Ministry of Magic who won't leave them entirely adrift!

I write in the hopes that you might do me the favour of an introduction. Well, introductions, plural. You see, as part of my on-going efforts, I intend to interview a number of ghosts, ideally from a variety of periods. While I do have the acquaintance of a number who are, for lack of a better term, 'fresh', I worry it should seem impertinent were I just to stroll up to a strange spirit and begin pestering them! Should you be willing to oblige, I would thank you dearly.

Regards both to yourself and your family.

Sincerely,
Miss D. Dodderidge

Fortitude Greengrass

  

---

— set by stef ♡ —

11 June 1892

Dear Miss Dodderidge,

It really was the least we could do — the last thing anyone in my office wants is for someone to be left feeling "adrift" as you put it. Given the difference in treatment within society between Spirits and the Living I cannot imagine it is an easy transition for anyone. Mr. Sidebottom is fortunate to have an organization such as yours to provide something tangible to help with the adjustment.

What sorts of interviews are you planning to conduct, exactly? I know of a number of ghosts who are dying for someone to talk to (pardon the bad joke) but they may or may not suit your purposes. Are you looking for a particular type of spirit, or a certain range of experiences?

Regards to you and yours,
F. Greengrass
Spirit Division

---

  

---

Set by Lady!

— addressed to Ford at the Ministry —      

15th June, 1892

Mr. Greengrass,

I hear myriad bad jokes in the run of a day, sir; your own was mediocre, but could not be classed as bad. Indeed, I confess I had a small laugh to myself when I read it.

As to your question, I am interested exclusively in ghosts who became such at least two decades ago. I would also entertain more recent deaths if they were grisly murders Such interviews would serve multiple purposes, not least of which would allow me to create a pamphlet of sorts for the newly deceased. If you are aware of any late individuals who are particularly aged, or who have come to the area from further afield, I suppose I personally would find that most interesting, but neither is a requirement for my project.

Regards both to yourself and your family.

Sincerely,
Miss D. Dodderidge

Fortitude Greengrass

  

---

— set by stef ♡ —

17 June 1892

Dear Miss Dodderidge,

On the one hand, you've chosen your subject well; in my experience older ghosts, without the benefit of family or friends still among the living, are frequently lonely and desirous of someone to talk to. On the other hand, there is a phenomenon where particularly aged ghosts sometimes become fed up with us livings and can be rather short when forced to interact, or when they're asked a question they don't particularly care for. There's also the issue of manners; some things which we consider normal now may have been taboo in their era and thus may offend them if the subject arises in conversation. Talking to someone from a dramatically different era is a little like speaking with someone from a different culture, or so I'm told; misunderstandings are frequent.

In any case, I've enclosed a list of spirits I believe might be amenable to your project. Please do let me know if you'd like me to facilitate any introductions. Of note, if you interview Barnaby Wye, let me know — I know him well and I can give you some tips for managing him.

Regards,
F. Greengrass
Spirit Division

---

  

---

Set by Lady!