Unlikeliest of Allies

[Josephina Flint]

Mr/Miss/Mrs Wright

As I recall you rather enjoy stating your own opinion, so thought I should forward today’s Prophet to you. It may be of interest if you can bear to divert your attentions from the liberation of woodlice or campaign to allow hags the right to run nurseries.

I doubt it is any cause to start building a barricade outside Whitehall just yet- only one ministry worker suffering from what I believe is termed Napoleon syndrome-, but thought it might be a more worthwhile focus for your incessant opinions.

Madam Josephina Flint
Former Minister for Magic

[Jude Wright]

January, 1885

Madam Flint,

Perhaps unsurprisingly, I confess honest surprise upon having received your letter. Based on our prior exchanges, I might have even concluded Mr. Skeeter's ludicrous suggestions to be on a near plane to the outdated ideals you enjoy proclaiming. But instead, am I to understand that, on this issue, you do believe women equal to men and equally capable of duelling? How progressive of you.

Despite having much else to get on with, I do not disagree that this is a campaign that ought to be easily and swiftly quashed - though indeed, it may also be a valuable opportunity for further debate, not least in extending the established duelling rules for women in the opposite direction - and I may well add my voice to the fray. Will we be seeing a public rebuttal of your own, at all? I do not imagine you have much else to do with your days, after all.

Mr. Jude Wright

  

[Josephina Flint]

Mr/Miss/Mrs Wright

Progressive. /prəˈɡrɛsɪv/
Adjective. (Of a person or idea) favouring social reform.

Hardly a phrase that I think you have any capability to bestow upon myself, unless wanting to reinforce the natural blood superiority is something that you define under that umbrella. Mr Skeeter’s remarks come too close to a slight to my own person for me to dismiss them, however. I doubt a man who harbours a belief that flowers can be harmful to a woman’s health feels kindly about my having been Minister, and as I’m sure you’re aware, I do not let insults, said or unsaid, pass me by.

I’m certain no public rebuttal will be needed. Mr Skeeter, after all, must be rather attached to his remaining limbs. I doubt he would risk them by making such eminent enemies.

Madam Josephina Flint
Former Minister for Magic