Oh, this is fabulous, mystery author. I adore the Scrimgeour voice and perspective you've captured. Not that your Rita disclaimer was the slightest bit necessary (though I can see I'm going to have to familiarize myself with your inspirations, if they're half this enjoyable); what you call "stiltedness," I see as the same careful control of the situation that Rufus does. And the interplay between the two is just the way I like it, with as much to be mined from the silences and suggestions as from what's said and done. Thank you, thank you!