Order Only

[alt_draco]

There's something I need to make clear.

I know that the Order did everything that they could to help keep my parents safe. It didn't really work, but that's not anyone in the Order's fault. The Protectorate is an altogether unpredictable place, and the Lord Protector even more so. Even if my father's travel plans to France hadn't been discovered, there's no telling what the Lord Protector would have done. There is no action, no plan, that is secure and foolproof.

From here on out, I don't expect, or want, anyone to make any moves to protect my parents further.
They made their choice to follow a megalomaniac long ago, and must live with the consequences of that choice.

Thank you to those of you who put your wand on the line to help them out in the first place. I promise it wasn't for nothing, even if it feels like it was.

Oh - and sorry I wrecked the best broom at Moddey. I pushed it beyond its capabilities, I'm afraid.

Comments

Private message to Harry and Hydra

[alt_draco]

Can you two come to 12Grim this afternoon or evening?

We should talk about how you're going to manage your new trio of councilmembers, Harry. And yes, I said "your," because near as I can tell, the fact that the Lord Protector had you at the ceremony basically means that they're yours, to do with as you please.

I know I won't be at school next year but that doesn't mean I don't have ideas on how this could be managed.

Oh, and if you could bring the Invisibility cloak, I'd like to borrow it, just for a day or two.

Re: Private message to Harry and Hydra

[alt_hydra]

I can come round, yes.

Re: Private message to Harry and Hydra

[alt_harry]

Good.

Yeah. I'll be there. And you can borrow it for as long as you need.

Private message to Hermione

[alt_draco]

I've invited Harry and Hydra over tonight, if you'd like to sit in.

I have a few ideas I want to discuss with them, and I have a feeling they'll make him uncomfortable. I'm fairly certain Hydra will be receptive, but my ideas involve Harry flexing his power and you know how uncertain he can be about that.

You read what he said, about how the Lord Protector called Harry "his arm?" while he marked Hydra, Seamus, and Padma?

That sends a pretty clear message. Harry's actions are to be treated the same as if they came from the Lord Protector himself. That Harry was also there for the marking almost makes it seem as if the three were marked for him.

He needs to act as if that's precisely the case. Because it IS the case. You are MY councilwizard and witches, and you'll answer to me. And this can't wait until school starts. He needs to let them know that things are different right now, immediately. Because if left unchecked, Padma and Seamus could cause major problems next year. They'll be eager to prove themselves and their loyalty, and we already know that Seamus will kill, if it's required of him. He needs to know that he doesn't answer to Rosier anymore, he answers to Harry. Same with Padma. And since Harry no longer has a bodyguard or a mudblood servant, I think he ought to start using his Death Eaters to fill that role.

Oh, and I think the first thing he should tell Padma is that she has to give up her "odd, foreign religion." This is the Protectorate, you don't serve any dead Gods or Goddesses, you only serve me and my father.

Maybe that will make her stop and think about what this "honour" will require her to give up.

Re: Private message to Hermione

[alt_hermione]

All right.

I think you're right--he does need to stop being so cautious and start pushing more. And you're right that Patil and Finnigan won't like it one bit.

I hope everyone takes you at your word, about your parents. I know you're tired of it.

Re: Private message to Hermione

[alt_draco]

If they don't like it, he has to cruciate them.

No, better yet - he orders Padma to cruciate Seamus, and Seamus to cruciate Padma. That's right out of the Lord Protector's playbook.

Hydra's role is the sympathetic ear, and that way, she can keep the other ear on their thoughts.

You have to admit I would have been brilliant at this.

Oh, well. I'll find something new to be brilliant at.

Re: Private message to Hermione

[alt_hermione]

You're still brilliant at planning.

But I think we'll be good at what we have in mind to do, too.

If we ever get any other leads on where they are, that is.

Re: Private message to Hermione

[alt_draco]

Oh, I have a plan for finding the horcruxes, too.

We just need to gather up some sad and lonely young girls, as they seem to attract horcruxes the same way my pockets attract lint.

[alt_alice]

There's no need to apologise about the broom, Draco. I'm just glad you weren't hurt.

Private Message to Alice

[alt_cedric]

Do you need another broom? I've got two and access to the Cannons' brooms for work.

Jaspar might be disappointed but my parents won't question that I've 'sold it off' and he can't bring a broom to Hogwarts this fall anyway.

Re: Private Message to Alice

[alt_alice]

Thank you, Cedric. Much appreciated.

Re: Private Message to Alice

[alt_cedric]

Next time I'm able to make it to training I'll bring it along.

Private message to Draco

[alt_severus]

I am exceptionally glad that you are feeling better.

And now that you are, and that the sentiment will — I hope — be less unwelcome, I must apologise for my part in what transpired.