Order Only - Private message to Rachel Brodie

[alt_draco]

I'm trying to figure out if I've been compromised.

I have Russell's journal and scarcely anyone writes to him directly (a few of his co-workers, one of his neighbours, etc.). He makes very few entries, as well, but follows quite a few people.

A bit ago he got a PM from Jason Montague, who was in here last night with Finnigan, Troy Derwent, Alfred Montague, and Demetrius Martyn. They had a round of drinks and chatted about the reception for the Protectorate Security Society (more on that soon).

Montague didn't say a word to me last night other than to order drinks for everyone. But in his message he seems overly familiar. Said he might stop by some night when I'm closing alone, like "last time." And then he asked if it had been seven or eight months ago, and could I refresh his memory?

Essentially I can't tell if I (as Russell) am being propositioned or if I'm under suspicion.

Comments

[alt_rachel]

Jason Montague is working for me.

I can let him know that 'Faust' is, too. Warn him off. That means he'll know you could compromise him, if you're captured. But he'll try to make sure that doesn't happen. If you'd prefer I don't, however, you can handle his PM however you'd like.

[alt_draco]

Seriously? He's on the council, so how does that work, exactly? Won't Bellatrix find out? He must be able to occlude, obviously.

Or - animagus?

I mean, if I knew what he was doing I would have a better idea of whether or not you should warn him off.

Sodding Russell Faust. He never said a word about Jason Montague.

[alt_rachel]

He's an occlumens and a legilimens, which is possibly why he decided to prod Faust. He might have noticed he couldn't read him anymore.

Hydra had mentioned to me he was an occlumens. It's why I approached him to see if I could persuade him to pass information, given Bella.

[alt_draco]

Alright. Well, if you're fully certain he's not going to turn me in to my Aunt, anyway. Then go ahead.

Make sure he knows he can't tell that sodding snitch, Finnigan.

[alt_rachel]

Pretty sure he doesn't gossip about his job to Finnigan. How attached was Finnigan to him, could you tell?

[alt_draco]

Well he kept looking at Montague, that's for sure. Not in a gooey way, just sort of constantly checking in with eye contact and such. Montague seems to encourage or reward it. Gives him a little pat or whatever. They weren't hiding it in front of their mates.

Montague asks everyone loads of questions, then sits back and lets everyone else talk while he listens. Finnigan doesn't talk much, though - he listens like Montague does.

[alt_rachel]

Also, have you got some excuse in mind for the next time one of Faust's old lays turns up? Montague's probably not the only one he forgot to mention.

[alt_draco]

Hydra said Faust was gay, but trying to suppress it. Part of the reason he was such a good subject was his lack of personal relationships, romantic or otherwise. He told me he was hoping to find a wife in Austria.

So, I suppose if someone else shows up I'll go into full on suppression mode. Definitely won't be difficult, that.

[alt_rachel]

A wife? I feel sorry for the woman already.

Montague said that he knew something was off because he couldn't read you, but that otherwise you were exactly the same, except for 'entirely lacking that quiet desperation of a secret, shameful shirt-lifter.' He doesn't think we need to worry about any other lovers, or that anyone else will notice.

[alt_draco]

Yeah, doubt it's going to happen.

Montague sounds like someone who thinks himself quite funny.

[alt_rachel]

Oh, he does. Always has.

[alt_rachel]

I should add, just in case this isn't clear, that you may not share Jason Montague's name with anyone. You are the only active Auror who knows it, but clearly you need to, so now you do.

Alice, Sirius, and Remus also know.

[alt_draco]

Understood.

He and Finnigan are clearly an item, by the way.

[alt_rachel]

Yeah? Good to know.