Order Only: Private Message to Harry and Hermione

[alt_draco]

I've been meaning to tell you both about a few things that happened over Hols. On the night of the Gala, Teddy told me that Ned Pennifold made it clear to him that the Lord Protector is keeping an eye out for more young recruits to the council. You know how Teds is, though - I couldn't be sure it wasn't a brag or a trap, so I let it lie. But then, at Blaison on Sunday morning, before Daphs and I went to Kings Cross, Alfred Montague told me that his brother, Jason, told him the same thing: start proving your worth, the Lord Protector is watching.

Harry, if your Father is casting his net over Hogwarts, then I'm going to make myself into a fish he can't refuse.

On Saturday I more or less implied to my Father that I will be distancing myself from him publicly. Though we didn't speak of his slipping social position directly, he knew why I was warning him. He told me that he didn't want me to put myself in danger to save him, and when I pointed out to him that I've never really not been in danger, he argued that I didn't need to put myself in the Lord Protector's service so completely. He made it clear that the last thing he wants is for me to bind myself to the Lord Protector.

After a time, I think he saw that he couldn't sway me, and he said that whatever I do, don't do it for my family's standing.

Of course, he thinks that's exactly why I'm doing it.

I think it's time I ask Snape if it's possible for him to train me in legilimency.

Comments

[alt_hermione]

If even your father thinks you shouldn't take the Mark then why would you do it?

[alt_draco]

Because the only council member who associates with the Order is McGonagall.

When's the last time she gave us something useful?

[alt_hermione]

That's really unfair, she's under such a terrible strain. And it's not as if she hears much way up here. I'm sure if she knew anything that could help, she'd tell us.

[alt_harry]

Imagine what Selwyn could've done if he'd known about the Horcruxes, Hermione.

[alt_hermione]

Yes, but he didn't and she's hardly in a position to go nosing about after them.

Well. All right. It just seems so terribly risky.

[alt_harry]

It's all risky, though, isn't it? Ron and Hydra are looking at joining the Aurors, and I don't know what he's planning on doing with me when I get to be of age, but I have an idea it's not going to be easy.

Private Message to Harry

[alt_hermione]

That's not the only reason it's risky. I'm sorry, Harry, but Draco's changed his mind about things once. What if he decides it's easier to play along so long that he changes his mind again?

Re: Private Message to Harry

[alt_harry]

He wouldn't

I don't think he'd do that. I really, really don't. He's not the sort of person to do something because it's easy.

Re: Private Message to Harry

[alt_harry]

And he wouldn't do that to us.

Re: Private Message to Harry

[alt_hermione]

I wish I could be so certain.

If he had to choose between the Order and his family? Can you really say he wouldn't save them if he could?

Besides, it would hardly be the first time someone goes in not believing what people say and gradually comes to accept it. Maybe he wouldn't start thinking mudbloods are all animals but he could certainly start thinking it's better to keep Muggles subjugated, or some of the other things the Council wants people to think.

If you keep lying long enough it's hard not to start living the lie. That's what Mr Snape says and I can well understand what he means.

Re: Private Message to Harry

[alt_harry]

I don't know. The Order would give him a better chance at being able to keep them safe than trusting that Voldemort would, even if he gave him all our heads on a platter.

And Hermione, he was the one who told me I ought to free you. I mean, I'd been thinking about it before he said it, but he told me that if it was his to give, that's what he'd give you. I don't think he'd go back after all this and be able to think that way.

Re: Private Message to Harry

[alt_hermione]

The Order just executed someone who wasn't even Marked. So I wouldn't blame Draco if he doubts we'd be able to protect Mr Malfoy, who's done far worse things and far more of them over the years.

[alt_draco]

I'm sure she would, too; therein lies the problem - she doesn't know anything. I don't know why and I'm not trying to discredit the sacrifices she's made, but having her in there alone hasn't been enough, and it's clearly taken its toll on her.

[alt_harry]

I guess he's running out of Council members.

What are you going to do? To make it so he'll want you?

Is there anything I can do to help?

[alt_draco]

Yeah. Don't act as if you're interested in joining, yourself.

Why should you? You're the heir, not one of the servants. You need to exude calm leadership. Like a political quidditch captain.

[alt_harry]

Okay...

I can do Quidditch, but I need a side. Who'd be on it?

Besides you, I mean.

[alt_harry]

And I guess it shouldn't look like I'm competing. With him.

[alt_draco]

All the students in the Order (that includes Hermione), and most of the galleon holders (including Daphne). By which I mean that they all know where you really stand.

And Raz, and Dolohov. By which I mean that, publicly, you want to strike the same notes they do. Embodiment of Protectorate ideology but in a measured, thoughtful way.

[alt_harry]

Okay.

I think I can see what you're getting at. So you'll be currying favour and I'll be sitting back and... letting people come to me?

[alt_draco]

Now you have the idea.

Hm. We should have brought a throne along from Buckingham.

private message to Harry

[alt_draco]

So what's she saying about me?

I already know it's not anything good.

Re: private message to Harry

[alt_harry]

She's worried that being on the council would change you. That you'd have to lie so much that you'd start believing it.

I told her you wouldn't.

Re: private message to Harry

[alt_harry]

And she was worried about your parents. About what you'd do to keep them safe.

Re: private message to Harry

[alt_draco]

Oh, is that all?

I'm surprised she's not actively trying to get me kicked out of the Order, if that's the case.

Re: private message to Harry

[alt_harry]

It's not like that.

I mean, with what's been going on with your parents lately

I think she's worried about you.

Your well-being, I mean.

That's part of it too.

Re: private message to Harry

[alt_draco]

Worried about me? I doubt that.

[alt_hermione]

And he really told you not to take the Mark? Your father, I mean?

[alt_draco]

Yes. Why? Are you surprised?

[alt_hermione]

Well...yes, honestly.

I guess it's hard to imagine your father turning against Voldemort. Even if he's slightly out of favour. He's just so.... I mean, he practically runs the Ministry, he tells the Minister what to do, doesn't he? So why would he of all people want things to change?

[alt_draco]

He certainly doesn't want everything to change, but he wants things to be stable. He wants whatever idyllic Pureblood utopia the Lord Protector promised him, and I think he's starting to see that he isn't ever going to get it.

[alt_hermione]

How do you know? I mean, did he tell you that?

Sorry. It's not that I don't believe you, it's just.... Well, it's just hard to believe.

[alt_draco]

No, he didn't tell me that, I'm just speculating.

Okay, why do you need to believe it? Isn't it enough that I do? Or am I missing something?

[alt_hermione]

You're right, of course. My opinion hardly matters. We should certainly take your word that your father's suddenly realised after only 20 years that he's backed the wrong broomrider.

He's always assumed you'd follow in his footsteps, that's what you've said. So if even he doesn't want you joining up, shouldn't that tell you that there might be other ways to proceed? Do you have to join Him? Couldn't you take a different sort of stand that wouldn't involve pretending to be one of them?

[alt_draco]

Look, I knew that neither you nor Harry would be thrilled at the notion of me voluntarily courting the council, but I thought you could both be counted on to see the practicality in it - you most of all.

And it isn't just about joining "Him," but about having access to what his followers and toadies are up to.

If you're worried that the Mark won't look good on me - well, that's what long-sleeves are for.

[alt_hermione]

Oh, ha-bloody-ha.

You know perfectly well you'd have access to his followers and toadies just as easily if they had to court you to get your support from outside the circle as within it.

What if your father was, I don't know, just testing you or something? To see if you're getting soft?

[alt_draco]

I still plan on allowing them to court me, to an extent. It's expected.

My Father has never once, not ever, tested me. He's never said I'm getting soft. Why would he start now?

He's seemed...scared, lately. For him, I mean. I know he wasn't testing me.

Is this all about you worrying I'll have too much fun with them?

[alt_hermione]

About bloody time It's hard to imagine him afraid, either, but it's good that he means it, not wanting you to be one of them.

No, I don't expect you'll find it fun.

It's just...it means you'll have to go back to how you were. You'll have to behave like a prat again. And I don't want you to have to if it's avoidable.

[alt_draco]

Funny, I don't recall the point when I stopped being a prat.

And you know, most of the time it really isn't about what you say with these people, it's how you say it. If I saw you and they were saying Sally Anne in the common room, for example, I'd say, "What do we have here? Why, if it isn't the cleverest little half blood at school," and they'd all think I was taking the mick on Sally Anne, but the joke's on them, see, because I'd actually be speaking the truth, and Sally Anne would know it.

Or - remember when I told Umbridge I'd caught Fawcett in the Forest, but she'd punched me like an animal and was dragged away by centaurs, and that I hoped they'd eat her?

That's what allowed the rest of you to help her escape.