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_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.