Order Only - Private message to Snape

[alt_draco]

I saw your suggestion on how to best deal with the matter of Teddy Nott. While I agree that it would be ideal to be rid of him once and for all, I don't think Hydra's the only candidate well-positioned to take him out. Nott Sr. is aligned with Mulciber's group of council members - the ones who have been instrumental in edging my father out of the Lord's inner-circle. If I were to arrange a scenario where Teddy falls to my wand, it could be presented as a defense of my father's honour. It might even raise my father's position somewhat, if done with skill and flair.

What are your thoughts?

Comments

[alt_draco]

Hydra has cause to act against Teddy because he tried to pull her? I understand he was being disgusting, but still.

If the situation with my Father isn't enough to warrant action, what of Teddy's constant defiance in the face of Harry's authority? Harry already brought out Greg and Vince to send a message to Teddy. Doesn't he now have good reason to take things further and bring in his best mate?

[alt_severus]

Miss Lestrange has cause to act against Nott because he has been inappropriate, threatening, and disrespectful of her stated boundaries. For her to respond with violence, whether fatal or not, would be thought an overreaction, but not shockingly so.

Mr Potter, likewise, has cause to act against Nott, though that situation is far more complex, and for him to escalate to anything more lasting than a schoolboy beating would cause a number of unwarranted repercussions, many of which would land upon Miss Granger's shoulders. For you to do so on his behalf would, again, cause uncomfortable attention to be paid. Crabbe and Goyle are expected to be Mr Potter's enforcers. You are not.

You are searching for ways to justify leaping to Miss Granger's defence, Draco. That you wish to protect her so assiduously is to your credit. It is also impossible. When this contest started, you and Miss Granger discussed the possibility that you would need to be seen treating her as someone in your position would be expected to treat any 'mudblood': do not forget that resolution. The courage to not act when others threaten her is just as important as the courage to act against her no matter what your feelings might be.

She will be protected. You simply cannot be the one to do it.

[alt_draco]

If she will be protected, and is being protected, then why was her cubby so thoroughly searched yesterday?

[alt_draco]

And yes, I know I need to get rid of this, somehow. I'm working on it. The occlumency exercises help for a time, but despite all efforts I am finding it difficult to make myself not care.

[alt_severus]

Searching her things does not put her in danger, as she has been careful to ensure her space shows only the story she wishes to tell. (Indeed, it may protect her further, by showing that she is nothing more than she appears.)

I have begun to suspect that making yourself not care about Miss Granger is impossible, but you must keep that emotion as emotion only, not as action. If you need a retelling of the story of my own inappropriate attachment and what it led to as motivation, I will do so if I must.

[alt_draco]

I don't know if I can -

No, you're right. I know you are. Mustn't act on emotion. I'm not a foaming, raging Gryffindor, am I. No.

Someone noticed, though. t's not someone dangerous, but she noticed, just the same. Sally Anne. I asked her to explain how and - it must be showing. She said I reminded her of Ron Weasley.

It's just that I find it very hard to pretend I don't care, when a part of me worries that it will mean I don't care.

[alt_severus]

The more you obsess over not showing your feelings, the more those feelings will slip free.

And if you have been unable to rid yourself of this attachment through your best efforts at every mental discipline I have to teach, a bit of play-acting at indifference is unlikely to be the end of it.

[alt_draco]

So, what... are you saying I ought to take a half hour out of each day to just sit back feel things, in private? Instead of forcing myself not to at all hours of the day and failing miserably?

[alt_severus]

As the other approach is not working, perhaps that might.