ORDER ONLY
Oct. 13th, 2013 06:25 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_aliceThere are a few things to put on the table:
First of all, Minerva, were you able to add the New London babies back to the false book?
I've read through the report, and have talked things over with Frank regarding New London. Thank you to everyone who contributed, it was very thorough.
It's difficult to determine how much your ease of entry and lack of Unspeakables working at the time of your arrival was due to the Felix and how much was due to their usual procedures, but it's fairly clear that Barty Crouch was notified of your arrival in Mysteries through some sort of alarm. Nevertheless, we've got a working idea of the layout of the interior (we're currently trying to sort out if it shifts in predictable ways or completely at random), and a basic idea as to where they might be held based on Arista's report.
The way I see it, we've got a few different goals, some of which would be far more difficult to pull off successfully than others. All of them hold a very high degree of risk, and possibly extensive collateral damage for Ministry workers and the young women and children we'd be trying to rescue.
The first goal is to rescue as many of the muggleborn women and children as we can. We know there are three babies, we can assume most of the rest of the women will be pregnant. There also might be older children there -- ages nine to thirteen -- as we missed a few during those early years, and they would qualify for Strangweale's machine.
The second goal is to actively prevent this programme from continuing by destroying the machine, and preventing the people who have knowledge of how to build it from continuing their work by any means necessary. I believe at this moment this ability is limited to one person, Strangeweale himself, but that might not necessarily be the case.
I've gone through several different scenarios as to how we might accomplish these things, and there is no easy way to approach it.
One potential plan would be to capture Strangeweale, and either use him for polyjuice, or Imperius him so that he'll direct the captives to a safe location and then destroy his own machine (and himself in the process). The latter would be rather tricky to do, but if we had someone alongside of him posing as an assistant or potential victim, it might be possible to maintain the Imperius. If we were to use polyjuice, I'm unsure as to whether it would set off security measures at the Department of Mysteries. We'd also have to question Strangweale very closely for potential security information he'd be expected to know, and be absolutely certain that he was revealing what he knew in full. Given that he's associated with the Department of Mysteries, I'm not assuming this will be easy.
Accessing the victims, even with the layout provided by Arista and the ISS, will be difficult. Bringing them to a location where they can be extracted without raising an alarm will be likewise risky. Destroying the machine will be the simplest of all of these things, and it's still something that will present a great many obstacles in terms of being able to enter the facilities, destroy it, and then exit.
I'm inclined to attempt Imperius on Strangeweale, only because there are so many unknown factors that could come along with polyjuice. Does anyone have any other ideas in terms of which direction we might take this?
We've also got seven babies who aren't of New London that we need to target, not including Kathleen Byrne of Killarney, who is still in Moody's court. Although we have more pressing concerns with New London, I'd like to start the process for at least a few of these, so as to not let them build to something unmanageable. Bill, please let me know once the paperwork is ready. Molly, Tonks, Remus, Sirius, I might ask you to team up and help bring them in once we're ready.
First of all, Minerva, were you able to add the New London babies back to the false book?
I've read through the report, and have talked things over with Frank regarding New London. Thank you to everyone who contributed, it was very thorough.
It's difficult to determine how much your ease of entry and lack of Unspeakables working at the time of your arrival was due to the Felix and how much was due to their usual procedures, but it's fairly clear that Barty Crouch was notified of your arrival in Mysteries through some sort of alarm. Nevertheless, we've got a working idea of the layout of the interior (we're currently trying to sort out if it shifts in predictable ways or completely at random), and a basic idea as to where they might be held based on Arista's report.
The way I see it, we've got a few different goals, some of which would be far more difficult to pull off successfully than others. All of them hold a very high degree of risk, and possibly extensive collateral damage for Ministry workers and the young women and children we'd be trying to rescue.
The first goal is to rescue as many of the muggleborn women and children as we can. We know there are three babies, we can assume most of the rest of the women will be pregnant. There also might be older children there -- ages nine to thirteen -- as we missed a few during those early years, and they would qualify for Strangweale's machine.
The second goal is to actively prevent this programme from continuing by destroying the machine, and preventing the people who have knowledge of how to build it from continuing their work by any means necessary. I believe at this moment this ability is limited to one person, Strangeweale himself, but that might not necessarily be the case.
I've gone through several different scenarios as to how we might accomplish these things, and there is no easy way to approach it.
One potential plan would be to capture Strangeweale, and either use him for polyjuice, or Imperius him so that he'll direct the captives to a safe location and then destroy his own machine (and himself in the process). The latter would be rather tricky to do, but if we had someone alongside of him posing as an assistant or potential victim, it might be possible to maintain the Imperius. If we were to use polyjuice, I'm unsure as to whether it would set off security measures at the Department of Mysteries. We'd also have to question Strangweale very closely for potential security information he'd be expected to know, and be absolutely certain that he was revealing what he knew in full. Given that he's associated with the Department of Mysteries, I'm not assuming this will be easy.
Accessing the victims, even with the layout provided by Arista and the ISS, will be difficult. Bringing them to a location where they can be extracted without raising an alarm will be likewise risky. Destroying the machine will be the simplest of all of these things, and it's still something that will present a great many obstacles in terms of being able to enter the facilities, destroy it, and then exit.
I'm inclined to attempt Imperius on Strangeweale, only because there are so many unknown factors that could come along with polyjuice. Does anyone have any other ideas in terms of which direction we might take this?
We've also got seven babies who aren't of New London that we need to target, not including Kathleen Byrne of Killarney, who is still in Moody's court. Although we have more pressing concerns with New London, I'd like to start the process for at least a few of these, so as to not let them build to something unmanageable. Bill, please let me know once the paperwork is ready. Molly, Tonks, Remus, Sirius, I might ask you to team up and help bring them in once we're ready.
Private message to Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 02:09 am (UTC)Re: Private message to Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 02:11 am (UTC)I figure it's better to anticipate they'll be there so we can plan for it.
However much we can plan for this sort of thing.
Re: Private message to Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 03:41 am (UTC)Re: Private message to Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 03:51 am (UTC)Goodness.
It's one thing to have so many people willing to take on such a monumental risk, most of them wildly unsuited to the task at hand, but at this point, I'd rather just sort out what it is we ought to best do.
Re: Private message to Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 04:11 am (UTC)And yes. I think fundamentally the issue is that we're all so desperate to end what Strangeweale's doing that people want to offer whatever they can.
Of course, that doesn't mean they should be allowed.
Re: Private message to Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 04:17 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 08:39 pm (UTC)But that's it.
That's who cleans DoM.
Don't suppose that helps us.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 08:45 pm (UTC)Between us and Dogstar and the Crimson Company and all the rest there's scores of subversive groups. There could be one that's all about Freeing House Elves and they wouldn't think, 'ugh, someone's trying to slip Magical Maintenance' in here, right?
(Or make it look like something went wrong and made that person go dotty. That probably happens. Maybe even a lot.)
Even if it doesn't work to get you in there cleaning, it'll disrupt things for them, right?
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 09:12 pm (UTC)And you made me laugh out loud at the idea of some group risking everything to go around setting elves free. I can't decide if I'd like to meet any of them--or not.
And, you're right it might wrongfoot them if we were able to make their elves walk off work all at once. I'm not sure it would be more than a nuisance, though. And it would take luck to catch even one of the Unspeakables. But... well, it's worth thinking about.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:12 am (UTC)I mean you'd need a portkey obviously but stealing a portkey that would take them somewhere you could meet them might be easier than getting to the main entrance without being caught.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:18 am (UTC)it'd have to be enough to cover everyone. and it might be hard specifying where they're sent, or getting them all sent to one or two places.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:28 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:16 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:20 am (UTC)You said someone posing as an 'assistant or victim' might go with Strangeweale to maintain the Imperius.
Assistant won't work because everyone in Mysteries would know immediately this person didn't belong. It HAS to be someone who could pass as a victim.
That means one of us, because we're young enough. But not Harry, Draco, Pansy, Hydra, or anyone else people might have seen at a party and recognise.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:23 am (UTC)But although I've done some work with CCF and had some time in Dark Arts, I don't know if I would be much help maintaining an Imperius.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:25 am (UTC)It HAS to be someone who's reasonably good at the Imperius Curse.
I've cast it in Dark Arts class. I know I could do it. I would want to practice, though, because I'm not absolutely sure how long I could keep it up.
Private message to Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 02:27 am (UTC)They are as brave as can be, but must we use them this way? Can't it be avoided?
Re: Private message to Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 02:29 am (UTC)Strenuously avoid.
If we can't get around with Polyjuice, we'll see how well Tonks can look like a thirteen-year-old.
Trust me on this.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:23 am (UTC)Or Tonks, I suppose, but how are you at Dark Arts? They didn't teach it when you were at school.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:27 am (UTC)We might need to test that theory first.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:32 am (UTC)We're not as old and senile as you clearly think.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:50 am (UTC)Alice: I will volunteer, presuming there are not anti-Polyjuice measures being taken.
Private Message to Severus
Date: 2013-10-14 03:14 am (UTC)I know that I will be depending on you regardless to question Strangeweale.
Re: Private Message to Severus
Date: 2013-10-14 03:20 am (UTC)Do remember that some of us are possessed of a somewhat more utilitarian viewpoint than others.
I will do whatever is necessary.
Re: Private Message to Severus
Date: 2013-10-14 03:24 am (UTC)And I'm grateful for it.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:52 am (UTC)If Alice orders me to.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:54 am (UTC)Sorry, Alice, don't mean to step on your toes, but -- no.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 03:05 am (UTC)We could test it by Polyjuicing someone who works at Ministry, and then Imperiusing them to simply enter and then exit the Department of Mysteries.
If it does set off an alarm, they might increase security measures, however.
I think our options are rather limited if we decide not to go the Polyjuice route, and that our best possible scenario in that case would be for Tonks to be in disguise as a victim. I have faith in her abilities to learn the curse and perform it adequately given enough practise.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 03:12 am (UTC)We could also just plan on sending in an additional imperiused polyjuiced person at the same time to head in a different direction and create a diversion.
Private Message to Tonks
Date: 2013-10-14 03:18 am (UTC)At this point and time, I'm simply trying to make sure none of our young people believes they must volunteer, because that is not going to happen under any circumstances. (I've already had to soothe Molly.)
We'll work through our options. This is only one of them. And I depend on you to be straightfoward with me regarding whether you think you would be willing and able to do something of this magnitude.
Re: Private Message to Tonks
Date: 2013-10-14 01:59 pm (UTC)And I thought some about who to ask to talk me through casting Imperius. It shouldn't be Severus during term, and... I'd feel more comfortable asking Mac than either him or Bill, anyway. I don't mean I couldn't work with Bill, only, I'd rather not. Do you see?
Re: Private Message to Tonks
Date: 2013-10-14 02:40 pm (UTC)Of course.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 01:53 pm (UTC)We shouldn't hope Mysteries is unprotected against Polyjuice. They're tighter than ever down there. I don't think anyone will be waltzing in there of an evening ever again after what happened last spring, unless we've got more of that luck potion and feel sure we know how to control it.
Remus asked who cleans for them, and the answer is no one from Magical Maintenance. DoM is its own preserve.
So, I think I'll see if Mac couldn't find time to train me in Imperius. I expect that being a mum is good preparation. The trick will be not bringing it home with me.
Private Message to Charlie
Date: 2013-10-14 03:20 am (UTC)Re: Private Message to Charlie
Date: 2013-10-14 03:22 am (UTC)Yeah, thought we would be, but I wanted to get my veto in early. The last thing he needs is more excuse.
Private message to Charlie and Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 03:42 am (UTC)I meant I could teach it if need be, if we have no one else. And only if Alice orders me to. But we have Severus and Macnair, who could probably do a better job of that than me.
I don't think I should go on the mission, though, and I'm not volunteering for it. Let them think me a coward, if they like (some Gryffindor, huh). Or more likely, too madly susceptible for it.
The ugly truth is, I probably am.
Re: Private message to Charlie and Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 03:49 am (UTC)My job, as distasteful as it is at times like these, is to find where people go best, and how they can be of greatest use. And you are most useful in your current role.
We have other people who can teach it, that's true, and until we sort out the potion, I'd rather not give you additional exposure beyond what's necessary.
I do appreciate your willingness to share some of this burden. Honestly, Bill, right now this is not due to any shortcomings on your part. It is because I have others with different skill sets who would be suited for this work in a different way.
I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good: Private message to Ron
Date: 2013-10-14 02:55 am (UTC)Though what do I know IT'S CLEARLY JUST THAT I THINK THEY'RE SENILE.
Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good: Private message to Ron
Date: 2013-10-14 02:04 pm (UTC)Sorry.
You're right, though, about Bill.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 03:08 am (UTC)point taken, though -- maintaining imperius would be risky.
polyjuice might be a better road to take, if we knew that it wouldn't raise any alarms.
or if we knew we could get in and portkey out fast enough so that an alarm wouldn't hinder.
Private Message to Frank
Date: 2013-10-14 03:10 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 04:07 am (UTC)They're Unforgivable not because they're particularly difficult. In fact, if they were so impossible to cast then the Ministry wouldn't have had to outlaw them, would they have?
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 02:26 am (UTC)Private Message to Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 04:10 am (UTC)When you come, we'll talk about what I've learned so far.
Re: Private Message to Alice
Date: 2013-10-14 04:15 am (UTC)Hopefully, we'll manage to sort out a plan that doesn't involve my sending a teenager to certain death.
Mercy.
no subject
Date: 2013-10-14 04:48 pm (UTC)But the invisibility cloak did work while we were inside. So that's something. And the masks kept working too.