ORDER ONLY: Private Message to Severus

[alt_alice]

Severus, do you have any idea what's gotten into Albus? He's requesting a meeting with me, and claims you're the cause. Or at least, you're the one who pointed out the need for it.

He's come by Moddey Dhoo twice. The first was to poke at our captured Octoborus, and talk cryptically with Cecelia Perks. I believe his only words to me were 'Where is it?'. The second was to bring me my Frank after Saltash, where he attempted to explain exactly what happened. After he said he didn't expect Frank would die, he abruptly left, and then sent an enormous fruit basket by way of an apology at Christmas.

I must admit, I'm a bit flummoxed. Do I have a cause for concern? He said the meeting ought to be sooner rather than later, and I'd rather not be blindsided.

Comments

[alt_severus]

I suspect it is regarding the lecture I gave him several weeks ago, the one about either getting off his arse and being a leader or getting out of the way of the rest of us lot and letting us get on with it, instead of perpetually showing up just frequently enough to keep us from disregarding him entirely and not frequently enough to be of any real use. I do not know which of the two options he has chosen, but I suspect he wishes to clarify his position, and yours, in regards to the Order.

I doubt you have cause for concern, in either direction. Should he repay your service to the Order poorly, I will not hesitate to once more attempt to prick the conscience of the king. I will not disclose the balance of what we said to each other in my last attempt, as it touches on secrets I intend to bring to my grave should I not find myself in a situation in which they absolutely must be spent, but I understand what motivates him rather more than others might. I am perfectly willing to employ that understanding to dog his heels should he continue to be as frustrating as he has been.

[alt_alice]

Ah, I see.

That does settle my nerves somewhat, then. I must admit that I wondered, seeing his request for an immediate meeting so soon on the heels of my latest summary, if I'd done something horribly wrong.

Well. If I am leading us in a direction he'd rather we not go, I suppose he'll tell me, which is far better than silence and uncertainty.

And of all of us, I believe you are particularly well-suited to nip at his heels with impunity.

[alt_alice]

Lecturing Albus Dumbledore to get off his arse.

Honestly, Severus, it's making me quite giggly to imagine it.

[alt_severus]

I shall choose to take that as a compliment.

And if he wishes to take exception to your achievements — which he would be a fool to do — you need only remind him that he could have weighed in at any time, and in the absence of guidance you have been steering us as you see fit.

[alt_alice]

All teasing aside, love, you and Poppy both are quite capable of bringing us all back to a rather firm reality (even though the truth of it can sometimes sting), and for that, I will always be grateful.

I know I can depend on you to hold me accountable, and give me an unvarnished view of the world, and I appreciate that you're holding Albus to a similar standard. I'd expect no less.

It can be difficult sometimes to separate the man from the myth. Especially when he keeps himself so distant. I'll just have to borrow a measure of your strength for our meeting on Saturday.