ORDER ONLY

[alt_alice]

We're a few days away from the equinox, and by our best reckoning, there'll be another octoborus surge at that time. The west coast seems to be our best bet if they follow the pattern we've established.

Talking with Cecelia and Jeremy, we've got a few goals in mind regarding the octobori -- tracking down the remaining locations, and learning more about their properties, with the idea of stopping their connection in some way. Cecelia has two theories -- either each octoborus will surge predictably every year on its given date, or this is a one-time occurrence as each becomes active. If it is only to happen the once, we may have an opportunity to interfere with it in some way, and bring down that particular warding system. This would mean that we have a limited time frame to find the rest, and determine how exactly we are to stop it from fully activating.

For the time being, locating the next octoborus location and studying this surge as best as we can will be potentially useful.

I would like as many of you as possible patrolling the west coast on Thursday. Cecelia will be joining the party to observe things first-hand, and Fu Lee and Frank have volunteered to go along in case we need to get close to the device. We're figuring that the surge might make Apparation difficult, and could make flight dangerous, so please be cautious.

Comments

Private Message to Hermione and Pansy

[alt_alice]

I was wondering if I might ask you two a favour. I know you've got your hands full with your current work, but this situation with Minerva has me concerned on several fronts, and we may have a limited amount of time on our hands.

When Umbridge was in charge last term, I seem to recall that at one point or another, Hermione, you were planning on addressing the House-elves of Hogwarts on Minerva's behalf to gain their assistance if necessary. Did you talk to them? Were they receptive? We were quite lucky in that Hogwarts itself seemed determined to not recognise Madame Umbridge as the true Headmistress, but we cannot depend on it in the future.

While Minerva is still the recognised Headmistress of Hogwarts, we have a potential opportunity to treat with the Hogwarts House-elves, and perhaps secure some agreement or understanding with them. I can see how this would prove infinitely useful should Minerva have to leave her position abruptly, or should we need to defend Hogwarts in a way that would compromise her if she were to give the order herself. If you were able to speak on her behalf before, you may be able to do so again.

Pansy, I'm asking you to possibly assist Hermione if you are able, because you are quite familiar with House-elves, and have navigated through some rather interesting negotiations with Hitty. Fred and George have told me about your arrangement, and it shows great sensitivity for her position.

Determining the system of rules the Hogwarts House-elves function under and whether those rules can be interpreted in ways that would be to both our advantages would be ideal. However, simply establishing communication would be a valuable first step.

Re: Private Message to Hermione and Pansy

[alt_hermione]

Well, the thing is, Mrs Longbottom--when we were talking to them about Madam Umbridge, that was a completely different situation. House-elves don't have a choice about following the orders of the Headmistress or Headmaster, or a duly appointed deputy, no matter who it is. If Professor McGonagall ordered them to stop giving students food if they make their way to the kitchens, they'd have to stop. If Professor Vector took over as Headmistress and told them all that from now on, they have to go through the students' trunks when they're cleaning and turn in any contraband--they'd have to do it.

Elves aren't muggleborns, whose minds can be changed over time. They're under magical compact.

And Pansy's negotiations with Hitty--if Pansy had simply ordered Hitty, she'd have had to do them, whether she agreed or not. It's only because Pansy didn't want to have to order her or upset her that they had to 'negotiate'. Sorry, Pansy, but it's true.

So, I'm not sure how we can talk to them about potentially defying a future Head of Hogwarts. Short of getting Professor McGonagall to free them all, which quite honestly would be a disaster for the castle. Even if they brought in muggleborns to do all the work, they could never do it all without magic like the elves have. And if we explained why we wanted them to make their own choices, that wouldn't work--house-elves don't think like that, with rare exceptions. And besides, it could be really dangerous. If there ever were another Head of Hogwarts, and it weren't an Order member (which is rather likely), then anything we tell the house-elves now could be divulged to the new Head--I mean, they'd simply have to tell him or her if asked.

We can still talk to them if you like but I'm not sure what we could possibly say that would be safe and would actually get us anything like cooperation.

Re: Private Message to Hermione and Pansy

[alt_alice]

I agree that asking point-blank for outright defiance of future Headmasters or Headmistresses would be disastrous. I'm not asking to dive straight into negotiations, but I would like you to do some initial research and help me sort out possibilities.

I want to know what our options are if we were to no longer have Minerva in place -- and determining the boundaries of the House-elves and other magic at Hogwarts is a part of that.

Learning more about the exact nature of their compact, for instance, might reveal potential loopholes that could be exploited. Perhaps there might be a historical record or legal case that could be enlightening.

And in an emergency situation, being potentially able to speak to the House-elves on Minerva's behalf could prove to be very advantageous.

Re: Private Message to Hermione and Pansy

[alt_hermione]

We'll see what we can learn.

Private Message to Fred and Lee

[alt_alice]

Fred, George, Lee, I'm hoping you three will be able to assist on this particular endeavour as your work schedules are slightly more flexible.

Re: Private Message to Fred and Lee

[alt_gredforge]

You can count us in on this one.

Re: Private Message to Fred and Lee

[alt_lee]

Took a bit of sorting, but I'm free Thursday afternoon now. (Couldn't get the morning free: delivery they asked for me in particular.)

Let me know where to be, yeah?