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[alt_alice]

We have experienced deep and profound loss this past week, on the heels of several other difficult losses in this past year. We are bruised and mourning, and several of us are now facing a radical change of scene.

This is the time of year when things seem darkest and coldest. It can be hard to keep the candle burning in the window. When we were at our lowest and most fragile point so many years ago, it was as if we were utterly alone and facing an impossible task – there were barely more than a dozen of us, more than half of us fugitives, and it felt like the entire country had gone mad and turned against reason and decency. Any notion of a hopeful future seemed utterly impossible.

In the last few years, though, so much has changed. Several of us are in a position of great risk, and we have lost good people along the way, but at the same time, we are closer than we ever have been to creating real, lasting change in a way that I could only dream of for the longest time.

We are not alone. We have more than doubled our immediate circle of members, and have cultivated allies whose numbers are growing every day – people from nearly every imaginable background and species who are ready and willing to work together.

We have freed hundreds of people who have established their own self-governing and sustainable communities, confirming that it is possible for magical and non-magical people live side by side as equals.

We are reaching thousands more people through the radio, the button network, and our other propaganda efforts, and they are listening.

We are working steadily to gain control of the warding system, are inches (frustrating although it may be) away from determining how to wake the Sleepers, have discovered how to cheat Voldemort at his attempts of immortality, and continue to work from within the regime in key tactical positions.

This is something that we can do. It is massive, and overwhelming, but it is possible in a way it has never been before.

Remus and I have been meeting regularly with Davidson, and we have put together a rather ambitious plan that I believe we can move forward with as soon as September. It will take an enormous amount of work between now and then to pull it off, but it is within our reach and will turn the tide. In the mean time, we must continue our vital research work, feed and arm ourselves, and hold the ground we have fought and bled for. Despite recent setbacks, we are still more than capable of achieving our goals.

I have a few things that require our immediate attention. First, we are planning our break-in at Azkaban to take place between Christmas and New Years, which is fast approaching. We’ve been testing (and re-testing) our planned method of entry, and paying close attention to the weather. We’ll need strong fliers who can take a rider with them, and who can cast a full Patronus. We’re also working on bottling as many Patronuses as we can, on the off-chance it’ll give us an advantage in a pinch – thanks to Molly for supplying the extra glass jars. Anyone interested in taking part can meet for a debriefing and planning session on the evening of the 23rd. We’ll be tentatively having our holiday party at Grimmauld on Boxing day.

Harry, Draco, Hermione, I'd like you to put your heads together about the possibility of Harry’s scoping out Buckingham, the Tower, and other places he may have greater access to than most in case a Horcrux turns up. The device Dumbledore passed along may prove useful.

Likewise, it is absolutely vital we track down wherever Dolores Umbridge's plate has ended up, as she may have one in her possession. Justin, you’re particularly close to Dolohov, if you could try to make progress on that front, it would be much appreciated. I also want to talk with you about our options regarding your Mr Pontner and his knowledge of Prince William, and how we might move forward given our proposed timeline.

I understand that several of you are continuing to identify potential recruits, and will be working towards that over hols among other things. Thank you. If any of you who are leaving Hogwarts this upcoming spring wish to discuss what sort of work would be useful over the summer months and beyond, you are more than welcome to stop by and chat about it. We’ll also be offering regular training sessions in Occlumency and Defence for anyone who wants to brush up on skills.

Keep the candle burning, all.

Comments

[alt_poppy]

I would like to offer my services to the Azkaban mission. Not, perhaps, as one of those going in. I'm afraid I would be vulnerable to the Dementors at the moment, and I'm likely unable to conjure a Patronus, for the same reasons.

At the very least, however, I can stand by wherever the fliers will be bringing the escapees. I feel certain that many if not all will need a Healer's care.

[alt_alice]

Yes, undoubtedly. I'm anticipating they will be quite unsteady and weak, and may be a rather dead weight on the broom, as it were. We'll try to put the unsteadiest and heaviest in the boats and on the carpet, if possible.

And we'll need as much chocolate as we can possibly track down, too, of course.

[alt_sally_anne]

Do you know what time of day?

I have my St Mungo's training right after Christmas. But it's done by 6 p.m. every day. So if you go at night, I can come help.

I can conjure a Patronus and I can fly and a half-trained healer who's there on site won't be a bad thing to have in addition to a real healer wherever people will evacuate to.

[alt_alice]

The current plan is evening, yes.

You'll need to have a solid alibi, and a very good disguise charm.

[alt_sally_anne]

I'm staying at Pansy's over hols. What sort of alibi do you mean? Do you think someone needs to actually see us go out, or would Pansy vouching for me be enough?

[alt_alice]

I think between Pansy and Hitty, you ought to have things covered.

[alt_ron]

I can't volunteer for Azkaban, I'm sorry. I just told Desai I'd definitely help her over hols. The way she asked, there was no saying No. Know what I mean?

Maybe if we're lucky I'll hear something and know when/if MLE gets called up. And maybe I'll be able to warn you in time.

But that that's best case. Worse case, I'll end up getting called out, and we'll be opposite sides of it. (Well, actually, worst case, I get caught tipping you off. That wouldn't go well, so I'll do my best to see that doesn't happen.)

[alt_alice]

Yes, I was figuring as much. I'm less sure as to whether Hydra or Justin will be called in, depending on how much resources they plan on throwing into the manhunt, but I'd imagine your call would come earlier if you're working more directly with MLE.

[alt_neville]

I'm utterly pants on a broom. But I'd like to be part of this if I can. I could assist Madam Pomfrey at the evacuation point, too, especially if it turns out that any potions need to be brewed. And I may not be a healer, but I reckon I can hand out blankets and chocolate as well as anybody.

[alt_poppy]

That would be most useful. Thank you, Mr Longbottom.

[alt_evelyn]

I have a decent seat, but I'd be worried about controlling things if whoever I need to carry is too much heavier than I am.

Count me in as well, Madame P.

[alt_terry]

I can't fly a broom. Don't even have one. don't think I could manage a patro But I've already received permission to offer medical assistance, if you can use me, too, Madam Pomfrey.

[alt_rachel]

If there's anyone whose presence would be helpful but who needs a solid alibi, you could potentially disguise yourself as them (with polyjuice, I mean), then be seen somewhere public.

[alt_terry]

I'd be more than willing to do that, too.

[alt_alice]

We might have you as a floater, on hand to help, but ready to take off in case someone needs to be seen publicly.

We can get some samples for polyjuice purposes at the planning meeting.

[alt_susan]

Terry, if you don't mind, I'd be happy to offer myself as a Polyjuice candidate. I'm solid on flying and charms, but I'd need a good alibi.

[alt_poppy]

And, thank you, my dear, I'd be most pleased to have your assistance.

Private Message to Sirius

[alt_alice]

I believe this'd be right up Hagrid's alley. What do you think?

Re: Private Message to Sirius

[alt_sirius]

Well, we'll have one bitch of a time disguising him, if you want him disguised. On the other hand, if you don't care, then yes. He could use my bike and sidecar for at least one of the evacuees.

He'll be dead chuffed to be considered a proper part of the Order again.

Re: Private Message to Sirius

[alt_alice]

Yes, I was thinking of the motorcycle.

I don't think a disguise would be necessary. It's really only vital for our people in public. And you might need one, perhaps. You do tend to cause a bit of a fuss when you show up. Swooning, autographs, that sort of thing.

Private Message to Alice

[alt_nymphadora]

Sure you can't hold off a few months?

Kidding, kidding.

I can help Snape and Poppy prepare, and we'll put some jars together here too.

And you'd better believe I'll be ready by September.

Re: Private Message to Alice

[alt_alice]

Good. Very good.

And yes, I know how it feels. Women like us aren't meant to put up our feet and wait. But right now, you and your little one are important, and I'm not saying that because of what could happen to the wards. We're doing this for a better future for all our children.

You take care of yourself, love.

Private Message to Remus, Kingsley, and Albus

[alt_alice]

Naturally, part of this plan necessitates that we have as many people as possible prepared to cast the modified Fidelius. (I know, they'll be looking for it, but it's still the best shot we have at protecting the camps, and it is absolutely the best possible chance of bloodlessly taking over the Ministry.)

Kingsley, I know you've been testing the more experienced casters in the free zones, and have some likely candidates. I'd like you to continue rooting around for likely people. Albus, I know your time is precious, but I would like you to meet with each of the candidates we've found, and provide them some additional training exercises. Frank can come along if that would be at all helpful.

I'd like similar additional training for our own people, too -- the ones who would most likely qualify, of course.

Re: Private Message to Remus, Kingsley, and Albus

[alt_lupin]

I think Sirius and I can both be there for the Azkaban raid, especially as Tonks can't be. (She'll be back in the thick of things soon enough.)

I think you should train both of us in the modified Fidelius.

Re: Private Message to Remus, Kingsley, and Albus

[alt_alice]

Right.

And yes, I know she's kicking at her broom, but she'll be in the match again soon enough.

Private message to Alice Longbottom

[alt_harry]

I'll do what I can to look for horcruxes over the holiday.

I'd like to come on the Azkaban raid, if I can slip away. I don't think it's likely I'll be able to, but if I can, I want to come.

Re: Private message to Alice Longbottom

[alt_alice]

Thank you.

Hydra, Ron, and Justin may be called in to assist with the ensuing manhunt. Would you be in a similar position? Depending on how soon we are discovered, it may prove tricky.

I admit to being more cautious than usual -- this talk of the patterns used to discover Pomona makes me over-think what sort of trail we are leaving for someone to find.

Re: Private message to Alice Longbottom

[alt_harry]

No, I won't. They won't call me in.

They took Justin and Ron and Hydra along to deal with the aftermath of the Sherwood ambush. And Finnigan and Patil. I don't think anyone considered bringing me even for a minute. That's not what any of them think I'm for.

Re: Private message to Alice Longbottom

[alt_alice]

Have a good disguise, then.

And make sure you cover your tracks well.

I might have some activities that could be adapted for the long-distance flying club as well, depending.

Private message to Alice and Bill

[alt_rachel]

I've put in for time off that week. If they grant it, I'll be able to come help. I'll need a dead good disguise charm, though. So will Bill.

Re: Private message to Alice and Bill

[alt_alice]

Yes.

Certainly.

We need to review what you think will happen after the break-in is discovered. Would you be called in right away, do you think?

Re: Private message to Alice and Bill

[alt_rachel]

Unlikely. MEU aurors aren't pulled in all that often for this sort of thing. If they do try to track me down, they won't find me because I'll be on some lovely romantic getaway, strolling across the moors, with Bill, which is also why no one will be able to find Bill. (Work for you, Bill?)

Re: Private message to Alice and Bill

[alt_alice]

Good.

Re: Private message to Alice and Bill

[alt_bill]

Works for me. I've put in for time off, too.

(Actually, I think that pulling off a prison breakout is about as romantic as it can get. Although I'm sure MLE doesn't share that opinion.)

[alt_gredforge]

We're in. Both excellent flyers, if we do say so ourselves.

And we have a stash of black market chocolate and cocoa powder which we had set aside for new product testing, but we'll be happy to donate it to this cause instead.

[alt_luna]

I can do a patronus quite easily, but I'm afraid I'm not a very strong flyer. And I think explaining my absence to the Browns would be difficult.

Mrs Brown often does baking with chocolate right before the holidays. I'll owl you all the chocolate biscuits I can.

[alt_luna]

Oh! I just thought.

The Browns would probably allow me to spend a day with Mrs Weasley. As I said, I can cast a Patronus. Perhaps I might join you for a day, Mrs Weasley, and we can bottle some more of them?

[alt_molly]

That's an excellent idea, dear. I'll Floo your foster mother and ask if you can spend a day with me.

[alt_cedric]

I would like to be included as well. I can certainly fly. I used to can reliably cast my Patronus. it doesn't sound like we are planning to be using apparation other than as an emergency escape. I'll just need to make sure that my identity remains concealed. I've been trying to improve the masks I made before in a couple of different ways and I could add some charms on my person underneath that.

Speaking of the masks, do we want it to be obvious that the Order of the Phoenix is attacking or do we want to go for pure personal concealment?

Private Message to Alice & Remus

[alt_cedric]

We should discuss what our plans are for protecting my family & protecting me from them being used as leverage against me and the Order.

I think that at this point the kidnapping story has held up. They haven't been arrested and it's still the rumour at Hogwarts. But what happens if in the future my identity is compromised on some action? I can't sit on my wand and do nothing because of fear or they are already being used against me. They don't know what I've been doing and only some of them would come willingly if we tried to save them and I don't know how they would react to the truth. If we could get Jaspar & my other siblings out I think my mother would come, but with Jaspar under the thumb of Dolohov, Desai, Sandoval, Patil, Finnigan & Lestrange... I don't think she would come willingly.

Re: Private Message to Alice & Remus

[alt_alice]

Yes. Of course.

Remus, we might meet up for a strategy session soon to discuss our options. I don't like the idea of having them punished as way to punish you should it come out that you haven't been kidnapped after all. At least for the time being there is no immediate danger.

[alt_jeremy]

Count me in if you can use another broom. Wherever, whatever.

Still sussing out some of the lads who might at some point be possible recruits. Taking it slow.

private message to Alice

[alt_jeremy]

Nearly every imaginable background and species -- additional progress on what you were telling me about quite a while back, then? Shoulder to shoulder with goblins and half-giants sounds like a storybook. They always leave out the uncomfortable bits in stories, though.

Oh, before I forget, I've had some ideas regarding economic sabotage as well as food supply manipulation. If we get some quiet time either before or after the big excursion, we can discuss, see if you think there's merit.

Re: private message to Alice

[alt_alice]

We've made very good progress with the goblins, although I am rather aware of the fact that they will certainly be functioning as independent agents rather than as a group we can give orders to.

I think if we made sure they were in the know regarding upcoming activities, however, they would be able to accomplish quite a bit (independently, of course), and might be convinced to direct their attentions towards mutually beneficial targets.

The centaurs are always tricky. Unless there's conflict directly in their territory, I don't know if we can count on them to participate in any fighting. (Mer-people are in a similar position for more practical purposes.) However, the agreement we've come to regarding the Forest has been fruitful, and simply showing that we respect them is important.

We'll be looking tentatively at reaching out to the giant and werewolf communities in the coming months, but they are both difficult to access. The werewolves in particular appear to have two distinct castes -- one firmly in Voldemort's back pocket, the other with very little freedom or power who are being treated abominably. We do have some connections with the latter, but they are delicate indeed.

I hope that when push comes to shove, we'll have more friends than we realise -- and in the meantime, we must continue our efforts, and show through our actions that we are willing to treat all people -- human and otherwise -- with respect and dignity.

And regardless of how many friends we have during the fight, when the dust settles, they will all have a place at the table.

Re: private message to Alice

[alt_alice]

And Merlin, yes. We're going to need a multi-strategy approach. With over seven hundred extra mouths to feed that we weren't preparing for, it'll be a very difficult few months, no mistaking it.

And if things go to plan, we'll have many more mouths to feed by the time summer rolls around.

[alt_susan]

Thanks for the offer of extra Occlumency lessons, Mrs. L. I'll come out as often as possible.