ORDER ONLY: Private Message to Remus, Charlie, and Bill

[alt_alice]

We need to talk to the centaurs and werewolves sooner rather than later.

I wouldn't have thought of it if Colin hadn't said anything, but Charlie, should we send our group to the Forest tomorrow, as per their usual routine, or hold off in case the centaurs are particularly sensitive right now?

I know the werewolf situation is highly volatile and complicated to say the least. But with recent events, it might be time to move forward more directly with those who would be more receptive. It also would be worth our while to check on our contacts and see how they're doing, Beverly especially.

And there's the giants, too.

Hagrid is particularly eager to help, but I don't want to send him there unprepared. Still, now might be the right time for it.

This is difficult to do well in the best of times.

At least the goblin allegiance appears to be going well. Ragnik is most decidedly still amenable to working with Melli. He gave me a dagger this morning, to help avenge the wrongs done on my house. I'll need to give him something in return, for the wrong done to his people, only I've no idea what. Can we figure out the names of the goblins who were killed?

Comments

[alt_charlie]

Ugh, sorry, I missed this until just now. What did you wind up doing?

I may have some days off this week -- if I do, I'll head on up and see what I can get out of the centaurs. Either they're going to decide to work with us because the enemy of my enemy is my friend, or they'll decide they want nothing to do with wizards, even us. I'm honestly not sure which.

[alt_alice]

We held off going to the Forest, on the off-chance it would be seen as insensitive. Keep me informed.

I ended up making a stone cairn in our Memorial garden for the goblin dead, and passed along some of Severus's top shelf poison to Ragnik. We couldn't spare much, of course, but he seemed to appreciate the gesture.

[alt_charlie]

Yeah, the way you lot have been treating Ragnik has been really working. I was in Gringotts just before Christmas to make some withdrawals from my vault for the Christmas shopping, and Griphook made it a point of being the one to escort me. He didn't say anything openly that anyone else would have been able to understand, but he said he'd heard from "your friend" Ragnik about how much he's been learning in his apprenticeship, and how Ragnik's master has been treating him with every courtesy.

So, I know it's always full of wondering whether you're about to hit some huge cultural barrier, but tell Melli she's been doing a great job.

I'll try to get up to the Forest as soon as I can. I'm sorry it's been mad up here.

Private message to Alice

[alt_charlie]

Also, are you at the point where you want to talk to someone, or are you still at the point where everything's all raw and painful and horrible? Because if you need to talk to somebody, and you'd rather it not be somebody you have to see every day, well, you know I've got a shoulder for you. Always.

Re: Private message to Alice

[alt_alice]

Oh, love.

It's a waking nightmare.

If I dwell on it for too long, I fear I'll fall completely to pieces.

Re: Private message to Alice

[alt_alice]

Keep hold of that shoulder for me, though.

I have a feeling I'll need it later.

Re: Private message to Alice

[alt_charlie]

I know how that feels.

When Dad was killed -- I don't know if you noticed or not, but I spent that first week doing everything I could to handle all the sensible, practical things. Making tea and handing out potions and helping Mum sort out the books and arranging the funeral and passing out blankets and ... well, you get the picture. Because it was something to do, if I kept busy, and if I handled all the little practical details, then I wouldn't have time to think about everything.

So, I mean, I know how that all goes. But be careful that you're not alone when it finally hits you, yeah?

And I'm always here for you.

[alt_lupin]

I'll check our contacts.

[alt_lupin]

Also, Saltash thinks they'll be ready for Lucius on Monday -- they're turning one of the existing buildings into a small prison, essentially. He should also be well enough to move by then.

[alt_alice]

Good.