ORDER ONLY: Private Message to Sirius and Remus

[alt_alice]

Justin was arguing passionately for Strangeweale's life a little over a year ago.

Merlin.

These last few weeks, I've had my fair share of time to reflect on what we've put these young people through. I'm not sure I'll ever fully forgive myself.

We must finish this thing while there's a future left to save.

...not to mention this entire business with Peter. It is numbing and infuriating all at once. I can hardly imagine what it's like for the both of you. I am so glad you have one another, and can face whatever this is together, as you were meant to.

Comments

[alt_lupin]

Harry asked today about Peter, a few hours before he told everyone what was going on. So I've had ample opportunity to reflect today on how extended contact with the enemy can sometimes backfire.

Justin's being mentored extensively by Antonin Dolohov, who sees his unusual talents in duelling and battle magics as something to be treasured and cultivated, not constrained or reigned in.

[alt_alice]

And Albus and Severus are no longer there as balancing forces and potential confidantes.

I worry about Ron as well. Especially with Arthur gone, and Bill's mangling of things.

And

Yes. And Hydra as well. Without Justin as an anchor. With the burden of what she's been made to do.

What is there we can do?

I fear whatever we try may only make life more painful for them.

[alt_lupin]

We can win.

That's what we can do.

[alt_alice]

yes.

Yes we can.

[alt_lupin]

By the way, we're getting conflicting messages about Peter. Harry says Peter took the Unbreakable Vow; Justin says he hasn't. I'm not sure what to make of that.

[alt_alice]

Oh, Remus. The sheer amount of things I don't know what to make of is approaching ridiculousness.

I don't think we should take it for granted that the Vow was properly done, though.

I'll ask him for clarification.

[alt_alice]

Well.

It seems as if Justin wasn't present to verify it had happened.

I'm still not depending on it having worked, by any means.

[alt_lupin]

It's a relatively straightforward bit of spellwork, as these things go. But no, we shouldn't depend on it having worked, I agree.

[alt_sirius]

He's looking for expedient solutions - and I have no doubt, he's trying to appeal to what he thinks we want to do.

I mean, Merlin knows I want to throttle the rat myself.

But yes, it's not lost on me that he used to go to extreme lengths to avoid violence; now it's becoming a default position.

[alt_alice]

I think of all of us, you're the one he's most likely to talk to.