Order Only: Private Message to Sally-Anne and Draco

[alt_hermione]

Mrs Longbottom asked me and Pansy to talk to the house-elves and find out what sort of magical compact binds them, in case we ever need them to work against a future Headmistress or Headmaster.

I tried to tell her that it just doesn't work like that. Isn't she pureblood? How is it possible she doesn't know that house-elves don't have written compacts? Or is it more that because she's a pureblood she's never even given a thought to what binds house-elves to their masters?

I mean, look at that miserable elf of Sirius's--he'd like nothing better than to stab Sirius in the heart and run to your mother, Draco--but he can't.

Now Pansy and I have to sweet-talk the elves to try to find out what the limits of their obedience are and it's a colossal waste of time.

Comments

[alt_hermione]

Well, I think if anyone could have thought of a way to kill him, they would have done it. Oh, wait: Someone did kill him. He came back, remember?

Anyway, you'll be gone in another year but Evelyn and Luna will still be here. And Hydra. And...and I do think Mrs Longbottom's right to worry about Professor McGonagall. But I don't think the house-elves will be nearly as much help as she thinks.

[alt_draco]

You just said that talking to the house elves is a colossal waste of time. I'm AGREEING with you and you're chastising me for my excellent point that we need to focus our efforts elsewhere. Why are you even asking me for my advice and input if you just want to critique it every which way from Sunday?

[alt_hermione]

I'm not saying we shouldn't focus elsewhere! But it's not as if we can just walk right up to Voldemort and kill him. Maybe with one of Fred and George's joke hand buzzers? Or have you some brilliant idea in your pocket for when He puts the Mark on you?

And anyway, it's not that I don't understand why she'd want the house-elves but I was asking you because--oh, forget it.

Whenever there's anything to do with Grand Wizarding Tradition you always seem to know how everything's meant to work so I thought maybe, perhaps, you'd come up with an argument to Mrs L that would make sense to her. Obviously that's too much to ask while you're focusing on winning these ridiculous contests that require everyone to behave abominably, so fine. I never asked.

[alt_draco]

I never said I had all the answers or ideas, but we never talk about it - not nearly enough. Snape is the only person who's discussing my future on the council with me, the only one who's been honest about what that sacrifice will mean, and how important it is. Not that Mrs Longbottom hasn't tried - she has - but it isn't the same.

You overestimate how much I understand about the so-called Grand Wizarding Tradition. It's tradition not because it's deeply understood, but because that's just how it's always been. That's how they get you not to question it, after all.

And just tell her you don't want to do it. Just that. You're not her mudblood. You're not anyone's. If you don't want to do something, don't do it. Just don't.

[alt_hermione]

I'm not doing it because I'm a mudbl muggleborn. I'm doing it because she's the head of the Order and she asked me to do it.

Even if it's a colossal waste of time.

[alt_draco]

Yeah? Well enjoy that.

Private Message to Draco

[alt_hermione]

And.

About the Council.

If there's something you want to discuss.... Well, you could, you know. I mean, I'd listen. It just always seems like you'd rather not.

Re: Private Message to Draco

[alt_draco]

I don't want you to try to talk me out of it.

Re: Private Message to Draco

[alt_hermione]

But we've been through all that. I don't have to like it, any more than I like Mrs L asking me to talk to the bloody house-elves, but that doesn't mean I can't support you while not necessarily fancying the choice you've made.

Re: Private Message to Draco

[alt_draco]

Every once and a while I get this very certain feeling. It's a foreign feeling, but certain just the same... I'm going to fail. I'm going to fail if things don't - if they don't change. I can't explain what I mean by that, though - not exactly. Not to you.

I think I just need to go to sleep for a while, or something.

I didn't mean to start a row with you, though.