ORDER ONLY: The plan

[alt_severus]

We have hammered out a plan for the destruction of the Ministry's private message archives. Auror Brodie believes there is a very good chance she still has the authority to make it past the wards; I am capable of casting and containing Fiendfyre. We will go in at shift change — which is in several hours — with Draco to act as lookout, with both Draco and myself under Polyjuice and Auror Brodie placed very briefly under Imperius (to confuse the forensic story and allow her to claim Imperius if we are captured; Draco, of course, would simply claim captivity). Tonks will be ready to provide backup if we encounter difficulty; if we are successful she will simply carry out her duties.

There was brief debate about the wisdom of destroying as much of the Ministry as possible, but upon discussion we decided it was unwise to attempt without more time to plan than we have available to us; given the urgency of destroying material that implicates Harry, it is better to move quickly than to overreach our target.

With luck none of the rest of you will be awake to see this until one of us is able to report success.

Comments

Private Message to Snape

[alt_sirius]

Sni Sev Snape,

When you wake up: Hermione's in the stillroom. She got up this morning, came rushing down the stairs, and started brewing like one possessed. I came in and she barely even looked up but that one look sent me back out again.

You ... might want to avoid her until she's done. In any case, I take it as a positive sign, whatever else it is.

Re: Private Message to Snape

[alt_severus]

I am awake now, though given the events of the last few days I am endeavouring to decide whether there is a chance I might sleep for another hour or so.

And thank you for letting me know. I cannot imagine what is so urgent, but for her to show interest in the laboratory is, I suppose, a good sign; given the way she has reacted thus far, I had feared she would decide the thought of

oh. I have just noted the calendar. She has almost certainly realised Lupin will need his Wolfsbane, and taken up the task of brewing it. I do not know whether to be encouraged that she is capable of concern for others even in the depths of her grief, or worried that she did not communicate her plans to me.

Or both, I suppose. Although I cannot blame her for finding the thought of being in the same room with me intolerable at the moment — she loved Minerva dearly, and having seen Minerva's last moments would be traumatising enough even without the events surrounding them. I cannot imagine Hermione will not continue to blame me for having been the one to end Minerva's suffering for quite some time to come.

I do not wish to intrude upon her grief and I do not wish to force her to confront me until she is ready to do so, but I am concerned for her state of mind and her well-being. If you are able to do so without triggering her anger or her pride, I would ask you to look in upon her. Tell her that I

Re: Private Message to Snape

[alt_sirius]

Well, she spent loads of time yesterday cleaning out the cupboard next to my father's old study and re-shelving books in the library. But this was different. So, right, full moon, makes sense.

I wouldn't take her lack of communication personally, though, if I were you. It looked more like - like she'd just thought of it and decided it had to be done.

She went in without breakfast; it's nearly lunchtime. I can try to bring her a tray, see how she's doing.

Though the idea of assassinating every death eater still at large is still tempting. Maybe after lunch.

Re: Private Message to Snape

[alt_severus]

Yes. Please do bring her a tray, if you are willing to do so; neither she nor Draco seem to have much interest in food, but perhaps if someone else reminds her, she will eat. I am not taking it personally, or rather, I am reminding myself at every opportunity that I ought not; I am well aware I serve as an awful reminder at the moment. But I am exceptionally concerned about her well-being.

As for Death Eater assassinations: while the prospect remains enticing, I would prefer to do so while more rested. I shall cede my position in the next round to you if you would like.