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

[alt_severus]

The endeavour was successful; we have returned.

I am not a superstitious man, but I cannot help thinking that was entirely too easy.

Private message to Alice

[alt_severus]

One casualty. Not ours; I did not realise until after I had begun the incantations that the archives were not completely evacuated, and by then it was too late to stop. I do regret his death; he died of nothing more than a devotion to his duty and a refusal to evacuate when the alarm was sounded, I suppose.

Auror Brodie was a great help; Draco performed quite adequately.

I am exhausted.

Re: Private message to Alice

[alt_alice]

Thank you.

I'd imagine you are.

I'll be by later today, after you've had the chance to rest some, so we might all talk about what might be next for Draco. I've some ideas he might find adequately stimulating, but as always, would appreciate your input. I'll be asking Sirius, Remus, and Tonks for their input as well.

I'm hoping to talk to Hermione, too. She may not be as prepared or eager to jump into future plans, and I'd like her to know she can take what time she needs and has our full support.

Re: Private message to Alice

[alt_severus]

She is not doing well, Alice. But Black tells me she is brewing Lupin's Wolfsbane this morning, at least, which provides me with some small amount of hope.

I do not know if she will ever forgive me.

Re: Private message to Alice

[alt_alice]

Trust, Severus.

Give her time.

She will.

It's because she feels so close to both you and Minerva that this is so hard.