Order Only: Private Message to Alice and Frank Longbottom

[alt_severus]

It occurs to me that you might not prefer to have your son and daughter's private business spilled throughout an Order meeting any more than it has to be.

That said, I believe we have more to discuss on the matter. I wished to invite a conversation, though, as always, I shall be very busy to-night.

Comments

[alt_severus]

I imagine I shall be busy. As you can tell, since the meeting I have been overwhelmed. One would not expect the summer to be such a taxing time, but the ghosts never rest, and there are always new problems to solve. The house-elves are not good decision-makers.

What have you heard? You cannot be relying entirely on me for your information.

[alt_alice]

Minerva is never terribly forthcoming, even under the best of circumstances. Poppy only tends to address medical concerns, and there've been none this term for her to deal with, thank Merlin.

Pomona and I have had the chance to talk over Neville's dealings with the anniversary of Hannah Abbott's death -- naturally, that combined with the recent news stories have hardly done him any favours, but I believe that was handled as best as it could have been.

I've asked the twins to keep an eye out for Cormac McLaggen, and they've told me what they can of Neville, namely that he's been quieter than usual -- although he tends to keep quite a bit to himself even among friends. Evelyn is even harder to read, because she's so much younger they don't spend any time together and she tends to be even less likely to be overly outgoing about how she's thinking and feeling. Which is understandable.

I hear snips and bits from Hermione, of course, but she tends to hold things close to her chest, and I'd rather respect what little privacy she has then pry unduly, unless it were absolutely necessary.

And there's Neville's latest letter, of course. I think he's so wrapped up sometimes in not causing us to worry and wanting to handle things himself that he downplays a great deal of what they are going through to us, but it's hard to tell. As you've said, there's only so much we can do from a distance save offer advice, so I can see where his impulse comes from.

[alt_severus]

It sounds as though you are well informed indeed—better informed than many parents.

Your son wishes to handle things, however stupid it may be to keep vital information from his elders. It has driven his Occlumency far beyond what is expected for a boy of his age. However, I have been able to see glimpses. It is difficult for Neville and Evelyn both: I will not hide that from you.

I believe your son has handled the McLaggen situation—which was indeed dire, from what I have seen—with his usual Gryffindor brashness. It seems to have succeeded.

I would advise you not to remove them from school. I do not suggest this lightly, but children must learn.

[alt_alice]

How dire, Severus?

[alt_severus]

McLaggen's baser nature appears to be a strong feature of his personality.

[alt_alice]

Oh.

Oh, dear. I'd thought

She's only just thirteen.

Does Minerva know?

[alt_severus]

I am not certain.

Part of me says that she must not, or else she would put a charm like to Hermione's on your daughter; but she could not explain such a charm, and in any case (as has been demonstrated) it is not entirely fair to the charm-defended—or their future, wanted suitors.

I also do not believe that Minerva has enough of a conscience left to fully care.

You realise that she killed Alecto Carrow in cold blood: not an action I would consider beyond the pale in a Slytherin, but telling for a Gryffindor.

[alt_alice]

Frank and I can talk this summer with Evelyn. And give her some choices that may help her, that she can have control over. We'd talked about things she could do it she ever felt unsafe when we were together last summer, but I still can't imagine she was very prepared. No-one should have to be prepared.

I hate that it is necessary for me to have that sort of conversation with her.

And I can't stomach the thought of sending her back to that place again.

[alt_severus]

If she is to be prepared for life in the Protectorate, it is a conversation that cannot be put off.

And you know that she must be taught, and learn, and protect herself.

None of us choose where and when we are born.

[alt_alice]

You're right.

I'd much rather our family know what it's facing than not, and sort out ways to prevent what happened in the future than pretend all is well.

It's just difficult to look on things rationally at the moment, regardless of how little good it does.

[alt_alice]

And yes, we are in agreement that Minerva's actions of late have been decidedly worrisome.

As was her demeanour at our meeting.

If she is to continue along this self-destructive path, I worry about her future. Hers, ours, Hogwarts, all of it.

[alt_frank]

are you telling me that he put his hands on my little girl?

[alt_severus]

Only that he wanted to.

I do not believe any permanent damage was done.