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[alt_severus]

Excellent work, Black: this morning, Umbridge forced Miss Parkinson to drink a Stomaflamma potion in retribution for your words in her journal; for those who are not capable of following the etymology, that potion burns the mouth and throat as one drinks it, and results in the victim being unable to properly taste food for the rest of the day.

I would recommend against engaging with the powerful in the journals of the powerless.

Messrs Weasley, Mr Jordan: if you are able to get a discreet message to Miss Parkinson, without using the journals, please apologise to her; the potion does not have an antidote or I would have already brewed it.

Comments

[alt_poppy]

I'm not sure, Severus, that scolding Sirius helps matters at all. It was not Sirius who abused Miss Parkinson this morning. It was Dolores Umbridge who did that, and she did it with the backing of the current regime. Sirius is attempting to stand against her and bring her abuses to light. While I wish that no child should suffer, I can't help but think that Miss Parkinson's situation might come to the attention of those best able to take action against the perpetrator. Perhaps, after all, Sirius' choice was not entirely without sense.

In any case, you are not playing a constructive role by urging the Weasley boys to extend your apologies to Miss Parkinson. The inclination to promote yourself while implying that Sirius has failed her is petty and quite damaging. Also unnecessary. I saw and treated Miss Parkinson mid-day. (Though you are correct that there is no antidote to the potion she was given, I was not without resources to mitigate the severity and unpleasantness of her symptoms.)

[alt_severus]

I do not think it is unreasonable of me to point out that certain actions have entirely predictable consequences.

[alt_poppy]

I disagree that this was entirely predictable, given that the 'punishment' was so entirely unmerited by Miss Parkinson. I agree with what I believe to be a corollary point: hereafter, Sirius will need to take into account that our resident tyrant is willing to punish children in hopes of altering his behaviour.

What the rational response to that situation might be is, I should think, open to debate.

[alt_sirius]

In point of fact, I was aware that Miss Parkinson might well bear the brunt of retaliation; I hoped Umbridge would spare her - but now we know she shan't.

That does not mean I take her punishment on my behalf lightly or that I feel no sympathy for her unjust treatment. Merely that, as our resident reformed Death Eaters are so fond of pointing out, we are not going to win this without getting our own hands somewhat dirty.

As I said to Hermione, Umbridge is an easy target. Dolohov is not, but it's just as vital that his supporters remember that while he might stand between her and them, he's still a vicious, cold-blooded killer. And you're right, that of all people, Miss Parkinson has some powerful protectors who might be convinced to do something about Umbridge if she capriciously goes after her.

Even if they don't, though, if I'm to continue to make these calculated, quick strikes, we have to be prepared that she shall take twisted forms of revenge.

[alt_severus]

I am surprised: that is very nearly Slytherin of you.