Locked to Allies.

[weasley_william]

Severus, I don't want that thing in my home.

I don't care where you meet it, or what you show it. Just do it elsewhere.

Dead or not, Bella Lestrange is NOT welcome at Thorne.

Bill

Comments

[voice recognition charm activated]

[aculeatus]

Bellatrix is not an 'it'. She has done terrible things during her life. Monstrous things. Nevertheless, she is not an 'it'. I would have thought that someone so markedly allied to the Light would understand that reducing your enemies to objects, no matter how inhuman their behaviour, is a step down the path to Dark wizardry.

She is deeply disturbed. Do you understand? I don't for a minute ask you to feel any sympathy for her. But understand that she is outside, and afraid, and a poltergeist. And there is enough energy in the world at this time for her to truly make her presence felt. If she is close to me, everyone will be safer.

I understand, though. It's not pleasant, having one's home invaded, is it? If you are so fixed in your mind, so be it, but I cannot travel outside Thorne alone. For that matter, I cannot leave this confinement for another day. Who will take me to find her?

You?

[weasley_william]

Yeah, I'll take you.

Just don't give me that crap about "steps down the path to Dark Wizardry". It sounds ridiculous, coming from you.

The ghost does not come to Thorne. Out of respect to my family, and to all others Lestrange has harmed in cold blood.

I'll be right there.

[voice recognition charm activated]

[aculeatus]

Oh? Can you think of anyone better to lecture on how such a fall begins? But if we're going to bandy around words like 'respect', you can treat me with such small respect as I've earned and do me the courtesy of speaking of Bellatrix as 'she', and not 'it'.

[weasley_william]

You know what? Fuck you, Severus.

I've changed my mind. You're a sick man and I've no business taking you away from Poppy's ministrations. The poor woman's tried long enough to put you back together again - I'd be breaking Oath if I put you in danger.

So your friend will just have to learn patience somehow. Respect to you or not, no ghost of an unrepentant soul is crossing the wards of Thorne. Deal with it.

Get well soon, Severus.

[voice recognition charm activated]

[aculeatus]

You must do as you see fit.

[weasley_william]

I shall.

If Albus orders me otherwise, then I shall of course allow you back should you leave, and decide to return haunted. But I think it would be a stupid thing to do. Quite apart from torturing and killing when alive, as a ghost, Lestrange has already demolished valuable supplies. I fail to see how the Order can accept assurance that mayhem won't be caused again.

[voice recognition charm activated]

[aculeatus]

I'm sure Albus will respect your wishes, and I will make myself adequately comfortable at Kippenross, if need be. You need not trouble yourself.

Locked to Bill Weasley.

[val_visconti]

I apologise for intruding on a private conversation.

Bill, please. Severus has earned respect, as he said. He has not deserved this from you.
You have the right to refuse his wishes, of course. It is your house, and Severus is a guest. I have no argument with what you said there. Just... respect. The war, it is over, yes?

Locked to Valerius.

[weasley_william]

Your apology is accepted, Valerius.

I'm assuming you're telling me to mind my language - so thank you, you've made me smile for the first time today.

The war's over. But it doesn't mean I'm not going to lose my temper if someone doesn't respect common courtesy. Like will respond to like in the end.

Bill.

Locked to Bill.

[val_visconti]

Ah. I understand what you say.
But, you probably should not have upset Severus in the first place, then there would not have been a problem. This is a place for diplomacy, si? If you had spoken about Padma in the same way, I would be angry with you also.
She is evil, I agree. Not Padma, Bellatrix. You know that I have my own issues with Death Eaters. But Severus does not see her in the same way. So I am trying to explain you might hate the Venetian ambassador's wife, but you do not insult her to his face, si?

Locked to Valerius.

[weasley_william]

Padma isn't evil? You are kidding me - the way she laughs when she unlocks a ward is quite chlling.

Look Val... I'm not going to argue with you. As you said, the war's over.

By the way, I've met the Venetian ambassador's wife. And very charming she is too - though I wouldn't say that to the ambassador's face, either.

Locked to Bill.

[val_visconti]

I will not argue either.

Perhaps Padma is just a little bit evil. She would have to be to stay with me, I think.

And the Venetian ambassador's wife is very charming, but she still looks like a duck in a thunderstorm.