Patronus to all Order members

[ocularlunacy]

Comments

[mugglesdowhat]

*Moody's words are expected, but they still weigh heavily on Arthur. He convinced Molly to put off discussing the new laws until they'd heard from Alastor, and as the Patronus dissipates, he looks at her seriously across the living room. He knows what stance she's going to take, and it's a millstone on his conscience.*

...This is wrong, Molly.

[sabretoothmolly]

*Molly's been sitting on the couch knitting with Ronald at her feet. The baby's engrossed in a wooden puzzle-ring toy, an old one of Bill's somewhat dented by the twins in their time. She frowns faintly down at him before setting aside her knitting on the side table--next to the issue of the Prophet hailing its 'bold new plan'. The look she levels at her husband is remarkably calm.*

It is.

And?

[mugglesdowhat]

So is registering. Moody's right.

[sabretoothmolly]

Moody doesn't have a family, Arthur.

[frankly_bamf]

*Frank's quiet for a moment in the wake of the message, the look on his face far too serious for a man in pyjamas and a bathrobe. He agrees with Moody wholeheartedly, but it's not so cut and dry as all that, not when trying to stay in close and buddy-buddy with Barty. Troubled, he stays where he is slouched down on the bed, his book forgotten across his chest, and looks to Alice wordlessly.*

[gummymummy]

*July is coming, and Alice is not prepared. Even though the birthdays are spaced well, she still needs to plan Frank and Neville's presents. Obviously she cannot work on Frank's in front of him, so tonight she is working on a My First Year scrapbook for Neville.

As the Patronus delivers its message and dissipates, she knows Frank is looking at her. It takes a moment to collect her thoughts - on registration, on Crouch, on her precarious position - because she knows their feelings match on this, and she can't follow through.*

I can't ask you to register for me.

[frankly_bamf]

And I can't leave you without backup.

[gummymummy]

You don't get better backup than the Minister of Magic.

[fleasaremurder]

*Sirius and Remus are both home, and even as the silvery thing dissipates, Sirius is frowning.*

Well. Bollocks to that.

[looneyloopy]

*So is Remus. He'd been in the middle of looking for one of his Benny Goodman records when the Patronus showed up, and he's still sitting on the floor by the bookcase that holds the albums. The Rolling Stones' "Let It Bleed" lies forgotten in his lap.*

Mm. I wondered what it would take to tip things to this point.

[fleasaremurder]

*Sirius is already shaking his head.*

I can't believe people are swallowing this. I can't do it. Even if it gets me fired, you know we can't do it.

[looneyloopy]

*The look he gives Sirius is patient, but there's something bitter at the tightening of his mouth.*

You can't. I can't afford not to.