Order Only: Private Message to Hydra

[alt_justin]

Hydra,

Well, I should think anytime we want to spend the night in the salle, it will no longer be a problem on my end, what.

I've just had a jolly well fraught conversation with Macmillan and Smith. Macmillan was waiting for me when I got back last night and I--I didn't want to take a chance he'd tell anyone, so I modified his memory. What I didn't know was that Smith also knew I hadn't made it back for curfew. I suppose I ought to have anticipated that, what.

In any case, they cornered me a few moments ago and I told them I'd been on business for the Headmaster, which he'd specifically told me to keep quiet, which is why I took the liberty with Macmillan. He bally well didn't believe me, what, though of course had our positions been reversed, I likely would not have believed him. Then I told him and Smith both that from now on, they had best simply leave off tracking my comings or goings, and there would be no need for further unpleasantness.

Neither of them are too happy about it, what, but at least it makes life a bit easier for us.

And how was your day, love?

-J

Comments

[alt_hydra]

Macmillan was waiting for you. What for?

I'm not sure I see why you didn't just lie to him? Or just told him to mind his own business, for that matter. Did you panic?

They used to be your friends, in a manner of speaking. I'm sorry it's come to this. Are you certain it's what you want?

[alt_justin]

Smith said that they'd noted I wasn't back for curfew (and that it wasn't the first time) and that Macmillan had planned to confront me when I got in. Last night, he was bally well spoiling to report it. Of course, in hindsight I could have lied right then, but I didn't want to take a chance he'd not believe it.

We were friendly, yes, and if only they'd take a notion to channel their indignation into a healthy distaste for the Protectorate, what, it will be worth the breach. I hope by making myself as imperious as possible, they may seek out some of the other Juniors.

At any rate, they're well intimidated now, so we might as well enjoy the relative freedom that brings with it, what.

-Justin

[alt_hydra]

Hufflepuffs are such busybodies, sometimes. Yourself excluded.

I don't know if you can be certain they won't try to cause trouble for you again. We oughtn't be too careless, anyway, because we've seen where that's led before.

As for them having a distaste for the Protectorate, well, it's probably much easier and more manageable to find fault with someone standing right in front of you, I suppose.

[alt_justin]

I say, they've been more put out than usual since the Triumph. I think on top of Professor Sprout's death and Professor Sinistra's flight (which are roundly blamed on the Headmaster here in the sett), I've become the symbol of his inhumanity. I'm bally well sure they were both extremely disquieted by the fact that I killed another wizard in my duel, not a Muggle or an Inferus or some other dark creature.

One does wish there were ways to direct their anger down more productive avenues, what.

But you've cultivated a similar reputation, so it's not surprising they'd see me in a similar light.

-J

[alt_hydra]

Yes, and they have to live in the same room as you, not with the Headmaster. Or the Lord Protector.

I thought that if the comfortable students, the ones who were able to blithely ignore what goes on outside the castle, got a taste of what it was like to live with people like my mother, they might start to be aware of the other problematic aspects of the Protectorate.

But I didn't take into account that I lived with Mummy for years and years before I became aware of other things. I've tried to intimidate Padma and it hasn't really worked the way I thought it would. She's a little afraid of me, maybe, and she thinks I'm mad like Mummy is, but she's never made the connection that "oh, maybe it's the whole Protectorate that's mad, actually."

So I suppose it isn't working. Or else they're all just terribly thick.

[alt_justin]

Yes. In fact, Ernie tried to tell me to move out of Hufflepuff, what! He said that I simply can't be trusted. (Though I daresay Ron and Neville had to live with Finnigan for years under similar circumstances, and Ron and Harry still have him looking over their shoulders!) I told him he could think what he liked but as long as he and Zach didn't get in my way, they had nothing to worry about.

You can imagine how well he took that. But at least he realises there's not a thing he can do to stop me coming and going as I please.

Though I suppose you're right and it's not wise to tempt fate. I even suggested he talk to the Headmaster if he felt so strongly about it--I say, I've never been so worried he'd take me up on it as just after I said it. My heart was pounding, what, and I'm sure if anyone with Legilimency had been there I'd have given myself quite away.

They've seemed to accept my lie for now, but if I have to repeat it to many others, it's bound to get back to the Headmaster one way or other.

I think in Patil's case, she's simply far too self-centred to apply the logic to all the Council, though I do believe Ollerton genuinely shook her firm delusion that the Protectorate is a splendid advance in statesmanship. Has your attitude made any difference among your classmates? Or anyone else in Slytherin?

-J

[alt_hydra]

I thought I might be making a difference, but I'm just not sure anymore. Maybe I ought to try something different.

I'm tired, and I'm sure you are, too. Just don't forget to cast wards around your bed so that Ernie doesn't try to levitate your sleeping body out of the room in the night, or something.

Goodnight, Justin. Love you (even if you can't be trusted - ha!).

[alt_justin]

Still overtired? Poor love. But you're right, it's late.

And yes, I've been warding everything for a while, now. I don't expect it to change.

But don't let's lose heart completely.

I love you, too (even if you're jolly well mad, what!).

Sweet Dreams, my darling.

-J