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[alt_ron]

Say. Have a listen to the WWN.

They're reporting that we've killed a bunch of people. Today. Or anyway, they've been found today.

It includes Daphne's parents. Found in Brighton in a house by their elf. Says MLE're investigating.

Another one's Athena Belby, the opera singer.

And there've been some others. They're not naming names yet, though, but they're saying 'authorities' believe there's a link between these murders and what happened to Crispin. And they're telling people to be careful and to look out for people wearing the Phoenix arm band. Nice touch, that.


But. Daphne's family. I can't even.

Comments

[alt_susan]

Her whole family? Even the girls??

Merlin's fucking arse, and they're saying we did it!?

D'you reckon people will buy it? I can't imagine anyone who hasn't already made up their mind to think the worst of us would, because it doesn't make a damn bit of sense.

But I also know there's a lot of misinformation out there, and those false-flag attacks weren't helping.

[alt_ron]

They're not saying anything about Astoria and Queenie. So I don't know. Reckon they'd say if they were dead. I mean, they're throwing everything they can at us.

I don't know what people think. But even if most don't buy it, some do and others aren't sure what to think.

[alt_susan]

That's true. They'd hardly miss a chance to smear us if they could. Do we have any way to find out for sure?

Because if they were lucky enough to not be home or some such, I'd hate to think of them coming home to that and maybe getting whisked off by DEMLE or worse.

[alt_luna]

It's so terrible.

Oh, how could people think we would do such a thing?

[alt_ron]

I asked Justin and Pansy. Neither of them could say for sure where Astoria and Queenie've been. I mean, it's not as if any of us've been close to them. Astoria, particularly. Though, Justin- Sorry. Anywiz, they didn't know.

I hope wherever they are, they're keeping their heads down now.

I'll see what Sally Anne knows. I'm going up there in a bit to bring her a snack.

[alt_susan]

Would it be a terrible idea to send them a PM?

They need to know not to trust anyone they don't recognize with a Phoenix armband.

And if they're on the run and not sure where to turn, well, Queenie was one of my firsties once; she might be inclined to listen to me.

Are there any Auror-type reasons why I shouldn't?

[alt_ron]

Don't PM them, Sue. DEMLE will be watching the journals, and it'll put a target on them if they get a PM from our side.

For all I know, Astoria's firm on the other side. Queenie, too, though if you say she's not, then I believe you. I just don't know otherwise.

You could send an owl. And, yeah, you could certainly warn them against people posing as us. And remind them where to find us if they want our help.


We could ask Brodie if we could try to find them and take them into protection, but if they didn't actually want our help, it would be sticky.

[alt_susan]

Good points all. 'S why I asked.

And it just occurred to me that DEMLE could bait a trap with them (or their books)!

Owl it is; I'll send Valkyrie--she has good sense for an owl--and I'll charm the parchment too.

I just want this to be a situation where we can do something.

[alt_ron]

I know.

It's horrible to just be sat here with no way to help.

[alt_hydra]

Daphne's parents and Athena Belby?

Have they released any other names since you started listening?

[alt_susan]

Too right!

I dunno how you're not going spare, with everyone who's in the wind right now.

[alt_ron]

Yeah. Somebody called Clairiker? Probably have that spelled wrong. An importer, they said.

[alt_ron]

Who says I'm not?

Private message to Ron

[alt_hydra]

Oh. I don't know that name.

Only I suppose I was just thinking it odd, because Barty Crouch was romantically connected to Daphne, and now her parents have been murdered. And he was romantically connected to Athena Belby, as well.

Re: Private message to Ron

[alt_ron]

You don't suppose he was seeing somebody called Mr Clariker out in Kent, too? Never thought he seemed the sort to, y'know.

Though the gossip mags used to take the mickey and write as if he and the Headmaster were like that.

Re: Private message to Ron

[alt_ron]

Sorry. I shouldn't make jokes about it.

I mean, Dolohov's dead and now all these other people.

Guess I've done too much sitting around today.


You still at St M's?

[alt_susan]

You're faking it all right, then.

And I respect the hell out of you as an Auror and a person. But if you need to take a break from being professional and hit things, well, feel free to wipe the floor with me in training any time.

Re: Private message to Ron

[alt_hydra]

A Mr Clariker? I doubt it.

Antonin and Crouch aren't like that. Their relationship is powerful, but it's not sexual. It's paternal and familial, but I don't think in the usual way. It's more something than that.... romantic, I think.

I'm still at St M's. It's quiet here - no WWN. Hermione's having bad dreams.

Re: Private message to Ron

[alt_ron]

Oh.

Romantic? Huh.

Hermione's alright, though, yeah?

Are you able to see what she's dreaming, then?

[alt_ron]

You're a bit o' alright, Sue. You know that?

Re: Private message to Ron

[alt_hydra]

I can't think of a better word. It's a combination of intimacy and devotion, I suppose.

She's alright.

Yes, though it's not like seeing waking thoughts. It's all soft and muted, somehow.

[alt_susan]

Back at yer!