Order Only: Private message to Alice Longbottom

[alt_bill]

Alice:

I think...I'm pretty sure that someone's been messing with my memory. I don't know who. I'm missing a chunk of time, about fifteen minutes. I wouldn't have noticed at all, except that I was supposed to meet Nick Towler for an off-calendar meeting right during that window of time, and he buttonholed me later to ask why I didn't show up.

Someone must have obliviated me.

I thought I'd better report it to you, although I won't mention it to Mum. Don't want to worry her. I'm taking all the precautions I normally take. If I figure out anything more, I'll let you know.

Comments

[alt_alice]

I see.

Thank you for letting me know.

I know you'll do this, but it bears saying that you ought to keep a very close eye on your schedule for the next two weeks to see if it's a pattern.

I wonder if Severus might be able to help sort out what's happened, as he's sharp with memory charms. Would you mind approaching him for a consultation?

Regardless, this is worrisome.

Please let me know if it happens again, and if this is leading up to some sort of arrest, stay on your guard and have an escape route ready.

And by that I mean that you will make every effort to get yourself to safety.

[alt_bill]

Oh, believe me, I'll be keeping a close eye on everything.

A few more pieces of information for you: at Charlie's suggestion, I had Nick Towler test my wand with Priori, and we learned it wasn't used to cast any spells I don't remember. Nothing was out of place in my office, nor was anything missing. (My office was where I was at both the beginning and end of the missing chunk of time, although I can't guarantee that I stayed there the entire time.) I never keep anything incriminating there in any way, I promise you. Dad always insisted on that.

Also, no one was looking at me funny in any way, so I guess I didn't have any unexpected visitors of any kind. The list of people I interact with normally every day is quite long, however, so that doesn't narrow the list much.

That's a good idea, to consult with Severus. Do you mind making the request of him? It might come better coming from you as the Head of the Order. Tell him I can meet him anytime at his convenience. I assume the safe point rendezvous just outside of Hogwarts?

Alice--do you think I should say anything to Fred and George? Just in case...well. Just in case the Junior Auxiliary has to move fast to evacuate?

I mean, we hope to Merlin in won't come to that of course. But nothing like this has happened before either. And it would be mad not to be considering all contingencies.

Nick and I have discussed our own evacuation plans. Just in case. I'll write it up and send it to Frank, in case he can think of anything else we might have missed. I'd appreciate an ex-Auror's eye, looking it over, and he's just about the best we have at thinking of every possible scenario.

[alt_bill]

And on that last....I won't betray the Order, Alice. No matter what.

But I don't want to take Aloysius' route out. I mean, Merlin, I was on my way to see him when he did it. His willingness to use that ring probably saved my life.

Still...I'll do everything I can to avoid it.

Unless I can't.

[alt_alice]

I'll ask Severus if he'll meet with you. And if you send what you've been working on, I'll make sure to have Frank give it a close read.

I would also agree that you ought to pass word along to Fred and George, yes. And you can tell them they can share with Hermione as well. They all have good heads and are not likely to panic unnecessarily, and it would be good to give an advanced warning if necessary.

And that's what plans are for, Bill. To give us as many chances as we can get.

[alt_bill]

Right.

I'll contact the twins tomorrow. Let me know what Severus says.

Thanks, Alice. I'll be careful.

[alt_alice]

Another thing to consider is that they may be implementing a new policy of screening or security measures Ministry-wide. Nick ought to keep an eye out in case something similar happens to him.

[alt_bill]

Good point. I'll pass that along, too.

[alt_bill]

I just realised. About Aloysius. It's been just about exactly three years, this week.

[alt_alice]

These sorts of anniversaries always do have a way of creeping up on us unannounced, don't they?

I'm so sorry, Bill.