Order Only: Aftermath

[alt_bill]

Nothing so far today.

The code's been sent out to all the analysts to fly silent go deep. No one else has been picked up yet either, to my knowledge, but none of them will be contacting me again until I send out the all clear. We're all flying blind for the time being.

Keep your fingers crossed for us all.

Comments

[alt_molly]

Are you INSANE?! Are you seriously suggesting that Bill try to doublecross Bellatrix Lestrange by throwing you to them? If he does, and they miss you, they'll be angrier than dragons on a rampage! Why won't they figure he has even more to tell them if he even hints he knows anything about you! Why, they could use legilimacy on him, and then we're really sunk!


And if he does it and they capture you--Sirius, don't you realise what they'll do to you?!

[alt_sirius]

Well, I don't figure on being captured. I'm not that deranged.

And I don't suggest that Bill do anything to imply he's in contact with me. More that he's brought his impressive skills to bear and discovered a clue as to where I might be.

We'd have to be careful, I agree, that it doesn't seem like a diricawl hunt. But it's something to think about.

[alt_molly]

I WON'T ALLOW IT!!

[alt_bill]

Mum, calm down. Please.

I agree, it should be a last resort. But if we need to take the heat off me, Sirius is right, maybe this would help.

[alt_kingsley]

Molly, my friend, gently does it.

Bill's best hope, if he's truly in a tight spot, is to keep his cool and do everything he can to show he's on the Protectorate's side. You know that.

[alt_molly]

Kingsley, I just can't bear this. The not knowing.

[alt_arthur]

Yes you can, Molly, dear. Courage is what is needed, and you're a Gryffindor after all, remember. Right now, Bill needs to keep calm and steady. If you can do the same, that will help him.

[alt_molly]

Oh, you're right. You're right, Arthur.

I'm sorry, Bill.

There's no point in pretending we didn't know this might happen. I'm sorry for...for letting my fears get the better of me. I won't let it happen again.

[alt_sirius]

It's all right, Molly. I promise you I've no death wish, to play right into their hands. But if we do come to the point where Bill has to give them some evidence of his loyalty, I'd rather we arrange a Sirius Black close call than throw someone else to the wolves, even if it's someone who deserves it for something else.

But one thing that does occur to me is that Bill could afford to let some of his shock and dismay through the mask, if he can do it without opening a floodgate.

What I mean is, he did work with Archer on legitimate Ministry business, didn't he? So, it's natural for Bill to be as shaken by the news as anyone else in the Ministry - just not for the reasons we know are the real ones.