Order Only: Private Message to Mrs. Longbottom

[alt_susan]

Thanks for sending me that message. It means a lot, it really does. A lot of the time I'm not really sure what I'm doing in the Order, especially this term. I mean, I've been helping Pansy a bit with her challenges, but anyone could do that really. And I don't know what to say to Justin (or Hydra) at all.

I was seeing someone last term, and we broke up at least partially because I have secrets she wasn't ready to know. But it's not the same and I don't want to presume that I know how it feels.

As far as the contest goes, I think the sett as a whole is well relieved that at least one of ours is out of it. And I'm not sure Smith's all that thrilled about being one of the finalists. He was an ass about it at first, but I think that before he only saw the chance of glory, and not how serious it would get. I don't know Bobolis that well--Ced would have a better idea about him--but I think he regrets doing the last challenge. Family's really important to him. The contest's been hard on my friends here, but sett-wise, Umbridge did a lot more damage.

Comments

[alt_alice]

Umbridge serves as quite the cautionary tale, doesn't she? Our House values and principles can be twisted round to serve a darker purpose just as much as any.

I'm very glad you're one of the people at the helm, Susan. It really does help set the tone for everyone else, and the example you provide is so very important.

Do you think your Mr Smith might be amenable to talking with Harry or Justin about his future? If he's in over his head, it could be hard for him to gain a sense of perspective, and it might do him well to know he has some support (or at least people he could turn to in a crisis).

[alt_susan]

That's true--I wonder sometimes how much more damage she could have done if she had been a little less blatantly horrid.

As far as Smith, I think the person who'd be best suited to reach him is Ced. He respects the hell out of him as a Quidditch captain and as a person generally. He and Justin seem to get on well enough now, but I don't think they're close mates.

And Harry...heh, I think he resents that the girls he tries to get somewhere with are always sighing over how eligible Harry is.

But, even if it came from Ced, I don't think Smith wants to think too much about what our world's built on.

[alt_alice]

I can see how that reality would be difficult to face.

I have a feeling that far too many of our fellow witches and wizards prefer blissful ignorance.

It's a challenge I struggle with -- how we'll end up convincing all of them that what they've done is deeply wrong. Guilt is a highly uncomfortable state to be in, and people work very hard to avoid it.

Perhaps you and Cedric might talk further about it, and whether it would be worth your while, and his.

[alt_susan]

People put down Gryffindor for being a bunch of hotheads (Morgana knows, I say it to Ed all the time) but sometimes you need a little bravery.

But sometimes being brave is a good way to get killed and take a lot of other people down with you, without much to show for it.

I think there are a lot of people out there (like my parents) who would support the Order if they knew we existed and thought we had a real chance, but otherwise see opposing the Protectorate as very much the latter sort of bravery.

[alt_alice]

I can see how that would be the case, yes.

I very much hope that once the tide begins to turn, when we gain a real foothold, our people will come out of the shadows -- we're building to that shift in power, and Merlin knows we've got so much work left to do, but it is possible, Susan.

And in the meantime, we'll have to keep sending our message out into the night and hope that it finds a foothold.

[alt_alice]

You must know that you are far more important than what you will be able to accomplish as a revolutionary.

Once the dust settles, we will need a generation of leaders who will use the pieces of this Protectorate to create something entirely new.

You are our future. And that gives me a great deal of hope.

[alt_susan]

That...makes me a little nervous, honestly.

But I'm honoured. Truly.

[alt_alice]

And I can see how it would be difficult to sort out what you should and can do while still in school. Merlin knows if I'd joined the Order in my fifth or sixth year, I would find it all to be quite overwhelming, and wouldn't have a clue about how I could be useful.

But know that having you, Ginny, Hydra, and Draco as Prefects at Hogwarts is vital -- especially given Minerva's position. And beyond that, I value people who can bring level-headed dependability and diplomacy to the table a great deal -- all skills I see in you.

People like Bill, Jeremy, Charlie, Tonks, and Lee (just to name a few, I could go on and on, really) aren't involved in work that is as high profile or risky as some, but they are so very important because they provide necessary information and support. I know I can depend on them, and they have the flexibility and skills to lend a hand where they are needed. They are the foundation on which the Order is built. I see you as part of that foundation, Susan, and believe me, once you're done with school, I will certainly be leaning on you quite a bit. Depending on how available you are this summer, we might start sorting out what you're most suited for, and can even start you on some projects if you'd like.

And yes, having relationships can be rather difficult in this line of work. It's a risk to open one's heart to another under the best of circumstances, and this can make it infinitely harder.

I do take heart in the fact that there are a great many good people out there who think and feel as we do. Perhaps one of them is your person, a person you can be completely honest with. I very much hope you'll get a chance to find your happiness, dear.

[alt_alice]

And it is difficult, beyond difficult to see a friend in pain and not know what to say.

Everything sounds so trite, doesn't it?

I suppose the best thing we can do is simply be there, offer support, and muddle through the inevitable awkwardness as best as we can.

[alt_susan]

I'd love to talk about projects for the summer. Do you think there's a chance I might be able to come to Moddey for a day or so?

Because I'd love to know more about it, so I can have more clearly in my mind why we do what we do.

Speaking of projects...do you ever need people to write things? Before I got so busy with CCF and revising and Prefecting, I used to write stories and poems and things like that.

[alt_alice]

Our propaganda could always use a fresh set of eyes and a clever quill. That's a good place to start.

And yes, please do come out to visit. I'd like that very much.