Order Only: What we've done

[alt_sirius]

Over the past few days, Aleks and I have been taking care of what we can before the trip. I went with him as Padfoot to get into the Laszlo premises and handle the incoming requests (mostly forwarding them the Fatima for the time being). We're still looking for someone to take Marguerite's job. For the moment, we've simply posted a notice on the Floo that we're on holiday to celebrate the end of the menace, Sirius Black. Aleks hired a shopboy, but he can't start until Tuesday. Even then, there won't be any way to run contraband until we've found someone else we can trust. Fatima's working on that, though, did I mention? She has a cousin in Riennes whom she thinks might do well. I'm pretty confident that Laszlo will be okay.

We went to Marguerite's funeral, too. Aleks used some of the polyjuice I'd kept back, since the French have his description; I went as Padfoot, of course. It was fairly dreary, as you might expect. I wanted to explain to her parents - but that's impossible, for a number of reasons.

Last and certainly not least, we've been getting the cargo ready to travel. I think you'll be pleased with the haul. Once we have the passengers in hand, we'll work on getting them identification papers so they can protect themselves if they're discovered having emigrated illegally. But I can't do anything about it without details that, I know, you simply can't give me yet. We'll fix it for them, though, never fear.

So. Earlier, when I said they were bound to give up looking for the body? Well. I wasn't exactly correct. Bellatrix must have put the fear of the Fenians into the gendarmerie, because the search has become, if anything, more extensive than when I was 'alive' - I guess they figure that I could have Apparated anywhere in the country. One thing's clear: Voldemort wants my corpse. I don't think he'll let up until he can prove, beyond a doubt, that I've been vanquished.

Frank, how do you manage to stay dead, after they decide you are? It's mad - I mean, the papers still have alerts to request information about my body turning up and everywhere I've been this week, I've seen their enforcers still asking questions. They haven't changed the reward offer, either, which surprised me. I mean to say, I know it'll blow over eventually but I'm just not able to be very effective if I've got to be Padfoot everywhere I go. I suppose I'll have to start acquiring a taste for polyjuice. Maddening.

Anyway, mainly I wanted to let you lot know that we'll be ready for tomorrow morning. Do we have any plan for cover, as it'll be daylight?

And has there been any word of Snape? Macnair?

Comments

[alt_frank]

we were planning on running, so we'd stocked up on food and had a tent, and were ready to lay low for as long as it took. didn't have polyjuice, though, so no showing our faces around in public places.

and it did take a long while.

when we ran out of food, we had to steal it.

when they cleared out the muggles made that a lot easier, but there were less warm bodies walking around, so we could only go out at night and couldn't hit the same place more than once.

it was damn hard, and if al hadn't been there with me, and we hadn't gotten word to get together with Arabella and get moddey started, I'd have gone spare, no mistake.

I feel for you, man. course it helps that everyone thinks your dead already. took three years for mum to convince everyone we'd died, and even then, it's only on paper. pretty sure they're still keeping half an eye open for us any road.

the hopeful's taking off tonight -- Davidson's people arrived today. Jane Frederick, Donald Skidmore, and Haidar Musyoka -- Haidar speaks fluent French, and Jane and Donald are "passable." Al's been talking with them more than I have, so she can fill in what they're all about.

[alt_kingsley]

Of course we're eager to get your cargo, Sirius. But after what we've all been through, I'm sure every member of the Order will agree with me, your safety must come first. If the hunt for you is so hot and heavy that the mission must be scrubbed, then so be it. There will be other Solstices, but there is only one Sirius Black.

[alt_sirius]

No, no, no worries on that score, Kingsley. Padfoot will go to the boat tomorrow and I shan't change until we're well out of harbour. And same for the return.

I know the best possible course is to stay dead, so if it's got to be Padfoot in public, then that's how it'll be.