Order Only: Planning

[alt_sirius]

Arthur, have you heard anything from Nymphadora? Did Malfoy's manoeuvers help her at all?

If not, I think we may have an option for her.

And Moony - for you, too. Have you given any thought to that proposal of mine? Or are you too buried in nappies, lullabies and pat-a-cakes to earn an honest (well, mostly honest) living?

Reason I'm asking is, Justin received his acceptance to Beauxbatons. And as promised, Laura has come through with a rather sizable donation in thanks. Enough to secure the shop and stock it up with household goods - regular items, I think, to help provide something for the struggling housewitch - and so that I can follow it up within the month with a good shipment of the typical supplies.

We'll need staff. If Moony's there to handle Mundungus and some of our more ... unsavoury clientele, then perhaps my cousin would be useful behind the counter to help present a much more legitimate picture to any Ministry snoops who might come nosing about.

It gives her a source of income, one not dependent on the Ministry's clemency, and it gives Moony ... well, it gives him a way to get back in the game. And it protects them both, if you see what I mean.

Well? Is it brilliant, or is it brilliant?

(Oh, and Minerva? Merlin's beard. I dunno whether to tease you or task you. It's one thing to plumb Malfoy as an ally, but honestly! And ... I'll stop before you hex me all the way from Hogwarts.)

Comments

[alt_mcgonagall]

Not a word, Mr. Black.

[alt_lupin]

I think I could probably stay out here forever, but you're right, it's time to get back into the game. Kevin's doing well, he's grown so much already, but we need to keep working to try and make things better for not just him but his whole generation. I think I could be of more use based in London, and if it helps Arthur's friend too, so much the better.

I don't know about brilliant though. It's very risky. I'm not quite up there at the top of the Most Wanted list with you, but there's a good chance I could be recognised and turned in. We need to give some serious thought to how we're going to ensure the shop's protected, not so much for me, but if we're putting Arthur's friend in the path of danger, we need to do all we can to ensure her wellbeing.

[alt_arthur]

Much as I hate to give any credit to Lucius Malfoy, I am happy to say that that girl is back at work. I saw her last time, and mighty pleased I was to see her, too. She's only back two nights a week, however, because the investigation is still termed 'pending.' Not because they have the slightest bit of evidence against her, I don't think, but merely because Internal Affairs wants to frighten her a bit more about stepping out of line.

I was worried as to whether she'd have any lingering resentment toward me, since, after all, it was my asking her to pinch the file that got her into this mess in the first place. But it seems she doesn't hold any grudge at all. She was as friendly as ever when she chatted with me, I'm relieved to say. I think it really helps that she had such a tangible reward for her efforts, in the change in Dean Thomas' status. She said she's been following his story in the news, and it's clear that she--like me--is taking pleasure in his success in stepping into more decent life for himself.

Still, she is still worried about money, since she's only been scheduled part-time, and so I think she might be entirely open to the idea of another part-time job. How should we approach this? Do you want me to mention it to her, possibly saying it's an opportunity I've heard about through Bill?