Order Only: Bugger

[alt_sirius]

I can't believe he got in under all our noses!

At least I've made a friend, of a sort. But Circe, HOW did he get in? And how did I miss it?

Bugger all.

Comments

[alt_sirius]

I've been hoping someone up the castle will give us a full report, but I expect Minerva's busy fending off His Dictatorship. I went round the Three Broomsticks myself last night to get the village gossip. I did a little sad puppy eye act at Rosmerta and got her to let me lie down by the fire; watched everyone coming and going and if a scruffy old dog gets interested in table scraps, well, it's not too surprising, is it? But at least I could choose conversations to listen in on, that way. Got lucky: that spinster, Professor Acton, teaches charms? She had come down the pub to drown her trouble and got plenty talkative.

Somehow, and bugger me if I know how, Snape made his way into the castle Sunday night, while everyone was at the Halloween feast. I don't think Macnair was with him - at least, they're taking precautions in case he's nearby, but from what I've heard it was a one-man job.

Professor Acton told Madam Rosmerta that he tried to get into the Slytherin dormitories. One of the portraits on the Potions corridor - from the description, I'd guess it was Mad Madam Madinia Mimbleton - she spotted him and tried to raise the alarm. He slashed at her canvas so she ran and hid, but not before alerting other portraits on her way. They finally found her hiding in a portrait of the old greenhouses.

Anyway, he must not have been able to get the Slytherin common room to give up its password, or else he figured Mimbleton's portrait was sure to catch him out, so he fled.

I gather from the chatter on the journals that everyone spent the night in the Great Hall while the castle was searched. Acton said the professors were up all night looking for him - but however he got in, he must've slipped out the same way, the slimy lethifold.

And I was HERE, Allie! I was right here in the village and he still got inside!

[alt_alice]

You and Remus probably know that castle better than anyone, I'd warrant.

Does he know of any of the ways you and Remus used to use to get about, you think? Or did he discover one of his own?

[alt_sirius]

Well, he knows the Whomping Willow has a tunnel. But he doesn't necessarily know what's at the end of it. Besides, no one else has been inside the other entrance but me.

I've checked the other passageways I know about and two of them are blocked off - cave ins. Honeyduke's - well, I can't imagine he'd have been able to get in that way, not from the shop. Though I suppose it's possible. There's also the tunnel behind Gregory the Smarmy's statue, leads to the station. But MLE are all over the station, aren't they?

There are a couple others - again, though, I've checked the entrances I can get to, and if I can't get to them surely he can't, either?

I dunno. I can't think he's got an inside man, no matter what the scuttlebutt is hereabouts. Who in the castle would work with him?

(By the way, speaking of Remus, I've not heard from him or Dora since before the full moon last. Have you? I hope nothing went wrong and he's not seriously hurt.)

[alt_alice]

I've heard from Tonks, yes. I'm sure he'll get in touch with you soon. They've just got a lot going on right now, and I'd imagine they've got a lot to keep busy with.

[alt_sirius]

Oh? The cafe idea working out, then, is it? Good on them.

[alt_alice]

I do think you ought to check in with Remus, all the same. I know he always loves to hear from you, and he might need a hand once you can tear yourself away from Hogsmeade.