Order Only: Private Message to Alice and Frank

[alt_sirius]

Allie,

We've hit upon a solution to our little problem of becoming cramped over on Doughty Conduit. (Er, Frank. We're getting a bit too cramped at Doughty Conduit and so far the things we've tried have attracted the wrong sort of attention. Nothing to worry about but it's caused us to be a little more creative in our thinking. Just in case Allie hasn't caught you up.)

But you know how it is. One solution leads to another problem.

So. I'm trying to remember the steps of the Fidelius. I know there's the perimetre walk and the hearth ash bit and I remember the runes to obscure north and west, but I can't visualise the rune for east, at present. And I've drawn the one for south a few times but it doesn't look right. And there's the spell itself, of course.

And we also wondered - Well, I mean to say, we thought. You see, it needs to be done quickly and without anyone noticing. But we wanted to ask if one of you would be Secret Keeper for us. Either of you. And if so, could you pop down to London tomorrow, and we can have a go at it tomorrow night?

Comments

[alt_alice]

I remember the directional runes well enough, love. I helped Dumbledore carve them in the ground around Moddey. Frank and I can both be down there first thing tomorrow to help. I'll talk to Arabella tonight to compare notes and make sure we won't miss anything.

How's your supply of salt? We'll transfigure the soil, of course, but we need to have enough true salt on hand to mix it with. We won't need nearly as much as we did for Moddey -- thank heaven we were by the sea. We can bring some with us.

A good astronomy chart would be nice if you have it. Ours is a bit out of date. As long as we go by dawn and dusk for each pass-through, it ought to be fine, but I want to err on the side of caution.

And a sharp silver knife.

And yes, I will be your secret keeper, as long as it's something that all three of you have agreed on.

[alt_frank]

I'll get the salt together while you talk to arabella.

a cauldronfull ought to do, you think? one of the medium sized ones.

[alt_alice]

Yes. But be sure you don't rush it. As close to pure as we can get between now and tomorrow. I can come out and help you once I'm done.

[alt_frank]

nothing doing. you're going to rest up for tomorrow. you'll need it. I'll get steve and jacinda to help out. between the three of us, we ought to get it up to the general's standards.

[alt_alice]

Well. I'll be sure and head to bed after picking Arabella's brain, then.

[alt_sirius]

Yes, we've all agreed. In fact, Dora's been helping try to infiltrate, until we figured out I had to go alone.

Moony will have to go get the chart in the morning. I've been doing some of the calculations this evening - two sets, depending on whether it's you or Frank.

One of the benefits of our relationship with Sabola is that we've plenty of good pure salt. And there's a healthy supply of ashes in the kitchen hearth.

I'm not sure about whether we ought to use dusk and dawn, though. I think the adjusted midnight might be better for this location.

[alt_alice]

You know the property best, love. If midnight strikes you as the most appropriate, then I'm likely to agree. And given the time of year, the days are very short.

And we'll bring plenty of extra. You can never have too much salt.

Private Message to Sirius Black

[alt_alice]

And how has everything been going, then?

Re: Private Message to Sirius Black

[alt_sirius]

All right. I mean to say. Not without its tensions. But I think we're coming into a new rhythm. We've started eating breakfast together every morning. Remus and I mostly take turns with the cooking so it's ready when Dora gets home from the Ministry. I missed today's, unfortunately. Still, it's a good chance for us all to spend time together and talk.

I care about Dora very much. We both do. But I never expected to exchange places. I didn't think it was possible. I'd've left forever before I came between them. Even if it meant only seeing him now and then.

Allie. I've loved him most of my life, I suppose. And to find out that he's felt the same and we never

It's like someone's turned on a lamp in a dark room. And it's hard to restrain how it feels, now. It's hard to conceive that being this happy means someone else is not, quite. But we'll manage.

Re: Private Message to Sirius Black

[alt_alice]

It's certainly not perfect, but life is far from perfect.

I do think that of all of you, I'm worried the most for Tonks. Because she deserves to be with someone who loves her back, loves her like you and Remus love one another, and although this set-up does provide her with support, and she does care for both of you very much and you for her, it's just not the same.

But from what I've seen, you three are doing the best you can with what you've been dealt, and I admire you all for it.