Order Only: A Question for Molly

[alt_sirius]

Molly,

This is going to seem a very odd question, when we've already got Mr Brownmiller to assist, but:

You've met Sally-Anne Perks' mother, haven't you? You made contact through the barter network? And you've passed things to her from her daughter, isn't that right?

Our young friends are testing their - and our - ability to make an effective difference. I've had a letter asking if it would be possible to aid Mrs Perks' escape from the Protectorate.

If you thought she'd want to go, we might just have enough time to get her out at the solstice. I know there's a queue, though, so I suppose, worst case, we'd have six months to plan.

What do you think? Would she welcome the opportunity to leave?

Comments

[alt_molly]

Oh, my.

I don't honestly know, Sirius. Yes, I've met both of the parents. Their situation truly isn't a happy one, and I don't think they're very happy together, either. Well, how could they be, given their situation, under the blood purity laws? They've been members of the barter network for awhile now, and I do think it has quite improved their living standard. But they still struggle. The father, Leo, has generally had quite positive reviews by the other barter members, as he does good work--with a few noting, however, that occasionally he doesn't show up for a job when expected. I probably know him a little better than Cecelia, the mother. They are both rather nervous around me, and Cecelia is quiet and deferential when her husband is present.

But I've stopped by a time or two when it's just her. She's quite desperate for any scrap of news about her daughter, poor thing. You can just see the longing in her face, particularly when I tell her what spells the girl has been learning. (It makes me think the woman quite misses having a wand of her own, besides, of course, missing the girl.)

So I don't honestly know. I sense she's quite unhappy, but I'm not sure she would be willing to leave and run the risk of never seeing her daughter again.

It would be rather delicate to make inquiries. I suppose I could phrase it whether she ever wishes she could 'get away.' I think it would be rather difficult to settle anything in time for this summer's Solstice ward drop. But if you like, I could try to test the waters a bit, to see if she might be a candidate for a future border run?

[alt_molly]

And the poor girl, too. She obviously is still longing for her mother as well.

[alt_sirius]

While I have a moment: I know what you mean, Molly, about not knowing what's best to do.

Do you think she might be willing to conceal a wand from her husband? Would she want to stay and do more to help people? I've been thinking about it. I don't want to set the precedent with the kids that they ask me to get someone out and poof! it's done. But. It stands to reason we could do something to improve the woman's life.

Perhaps if we did sound her out - well, if she wants to run, then obviously, we could help her. But if she wants to stay, then maybe we could put Beth in touch with her? Suggest her to Beth, I mean to say, as someone the underground can use. Or. I dunno. Something.