Order Only: Private Message to Remus and Dora

[alt_sirius]

Did Terry come for his lesson today, Remus?

I had a chance to talk to Frank about the kid, very briefly, after we ran off Stint last night.

It's pretty much what we thought. And I think there's more Frank's not saying but even that's pretty close to what you and I were guessing, Moony.

And then there's something else. You saw that Pomona included a private message at the end of all her and Poppy's teasing last night? Well. I'll copy it out for the two of you, since really it's meant for all three of us:


I owe you an apology. All three of you at Laszlo's.

I overreacted, at Christmas. And then compounded the unfairness by never explaining why. I still don't want to go into it, really, but my marriage was really very bad, I was forced out, and. Well. Enough said.

Not that I'm not abundantly happier where I am now, and with a far better circle of friends than I'd ever imagined finding, but some things get a hold on you and don't let go for a long time.

Thank you for coming to help. And for helping me convince Poppy that it's needed.


I mean to say. I assumed she was long over whatever was bothering her, since she's been talking to us and acting normally (well, normally for Pomona, anyway). So. Obviously I've no hard feelings and I'll tell her so. But I'm not sure what to make of the rest of it. None of our business, is it.

Still it seemed like maybe you both ought to see it. And Dora, maybe you know what she's on about? Poppy told me a tiny bit - more than I really want to know, in fact - but. I dunno. Witches talk to one another, don't they.

At any rate, no sign of Stint here so far, though Poppy said he popped in at the weather station again. Luckily, Poppy's been in much better spirits, although she didn't dare smile or laugh in his direction lest he realise she'd seen our adventure last night.

No repercussions from that, either, at the moment. 'Kenny' and 'Ellie' went for a walk in the hills this morning, now that Poppy's back to herself. I'm not sure about Pomona but I think I'll stay around another day, just to look after her, but if Pomona is ready to leave then I might slip off and return as Padfoot to save on potion.

Comments

[alt_nymphadora]

Oh.

That was, well, it's something that she wrote that. Isn't it?

No, I don't know anything about Professor Sprout's marriage. Though, you know, I went to see Madam P that once so she could check on me before Bea came, and I stayed with her sister-in-law. SprPomona's, I mean. We didn't talk about much of anything in particular, but she did say something that made me think Pomona wished she'd had children and hadn't ever been able to.

I'm not sure that's anything to do with this, though.

You know when it happened, it was clear to me what she meant. She was upset on my account. Because she felt you two were doing something ugly to me. See where she says 'forced out'? That's what she thought you lot were doing.

She didn't tell me that, mind you. Only, that's what I thought she meant.

[alt_nymphadora]

Say. You might see what you can do to keep Madam P from catching sight of today's gossip mags. Have a look about that pub you're staying in, and steer her away if you see any lying about.

I just cleaned one off a table here that's got a terribly nasty story about her friend Professor Sinistra. It would upset her, trust me. Better she doesn't see it.

Or maybe those things don't make it out to Wales same day they turn up here?

[alt_sirius]

Dora,

We've had other things besides gossip to worry about but I've not seen anything of that nature at the inn. And Poppy's feeling more herself but hasn't had time for shopping or going to the news agents or anything.

And now -

Well, Pomona's going to tell everyone about the news on our end.

What's it say, out of curiosity?

[alt_nymphadora]

It's full of hideously bad pictures, for one thing. She looks a bit like a gnome in one of them. Splattered with mud. Must have been from one of her YPL outings. Another has her windblown and her robes suctioned against her so that its downright lewd. Poor thing.

As for the article, well. Awful gossip about her--she sleeps with everything that moves of all genders. No bestiality, but they were probably saving that for next month. Really. Do keep Poppy from seeing it.

There's all sorts of nonsense about Rabastan Lestrange, too. Including that he's involved with students, including the daughters of witches he's dated in the past.

[alt_sirius]

Charming.

But at least it's nice to know that there are some Death Eaters the press believes they can smear without repercussions.

Actually, that's sort of odd, isn't it? I mean, usually you'd think someone like Raz would be considered off-limits.

Well, anyway, Poppy's unlikely to see it since she's heading onto a mountain trail this afternoon. (I dunno if you saw what I told Remus but I'll be following at a discreet distance to watch out for that bastard Stint. Though if I catch him he may well wind up being reported as 'mangled by wild animals' and too good for him if he does.)

[alt_lupin]

Yes, Terry came. As did the twins, though they spent most of the day off with Severus, since that potions exam Slughorn promised is mere days away.

Terry was a little quiet but willing to work. Apparently the twins told him to talk to the Longbottoms and he did, and that helped.

Interesting about Pomona.

[alt_sirius]

May have helped Terry (and good, that) but it doesn't seem to have helped Frank.

I wish we could have answered differently about Neville. All of them. But it's far too dangerous and children, even as grown-up as this lot sometimes appear to be, are far too unpredictable.

Yeah, I don't quite know what to make of Pomona. I mean to say, good, obviously, but - I guess I didn't expect it to come up again. I think I inadvertently earned some points with her for defending Poppy. Though I honestly had no idea anyone could hear me.

Look, Poppy's got to go on some sort of nature hike so I'll be following after in case she needs help. Right? You can hang on for another day or two, without your faithful hound by your side?

How's everything at home?

[alt_lupin]

Things are fine here. I'd say Poppy needs a faithful hound watching out for her far more than any of the rest of us. Bloody hell, the bastard really WAS poisoning her, then?

[alt_sirius]

Yeah. Hard to believe, innit?

If he knows what's good for him he'd best not Apparate anywhere near her route. Or he's liable to not make it out of the wilderness.

[alt_lupin]

Yeah. He's gone from 'bloody irritating nuisance' to 'serious threat.'

[alt_sirius]

Glad you agree.

Only, it's full moon. Are you feeling overly snappish? Ellie's all right to take care of Bea; you could go to Grimmauld and kick holes in the walls. Give Kreacher something to clean up.

[alt_lupin]

I will be FINE.

I've been assuming you won't make it back. Ellie's happy to take care of Bea, I have my potion, and I'll be at Grimmauld well ahead of when I expect to transform, not that I intend to shred any wallpaper but it ensures no one sees me by accident.

You stick with Poppy.

[alt_sirius]

Right.

Sticking.

Next month: No crisis.


What was it you sent to Hermione, anything crucial?

[alt_lupin]

I was thinking it would cheer Terry up to see her, if she could get away from Buckingham for an afternoon. I was thinking we'd make it a surprise -- there's no surprise quite as nice as seeing an unexpected friend, first of all, but also, if something comes up and she can't come after all, he won't be disappointed.

[alt_sirius]

Hairy Snout, Human Heart has nothing on you.