Order Only: Lessons and Bea

[alt_sirius]

Alice, Frank: Thank you again. I'll definitely want to go back and see what I can get assembled. The engine and carburetor need significant reconditioning but it'll be much easier to put the spells in place on them before they're fitted into a frame. I thought I saw a few Triumphs and even a Royal Enfield; I'll have to look at the numbers to make sure they're compatible, though. Also see what manuals the place might have.

Anyway, it's brilliant. I'm glad you waited until after the lessons to show me. As it was, I hope Maureen didn't get too tired of Bea. (Oh, and please tell her I appreciate her volunteering to mind the monster, but I might take it personally if she keeps ducking Potions to do it. Perhaps we could ask Florrie to switch off now and then.)

I do think it's good for the young miss, anyway. Seeing other kids, playing. Between that and her earlier bedtimes she might just turn out civilised yet!

Comments

Private message to Padfoot

[alt_lupin]

What on earth are those muggle bits and pieces you brought home FOR?

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_sirius]

Sorry, didn't I say? It's an engine block and a replacement carburetor.

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_sirius]

Oh, and a few pistons.

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_lupin]

I think you did say those words, yes. Care to translate them into proper wizarding English?

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_sirius]

Parts, Moony. For a motorcycle.

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_lupin]

Oh, brilliant. I quite liked your old one. Is this one going to fly?

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_sirius]

Yes, of course. Why would it not?

I'll have to see if I can find a small enough helmet for Bea ....

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_lupin]

Now you're just baiting me.

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_sirius]

Never! She loved the carpet, and her toy broom. I'd put her in a harness or something until she's big enough to ride pinion.

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_lupin]

It's really not going to be safe until she's old enough to properly hold on. Even with cushioning charms the ground's a long way down. Toy brooms don't go high, and carpets don't go fast (and are charmed to keep passengers on them properly.)

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_sirius]

Fine but if I find a leather jacket in her size, don't try to stop me.

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_lupin]

If you find a leather jacket in her size with charms that will protect someone from a high-speed fall, I'll think about it!

Re: Private message to Padfoot

[alt_lupin]

Or hold on, were you just think you'd like her to LOOK the part? No argument there!

[alt_frank]

Brilliant. Glad to hear it. Our Danny is good with engines and things, let him know if you need a hand.

And I don't think Maureen minds. When she isn't in her classes or doing Merlin knows what with Danny, she's usually hanging around the nursery. That kid knows so many stories it's ridiculous.

[alt_sirius]

Oh, I'm sure she doesn't mind; she was clear on the subject of which branches of magic she wants to learn and which are a 'waste of time.'

And yeah, I might need help with some of the bigger jobs but half the fun is putting it together.

Private message to Frank (and Colin Creevy)

[alt_jeremy]

Who's this Danny then?

Re: Private message to Frank (and Colin Creevy)

[alt_frank]

(He's about your age, works with the goats and does machinery work with Mr Lee. Dan's a good sort, I'll be happy to make introductions next time you lot come over for training.

And I say, Stretton, you've got nothing to worry about. Let's just say Maureen really isn't his type.

Besides which Besides which, she can spend her time how she wants, hey?)

Re: Private message to Frank (and Colin Creevy)

[alt_jeremy]

She absolutely can. That's the point of all this, isn't it? I mean, everything Alice talks about, Maureen's a perfect example.

Doesn't mean it's easy. But I'm doing it aren't I? I haven't once tried to contact her since I joined the Order, no pressure on her, no badgering her to tell me does she have the slightest fondness for me at all or was that just or not. She knows how to reach me. If she wanted wants to see me, she could.

And if she doesn't, well. That's the point of all this too.

I may have come into the Order because of her, but I didn't come into the Order to make her life miserable if she doesn't want to see me. And even if I did come into the Order because of her, I'm staying because the Order's right about what needs to be done, whether or not Maureen gives a fig for me. So Frank can stop worrying whether I'm going to grass on everyone if she doesn't.

Re: Private message to Frank (and Colin Creevy)

[alt_frank]

Hey, kiddo.

Enough of that.

Yeah, the Order had to talk about you and Maureen when we were first thinking about bringing you in, but that's because we didn't know you. And if I've done anything to make you think I don't think you're measuring up, well, that's on me. But I'm not worried about your loyalty. And I don't think there's only one reason you're sticking around. Believe me, we wouldn't have let you in the door if that were the case.

For what it's worth, I think your taking a step back is a good move. It's hard, but it's the right thing to do.

We've got some people here who haven't had a lot of choices in their lives. And one of the things we try to do is give them space to figure out what they're good at, what they like to do for fun, who they are when someone isn't telling them what to do every single day.

Give it time. Trust yourself. And trust her.

Re: Private message to Frank (and Colin Creevy)

[alt_frank]

(I wouldn't assume the worst. And no offence meant.)

Re: Private message to Frank (and Colin Creevy)

[alt_jeremy]

Right. Working on it.

See you at practice Sunday then.