Order Only: another owl; another clue

[alt_sirius]

I got another owl from Harry today. It matches his handwriting, and it sounds like him, so I don't think it's someone pretending to be him to draw me out.

He asked for a photograph of Lily and James - so that he'll know I'm not lying, he says.

What I want to know is how he would know it's them. I mean, he says he'll recognise them. How is that even possible?

But then I got to thinking that it might be related to whatever it was he found, that Malfoy doesn't want him to think about. Malfoy tells him it's dangerous. Could Voldemort have something that shows one's past? Or one's family? I can't think why he'd own something like that.

If we could just figure out what he's got, we might have a clue what he wants with that other item. Or is he still looking? Minerva?

I found something else while I was rummaging about for the photo (yes, I sent him one. Two, actually. And before you say it, Molly, I'm being careful). Might come in handy, so I packed it away in my traveling rucksack and I'm heading back out in search of boomslang skin and powdered bicorn horn. With any luck I should have a shipment for Laszlo Ltd within two weeks.

Comments

[alt_mcgonagall]

I am still quite befuddled, although I shall of course keep my ear to the ground - Hermione, perhaps you will be able to overhear something? The students ignore you in a way that they will never ignore me.

What did you find, Sirius? Oh, never mind - if you're being secretive, I'm sure you'll tell us about it soon enough. But I am curious. I didn't believe that I would ever say this, but with the students in school I am back into the humdrum daily rhythm and I almost wish it was the hols again.

[alt_hermione]

I'll keep my ears open, Professor McGonagall, although Harry Marvolo hardly spends any time at all in the library so that will make it more difficult won't it?

[alt_hermione]

Do you think - do you think Harry really is all bad? I mean if he's willing to talk to Sirius he can't be, can he? He doesn't seem so nasty as some. He's not like Patil or Bulstrode. But he's the Lord Protector's son and all.

[alt_mcgonagall]

I doubt that anyone is entirely bad, Miss Granger. Even the Lord Protector himself has human kindness in him - or so I am told.

As for Mr Marvolo, he is yet young, a full year younger than you even, I believe. We shall have to wait and see. His letter to Sirius is hopeful, that is true.

[alt_sirius]

Listen to Professor McGonagall, child. Harry is no Death Eater, that's for sure. The more we can gently nudge him in the right direction, the less likely he'll be to turn out like his bigoted caretakers.

[alt_hermione]

I'll try to nudge him, then, if I can.

[alt_sirius]

Yes, but be careful, Hermione. He still sets quite a bit of store by Malfoy and that snake he calls Father. If you think you can get him thinking, that's one thing. But don't risk yourself for the sake of converting him. Leave that to those of us with more practise, hm?

[alt_hermione]

All right.

[alt_molly]

I see. You think I won't scold you if you tell me you're being careful.

You're forgetting my experience as the mother of George and Fred Weasley. It's when they tell me that they're being careful that my hackles go up the most.

In all seriousness . . . well, I can't quite see how sending the poor boy a photo of James and Lily could hurt. I don't know. It's just--well, it was Harry who asked, but did he know about the request? Or even order him to make it, for some mysterious reason of his own? It all comes down to, we don't know what the monster wants with the boy. That's the problem I keep worrying away at in my own mind. Could a photo of James and Lily, if it falls into his hands be used to hurt Harry in any way? If he is keeping the boy for some dark purpose, could a relict of the boy's parents, like a photograph of them, be used, I don't know, for a harmful charm against him or something?

[alt_arthur]

Really, Molly, what a lurid idea.

Sirius, I've given it some thought but don't have any idea what, if anything, might have prompted Harry's request.

[alt_sirius]

Well, it was worth a shot.

And yes, that's the kind of thing that worries me - that they're using Harry to make me show myself. But something tells me that the last thing Voldemort wants is to remind Harry that he's not the man's natural son.

As to what he might do if he finds the photo? I've no idea. But with any luck the boy will be interested in keeping this little rebellion a secret and will make sure no one sees the evidence.