Order Only: Buckingham

[alt_sirius]

Right.

How close are we to restoring portkeys? Could we create a number of them to get into Buckingham?

Or perhaps Montague or Clearwater have ideas about how to get in. They're with us now, might as well use the advantage.

Remus and I think if we can take about 20 able wands with us, and wait until the full moon, we could mount an assault directly on their headquarters and take the fight to them.

This festival thingy in New London this weekend - they'll all be distracted by that, correct? So we get in, get to Bellatrix, and end this whole sorry business.

Comments

[alt_frank]

count me in.

I can look into portkeys too.

[alt_sirius]

Knew you'd be in. Good to have you back, mate.

[alt_ron]

Count me and my wand in.

[alt_hydra]

You really think it's over when my mother's dead?

Private Message to Frank, Remus, Alice, Poppy and Molly

[alt_sirius]

Based on what Alice, Remus, Rachel and I discussed last night, I'm not going to tell any of the younger members of the Order that they can't fight - that would be useless and insulting, and deprive us of able wands, in the bargain. But what I will insist upon is that they are not in the vanguard. They can come in after we've borne the brunt of the attack, as reinforcements. They'll still be able to play a critical hand in the battle but with any luck, it will be at far lower risk to their lives.

I just ... I don't think I can live with myself if any more of them throw their futures on this altar. And we don't need them to do it, either.

Rachel's right that not being on the front lines doesn't necessarily protect them. Poor Honoria Sandoval died last night and she's barely lifted her wand against anyone. Still I think it's high time we did what we're meant to do and put ourselves between our young people and danger, as much as possible.

Agreed?

[alt_sirius]

I think there are a dwindling number of the enemy who can hold things together in her stead. There's no guarantee but they're losing ground rapidly and they know it. I think we could succeed in capturing or killing the remaining holdouts, too, if we act quickly enough.

[alt_sirius]

Good, we'll need you.

[alt_jeremy]

Since the Octoboros push is done, perhaps put Siz, Cecilia, Evelyn, and Linus on calculation-checking and locational magics. I can steal a couple of half-days to help. Food network continues badly overworked, but I need to avoid burnout. Switching projects for a half-day is as good as a holiday. Or so they tell me.

Re: Private Message to Frank, Remus, Alice, Poppy and Molly

[alt_lupin]

Agreed.

[alt_hydra]

Sorry. It's not that I'm not confident. Or not in support.

I suppose I have trouble imagining things being different. Which is funny because they already are.

[alt_justin]

Sirius,

Yes, by all means.

-J

Private Message to Sirius

[alt_justin]

That is, if Rachel will allow me to go.

I can't think why she's told me I'm to sit out for a few days. If she's worried about my injuries, please tell her I'm quite fine?

I'm not sure she believes me, but she will do if you tell her.

-J

[alt_draco]

The Elysian will have a set-up at the fête, just like at the last festivals. Russell's scheduled to work a shift, and even if he weren't, he'd be expected to show loyal. However, I do have a back-up plan in place if he needs to make a sudden exit that doesn't blow his (my) cover.

I'll do what I can, whether its more helpful for me to join in or stay where I am.

Re: Private Message to Sirius

[alt_sirius]

Don't blame Rachel. I asked her to shift her assignments. You and Ron, Hydra, Draco--you're all doing marvellously, but it's high time that the rest of us shoulder the burden and let you have the cushy jobs for a bit.

You'll all still see action, don't mistake me. I'll want you all to help on this. Just not at the very front of the line.

[alt_sinistra]

Portkeys, making the things, that's something I'd need help with, don't know if I could pick it up fast enough.

But the calculations for them, we can do. I'd like to ask Jason Montague a couple of specific questions to confirm there isn't a local effect to account for, but we should be able to manage that.

[alt_sirius]

Your cover's important but if everything goes as I hope, you might not need it anymore. Probably the best use for you is to keep vigilant and see what (if anything) you can do to prevent any reinforcements they might have out in the neighbourhoods from doubling back.

[alt_fred]

I can help.

I can bring along some of Fu's special little presents, too. No incendiaries, promise, but some concussion thingammies that'll throw the defence offstride and pack a wallop.

George says he'll assist at the triage station.

[alt_bill]

I'll help, too.

[alt_cedric]

I'll come and provide support.

[alt_draco]

The purpose is to assassinate Bellatrix, then? Did Montague confirm that she never attends the festivals? All my intel has indicated that she rarely leaves the Palace, so that would align with what I know.

There will still be some guards and staff on hand at the Palace. I'm sure she knows not to leave the place completely vulnerable. Broome will be there, for certain. Lana S-P wouldn't dream of missing a party, I bet, so she'll be gone.

Actually, let me just send you a list of every MLE person I saw out and about at the last festival. That should give a rough idea of who will be left behind, and how many.

[alt_draco]

Nothing showy. If a good portion of MLE are out of the Palace, we don't want them to have a reason to come running back.

[alt_fred]

Good point. So noted.

I'll talk to Fu. He's excellent at sneaky battle tactics, and he'll give us good advice about what would be best/appropriate.

[alt_sirius]

Excellent. Yes, my theory is that if we can get in, find her and overwhelm her, then our reinforcements can follow in short order and we'll secure the Palace. If anyone still insists on fighting, well, we'll have a significant advantage by holding their own fortress.

I realise it seems simplistic but sometimes the most straightforward plans are the ones they least expect.