Order Only: Private message to Mr and Mrs Longbottom

[alt_terry]

Neville asked me to pass along word to you. He figures you must have seen the announcement that students at Hogwarts will have to take Dark Arts. He's thinks that you might be worried, especially Mrs Longbottom. He started to say something about Mrs Longbottom's boggart, but then stopped himself and didn't explain that part. Anyway, he just asked if you had any idea how he and Evelyn might be able to get out of it.

But if he said they can't get out of it, you mustn't worry. Because what Mrs Longbottom is afraid of isn't going to happen.

(I hope that made sense to you.)

Comments

[alt_alice]

It very much does, love. Thank you.

I ran into a boggart about five years ago, and it was Neville showing me a Dark Mark and laughing. Now that I know him far better, my boggart is probably different, but when he was younger the fear that I'd have to face him as an enemy used to keep me up nights. I think more than anything, I can see how hard certain people work to make what we fight against every day something normal and desirable, and it sickens me.

But Neville's right. He's a strong person with a good moral compass, and he's able to see evil for what it is and fight against it.

Did you see the message I wrote on Molly's journal? I think we'll be asking you and Hermione to pass along some general words of advice to the rest of the auxiliary about taking Dark Arts and dealing with Dolohov. Perhaps we could all sit down and work on it together? I'd appreciate your help, and you'd know far better than I would what they might find the most useful, and what they'd think about any advice we'd have to offer.

[alt_terry]

I'm willing to pass along anything you think would be helpful, yes.

Neville sure doesn't want to take the class, but I don't know about the rest of them.

Yes, I saw what you wrote to Mrs Weasley. Whoa, she was really upset, wasn't she? Fred and George joke sometimes about how their mum gets when she, um, works up a full head of steam, but I've never quite believed them. Until now.

I'm awful sorry about her brothers. Did you know them?

I'd ask Fred and George about them, but wasn't sure if I should.

[alt_terry]

And yeah, I can't see Neville ever doing anything like getting a Dark Mark on his arm.

[alt_alice]

Yes, we did. Very well. The Prewetts were in the Order before Arthur and Molly joined up, actually. Molly had lots of young ones and although they were both sympathetic, they didn't want to take the risk. When Fabian and Gideon were killed, well, that changed things.

They were both good people. And good friends.

They've got a spot in the garden, if you want to see it tomorrow.

[alt_terry]

I would like that. Thanks.

[alt_alice]

And love, I'm not going to tell you all that happened, but one reason she reacted the way she did was because the way they were killed.

It was very cruel.

Excessively so.

You see how she'd not want Ron or Ginny taught by him.

[alt_terry]

I see. Thanks for explaining.

[alt_frank]

thanks, kiddo.

[alt_terry]

I was glad to do it, sir.