Order Only: All is well.

[alt_mcgonagall]

 You may stop sending owls now. I am perfectly safe and healthy.

Comments

Private Message to Minerva

[alt_poppy]

Thank you for letting us know.

'Safe' and 'healthy' seem carefully chosen words to this Healer's ear. Promise me you'll allow me to have a look at you--and a proper conversation--when you've returned?

Speaking of which, do you have a view as to when we might hope to see you?

We're most anxious to have you back.

Private Message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_severus]

You will forgive me if I am dubious. You all persist in forgetting: I am intimately familiar with the sort of activities in which one is expected to take part when one answers the Dark Lord's summons.

You need not weep on my shoulder, but do me, and yourself, the courtesy of not pretending indifference to your actions when I know full well how much they must weigh upon you.

If you are in need of a confidant to ease that weight, I will offer myself for consideration. I am well acquainted with the sensation of having unclean hands.

Re: Private Message to Minerva

[alt_mcgonagall]

Sometime next week perhaps. I am too busy now.

Re: Private Message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_mcgonagall]

What do you know about my actions, Severus?

Re: Private Message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_severus]

In the specific, nothing. In the general, only the ability to extrapolate from the news we have all been given, and a familiarity with the methods that den of vipers require all their soi-disant brotherhood to participate in.

Your defensiveness on the matter, however, confirms my guess is likely correct.

As I said: you all do persist in forgetting I once stood at the Dark Lord's side as well. I do not know what you may have been forced to do in this particular action, nor do I judge you for it; but I cannot help but be concerned that it might prove one weight too many upon already burdened shoulders, should you attempt to convince yourself you are unmoved internally as well as play-acting the necessary indifference externally.

Re: Private Message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_mcgonagall]

And how would it help anyone if I were to collapse?

Re: Private Message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_severus]

Allow me to speak bluntly, as no one else seems to be so bold: Minerva, with the pressures you have been under, all but the rarest of people would have been a step, or less, from collapse for far too long now. The rest of the Order has no concept of the risks you must take, the stakes for which you are gambling, or the sacrifices you must make, all to allow them to keep the moral high ground to which they cling so assiduously.

If my assistance is not desired, I will not press it upon you further. But do not turn it aside because you believe you do not deserve it. At very least, know that the option is there for you. I cannot offer absolution, nor am I a confessor to shrive you -- but if it would help you to speak of it, I will listen.

Re: Private Message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_mcgonagall]

It would be churlish for me not to thank you, Severus.

Re: Private Message to Minerva McGonagall

[alt_severus]

I am the last person on earth upon whom you need stand with ceremony.

Nevertheless, you are welcome.

[alt_sirius]

Well, that's good news, Minerva. But can you tell us anything more than the news reports have done?

Is there anything else we can do to help the people on the ground there?

[alt_kingsley]

Thank you for checking in and relieving our minds, Minerva.

After Benjy and Emmeline, it's a great relief to us that we haven't lost you, too.