ORDER ONLY: Bad news with the Swithins

[alt_mcgonagall]

Miss Granger, what is the matter with you and Boot? Lucius Malfoy seemed to think that there was some mischief going on between the two of you, Mr Malfoy, Mr Marvolo, Mr Corner and Mr Nott.

As for the rest of our meeting, bad news. The family that Malfoy spoke of in his recent entry was the Swithins. They were almost the first family Frank and Alice approached, eight years ago, and they turned the offer of sanctuary for their daughter down.

I only hope that Alice will keep her chin up.

Comments

[alt_hermione]

It was - it was stupid, really.

I did something he didn't like. And when I tried to talk to him about it, he just told me I was wrong. And now he isn't anywhere.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Is that why Amycus Carrow is raging throughout the castle as if someone had jinxed him?

[alt_molly]

Hermione, dear, what happened, exactly? I saw his journal entry; he seemed quite upset. Did he say why?

[alt_hermione]

Well, I agreed to prick myself. With a pin, to prove that Mudbloods bleed red like anyone. And some students gave me some chocolate frogs so I'd do it, but that's not why I did it, not really. I wanted them to see I was like them. Only Terry thought that I was letting myself be abused, or something, and now he won't talk to me.

I think he thinks that they're going to start hurting me without my permission.

[alt_hermione]

He was just so angry. And I don't even really understand why.

[alt_molly]

Hmm. Well, I've never met him, my dear, but judging from what I've read in your journal and his, I'd hazard a guess that he 's angry with you because it's safe to be angry with you. Because he trusts you.

He doesn't dare do anything to the boys who pushed you into cutting yourself. He certainly can't be angry at Carrow. That would be far too dangerous.

[alt_hermione]

And now he's going to be in trouble with Professor Carrow because of it.

I wonder if Professor McGonagall could say that he was on an errand or something for her? So that he won't get into quite so much trouble? It's all my fault and...

[alt_mcgonagall]

Certainly not, Miss Granger. I will do all that is in my power to prevent his punishment from being too severe, but surely you can see that it is impossible for me to directly lie to the Carrow creature in that fashion.

[alt_molly]

We can certainly hope that Carrow will--well, show him more mercy than he's ever been inclined to show before.

Hermione, I know you're worried, but it might be best to make it clear to Terry that he can come to you when he's ready, but otherwise just to leave him alone for now. Speaking as the mother of six boys, I know that sometimes they just have to go be by themselves for awhile to think things through.

[alt_molly]

On the Swithins, I hardly know what to say. You're right, I'm afraid this is going to hit Alice very hard.

I know I've said this before, but it bears repeating: Minerva, we can't save everyone.

(Did Lucius ask to see the book again? He still doesn't suspect at all, as best as you can tell?)

[alt_mcgonagall]

I know. And I think of Divyesh Shah - it was Shah, wasn't it, who took the Swithin girl's place? - and I know that in the grand scheme of things it's all one, but it's difficult nevertheless. I imagine Alice will feel the same.

As for the book - no, he did not. I believe we've duped him - at least this year.

[alt_molly]

I suppose Lucius expects all the blame should be placed on Hermione again. Minerva, what ARE you going to do about those boys? I can see how this could begin a rather nasty trend.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Nothing at all, Molly. Surely you can see that my hands are tied? If Miss Granger had genuinely been hurt, or forced, I would prevent it of course - though in the same terms as I would prevent them from harming the furniture. Sentiment, I find, is a luxury I cannot afford.