Order Only: Ron, with Selwyn

[alt_arthur]

Selwyn's pressed me to bring Ron in to visit the office. Very friendly, we're-all-parents-in-this-together, and wouldn't it be splendid to give the lad an idea of the work his father does, etcetera. I put him off a couple of times, pleading the press of work, but I didn't dare refuse point blank. And so Ron's been here this morning, touring my dingy little kingdom, and very boring I'm sure he's found it, too. Percy, no doubt, would have found it enthralling at his age, but I'm afraid it's not quite Ronald's idea of splendid summer entertainment.

But now Selwyn's invited him to his own office for a friendly little chat. Just the two of them. With the door closed.

I can feel the ginger hairs on my pate turning more and more white every minute that door remains shut.

Comments

[alt_sirius]

Maybe it's not as bad as you think? Perhaps he was just asking Ron to recreate his performance as Moody's mad cat.

[alt_arthur]

Ron actually mentioned that Selwyn told him that was his favourite part of the play.

But yes, it was as bad as I thought. Ron was gratifyingly forthcoming when we talked a bit, as we were doing chores together tonight. Selwyn was sounding him out, using a friendly chat to drop some suggestions in his ear. He talked about the Wood family (Ron knew Oliver Wood, since the boy was in Gryffindor, too). Went on about how 'the Ministry knows that you don't choose your own family.'

But of course, you can choose your loyalties. And loyalty is rewarded.

[alt_bill]

Actually, come to think of it, it could have been worse. Selwyn might have chosen to have this little talk with Percy. Which I'm afraid would have fallen on more fertile ground.

[alt_arthur]

Although, come to think of it, that conversation may have already occurred, only with Lucius Malfoy.

[alt_lupin]

How much do you think your children know about your loyalties? You've surely kept them a secret from Percy.

[alt_arthur]

Yes, we've certainly done so with Percy. I think we had started to be a bit more open with Bill and Charlie when they were his age, because it was clear we were on the same page, but with Percy early on, it was evident that he was resistant to the subtleties we try to live by: that everyone is equal. That blood doesn't indicate worth.

To tell the truth, as much as it pains me to say it, I think Percy thinks less of me and values my opinions not at all because of my position with the Ministry, working with Muggles, I mean. Frankly, we think he trusts and is open with Bill more than he is with us. Bill and I compare notes a lot during our weekly lunches, and then he does a bit more with the delicate conversations than I do.

[alt_sirius]

Love goes hand-in-hand with loyalty, Arthur, and you and Molly haven't left any room for doubt on that score. Steady on.

[alt_arthur]

I hope you're right, Sirius. We don't have any doubt that any of them love us, even Percy.

What worries us is that Percy might think he's showing loving for us by prodding or even forcing us to a more 'loyal' stance with the regime.

[alt_sirius]

Well, I also think that your children can have no doubt that you love them, no matter what, and that's a powerful advantage over anyone trying to buy them with seats to a match or even a high-paying job.

But I know just what you mean about worrying for them, all the same. I can't imagine what it means that Justin Finch-Fletchley's been brought over special for the Cup. I hope he's really all right and not in any sort of trouble.

[alt_poppy]

Is all well, Arthur?

[alt_arthur]

It shook me, I must admit. Selwyn seemed to be probing a bit to see if Ronald might be a source of information about the family. I haven't gleaned any suggestion, from what Ron told me, that Selwyn suspects anything specific about us. But it makes me quite sick and furious to think of him sniffing around one of my own.

[alt_poppy]

Merlin.

You don't think he got anything out of the boy, do you? Just planting seeds for later? I expect it was difficult to know quite what to say to him afterwards. What to ask.

I can't say I know any of the children very well, but what I've seen of your Ron makes me think he'd be all right.

[alt_arthur]

Yes, just planting seeds, I think.

[alt_bill]

From what I know of him, that sounds like him. He does have a reputation for cultivating possible sources of knowledge.