ORDER ONLY: Cherwell camp

[alt_arthur]

I got a distraught Floo call very early this morning from Richard Tatterson, at the Cherwell Muggle camp. Ignore the lies the Daily Prophet printed about it this morning. It's all bilge.

Well, not quite, not about the damage. Yes, there were injuries: seventeen people trampled, a number of broken bones, and several landed in the barracks infirmary with curse injuries. Tatterson called over to request a work detail from that district's Muggleborn camp to help with the cleanup (they're short-staffed since so many Muggles are out on work assignments), so of course we sent over as many as we could. Besides the injuries, one of the barracks was set afire, but fortunately, it was completely evacuated in time before anyone suffered burns. A number of people had all their belongings destroyed, though. The fence needs to be put to rights, too.

Saw your entry last night, Sirius, and as you already seemed to be quilling your own Howler for yourself, I didn't pile on. I was certainly thinking it, however. But seeing the Prophet today--that's what they want people to think, that somehow your words incited all this. Maybe it did, except not in the way the Prophet is pointing.

Tatterson obviously didn't want to come right out and say it, but his staff confirmed it when I went over this afternoon. It was all Malfoy, Sirius. Well, Malfoy, along with his merry little gang of thugs: Baddock, Avery, and judging from the descriptions, probably Mulciber and Bellatrix. When they came to the camp last night, Malfoy was completely furious--from his back-and-forth in the journals with you, I'd wager anything--and apparently he decided to lift his spirits with a spot of Muggle-baiting. Blasted part of the fence down (the backwash from that was what started the fire), dared a score of those poor blighters to run, and then they all went hunting. Weren't particularly gentle about running their quarry down, if you can imagine.

We all need to think carefully about this. He and Bellatrix mean to punish you, Sirius, and I think this is the best way they can come up with. Yet I know that your name is being whispered in the camps, and there are rumours of the Order, too. Sometimes hope is all these people have to live on.

So if you want to keep writing your 'Grim Truth' entries, I think it does some good. But infuriating Malfoy just to wind him up is dangerous. You may not get hurt, but if not, he and Bellatrix will make absolutely sure that other innocent people will. And then they'll do their very best to pin the blame on you for it.

It would be smashing if Lazlo Limited could manage to fleece him out of every last bleeding Galleon he has.

Hermione, I might manage to see your parents again. Any messages you want me to pass along? The Grangers will probably be there at the Cherwell camp this week doing treatment, as several of the injured had some teeth knocked out.

Comments

[alt_sirius]

I know, Arthur, believe me. I'd say the winding up went both ways, but that's no excuse. To top it off, I've made even more of a right cock-up of it with Harry. But yes, you're quite right to chide me. The punishment of innocents for my indiscretion is probably the worst they can do - and it's also the worst thing they could do, if you take my meaning.

Sweet Circe, I'm hungover. On second thought, I shan't send you Ouzo. It's like drinking lighter fluid. But it's what was to hand.

But despite the threat of these reprisals, I'm committed to continue the 'Grim Truth.' In fact, I've been thinking about my next one and I think it will hit home a number of ways.

Which is really the point, isn't it? I mean to say, that's why Malfoy was so enraged - the rage of the impotent. I do regret that Muggles were caught in the crossfire, but it's a sign that our little tiff really got to that lying ______

Sorry. Room tilted for a tick there.

I'm going back to bed until I can hold a quill for more than five minutes without vertigo.

[alt_hermione]

Would you just tell them that I love them please?

Order Only

[alt_arthur]

Of course, child, that goes without saying. I'll also tell them how much the letter that they sent you through Remus cheered you--perhaps they will be able to give me another one to pass on to you. I'll be sure to bring parchment and ink along with me when I visit--if they can write one, I'll send it to Minerva to pass along to you.

I'll also tell them that you have been keeping up with your studies and helping others, which I know will please them. And that you have more than fulfilled all the hopes we had pinned on you when I picked you to be Minerva's assistant for the Order there at Hogwarts.

You're a very bright and good-hearted girl, Hermione, and we value that, even if this world often does not. I'll be sure let your parents know.

Re: Order Only

[alt_hermione]

Thank you, Mr Weasley!!