Order Only: Attention, Kingsley

[alt_arthur]

I've finally gotten an answer out of Wilkerson: he would be willing to have the Players perform on December 20 and 21. Will those dates work for you? Can you do two shows each of those days? What shall I tell him you'll be performing? He'll put you up the day before as well, so you can spend a day looking over and rehearsing in the space in which you'll be performing. I think there might be a few administrators visiting from some of the other camps on the 21st, which would be ideal; it'll spread the word about the Players and possibly get you into a few more camps. Do you need anything from me, in the way of supplies, etc?

Don't forget: I also need the current aliases you'll all be using to give to him, for the security lists. I'm assuming none of you will be polyjuiced either, correct?

Comments

[alt_kingsley]

Arthur, you are a lifesaver. Those dates are perfect, and two shows a day will be fine.

As to what we'll be performing, we've worked up some variations of Beedle's tales, and, depending on the audience, we can change some of the dialogue to perhaps supplant the brainwashing that goes on. We shouldn't need much in the way of supplies, but if you or Molly have some spare scarves, those would be lovely, as it's getting cold and, well, this job doesn't pay well. But it's a higher salary that I draw upon in the end.

Let me check with the others as to names we'll be using (Emmeline suggests Donald DeFreeze for me; she thinks she's funny). No polyjuice this round, unless you think it's necessary.

What's the mood out there? And in this camp in particular? Grim? Hopeful? Resigned?

[alt_arthur]

'Donald DeFreeze' is amusing, but I wouldn't count on all Deatheaters being entirely ignorant of history, so I wouldn't advise it.

I also think it best not to use polyjuice. After all, we are hoping that this will be a long term operation, so if one or more of you assumes a different face now, it might be necessary to keep using that persona if, say, an administrator who sees the show at Hambleton asks you to perform at a different camp--and really, could you guarantee a steady supply of hair from a secure source, or a steady supply of polyjuice? Then too, the one hour that the potion lasts before requiring a re-dose is quite limiting. No, best to save polyjuice for the one-off quick jobs, and start to build long-term false identities--with your own faces--for the individual players.

As for the mood in the camps . . . well, that's sometimes a bit difficult for me to get a reading on with my visits, since they're generally quite short, and it's part of what I want you to find out. Sirius' Grim Truth posts are causing a bit of a stir, I think, but perhaps you might be able to gauge that a bit better. The news about the executions over the Guy Fawkes events, on the other hand, have caused some mutterings and sullenness. You may find that the people you try to tap for information may not be very forthcoming at first. It will take repeated visits--as I said, I'm hoping this may become a long-term project, and you can build a network of information by using the troupe, but it may take a while before people trust you. I am sure I do not need to warn you to not make any promises you do not keep, nor to do anything to expose the people you will meet to any kind of repercussions from the regime. They have been treated abominably, and doublecrossed too many times by their captors to be very forthcoming to most wizards. Some are beginning to warm up to me, though, and I hope, with my recommendation, they will warm up to you, too. Use that famous charm of yours, Kingsley, and I hope all will be well.

[alt_molly]

I will certainly send you some scarves, Kingsley, and gloves and hats, too, if you need them. I have lucked into a good supply of wool this fall, and so it's no trouble at all. Expect an owl with a package by the end of the week.

[alt_kingsley]

Molly, you are the best. I'd kiss you but I rather think Arthur might object. Anyway, anything you can make will be most welcome. I still have that jumper you made me years ago. Wonderfully warm. Emmeline keeps trying to steal it!

[alt_sirius]

Beedle's tales?

Be careful, Kingsley, and make sure the versions you present aren't the pro-Muggle ones.

I remember hearing about the warty cauldron when I was...oh, about four? Scared me so bad I wouldn't go out on the square for a week for fear of the Muggle kids in the neighbourhood. (Of course, that was probably my mum's plan.)

I was at Hogwarts before I knew that the version she told me and Reg wasn't what Beedle actually wrote.

[alt_kingsley]

Oh, no, no pro-Muggle stuff. The good thing about the tales is you can take the basic story, and then adjust it to your needs. So we can make them pro-or anti- muggle as needed. We always do the anti-Muggle ones. Maybe after several visits to the same camp, after we've done a lot of sleuthing, we might add a hint here and there. But in this world you can't be too careful.

I'm sorry it doesn't look like you'll be in the country for the holiday. It'd be nice to lift a pint or two with you. I know you have stories to tell.