Private message to Jason

[alt_seamus]

I've been thinking about last night at Maidstone. The plan was to go in, strike, and then take off before they could properly respond, so we left when reinforcements turned up. There were a few wizards there when we arrived, though.

And, I've been thinking about this. I got just a quick look at one of them, and it was dark and there was a lot of smoke. But I think -- it might have been Sirius Black. I didn't write to Bellatrix or send word back to MLE because I would have felt such an idiot if it had turned out to be some other dark-haired bloke with a beard. Also, I was along as a trainee, and Wreston wasn't saying anything, and -- but the more I think about it, the more I'm pretty sure that's who I saw. Only I'm not sure now if I'm accidentally playing a trick on myself, you know? I don't know if I'm remembering properly what I really saw or not.

Anyway I don't think I'd better tell Bellatrix that maybe I spotted Sirius Black last night and didn't say anything.

How do you think I'm coming along, with the occlumency?

Comments

[alt_jason]

You want to know if you're skilled enough to keep something from Lady Lestrange?

I can see that you practising has made a difference, but she's a much stronger legilimens than I. I don't know what she'd see.

But with the way her behaviour and temperament have been of late, it might be better to tell her, magnanimous as she's been. Especially as it would be in keeping with the helpful nature you've already established.

I could tell her for you, too.

[alt_seamus]

I don't think I'd be able to keep something from her if she was looking for it.

But if you think I should tell her, I'd probably better do it.

[alt_jason]

I've been with MLE for a few years now. And I don't have to read her mind to know that there's nothing Lady Lestrange detests more than someone who thinks they can outsmart her, or who refuses to acknowledge the fact that she's better than them in every way.

And she is smarter and better than pretty much everyone.

Write to her now and let me know what she says.

[alt_jason]

Don't tell her your memory is fuzzy, though. Tell her that you only realised the person might have been Black after the fact, but that you aren't even sure if you're right because neither Wreston nor anyone else ever noticed that anything was amiss.

[alt_seamus]

She said my vigilance was admirable but but I should be mindful of false alarms.

I think she thinks I saw some dark-haired bloke with a beard.

[alt_jason]

Oh look, but she wrote to Wreston. So whatever happens next, it'll be on him. As it should be, because if Black really was there it was the Unit Leader's responsibility to notice.

You don't mind that I told you how to approach her?

[alt_seamus]

No. Though, I mean, I'm a Gryffindor. It goes against my nature not to just shoulder all blame myself.

[alt_jason]

Bloody hell, is that what being a Gryffindor is like? That sounds awful. How can you stand it?

Though you're probably wondering how I can stand to be so slimy and duplicitous, aren't you?

[alt_seamus]

Don't even get me started on my House. Slytherins are FINE with me.

[alt_jason]

Really, though--I usually don't mind the fact that I can tell when a person is lying or telling the truth, while meanwhile they haven't a clue where I stand.

But yeah, everyone once and a while I wonder what it would be like to be able to have someone see me.

With the right person it could be comforting, or something, I expect.

[alt_seamus]

Well, I don't at all mind you knowing.

I never exactly fancied it with Hydra, though.

It helps a lot to trust the other person.

[alt_jason]

Yeah, thanks for that.

I wouldn't ever tell you to go to Lady Lestrange if I didn't think it would be all right.

That you wouldn't be all right, I mean.

[alt_seamus]

Yeah.

I know.

[alt_jason]

You on your way yet?

Before you are, I should let you know that I've got enough of a proper Gryffindor side to not act on certain things until they're spoken of aloud.

[alt_seamus]

That sounds intriguing. I'll be there in a minute.

[alt_jason]

It's very intriguing!

You'd better hurry.