Order Only - Private message to Sirius Black and Alice Longbottom

[alt_hydra]

There's something you both need to be aware of.

First, I've been training with Barty Crouch, Jr at the Ouroboros Club, as well as the Ministry. It looks as if this arrangement will continue through the summer. I plan to learn what I can from him, and that includes both what he can teach me about duelling and establishing my role within the council, and anything of use I can get by legilimising him.

Second and more important, my mother has told me that I am to keep a close eye on Harry. She didn't say the words "spy," but I believe that's more or less what she meant. She wants me to monitor his actions, thoughts, and behaviours closely. Not to correct them, but to watch for any unusual changes. It's possible that she wants to catch Harry doing something seditious, but knowing her, I think she would fear that to even suspect him would be equivalent to treason itself. Instead, I think she's focused on the possibility that the individuals responsible for Draco's fall (that's you, Sirius, and Mr Snape) will next target Harry.

I told Harry about all of this last night, since it's his life and he deserves to know first.

Comments

[alt_sirius]

Hey, kiddo,

Sorry for not replying sooner. It's full moon time, which always makes life a bit more interesting around here.

Anyway, she's using you to spy on Harry. Well, that's not terribly surprising. Given how close he and Draco have always been, we're lucky she hasn't decided to undertake investigating him more directly.

Thanks for letting us know. What's your plan for reporting to her?

[alt_hydra]

I don't really have a plan. Except maybe to convince her I'm taking it very seriously even though I won't be catching Harry at anything suspicious.

Also, she didn't say this but I suspect that she may hope that either the traitor Black or the turncoat Snape will try to engage with Harry, so that she can finally catch them.

[alt_hydra]

Also, could you please not call me 'kiddo.'

[alt_sirius]

I've called you that in pers Apologies - a term of affection, nothign more. Same as I call Harry, Justin, Hermione, etc. Not a reflection on your ability, maturity or age (except relative to mine, that is.) I'll try to remember but forgive if this ancient and somewhat scatterbrained old dog can't learn a new trick.

[alt_alice]

I realise this puts a great deal more on your shoulders, Hydra, but I am grateful that she doesn't directly suspect Harry of being traitorous, and that you're in charge of keeping an eye on him.

Do you think your mother would be paranoid enough to have a backup person also keeping track of Harry to corroborate what you tell her, or does she expect you to handle this entirely on your own?

[alt_hydra]

She might be, but I wouldn't call it paranoia so much as thoroughness. She's always very thorough.

[alt_alice]

Yes. Of course.

And I'm sure she expects thoroughness from you as well.

I'm sure that Harry will be ready and willing to provide you anything that you need.