Private message to Ptolemy

[alt_jason]

You and Karo free tomorrow night? I've got a bottle of clicquot that needs drinking.

Forgive the short notice, but I've only just learned that it will likely be the only evening that Seamus and I have free this week (at the same time, at least). We were thinking of taking dinner at my flat. Buckingham has it's endearing qualities but every now and then a little quiet doesn't go amiss.

Oh, and if you can make it, do bring Ginny Weasley. Seamus has been a bit concerned about her. Both Gryffindors, you know, and he didn't get along with her brother. I think he wonders if, now that Antonin Dolohov has made himself rather scarce, she won't suffer some kind of 'backslide' into her old ways of thinking. I've assured him you have her well in hand, but an actual face-to-face interaction would probably put his concerns to rest. And who knows, it may do her some kind of good to socialise with a former school-mate who knows the right way of things.

Comments

[alt_ptolemy]

Tomorrow. Tomorrow just might be all right, if I don't have a queue of new Security pups asking to be transferred to anyone other than dear Lana.

In fact, an evening away from Buckingham would probably do Karo a world of good, as well. We buried her family Saturday, you know--private ceremony was what we decided would be best. Avoid the whole question of how and who. I don't want her talking to that idiot brother of hers, even if it might furnish an opportunity to use him to reel in larger fish. We'll cross that T when the ink is dry and not before. Then all day yesterday was spent in cleaning out and closing up the home (and setting appropriate alarms and traps if anyone should come calling). Karo's about ready to snap the head off anyone who looks at her with too much sympathy.

A quiet dinner might suit her to the ground. As for Gin, thanks for including her but she's adjusting to her new role at the WWN and I've got her on a strict regimen. Early to bed, early rise, that sort of thing. Why is Finnigan so concerned? I've got her right where we need her, never fear. Even with all the disruptions on Karo's side.

[alt_jason]

We have to get up early the next morning as well. I don't expect it to go terribly late. And if Karo's sick of sympathy, well, she won't find much of it from me. Not that I'm not sympathetic--I just have it on good authority that I'm rather shit at expressing it in any way that comes across as earnest.

As for "Gin," I reckon it's because he's (practically? actually?) the only Gryffindor from his own year who didn't throw in with the Phoenixes in one way or another. It was him who sussed out that Longbottom was a traitor, then it turned out that a whole load of the rest of them were traitors, too. I'm not sure he really believes that someone like Ginny Weasley can really be changed. He might think she's just putting on a good act.

Can't say he's wrong to wonder.

[alt_ptolemy]

The only one who's still alive, anyway. We'll never know if Thomas would have made good. But you've got a point.

Let's say you're not the only one who can foster loyalty in a young and eager conquest. I'd wager her devotion is just as intense as his. Perhaps more, shall we say, desperate, but by now I believe it's fairly unshakable.

Or could it be that you're bored already and looking to change things up?

[alt_jason]

I'll admit to idle curiosity, but I hadn't thought to try to change things up until you mentioned it.

Really, you shouldn't plant ideas in my head like that.

But no--even if such a thing were on offer, Seamus wouldn't like it, and I've got an interest in keeping him comfortable right now.

Also, it turns out I've got a possessive streak. Looks like I'm not the only one.

[alt_ptolemy]

Indeed. One could perhaps say we've both got some capital invested in our young charges.

Well, all right. You're correct that she craves company nearer her own age. I suppose she deserves a formal celebration of her first few days on the job. Why not? I'll find out if she'd like to come along.

[alt_jason]

Sounds good. Half six? Like I said, we'll have an early morning the day next here, too.