Order Only: Private Message to Sirius and Dora

[alt_lupin]

Was that drunk causing more trouble while I was upstairs? I rather wondered if that 'spill' was an accident or deliberate, and then I heard shouting.

Everyone seems to be sort of quietly focused on their drinks, now. Do I need to chuck anyone out?

Comments

[alt_nymphadora]

It's fine. Now at any rate.

He got more worked up after you left. Started railing at the Ministry, naming names and departments and making wild claims. Could you really not hear what he said? That's good if you couldn't. I rather thought the whole neighbourhood might be having an earful. Beth did, too, I think. And she was the one to step in at the end. Well done on her part, too.

[alt_lupin]

I could hear that someone was shouting but not what he was saying. Bloody hell, names? Just what we need.

[alt_nymphadora]

Exactly.

Who was he? Do you have any notion?

[alt_lupin]

His name's Martin Barney; I've heard some of the younger lot call him 'Barmey Barney.' I don't know what he does for a living but he had a child taken away on account of being a squib, and his wife blamed him for it and left him.

He's certainly got reasons for his hatred of the Ministry but shouting about it in our beer garden's only going to invite trouble.

Do you reckon we should ban him from coming back?

[alt_nymphadora]

Oh, I hate to ban anyone. But honestly, after tonight, I don't know.

Of course, if everyone thinks he's barmey, then maybe it's not as bad as all that. No one would take anything he says seriously.

Still. Everyone was on edge tonight while it was going on. I wonder how many will stay away tomorrow.

[alt_lupin]

What was it Beth did, exactly? Did you see?

[alt_nymphadora]

I said

I didn't see, exactly. When she came over and started talking him down, she sent me for tea: 'Grim as you can brew it,' she said, 'And if you've got a drop of Sleep Easy, that might stand him well'.

When I came back he was tame as a kitten and a bit unfocused. I'd say she confunded him. No one else seemed the wiser. Of course, everyone had moved away by then and were trying to pretend they couldn't hear any of it.

[alt_lupin]

She might have used Imperius.

Not that I particularly mind if she did, except that he might realise later he was cursed and file a complaint (and I doubt she has a license -- unless she IS in MLE and spying on us. And I doubt she'd have been quite so eager to help you shut him up, if that's what she were up to.)

[alt_sirius]

She said 'Grim,' eh?

Think she's trying to signal you?

Hope she's not DogStar. I rather like her and that would well ruin my opinion after a fashion.

[alt_nymphadora]

She did say that, but I think it's just an expression now. You've heard it used that way, haven't you? Stiff drinks? Strong tea? Dark nights? That sort of thing.

I don't see what you're both so suspicious of with Beth. She's a local, she knows everyone, she's got a bit of a prefect's personality, If you see what I mean. But she's not MLE. And I can't see her as Dogstar, either.

And honestly? If she is, I shouldn't like to be Mr Barney: I imagine Dogstar might take care he never spouts off again. Isn't that your impression of them?

[alt_lupin]

Oh, surely they'd find a use for him.

It might not be the sort of use that would leave him spouting off later on, mind.

[alt_sirius]

Exactly.

[alt_sirius]

My impression of the DogStar is that they don't care who shouts loud or long, so long as there's shouting. They might have had the right idea when they first decided to use their journals after my lead but they've long since gone a bit mad with their methods.

I'm not sure but someone like Barney wouldn't be just the type they'd try to take on. Convince him the protectorate would come to an end if he'd only strap himself with a dozen self-igniting grenades and absail right through the windows of Buckingham Palace.

[alt_nymphadora]

Well, yes. If they could get him to do it. Otherwise, it seems they cut off anyone who drags them down.

[alt_lupin]

And perhaps we should allow him to come for the company, but not for the beer, at least for a few weeks.

[alt_nymphadora]

There's a thought.

[alt_lupin]

He arrived pissed tonight. If I'd realised, I'd have cut him off earlier than I did.

[alt_sirius]

Yes, Moony, because it's obviously all your fault that his child was taken away and his wife blamed him for it.

Perhaps we ought to encourage him to voice his opinions a little less loudly but a little more conscientiously.

[alt_lupin]

Well, it's partly my fault he wound up utterly blitzed instead of merely tipsy!

[alt_sirius]

Speaking of getting bleary-eyed .... You did send word to Arthur, Kingsley and the others? About Minerva's birthday? And what we're not giving her this year?

[alt_lupin]

Yes.

Nice job sticking ME with the blame. Not that she can't buy it for herself if she's a mind to.

[alt_lupin]

And I took care of the drinks and I'll be there with the mop in a tick.

[alt_nymphadora]

It's all right. I've got the mop going. Just have to keep an eye out to see it doesn't start trying to wash anyone's feet.

[alt_lupin]

I'll be there with the bucket for the dishes, then.

[alt_sirius]

But Dora, I did see right, didn't I, earlier this evening. That other bloke - what's his name? Curtius? - he was there tonight as well, wasn't he?

Mordred. She's fussing again. Are we sure she's not getting a bit colicky?

[alt_lupin]

She might be teething.

[alt_nymphadora]

I'll go. I've got to take myself off to bed, anywiz. Early shift and all.

And, yes, Sirius. You're right what's his name was here. Is it Curtius? He only talked to me the once, really. I didn't see how long he stayed tonight, though.

[alt_sirius]

Good - I was just saying I think it's you she wants, anyway.

[alt_sirius]

Well, she's certainly trying to suck on my fingers.

Send Dora up, will you, I think she wants feeding.

[alt_lupin]

She's on her way up.

Our customers have all headed out. If you'd like to come keep me company while I do the washing up, feel free.