Order Only

[alt_daphne]

The party at Marlborough is tomorrow night. A good number of MLE and council members will be there, as well as artists, writers, and other, less politically-involved (but still privileged) members of New London society.

It's not an opportunity to do anything drastic, as there will be far too many security measures for that, but there will certainly be a good deal of gossip and information being passed around. Hydra, I know you'll be on watch for anything significant.

Ron, do you think you'll be able to stow-away with either Harry or Hydra, in snake form? And someone could use your cloak, Harry. Is it fully sound-proof in addition to granting the wearer invisibility? Or is there a chance that the Aurors in attendance might pick up on the fact that someone hidden was at the party?

Comments

[alt_justin]

Daphne,

How vigilant is Auror Crouch planning to be against party crashers, what? I should think the cloak would not do much good if he has protections to detect uninvited guests.

-Justin

[alt_daphne]

He hasn't discussed the security measures with me.

On one hand, I think he would be as on-guard against invited guests just as must uninvited ones (council friendships are odd things, after all); on the other, he's not one to cut corners.

And then again, in these circles party crashers are regarded as a mark of a truly fantastic event, so it isn't necessarily the norm to prevent their efforts entirely.

[alt_justin]

Well, if I go, and I'm caught, what, I can say something about trying to see Hydra. Lovesick and unwilling to be rejected, and all that rubbish. Auror Crouch and Professor Dolohov might not believe it but they could hardly say so in public. Or I could avoid that altogether and simply say I was trying to learn about the Council's society. Though Pansy could credibly make a similar claim, what, that she misses her previous access.

-Justin

[alt_pansy]

I could pull off 'desperately trying to get an advantage to claw my way back in,' yes. And they might be less likely to read deeper into it with me. Although the Hydra business does tell rather well too.

I'd be up for it, regardless.

[alt_hermione]

Another possibility is that you and/or Justin could try to get in on your own, since no one would think it odd that you did try to crash the party, leaving the cloak for someone who really needs to not be seen trying to gain admittance. Also, then Daphne could play the magnanimous hostess, you know: 'Oh, goodness, Pans, of course you must come in and be welcome!' and that might help divert attention from someone trying to sneak in under the cloak.

[alt_daphne]

That's true. It wouldn't at all be in character for me to turn either Pansy or Justin away. Which now makes me wonder how many other people (not in the Order) might be thinking of trying the same thing!

Ooh Astoria!

[alt_harry]

It's not soundproof, but it does make any noises you make less noticeable.

I'd be a little worried that Auror Crouch would think someone was trying to sneak up on him. Hydra, do you think it would be safe to have Justin under there? It would be nice to have someone there who could eavesdrop without being seen, and Justin has an excellent excuse for trying to gate-crash.

[alt_harry]

Also, to get it to someone before the party, it might be easiest if Hydra came here to get it -- will you be able to do that, Hydra? They're not letting me go anywhere unescorted. I'm not sure if it's because of the fuss over of the identification Possibly I could get out to Pansy's.

[alt_hydra]

I can do that.

And I'd like to think that if Justin got caught under the cloak, we could easily explain it away as him trying to see me. It would annoy Crouch but he'd let the Headmaster deal with it.

My father will probably be there, however, and he likely poses the bigger problem on that score.

[alt_harry]

Maybe you could bring Ron (in snake form) when you come to get the cloak?

If Justin gets caught, I'll try to get between him and your father.

[alt_ron]

I'm definitely game to go along in someone's pocket. Yours if we can figure out a way to manage it, Harry.

Hydra's might be easier, at least, for getting there, but if you got caught with a snake, it wouldn't seem so odd. I mean, everyone knows you've got one as a pet--there's always someone dropping that into their press stories about you.

There are probably some things I can taste or sense that others couldn't--like if he's got Inferi stashed in the basement, I'll know it straight off. (Kidding, Daphs.)

[alt_harry]

I'll wear the dress robes with the large pockets. Pansy, maybe you could come visit me tomorrow at Buckingham, and bring him with you?

[alt_ron]

Brilliant. I've always wanted to gatecrash a proper posh party.

[alt_harry]

The best part's always the food.

You should probably let me know in advance what you'll want me to nick for you. I've never been very good at understanding Parseltongue.