I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good: Private Message to Draco and Hermione

[alt_harry]

So.

We don't have to make our minds up by Saturday. But it's worth talking about.

What do you think?

Comments

[alt_draco]

It's not worth talking about. Not for me.

I'm not taking an oath for any adult - never.

[alt_hermione]

For what it's worth, I'm not surprised you feel that way. You barely know anyone in the Order yet, and the people you do know haven't exactly presented themselves in the best light, always.

But as far as swearing an oath, it's not exactly like that. It's not like a magical tattoo and undying devotion or anything. It's more like promising to honour the goals and precepts of the Order and to serve its interests to the best of one's ability. Actually, I think one could almost swear whatever feels right to say, and Mrs Longbottom would try to support it.

But it does require a sincere desire to help the Order, and it's not fair to expect you to feel that way. Not yet.

[alt_draco]

Even if it's just a promise and not an oath, they made you take an Unbreakable Vow. At twelve.

Is it fair to expect me to ever help the Order?

They may want the Lord Protector dead and gone, but I reckon they'd lump my parents in on that list, as well. Probably Raz, too. Those aren't goals I can honour.

Magical tattoos are snitch. Maybe I'd join up if they had one, but it'd probably be something hideous like a paw-print.

[alt_harry]

I'm not telling you to.

Not if it's something you don't want to do.

Maybe... I mean, it's worth considering an alliance, yeah? Working for mutual purposes?

Would you

Is it okay if I join?

And maybe it'd be worth meeting Mrs Longbottom. Just to talk. You know. Ask questions.

[alt_harry]

We could get one.

A pink toad, and NEVER FORGET underneath it or something.

[alt_harry]

Maybe we could negotiate or something. To make sure they stay safe?