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[Dec. 10th, 2008|01:51 am] |
[Warded to the Order, including Severus -- who may read the post but not the following comments]
My dear friends and colleagues -
This has been a difficult time for the Order of the Phoenix, not only with the recent loss of the inimitable Mr Gumboil, but with the realisation today that there are some in our midst who have felt, or perhaps currently feel, that their primary loyalties are not to the Order.
As I do not wish to further tire you all with the circumlocutions of age, I shall cut directly to the point: today, Octavius Pepper was removed from the Order of the Phoenix after admitting to exposing several of our members and many of our activities to Minister Bagnold. As he does not appear to regret the decision (though I am sure he regrets the loss of trust inherent in such behaviour), it is clear he deeply believes his action to have been the right one -- and we must not begrudge him that belief. We must all choose our roads carefully in this perilous time, and, even if we can hold tight to no other freedom, know that we always have the freedom to choose our way. Octavius Pepper has chosen his.
Unfortunately, that choice has resulted in many hurt feelings and sharpened tempers. Many of you are upset and angry. You have every right to be. We live in dark days and it is some small comfort to know that we have friends and allies who live and die to protect what is good and what is just. Betrayal of trust takes time to heal.
I do not think I need expound on the wrongness of Octavius's actions, but humour an old man and let him impart the wisdom of age upon the youth he teaches. Having trust is a beautiful thing, like a tender rose in the morning dew, yet it is delicate -- one snap breaks the rose in two, one misstep causes the petals to fall. Do not view this event as just another passing member, another fleeting memory -- learn and remember: the Order is based on trust and respect. We should not degenerate into the enemy, whose ranks are based upon fear -- no, we are a family, and a family that cannot love and respect each other will ultimately fall apart.
The road ahead is a long one, and many may walk away from our path as the struggle goes on. You have every right. All that I ask is that you afford the other Order members the same respect they will afford you, and inform us when you feel you can no longer stand at the Order's side. No one is forced to be here -- you must all make your choice to stay or to go. However, while you are here, it is utterly essential that you do not break the promise of trust that goes hand in hand with your membership to the Order. Now, more than ever, we must rely on the sanctity of friendship and common goals to keep us safe in this terrible hour.
[Warded to Alice, Frank, Moody, and Dedalus]
My friends, Octavius's unfortunate decision has resulted in your exposure. Whether or not the very competent Minister Bagnold suspected your vigilante affiliation previously, any suspicions have been confirmed now. I advise you to tread lightly at the workplace and act as if you have no knowledge of this betrayal; though I doubt the Minister will be so good as to come to the conclusion that her information was false, there is no need to raise undue suspicions. I do request, however, that any unusual activity that curls the beard be reported to me immediately.
[Warded to the lovely Misses Elsie Prod and Tabitha Bagnold]
As understandably upset as you were, I must ask that the two of you attempt some restraint in your passionate outbursts against fellow Order members. Remember, they are your friends, not your foes, and a temporary misalignment in ideas does not mean a permanent misalignment in friendship. We shall recover from this folly, I assure you, and when we have, you may come to realise how important these bonds we so easily break in the heat of passion are.
[Warded to Minerva, Frank, Alice, Moody, Aberforth and Caradoc]
We find ourselves in an unfortunate predicament, and while I value the input of the younger, more excitable generation of Order members dearly, I believe it prudent to have some modicum of preparation before asking for their opinions. I put the dilemma to you, then --
With Minister Bagnold so painfully aware of our actions over the last year, and with several members of our group exposed, what can be the correct course of action here? Obliviation seems, while effective, a trifle barbaric -- but I cannot entirely reconcile my concerns with the ministry enough to suggest some diplomatic relations. I am at an impasse, and any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. |
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