Wow! There were some seriously complex threads here that I need to contemplate further.
Upon re-reading, I'm a little surprised that the notion of what to do with the recordings had not been discussed earlier. Hermione's reticence to share the evidence with Shacklebot was quite prescient. I loved Draco's belief that he should be more conscientious in overseeing supervised visitation between Millicent and Hermione. It's so droll that he really thinks he has any control over these two, now that they're scheming together. Silly boy! Better off contemplating his pity of Diggory, or perhaps figuring out what Lucius is up to, rather than get between the irresistible force and immovable object (ahem, I mean prim and proper lady witches, of course).
I'm also curious why the trio didn't consider sharing (or at least showing) the recorded Pensieve memories of Diggory's attack with Rita, at least? She's on a roll right now and the attempted murder of a "dissident," with full fledged evidence to back it up is likely the story of the moment?! On top of the trials and jail house interview, she'd be on her way to the wizarding equivalent of a Pulitzer. Plus, the more people that can see Diggory for the assailant he is, the better! Diggory clearly ordered his men to attack Draco with intent to commit a felony, and murder for hire must be a pretty serious offense. I'm kind of shocked that everyone seems so laid back about it. I mean couldn't Draco even just file charges against Diggory et al., with the MLE office or something, himself, just as the Malfoys did against Harry?
Lucius making outright threats also seems a little less than Slytherin. The stakes are clearly being upped, but it seems like the "Darker Forces," are slipping in their efforts, at least where subtly is concerned ;-} I guess desperate times call for more direct approaches?
And what's up with Willowberry? His insistence on eye-contact made me nervous. It's as if he needed that to be able to do something. And then waving his wand in front of Harry's face? Makes me feel like he's been co-opted somehow. Coming on the heels of Lucius's missive to Draco, maybe I'm just getting paranoid, but with polyjuice and the ease by which Narcissa got to Harry's cell, I couldn't help but think it was Lucius in disguise, but maybe it's all just coincidental ... though with you stories one can never tell;-}
To say I'm disappointed in Kingsley is a gross understatement! His motivations don't even rise to the level of enlightened self-interest or the protection of the wizarding world. His weariness, while perhaps understandable, seems a bit pathetic. Having just viewed an attempted murder-for-hire, he thinks Diggory might be "the better man." As if mere popularity is the end all of a good leader? Hunh? He needs to get his mojo back, big time and thank goodness he's got the Trio to help, but where are his advisers and/or campaign manager? Has his inner circle been corrupted as well?
Hermione was absolutely superb here. Righteousness indignation knows no one better than her at this point. The comparison between Diggory and Voldemort was incredibly apt, when viewed in way she mentioned their mutual "hatred and determination to destroy Harry." Personally, I think it would make a great headline for a Skeeter DP Investigative report (*smirk*).
AMWM 26 (aka The Die is Cast)
Upon re-reading, I'm a little surprised that the notion of what to do with the recordings had not been discussed earlier. Hermione's reticence to share the evidence with Shacklebot was quite prescient. I loved Draco's belief that he should be more conscientious in overseeing supervised visitation between Millicent and Hermione. It's so droll that he really thinks he has any control over these two, now that they're scheming together. Silly boy! Better off contemplating his pity of Diggory, or perhaps figuring out what Lucius is up to, rather than get between the irresistible force and immovable object (ahem, I mean prim and proper lady witches, of course).
I'm also curious why the trio didn't consider sharing (or at least showing) the recorded Pensieve memories of Diggory's attack with Rita, at least? She's on a roll right now and the attempted murder of a "dissident," with full fledged evidence to back it up is likely the story of the moment?! On top of the trials and jail house interview, she'd be on her way to the wizarding equivalent of a Pulitzer. Plus, the more people that can see Diggory for the assailant he is, the better! Diggory clearly ordered his men to attack Draco with intent to commit a felony, and murder for hire must be a pretty serious offense. I'm kind of shocked that everyone seems so laid back about it. I mean couldn't Draco even just file charges against Diggory et al., with the MLE office or something, himself, just as the Malfoys did against Harry?
Lucius making outright threats also seems a little less than Slytherin. The stakes are clearly being upped, but it seems like the "Darker Forces," are slipping in their efforts, at least where subtly is concerned ;-} I guess desperate times call for more direct approaches?
And what's up with Willowberry? His insistence on eye-contact made me nervous. It's as if he needed that to be able to do something. And then waving his wand in front of Harry's face? Makes me feel like he's been co-opted somehow. Coming on the heels of Lucius's missive to Draco, maybe I'm just getting paranoid, but with polyjuice and the ease by which Narcissa got to Harry's cell, I couldn't help but think it was Lucius in disguise, but maybe it's all just coincidental ... though with you stories one can never tell;-}
To say I'm disappointed in Kingsley is a gross understatement! His motivations don't even rise to the level of enlightened self-interest or the protection of the wizarding world. His weariness, while perhaps understandable, seems a bit pathetic. Having just viewed an attempted murder-for-hire, he thinks Diggory might be "the better man." As if mere popularity is the end all of a good leader? Hunh? He needs to get his mojo back, big time and thank goodness he's got the Trio to help, but where are his advisers and/or campaign manager? Has his inner circle been corrupted as well?
Hermione was absolutely superb here. Righteousness indignation knows no one better than her at this point. The comparison between Diggory and Voldemort was incredibly apt, when viewed in way she mentioned their mutual "hatred and determination to destroy Harry." Personally, I think it would make a great headline for a Skeeter DP Investigative report (*smirk*).
Thanks again for starting the week with a bang!