.first.quarter.

[lumenrelegandus]

[Clearly he's had the same thought.

Many such.]

[private to Shirley, Arthur, Merlin, Hughes, Trevor, Byakuya, Hermione, Lust]Paralysis through overanalysis is no alibi

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[pratservant]

Remus.

[How familiar this feels. Only Merlin's on the other side of the table now.]

I want to join you.

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[lumenrelegandus]

[he recognises the echo as well.]

Only reconnaissance for now, Merlin. I promise. If you'd like to help me try identify their current location, you'd be welcome, but it may be safer for one alone.

I just can't allow her to win by eliminating reasonable paths. We can't continue to do nothing because the right thing to do eludes us. We must begin to actively seek a right way... or, if one is not to be found, stop waiting for it and accept, at least explore, alternatives. I must, at least.

[...recognises if not actually assuages]

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[pratservant]

I would not put you in danger for anything.

But you're right. Something has to be done or they'll be no end to it.

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[lumenrelegandus]

Can you help me with the far harder task? Whenever and however we may be able to defeat her-which, again, I'm not proposing to attempt at this exact moment-what's more important is what to do with her. Killing is not only undesirable but ineffective. Previous attempts to incarcerate her have invariably failed. …Despite everything, my hope would still be some kind of… rehabilitation. But her depravity is not solely a matter of choice. We can't hope to teach her another way through talk or example. She is insane. But she has not always been. If we could successfully contain her long enough, I can't help but hope there may be… mystically or medically… some kind of treatment. I have a feeling this is where your talents and sympathies could help most.

…This would, of course, also probably entail not only containing her, but… keeping her safe from those who would… not find this a satisfying arrangement.

[His initial broadcast was not well-thought out. He hadn't been certain what he was planning or what would come of it. It turns out, this

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[pratservant]

[A breath, and then:]

You're asking me if I'd help protect her?

[Which would be, in Lupin's own words, a far harder task.]

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[lumenrelegandus]

Contain her. Keep her in and others out, equally. No effect in either direction.

For which, finding the way at all is daunting… and yes, even if capable of carrying out, there would be difficulty in… every respect.

Don't mistake me. If resurrection wasn't an issue…

[bit of a shake]

But how else do you end violence except by finding an alternative to it?

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[pratservant]

I don't have the answer to that.

[He swallows hard at admitting that.]

But I'm willing to do anything if it brings this to an end. And I do trust you.

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[lumenrelegandus]

[a sudden laugh]

Do you? Blimey. I'm not sure in this matter I trust myself. But there it is; acutely. I know I'm done trying to solve this all myself. Even if I could, which I can't. It's not mine to solve. I think it will take all of us, trying and trusting together. And I can trust myself better while talking and working with you.

Let's both keep thinking, and I'll contact you as soon as I know anything… was going to say "new" but for this next leg, let's say "at all".

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[pratservant]

I don't trust myself very much at all lately. But I know I feel stronger with you.

All right. As soon as there's anything. Anything at all...

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[lumenrelegandus]

I will.

[he can't say it right now, reaching the edge of the wards; not enough time and focus to find the way to do it justice, but Lupin's last look into Merlin's eyes is readably: I'm grateful for you.]