Qᴜᴇsᴛɪᴏɴɪɴɢ ᴏғ Dᴇᴅᴀʟᴜs Dɪɢɢʟᴇ | DECEMBER 11
The following is a transcript with some internal description of Dedalus Diggle’s questioning. Please note, anything that is not dialog would not be known unless observed to some degree by the questioner.
Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the illicit organization referred to as The Order of the Phoenix?
I once was part of the children's magical choir. It was very exciting but I found that I was never very good at the order part of it. You see, at the time, I would get nervous. Silly, of course. Who was going to judge an eight year old singing Carols? Yet, there I was. Dressed in the smartest little robes, a perfect little bow at my neck... lit the mistletoe right on fire. Caused the little ones to scream--a terrible sound! And, well, as you know the...uh, fireworks?
Well, yes. So Order I simply cannot abide. And although my clothing is bright do you really feel its like a Phoenix? No? I thought perhaps not.
So you have not been known to frequent any of the locals known to be breeding grounds such as the Hogshead?
Well, perhaps. I mean, don’t all adults that eventually visit Hogsmead end up at Hogshead? But the rest--oh, no, never. Far too grimy.
So you admit you know of places The Order of The Phoenix meets in?
Well, I do if you mean a location most go at some point in the midst of adulthood--or almost adulthood. Don’t you think?
As for the grime...where else would an illicit club meet? Certainly not a fine teashop. Maybe in between a great robe fitting? No. No, certainly not. Grime means nothing but that I can suppose they meet in dirty places.
If we pull spells from your wand, there would be none involved in bloodshed or other illegal spells?
Oh most certainly not. Some fireworks, of course. ...I...I am fairly certain I called a pair of underpants to my hand this morning. That is horribly embarrassing but if you must see what magic I’ve used you’ll unfortunately see a little ... well, not illegal but embarrassing fair. Please don’t hold it against me, I did need my pants.
Have you ever been a party to the murder or the harm of other magical citizens?
Me? Murder? Harm? I mean, perhaps I have said a rather devastating statement or two... there was something about a woman in a half-mourning robe that was simply dreadful...
Where were you on March 3rd, 1979?
March 3rd? I honestly ...well, I suppose I was at work. Or if not there I have a tea shop I frequent. It is quite lovely, just a little off of Diagon Alley? During March they started to have fresh flowers in the windows and it was simply delightful. Nothing better than a warm pot of tea with flowers. (Not include: Dedalus is trying his best not to name anyone)
Where were you on July 9th, 1979?
Oh, summer! I do so love summer. Unfortunately i do remember where i was then. I had an appointment at Saint Mungo’s and it was just so very...well, I’m sure you can get my documentation if you so desire. But sufficed to say I left quite disappointed.
You have a sister, no doubt, and a mother. Did you ever ask if one of them were part of the... Order of the Phoenix? Or perhaps they were more Death Eaters. With their masks, who could tell?
No, never.
I heard your mother provided funds to The so-called Order of the Phoenix, is this true?
(A scoff) Certainly not.
Well, certainly you must have heard of such a rumor even if you say you were not part of the Order of the Phoenix. When you visited her, then, weren't you curious? [ pause] If somebody told me my mother was a radical, I'd send an owl and say, 'Mother, is this true?
I did not hear it because it is nothing that would have occurred. My mother has had the same social community for decades and unless you are suggesting rebellious groups are recruiting cookies and flower arrangements... please do not drag my mother into this.
Truthfully you have what appears to be one of the longest records primed for a radical we’ve had here.
Is that true? (delight!) I do so love coveting an air of ... excitement! But, really, what are your measures? Are you counting the fireworks? Because I can’t imagine that fireworks are particularly radical or else you’d be counting several child’s birthday parties attendees, parents, and, of course, children. And if it is my robes, well, I am not the only one with an appreciation for colors. You might look for a better tailor, you know.
Do you know Dorothy?
You’re not talking about my mother again, are you? (sly smile) Oh of course. Friend of Dorothy, then, is it? Taking queues from across the pond? Very well. Isn’t everyone a little friendly with Dorothy, dove? I would think so in this day and age--but as most people’s parents say... you shouldn’t flaunt it or say it out right.
Last, you understand Mr. Diggle that we are taking into account your possessions during this inquest. Do you have any dark artifacts in your home?
...n-no I don’t. (the only time that Dedalus is overtly and instantly unsettled)
*followup open para to follow soon