[twenty seven] Mama-Bearing It Up.

[goodgrasshopper]

[The video clicks on and shows Charity Carpenter, sitting at her kitchen table and smiling politely at the camera.  If you look behind her, you can see bread rising in loaf pans.]

Hello.  I understand my daughter Molly is a warden here.  Oh, dear God, child we will be having a talk when you get home about the kinds of deals you make to keep your family safe, you're as bad as your father.  My name is Charity.  This is... an interesting place she's found herself in.  I've met some of you already, but there are others I'd like to speak with as well.

[private to Snape]
Severus Snape?  I'd like a word with you.

[private to Tim]
Tim Drake?  May I speak with you?

[private to Kon]
Kon? Can I speak with you?

[private to Dick]
Dick Grayson--is that your real name?  Can I have a word?

[private to Mozenrath]
Mozenrath: a word, please.

[private to Amanda]
Amanda Young.  I need to speak with you.

Comments

Private

[subtlescience]

You'll have to be more specific. What about me?

Private

[goodgrasshopper]

Are you one of those influences I should be concerned about?

Private

[subtlescience]

[Is she asking what he thinks she's asking. Oh. God. Because. Randal.]

Am I -

What?

No.

Never.

Private

[goodgrasshopper]

[Wait, this response is not making sense.]

...What are you talking about. Never what?

Private

[subtlescience]

[What.]

What are you talking about?

Private

[goodgrasshopper]

[More linefacing.] She views you as a kind of mentor. Should I be worried about the kind of influence you're having on her?

Private

[subtlescience]

[Why yes, he did just heave sigh of relief.]

No. I assure you, your daughter is a capable and intelligent young-

[Wait.]

A mentor?

[Okay. Well, odd. But all right.]

Private

[goodgrasshopper]

Yes, a mentor.

[And yes, she is relieved to hear Snape say that Molly has a good head on her shoulders.]

[Wait.]

What did you think I was talking about?

Private

[subtlescience]

Suffice to say I've had a fair few bewildering accusations flung at me this weekend.

Private

[goodgrasshopper]

[And the lightbulb goes on. She saw that conversation with Tony's father.]

Oh.

Oh, no. [She's going to laugh now.] No, I never even considered that. You're really not her type.

Private

[subtlescience]

I'm well aware of that, thank you.

[Rrrrraaaaaaandaaallll.]

Private

[goodgrasshopper]

[All right, fine, time to stop skirting around the issue.]

...Tell me about this Randal.

Private

[subtlescience]

[He doesn't...actually know a whole lot about the boy. Hm.]

A poor decision on behalf of everyone who allowed him to live beyond the age of seven?

Private

[goodgrasshopper]

[More linefacing, but not at at you this time, Snape.]

I was afraid of that.

Private

[subtlescience]

He's long gone, if it's any consolation to you.

Private

[goodgrasshopper]

[slight smile] Some. Thank you.