sixwordstories | (no subject)

Mercy killing? Is there such a thing?

In a way, I believe so.

Do you care to elaborate?

I really don't want to think about it, much less talk about it, Miss.

~~Though I know that won't make it..go away.~~

I suppose I can understand not wanting to talk about it. Still, you seem to have an awful lot on your mind.

I usually do, but I must concede with you, this time it's even more then usual.

OOC: <3 to the Helga, I've been tempted before to do a Salazar, but I've already so many characters, lol.

As you wish. Could you fetch you a cup of tea? Tea sometimes makes things a bit more bearable.

((Thank you! No, no. The real reason that you don't want to do a Salazar is because Rowena and Helga are talking about putting ribbons in his hair after he's passed out from too much drink! :D :D :D I kid. I understand about having too many characters. I really do.))

It surely can't make anything worse then it already is. Very well, I'll have one.

*Helga nods her head, takes out her wand and gives it a steady flick. It's good being a witch most days. She can make a tea tray instantly appear.*

*watches silently, noticing the wand and taking note of the comment*

If I may, what is your name?

Helga. *She replies simply and while the tray is still floating in midair, she fixes him a cup. Helga makes a very good cuppa.* How do you take yours?

Straight will be fine.

*looks a bit stunned, so the odd feeling he'd been getting wasn't entirely off base, there was something extraordinary about this witch*

Helga, hm?

As you wish. *She takes a cup from the tray and offers it to him. It's not an extraordinary looking mug. It's sturdy and serviceable.*

Hufflepuff is the family name.

*takes the mug with a nod of thanks*

Well, I never thought I'd be meeting you.

Oh? Am I someone special? *She doesn't think so. She's just a witch, a nice one.*

Killing's not a mercy, not at all. Mercy would be finding a way to-to save them somehow.

I understand your reasoning, but it wouldn't work in the situation.

*stares* Are you an Animangus?

*tentatively* ... The situation, sir?

Anim- I'm not sure what that is.

Yes, the situation..*looks a fine mix between very frustrated and stern*

..Then apparently you are not.

*fidgets a little, wringing her paws* Oh, forgive me. I-I didn't mean to pry...

*stares for a moment and his expression softens just a tiny little bit*

It's okay. Questioning is a natural response.

All the same, I am sorry. And I sincerely hope that your situation improves, sir. Death is never... easily dealt with.

I see it getting a lot worse before it gets any better. If it ever does.

Oh, of course it will. Everything has to get better in the end, otherwise everyone would stop trying.

Not by definition, no.

What makes you say that?

In general, murder is an unlawful killing with the intent to harm.

While euthanasia can be considered 'murder', if it is unlawful, someone who kills a person who is profoundly suffering, and who has asked for peace, is not a 'murderer'.

While you might indeed have a point, it does little to ease my mind.

I never said that it would. I've been told that it's not easy to kill a man, even a willing one.

Especially not one you admire.

If you did what was necessary, then if you need comfort, you can take it that way.

If not, then not.

It was. *nods slightly*

There you go. Put the rest behind you and move forward.

Is mercy killing murder?

*nods gravely but does not say a word*

Then you have your answer.

Really, though, it's a matter of morals and opinion.

*thinks it over* Not necessarily. No.

What's your reasoning?

A mercy killing is an act of compassion. It shows you care for the person. And there's nothing to say you wanted to do it, just that you knew it was best for the person requesting it.

I would think a true murderer lacks those feelings.

*sighs slightly*

I think this would have all been easier if I truly did have no feelings at all.

*smiles softly* Probably. But then decisions like that were never meant to be easy.

I suppose not.

*tentatively lays a hand on his arm* What you did couldn't have been easy. But if it was what they truly wanted...no, needed, then you're a good man for giving it to them.

I doubt you'd be saying that if you knew what happened.

*glances at her hand and grimaces slightly but does not move his arm*

Then tell me.

*looks at him, meaning it. she wants to know -- to understand*

The Headmaster, I...

*looks away, not seeming to wish to continue*

Albus? *frowns but mostly out of confusion* You...

I see.

He had his reasons. I'm sure.

*After a rather long pause*

I did.

Yes, he did.

Not surprising. Albus always has his reasons.

Did he say why? *moves to pour them both a drink -- a strong one*