"I'm not saying don't use the runes," Severus said as much patience as he could muster. Ravenclaws got difficult when their little theoretical models ran in difficulties with the real world. "I am simply saying using them to disrupt the wards will be counter-productive and get you, me and whoever else is involved in this killed very quickly." He arched an eyebrow. "And I do not intend to orphan my son."
"No, instead attach different runes to small objects, stones would be best since they are ubiquitous. They can simply be tossed through the wards to sit outside the Fidelius and the wards themselves," he continued. "Locator charms would work equally as well. Anything that can be detected from a distance or from the air. Let us try and avoid being noticed."
His expression became grim. "I will not get Draco involved in this for a number of reasons. The primary one is that his child is to be born soon. Second, he has stayed out of things like this for a reason. His value lies in not being openly involved. It means his relatives will still stay in contact with him. We have received valuable information that way. Thirdly, we are going to have enough trouble convincing him that I should be involved as it is without complicating matters."
"Very well, keep Boot and Pucey some distance from this," he said with mild amusement. "If the runes or charms can be detected from a distance then that will solve that problem. Boot can do the work, Pucey can protect him and let us hope they do not kill each other or do anything else stupid." He smirked, knowing the same could be said about himself and Stephen at times.
"As for your involvement, convince me why you should be there," he said bluntly. "You do not know the town and stealth is not something you have learnt. Something like this will involve getting in, doing what needs to be done and getting out. I may end up giving you sharp orders without explaining why. You need to be able to follow those orders without question. Silence, stealth and objectivity are needed. Can you do that? Be honest with yourself and me."
"That being said, while I am used to working alone, I would not object to useful aid," he finished. "To watch my back if nothing else."
He arched an eyebrow but didn't argue any further on the matter of the consequences. He somehow doubted Boot would be as blase as Stephen said nor did he think that there would be too much in the way of defections from the Death Eaters. Too many were there on ideological grounds to have something like this turn them away. But that bridge could be crossed or burned when they came to it.
He did look mildly amused though when Stephen spoke of people not getting involved facing the consequences of their apathy but he decided not to comment on the fact that that was exactly what Stephen thought prior to Rodolphus' intervention.
"I do have one other question for you," he said instead. "Where are you planning on getting the bombs? As far as I am aware such things tend to remain in the hands of the Muggle military."