Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr. and Maebh Drumgoole

[alt_narcissa]

Good morning, lovebirds!

Maebh, we don't know each other very well yet, but I thought you both might be interested to hear that Norah has been a busy little billywig since last evening. Barty, whatever did you say to set her off? I received an owl from her, I'm sure not two hours after I saw you had written to her in the journals. It was two pages of parchment, equal parts jubilation and probing for anything I might know about your plans. And from what I hear on the Floo, I'm not the only one she's contacted.

I'm off to the WI luncheon later today and I'm sure I'll be confronted with any number of busybody witches who'll want to know what's really going on between you two. Rest assured, your privacy is safe with me - I'm sure it's none of my business what you're up to - but if you don't want your banns read into the Prophet's society column before week's end, you'd best tell her to pull up on her broomstick. Say the word and I'll quash any rumours that reach me as well.

After all, if there's any truth in her presumption, I daresay neither of you would want Our Lord to think you'd made your choice without His blessing.

Comments

Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

No.

No.

No.

There is no date set. Yet. And certainly there will not be without Our Lord's approving the betrothal.

Mother-

To be honest, I think I should request her St Mungo's records this week.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

Are you sure it's wise to let Maebh think that you and I have secrets? She's not a jealous type, is she? After your comment about how she wished to test herself against me....

Well. Don't worry - it's far from the first time your mother has leapt to a conclusion regarding your future. Everyone's used to it by now. Though it's sad to think the best way to allay the rumour is to make her look somewhat ridiculous; I tried to sound rather as if she may simply know more than we do at present.

As to the question of her health...is it bad as all that? Do let me know if there's anything we can do from here.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

I don't believe Maebh is the jealous type, no. At least not in the usual sense. And she's realistic about the fact that we have separate lives--hers in Wales and mine where my work takes me. I rather think she likes the idea that there are things still to discover about me. And about my associations.

Well, indeed.

I'm not certain. She's always used her frailty as a trump card, you know.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

Well, you know her better than I, though I hope you'll help me correct that in time.

Now, what day is best for you for lunch? And where?

You can tell me all about it then.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

Wednesday, if it could be late. Say one o'clock.

Thursday is open for now.

Have you been to Meerut, recently? Desai says it's worth a visit.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

No, I can't Wednesday, not that late. Thursday, then. Half-twelve suit you?

Meerut sounds fine, if Desai recommends it.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

Sorry. Yes. Half-twelve on Thursday at Meerut.

I'm looking forward to it.

[alt_crouch_jr]

I'm sorry I didn't get back to you earlier. Maebh showed me the western range of the reserve today. It was rather glorious.

Honestly. Mother.

Maebh thinks her very sweet. In fact, she's gone out of her way to be really lovely to Mother.

And, of course, Mother's not wrong about my intentions, though she's leagues ahead of us schedule-wise. So, yes, do please do what you can to squash the gossip as the whole matter will take time, and it would be grossly premature to run announcements of any kind.

Maebh, I trust you'll agree when you see this. I do apologise for Mother's getting ahead of herself.

[alt_narcissa]

Well, don't despair just yet. In the absence of instruction, I made certain to deflect all inquiries and, where necessary, implied that your mother's actions may be explained by an understandable eagerness to see you cared for and happy.

Showed you the western range? Is that what the young people are calling it these days?

[alt_crouch_jr]

Mapping the terrain.

Taking the lay of the land.

Surveying the contours.

Euphemisms abound.

[alt_narcissa]

Quite.

Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

By the way, I've just spoken with Maebh. She says she's worked out the difficulty with your February dates--she'd had Nott booked in with a large party, but she's persuaded him to change his plans.

She's sending you an owl with details.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

It's sweet of her to trouble, though I don't like to think she's disappointed Theo. I'll have to console him with something. No matter - it's worth it if we'll be able to take in the vistas and, ahem, mount the summits in good company.