(no subject)

[alt_narcissa]

Barty, has your Mother recovered from this afternoon's ordeal? I shouldn't wonder if she's still as shaken as I but I do hope she's been properly seen to by St Mungo's.

Remind me in future to ensure that you are lunching in the vicinity of any place where reporters are likely to find me. I must say I don't half fancy another such encounter on my own. There is a very good reason you and Bella are the Aurors and I am not!

Draco, if you should see the Prophet this evening before Valerian arrives with your Father's note: I am perfectly well, now. Mother had a spot of bother but it's all right, nothing to worry about. We'll see you tomorrow, dear. I am quite looking forward to excitement as a spectator, rather than a participant - only the good sort of excitement, of course.

Your Father says he thinks Harry will be allowed to play with his replacement broom. Have you heard from Professor Slughorn about it? Or your Uncle?

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Narcissa. Good.

Good.

Yes, Mother was seen at St Mungo's. Knocked down, apparently. She's resting. Not very resilient these days, but she'll manage. I'm sure she'll do her best to turn it to her advantage.

Pleased you're willing to let us see to our work, but you shouldn't run down your own skills. That 'photographer' who tried himself wand to wand with you regrets his underestimation keenly at the moment. Dedicated training served you well. Impressively well, Narcissa.

[alt_narcissa]

Oh, I daresay I acquitted myself admirably but it's not an experience I care to repeat anytime soon! At least I remembered not to hesitate. I understand that's the source of many a misstep in duelling.

Still, if ever I began to think myself the equal of several Councilwizards I could name, I have learned first-hand that I lack the temperament for the constant risk you all face. Don't worry, I'm not planning to retreat from the world like Walburga (may she rest in peace), but I quite preferred a life where one did not have to defend oneself at wandspoint against all and sundry. I'm reminded of the duellists of the Restoration. What is the saying Roderigo Battaglia used? Something about how there is always a younger duellist looking to prove his hexation skills? Well, you know the quote I mean, I'm sure.

Let all note: I am not interested in acquiring a reputation as a 'quick-draw' or - how did the young witch from Whirl put it? A 'fierce curse-thrower.' Utter nonsense!

[alt_crouch_jr]

You're quite right, Narcissa. There's no reason you should have to face threats, and you should never have needed to fend off an assailant with your own wand and resources. However well equipped you are for that or any eventuality.

Our Lord intends His people to live in peace and security, and His Aurors will bring to justice any who oppose the good He wills for his realm.

Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

The item we recovered sent up enough red flags that we've sent it on to Rodolphus. I'll let you know when there's anything to report.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

Thank you. I feel so foolish about the whole affair. I've no idea how he managed to slip it into my pocket without my notice.

Have you any idea what it was meant to do? It's not one of those bumbs Snape had advocated, is it? I thought those were meant to be rather smaller. And they don't have a long lead time, either, do they, so it would have exploded sooner if it were. Unless he failed to make it properly, I suppose.

At this rate I think I shall forego the 20th of May altogether next year. We shall skip ahead from 19 to 21. I decree it so.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

Don't punish yourself for any of what happened. You were magnificent in the stress of the event. Honestly. And the wizard who did it will be very, very sorry before we finish with him.

The device we're not sure about. That's why Craddock sent it on to Rod. It does not seem to have been meant to explode. Can't tell you more. Yet.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_lucius]

Just what I have been telling her - that she's not to blame and that she comported herself perfectly by all accounts.

And yes, he will regret his part in all this for the rest of his life. As well as any cohorts he might have had in the endeavour.

One of the elves has brought her a draught of calming tisane and she's trying to sleep. Shall finish one or two things here and check on her in a bit.

If you learn anything of note - anything at all, let me know.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

Understood.

Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr.

[alt_lucius]

Indeed, my thanks, Barty. For your quick response as well as alerting me at Narcissa's request.

Has he talked yet? Do let me know when Truncheon has wrung every useful drop of information from him. I've a few ideas to make him pay dearly for his violation.

As to the greater threat ... I thought under the circumstances Narcissa ought to show reasonably unconcerned to-night but you know as well as I how distraught she has been about her ordeal. And no wonder. I can understand her desire to keep me from worrying, particularly with our negotiations for the Cup Exhibition and the Tournament so near to completion yet requiring so much diplomacy at present. Still, I could have insisted on a protection detail for her had I known the extent of the menace being aimed in her direction. Grateful, naturally, that you have done what you could to provide her with some measure of intervention - presume that was why you contrived to take your lunch so conveniently close to the Wiltonian? She should not have made it necessary to put you to the trouble; again, her desire for secrecy about being targetted puzzles and vexes me. Not your fault, of course. I think you'll agree that she can be maddeningly unfathomable at times.

Will speak to Crabbe to-morrow about assigning one of his hired wizards to her until we learn more about the device you recovered and whether this incident was in fact connected to the letters she has been receiving. Does Travers have those, by the way? Narcissa seems to think he might have.

Please convey our regards to your mother and our regrets that she was injured in the scuffle.

Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Truncheon is still plying his craft. He knows you'll wish to be consulted when he's finished his work.

Understood. And, yes. I do think Narcissa found some of the details of the letters disturbing; they forced her to digest things she's sought not to know. I can't speak to her wish that you not be told. But it was hers to decide.

Yes. Do speak to Crabbe, though we both know she'll hate it. And Travers does have the letters, yes. If Narcissa's given permission, obviously he'll make himself and them available to you. I'm sure he'd welcome your insight into the contents.

Thank you. I'll tell Mother you asked after her.

Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Still nothing from Rodolphus, but then, he has one of the ducklings at the moment and will be taking its hex structure down slowly for her benefit. Who knows. Maybe they're even keeping to bureaucrats' hours.

Truncheon, however, has pulled some significant information from his specimen over night, and I'm for Ipswich. No need to tell Narcissa if you think it would upset her to know, but if this is the sort of lead it appears, there may be a significant arrest on the horizon.

If you do tell her, be sure to explain that I've taken proper precautions and have all due resources at my disposal. No need for her to fear I'm up to anything overly risky or rash.

Enjoy the Quidditch today. I trust that Marvolo and Malfoy will lead Slytherin House to a resounding victory.

The Falcons are on Puddlemere's schedule for June. If you think Draco would like to attend the match, let me know, and I'll reserve tickets for the two of you in the box--more if either of you would like to bring others.