Private Message to Bella and Barty

[alt_narcissa]

Apparently a few mudbloods at Stroud decided to test one of the recommendations in that foul post this afternoon. Several administrators asked Lucius to pay a late visit while they dealt with the perpetrators. I hope you've not been similarly occupied?

But I wanted to wait until he had gone to write. I received an owl today that I think you ought to see. I didn't read it until after supper - you know I was at Diana's this afternoon for our card circle - but I thought nothing of it at first when I saw it in the stack. It's on a high quality of stationery and it came through with all the others, nothing suspicious about that. Whomever wrote it knew better than to place the slightest hint of menace onto the envelope.

But the content. I'm sure I've never read the like - not even when that horrid Collins was at his most deranged. It outright accuses Lucius of all manner of atrocities.

I've kept the envelope and the letter but charmed it for the time being so that no one else may read it. I really don't wish to trouble Lucius with it. He's far too taxed already with everything on his plate.

Still it's certainly something that warrants delicate investigation. If either of you could come tomorrow I shall be happy to remove the cantrip so you can inspect it yourselves.

Comments

[alt_bellatrix]

Just what sort of atrocities?

We're all very busy down here, as you can imagine. Stroud was unfortunate, but the timing was...good, if one can say that, given that the counter project is soon to launch.

[alt_narcissa]

The sort I had rather not repeat, even under the cloak of a private message, Bella. I know you have important matters to attend, not least pursuing the author of these heinous diatribes. I should not have bothered either of you if it weren't particularly troublesome.

The letter mentions Tamworth, Bella - 1977. I recall the incident, if you do not.

Most of its insinuations are preposterous, but with only one nugget of truth to it the rest could cause no end of headache.

[alt_bellatrix]

Many things happened at Tamworth.

It does not accuse him of disloyalty to our Lord, does it? For all else is faint mocking and strains of jealousy. Are they requesting compensation for the silencing of these secrets?

I'm in the field by eight in the morning, but I can come by before if you feel it necessary.

[alt_narcissa]

I do feel it necessary but Lucius was still here this morning.

I know I could simply show it to Mr Quilp but I'm not altogether comfortable sharing it outside people I trust, at least for now.

Ought I to bring it direct to the office? Oh, no, I can't - Lucius meets with Cornelius this morning and they usually lunch from there.

Well. It's one letter. I suppose occasionally something is bound to slip through the net.

Narcissa.

[alt_crouch_jr]

I appreciate your desire for privacy. Are you quite sure there are no latent curses on the thing? I'll have Quilp's head if it arrived to you without having been inspected for signs of tampering, but I trust you to have run your own tests on the thing.

If it can wait for a day, I could come in the morning. I would like to have a look at the contents, and I'd like you to consider allowing Travers to inspect the hand and style.

Re: Narcissa.

[alt_narcissa]

Yes, quite sure - though I'd not say no to a more expert analysis.

Of course it can wait another day. I'll let you decide whether it's worth Travers' attention once you've inspected it yourself.

Re: Narcissa.

[alt_bellatrix]

I'll leave word with my husband for your analysis.

Re: Narcissa.

[alt_narcissa]

Yes, that will do nicely, I'm sure.

Thank you, Bella.

Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

Remember. If you need someone immediately, you shouldn't hesitate to use the means you have.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

Bella already thinks I am too frivolous. Were I to employ that urgent a summons, she would be entirely justified in her opinion.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

You're hardly frivolous and you're not one to abuse the privilege. You've proven that.

What I wish to underline is that you must not hesitate to use it should it ever be necessary.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

You're very dear to me. You know that, I hope?

Now. Are you suggesting that I am the type who would try to handle any adverse situation I may encounter? Without assistance?

Because I'm sure we know of no one who fits that description, Auror Crouch.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

I've had an inkling.

Touché.

I do understand the value of calling reinforcements when needed, however. And so ought you.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

Only an inkling? Well, that's hardly surprising, considering one moment you are complimenting me and the next insulting my intelligence. But then I suppose the persona of brute works in your favour with many a witch.

As for reinforcements: Just so, which is why I am alerting you and Bella to the possible need in the first place.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

Offended? I certainly didn't intend that.

So, yes, indeed. Thank you for alerting us and do call if one of us is needed.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

Offended? If I were, you should have to make it up to me.

But let us say I am bemused, rather.

Come tomorrow. You'll not regret it.