(no subject)

[alt_narcissa]

Well, let it never be said that our parties are the sorts of affairs one can afford to miss for lack of excitement! One would prefer a different sort, however, in future. How frightful!

Young Mr Weasley, thank you in particular for your calm and swift reaction to the crisis. I daresay your experiences at Hogwarts have already taught you how to maintain order in an emergency. (From the look of things, we were not the only ones impressed by your presence of mind. Do tell your enchanting companion that her own rôle in directing guests away from the scene did not go unnoticed - or unappreciated.)

Mr Malfoy and I went to St Mungo's this morning to pay a visit to the young man who so tragically collapsed on our lawns - I'm quite sorry to report that the Healers hold out little hope for full recovery. Clearly someone took advantage of his recent dismissal from our household and attempted to discover privileged information from him. I hope we can say that the damage was done to him out of his captors' desperation and that the young man resisted revealing anything that might present a danger to Our Lord's tranquil realm. Mr and Mrs Hooper, please accept our condolences. I've no idea who abused your son so horribly but I do assure you Mr Malfoy is as perturbed as either of you that his former clerk should be so beset by enemies of the peace. He has already told me he has his theories and if I know my husband, he shall be sure to investigate the truth of his beliefs and avenge this slight for all our sakes. As a mother myself, I can only imagine how this ordeal must be affecting your family. If there is anything I can do, please, you have only to ask.

Speaking of motherhood, Draco: Do enjoy yourself this week. But don't you boys all make yourselves ill with too much sun and training. Be sure to take care as well and don't overdo it. We shall see you next weekend for the Freedom Day celebrations and I'm sure you and Harry shall have dozens of stories to tell.

Oh, and Raz, it's too bad that your guest couldn't disentangle herself for the evening but I do understand. But now, you really must bring her to lunch on Saturday next; I will brook no argument! Mother and Pascoal will be bringing some of their friends along as well so it's sure to be a jolly affair. There are even plans afoot to take in some of the street performances along the river. I promise no one shall ask impertinent questions: We know our itinerant bachelor is in no danger of losing his heart! His solitude, perhaps, but that can hardly be a bad thing. Rodolphus, you'd best come along whether Bella extricates herself from her work or not, and see what your baby brother has been up to all this time.

And now, Sisters in Witchcraft, I shall see you very shortly! I hope you are all prepared for today's activities. I quite look forward to hearing about your summers thus far.

Comments

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

THE girl has become two girls. One a kitchen drudge, the other meant to be a personal attendant, except that Mother won't allow her in her room, so that one's become a laundress.

I'm on the verge of hiring a healer to provide the necessary attendance. Mind you, Mother says she's fine, but that's patently untrue. She's failing.

And beneath the steely shell this has Father in a panic. I hadn't realised he ever noticed her presence, but he's going daft, presumably at the thought of losing her. Stares at her. Follows her room to room. Shouts when she announces her intention to leave the house for an engagement. Repeats her healer's orders as if she can't remember herself.

Come to think of it, we'd all be well served if he'd give up his post with the Wizengamot and sign on as her full-time carer. Well. The Protectorate would be well served; Mother, less so.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_lucius]

As bad as that? Forgive me, Barty, far be it from me to intrude on such a personal matter. I know you've had discussion with Narcissa before about your mother's health; out of deference to the sensitivity of the information, she has shared only the barest details with me. But it sounds as if your father could use a consultation at St Mungo's himself.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

Indeed. And I'm sure that was more than you really wished to know. For what it's worth, I do not believe my Mother's health merits such dramatics.

I do apologise for her performance at Kensington. Apparently I was wrong to think it had nothing to do with Hooper's appearance, though, and this may entertain you: she informed me this afternoon that when he staggered into view, she was seized with the notion that he was a Dogstar assassin come to murder me. As though that pathetic lump could have been any threat at all.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_lucius]

I should hope I have more sense than to keep in my employ someone who could be bought by Dogstar.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

That does sound particularly dire. I feel terrible that our schedules have been so hectic this season that we've not had more of a chance to talk.

Do promise me you'll come to luncheon - Tuesday? I'll book Monteith; we shan't be bothered there.

Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

I can hardly tell whether it's dire or not. Do you know that Mother thinks I'm going to be murdered any day. That's apparently what unbalanced her the other night: she thought Hooper was sent to assassinate me. Honestly. As though he could have lifted a wand, let alone cursed anyone.

Father blames me, of course. For everything that's befallen them. Thinks the mudbloods are spies I've put in the house. I suppose he imagines I'm plotting patricide and mean to use scullery maids to do it.

Yes, Tuesday, then. Thank you. I know you're busy, but I've missed you.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

Well, knowing you as I do, you're father's probably not far wrong - at least about the mudbloods. I'm not so sure about the patricide. Though if you've shown restraint up until now it's hardly likely.

And your mother is not the only one who has noticed that you've been making yourself scarce, working all sorts of cases that don't call for your personal involvement. I've not been nearly as busy as you've been unavailable.

Between you and Bella it's a wonder I get any sleep at all, for worry. That's not to say I take anything as pessimistic a view as Norah of your ability to stop anyone who might attempt to trouble you.

I've seen your skills in action, after all.

Tuesday. I'll book a private chamber - half-twelve, all right?

How long will you have, afterward?

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

I'll clear my schedule from noon on.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

Good.