(no subject)
Jan. 3rd, 2012 09:25 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_narcissaWell, now that the holidays are over it's back to the everyday. Pity it seems we are still to be treated to the rants of fools. Particularly when it leads to more idiocy, like that story in this evening's Prophet. And this practice of giving fieldhands privileges on Boxing Day only feeds the notion that they have rights. I'm sure that led in part to this evening's tragic report. Such a shame that two halfbloods lost their livelihoods in the ... disagreement. I've no doubt it will be quite a while before either finds paid work again.
But that is only to be expected, I suppose, when one follows bad advice.
Now, Aleta, never fear, I've no intention of missing the meeting next week. Or the ceremony itself; I'm entirely curious to know who has been selected to receive honours from the WI.
And Amanda, yes, dear, I'm sure we shall be quite comfortable tomorrow at Mellerstain. Thank you for offering it.
Oh, Rosa, before I forget: I'll be happy to come see you and Ewan, at my first opportunity. I'll have Mariposa get in touch with you. We are sorry to have missed the ceremony but the photos look most impressive.
I am also looking forward to this year's Frost Faire. This time of year shows New London in its glory and the Burdett-Couttses are sure to outdo themselves to put the landscape of the city (or should I say, 'Londinium?') to magnificent effect.
The other thing I look forward to, of course, is our next Sisters in Witchcraft meeting, which promises to be a very pleasant afternoon. Truly, these ladies have consistently shown that our realm continues to prosper and soon we shall realise the fruits of Our Lord's visionary plan for us all.
But that is only to be expected, I suppose, when one follows bad advice.
Now, Aleta, never fear, I've no intention of missing the meeting next week. Or the ceremony itself; I'm entirely curious to know who has been selected to receive honours from the WI.
And Amanda, yes, dear, I'm sure we shall be quite comfortable tomorrow at Mellerstain. Thank you for offering it.
Oh, Rosa, before I forget: I'll be happy to come see you and Ewan, at my first opportunity. I'll have Mariposa get in touch with you. We are sorry to have missed the ceremony but the photos look most impressive.
I am also looking forward to this year's Frost Faire. This time of year shows New London in its glory and the Burdett-Couttses are sure to outdo themselves to put the landscape of the city (or should I say, 'Londinium?') to magnificent effect.
The other thing I look forward to, of course, is our next Sisters in Witchcraft meeting, which promises to be a very pleasant afternoon. Truly, these ladies have consistently shown that our realm continues to prosper and soon we shall realise the fruits of Our Lord's visionary plan for us all.
Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-01-04 03:33 am (UTC)And I have missed you elsewhere.
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-01-04 04:05 pm (UTC)I miss you, as well. The sensitive place just below your ear, for instance. I miss that.
Appreciated your gift, however. The field pack is already proving its usefulness; thank you. It was the one truly apt thing I received. You'll be amused by this: the Greengrass girl apparently sent me tickets for the summer Symphony season. Fortunately summer is a long season away.
So the Frost Faire will be Roman themed, as well? Did Burdett-Coutts consult with you on your party, or is he riding your cloak tails? I suppose the Faire will be another opportunity for my colleagues to jarvey my reputation. I'll be glad when the social season lapses back into hibernation.
I remember you in your fur cowl last February under the stars on the Thames. Vividly.
Be well, Narcissa.
2:46am
11:05am
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-01-04 06:29 pm (UTC)Oh, but how sad to think you've only your little rucksack, the vermin and your memories to keep you warm, dear. And your fervent drive to succeed, of course. May one inquire as to whether your endeavours approach your ambitions, in that regard?
Best check the seating number on those tickets, Barty. Make sure they're nowhere near your usual box and that the young lady has not bought herself a seat adjacent. (And if so, I suggest you re-gift them to someone whose company would be more suitable. One of your ducklings, perhaps?) But really, it's almost touching how she dotes on you. Why in three years, it might even be appropriate.
Besides, you've never seemed the type to scold a witch for being too forward. And it's not as if she's unattractive. Only terribly young.
As to the Faire, indeed, Burdett-Coutts may have contributed more than one or two touches to the party. Something of a taster - and it seemed an excellent opportunity to see if the idea would be well-received. It certainly doesn't hurt to set the trend, particularly since then at no time can one be accused of missing the crest of the wave.
But surely whatever quarry you are running to ground will also wish to take in the sights and sample the wares at some point during the festival? If you were going to be - in the area, let us say - then some sort of meeting place might be arranged?
You're not cross, are you, that I refused before? You do know why, I hope?
Send me word by the usual method - it's time you posted openly, even if you'll need to borrow details from your reports. And tell me when and where.
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-01-04 10:29 pm (UTC)The life of an Auror is full of trials. Also successes. However incremental they may be.
I've no intention of poaching underaged witches. I'm not sure she'd find any of the ducklings a sufficient replacement, though.
It's possible re. the Faire. I doubt there would be much advance warning, and I wonder if you would find my current disguise disturbing. Or do you have a hidden wish to experience the uncanny thrill of a polyjuice amour? (Raz's present was a token for Pseudonymity; we could go together, if that appeals. No need to decide now; I won't be free to indulge until this task has finished.)
Not cross. Will admit to disappointment.
Agreed. When I'm able.
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-01-04 06:29 pm (UTC)Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-01-04 10:34 pm (UTC)I thought you knew. It's a delaying charm. Allows me to post late when I'm at liberty, and have it appear at whatever time I specify.
It's rare that I can simply reply as messages appear now. And advantageous to be seen as replying when I am, in fact, otherwise engaged on this end.
Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr
Date: 2012-01-05 04:58 am (UTC)You'll have to show me how to use it. When you're able.
no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 03:43 am (UTC)I always like looking at the photographs of the Frost Faire, it must be especially magical in person. I wish that they did something like that in Hogsmeade, only smaller in scale, of course. After the holidays are over it's hard to feel very excited about Scotland's dark days and cold weather, but having a Frost Faire would make it ever so much more jolly.
From,
Hydra
no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 03:49 am (UTC)Besides, I hear your Arithmancy ought to be taking up quite a lot of your time, in which case a warm fire and an open book would more than make up for the dark and cold out of doors, wouldn't it?
no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 03:53 am (UTC)I'm going to be working with an arithmancy study group now, yes, so that will take up a lot of time. But it probably needs to, so that's alright.
From,
Hydra
no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 03:56 am (UTC)You sound less than enthusiastic about studying, dear. Is Arithmancy really that difficult for you?
Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:01 am (UTC)I feel like I'm studying an awful lot already, and my work is only average at best. Maths give me trouble, I think. But of course I'm going to keep working hard and trying to do better.
Auntie, did Mummy talk to you recently? About me, I mean.
From,
Hydra
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:08 am (UTC)And I know Arithmancy is not the most enticing subject. I can understand why your parents insisted, however. Perhaps you're trying too hard? Sometimes it's best to let it wash over you and eventually it simply makes sense. And if not, it's not too late to change it for another subject, surely.
Your mother? We talked at New Year's, dear, but only about the usual things. Did you have a specific topic in mind?
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:21 am (UTC)Oh. No, I just thought she might have spoken to you about this summer, since she already mentioned it to me.
From,
Hydra
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:26 am (UTC)This summer? You mean qualifying for the CCF? No, it didn't come up. We talked a bit about the Yule Ball but only because it made her suddenly crave a breath of fresh air.
I take it she's concerning herself with your preparations, then? Has she given you exercises to do, or asked you to work with your Uncle Raz?
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:32 am (UTC)They matter to herWell, she did mention CCF, but not preparing for it. She wants me pulled from consideration and to stay with you this summer, instead.
I suppose I thought she must have already discussed it with you.
From,
Hydra
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:34 am (UTC)How intriguing. And what reason did she give, pray tell?
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:43 am (UTC)From,
Hydra
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:46 am (UTC)I wasn't aware that you were a curse to be flung from wandspoint.
Have you decided on a career path, then? And do you think CCF will be important for it?
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:50 am (UTC)So, now I suppose I want to be a wife, and do important society things.
...and maybe something with runes, too?
or animalsFrom,
Hydra
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:54 am (UTC)I am not asking you what you think your mother wants you to do.
Are you saying you want to be a wife and socialite because you think it will make 'people' happy?
Or are you saying it because that's really what you want out of your life?
Truth, now. Tell Auntie Narcissa what you want to do this summer.
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:58 am (UTC)I'd like to do CCF this summer, if I make the cut, but still spend time with you, too, if your schedule permits.
From,
Hydra
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 05:04 am (UTC)Then I think you should go right on planning to try for the CCF.
And of course we'll be able to find some time together, if you like. I'd like that, as well.
As for the rest - let that develop as it develops. Being a wife does not mean you can have no other pursuits, either, so working with other disciplines like runes is still a strong possibility, if it holds your interest.
Now, if your mother asks you about talking to me, dear, we talked about the Frost Faire and skating and revising for Arithmancy. And nothing else. Agreed?
Re: Private message to Aunt Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 05:07 am (UTC)Frost Faire and skating - Agreed!
Oh, and arithmancy, too.
From,
Hydra
no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 03:20 pm (UTC)It does seem like an unusually abrupt shift this year for some reason - surely the timing, with the New Year followed so promptly by the start of classes here.
I admit, though, I do find it remarkably soothing to be back in my usual schedule, and settling down to finalise the details for the next YPL event now that everyone needed is back at their desks. And of course, I know that the young women of the Sisters in Witchcraft are looking forward to their next meeting.
I’ve even found a few minutes here and there for reading - the latest in the Time-Turner series, Time's Masque really was quite fun, thank you, and Venice was quite the evocative setting.
One of my sisters had also passed along a magical history of the city, and it’s been nice to dive into the details after getting a taste for it from the fiction. (That’s Winged Lion, by Huthbert Copley, if you’re interested: just came out.)
no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 04:00 pm (UTC)I should be very interested in the book, once you've finished. We met Copley and his wife at Charles's holiday party (being in publishing, his is always one of the more interesting fetes we attend of the season) and I spent a lovely twenty minutes recalling the city with him. Had you ever been, before the borders were sealed? One of the only drawbacks to our glorious realm is the necessity to protects its citizens from the outside world; we did so enjoy our diplomatic mission to France and I wished there had been more time to show Draco more of the continent. Of course, I share my husband's hope that events such as the Tri-Wizard Tournament and our continuing, strengthening relations with neighbour countries will enable us, soon, to relax some of the restrictions on travel, so that worthy individuals may take in the delights of other nations, while still resting secure in the knowledge that their home awaits in peace and tranquility.
Though I must admit that, on the whole, I should rather live in England than any other place, even if there were never any possibility of leaving it again.
no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 04:21 pm (UTC)How lovely to have the chance for an extended conversation with Mister Copley and his wife. (One of my younger sisters is a junior editor with that house, and did some copy-editing work on it, which is why she thought I'd find it particularly intriguing.)
As to travel: I did have the chance to visit Tuscany and Rome with my mother briefly one summer during my school years - part of a conference about food cultures she was at, and really delightful. But we didn't make it so far north as Venice, and that's the only time I've travelled away from home.
I do quite agree that it would be wonderful if the success of the Tri-Wizard Tournament and stronger relations opened up some of those options again. Certainly, I've found it fascinating to talk with various members of the delegations here about approaches to teaching and learning, and different wizarding cultures.
I've certainly wondered about travel, of course. And especially since, in my specialty, there are constellations that are only visible much further south. But at the same time, there's so much still to learn about what I can see and research here that I have no shortage of wonderful things to keep me occupied.
And I can't imagine actually living anywhere else for any length of time, of course.
no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 03:23 pm (UTC)Speaking of indulgence, Ms Poddington says you've rescheduled your day of pampering? Did I have it wrong in the calendar?
no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 03:26 pm (UTC)Why, were you looking for me, husband?
Private Message to Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:07 pm (UTC)But if you are busy, then shall I assume you are no longer looking to vent your frustrations with your sister? Or do you intend to make them the subject of discussion at your hen party?
Re: Private Message to Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:14 pm (UTC)But preferably without the discussion. This is exactly why I did not wish to talk about it. You do try to 'fix' what cannot be repaired, my love. I appreciate it but in this case you are fighting a lose cause, I fear.
Re: Private Message to Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 04:37 pm (UTC)Dearest, I don't mean to vex you, but you must admit that your perspective on Bellatrix is ... biased. As is your perspective on your niece. It is up to you to proceed in the manner you see fit, of course. Merely at least consider the notion that the girl is quite masterful at manipulating you, Razzer, Rod - nearly anyone about her - into interceding on her behalf, especially when it comes to Bella.
If what you desire is for Bellatrix to let Hydra choose her own path, then soon or late, Hydra must show her mettle to Bella, directly. You know as well as I that it shan't change Bella's manner toward her but it may at least prove that her daughter is not as meek and mild as she seems. Then and only then is Bella likely to capitulate - and certainly not while she perceives that there exists a continual dialogue among the three of you behind her back.
I should have thought you knew your sister well enough to understand that.
And whether you accept it as a deliberate action on her part or not, you have once again allowed yourself to stand between Hydra and her mother.
Now, you may choose to grow cross with me again for pointing it out, which is your prerogative, of course. However, if you wish Bella's behaviour to change, it would perhaps be prudent to examine how your own actions and those of Hydra's contribute to Bella's frustration and, dare one say it, feeling of persecution.
Kindly note that I am not endorsing her over you; only observing that she is not wholly without reason to complain.
Re: Private Message to Narcissa
Date: 2012-01-04 05:04 pm (UTC)Do you honestly think I don't want Hydra to stand up for herself? Of course I do. You know as well as I that Bella will react no better to that than any other intervention and possibly a good deal worse.
Yes, I can see what you are saying and it would be reasonable if we were discussing a reasonable person. My sister is anything but.
Currently, the task at hand is to grow Hydra's own confidence so that when she does show her mettle, as you say, there will be some backbone behind her protestations.
At any rate. I should be home from your sister's by four. We can presumably find a more pleasant topic of discussion over supper.