Private Message to Barty Crouch

[alt_narcissa]

Did Sophia enjoy herself?

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Found it invigorating. Suppose we'll see when this week's Whirl arrives.

Expect she'll divide her focus between the younger set--the Yaxley daughters, Baddock's niece, and whichever Spinx that was--and the shifting alliances of their elders. Says she finds us more compelling, though more dangerous to offend.

Did she put her nose in at your poetry salon? How was that, anyway?

[alt_narcissa]

It was quite enjoyable, until Myron Wagtail tried reading his lyrics as poems. Then it devolved a bit into more of an acoustic music sing-in.

The honeyed cherry cakes might have played a part in that, too. I understand they had a little something 'extra' to keep people in a receptive mood.

Fortunately, Niall Drumgoole had already read and he was really the only one worth hearing to that point. His account of the retaking of Sixmilebridge was stirring. He must have spoken to a number of eyewitnesses. Were you one? It rather seemed as if he'd done proper research. It's so fascinating how youth and zeal can glorify war without a hint of irony.

I saw you following Where did you keep yourself all evening? I looked for you for a dance but you never seemed to be in the ballroom at the same time I was.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Could have used spiked cake for the afternoon I gave the poet Drumgoole. Honestly.

Suppose it was time charitably spent if you found the results so pure and stirring.

Have forgotten, does young poet D have gainful work somewhere? Or is he courting patronage in lieu of salary?

Not surprised we didn't intersect. More work than pleasure on my end.

[alt_narcissa]

Oh, he's quite tiresome in conversation, it's true, but his poetry is unmistakably gifted. I'm fairly confident he was trying to look for patrons. He nearly cornered Mariah Pyle but she slipped off to the game table. And I know for a fact he bent June Calderwood's ear for twenty minutes before I pitied her enough to provide rescue. He even approached Pandora Baddock but I thought it best to come to her aid straight off. (Just because her husband and mine insist on foolishness, that does not mean she and I need to give your Sophia grist for Whirl's pages!)

You seem to have been working quite hard lately.

I understand - that is, I hear from Lucius that you were as surprised as I to see another Drumgoole in attendance. Are you If you It must have been disconcerting to learn in that manner that she had regained some measure of favour.

[alt_crouch_jr]

For the record, if there is anything in Whirl re. L and AB, I am not Sophia's source. Trust that went without saying.

Speaking of   Suppose you haven't spoken with Bella since?

[alt_narcissa]

I would never dream of accusing you of such a thing. As for whether anything will appear, we'll have to see. Unfortunately it's not quite as private a war as one might wish.

Bella? No. I spoke to Mother yesterday; she said Bella had actually come to see her - upset about something but not wishing to say what. I can imagine it had to do with the dais - or the balcony during the fireworks - or both.

Did she make things difficult for you? (Or does that privilege belong to someone else?)

[alt_crouch_jr]

You have mastered understatement. Re. Lucius's matter and Bella, both.

Suffice to say Corax Mulciber has competition for Departmental Tyrant award.

Not complaining that I am rather the worse for our hour in the sparring dungeons: I knew what I was in for. Others are less well-prepared to cope. Including, perhaps, Bella herself. That's what's concerning.

[alt_narcissa]

Truly, I thought that title rightfully belonged to my sister anyway. Is there something in particular she's doing to suggest she's losing her grip on the Auror squads?

She has always had trouble controlling her temper. Something you share with her, I might add.

I must admit I'm accustomed to feeling the weight of her contempt. I am much less accustomed to yours, however.

[alt_crouch_jr]

I wouldn't say she is losing grip or ground. Her sense of proportion, however. Trust the loss is temporary.

My contempt? Never. What makes you say such a thing?

[alt_narcissa]

Perhaps I've misread you, then.

I'm sure you have other confidantes who are willing to listen to your troubles but I thought I was still one of them, as well.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Thought that's what I was doing here. Confiding concern about matters of relevance to the two of us. Surely you share my apprehension about current shifts in the landscape.

Was L as  

Suppose we are all out of sorts.

[alt_narcissa]

Yes, of course. Matters of consequence to us both.

I was speaking of matters of consequence to you. None of my business, I suppose. If she hurt you again

All I meant to say is that I miss you.

[alt_crouch_jr]

And I you.

But you've your poetical pups, barking for attention. And your artiste, whom you've only to commission to command his time and attendance. You're hardly at a loss for company.

As for Maebh. It's nothing I can share. Rest assured she's as little interested in my concern as you are interested in my concerning myself with her. Or, that may not be accurate. She does, in fact, seem interested in causing me concern. Perversely as ever. And is obstinately unwilling to take warning that her folly will harm only herself.

That's more than I ought to have said. Trust you can accept that.

[alt_narcissa]

You of all people should know there's a difference between those who clamour for one's company and those in whose company one would choose to be.

If your assessment is not accurate for her part, it's also not accurate for mine, dear. I take particular interest in whether you concern yourself with her, if only because she seems to still hold a peculiar power over you. And it is not like you to be swayed by her sort.

At any rate, if shifting landscape from the past tells us anything, it's that sometimes the follies of others do attract notice - in ways that reward, rather than condemn.

I want to see you

I hope you don't mean you have some ominous plan in mind for her.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Should like to think there is reward at the end of all this, but am not sanguine.

Comforting to have you play the Oracle for me, though. And you could be right. Why not?

(You are, at least, not wrong re. M. The alchemy between us hasn't gone. Worse luck. But that's irrelevant as ever. It must be.)