Private Message to Barty Crouch

[alt_narcissa]

Lunch, soon? I feel just about ready to face the world again so we needn't meet at Cottesmore if you are craving daylight, or I can arrange to have it delivered there if you still need rest.

I promise to tell you all about a visit I had from Ursula Avery, if you promise to tell me all about the clearly fascinating Hogwarts Head Girl. Really, dear, it's none too subtle.

Or are you still cross with me for ignoring you at Christmastime?

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Queerer things have proved true. Ursula has kept herself to herself with respect to alliances. Obviously she distanced herself from Gaude long since. There was a time I'd have speculated she and Yaxley were allied, but she plays her hand well. And she must have been clear of any damning link when Y fell.

Really, it's an interesting proposition. I did wonder about her reaction when Julius threw himself away against Lucius. I expected she might have demanded some satisfaction, but L indicated she wouldn't. Seemed certain of that. And so far as I'm aware she did nothing.

That doesn't prove L had something to hold over her, and it doesn't prove she's a traitor, but it also doesn't eliminate either possibility.

[alt_narcissa]

It's a fair point about not seeking retribution. I simply thought Our Lord made it clear He had had enough of His followers taking their politicking to the level of duels to the death. At least, at that time.

Still, now that you mention it her reaction was much more what one might have expected had it been Gaude, and not Julius, who had duelled Lucius and lost.

Well, what do you recommend? How should I string her along to find out what she thinks I might know?

[alt_crouch_jr]

That's it exactly about her reaction.

Recommend that you do nothing to string her along. If she believes she's stalking you for prey, you'll catch her by staying aloof and letting her take the initiative. Perhaps she'll give herself away in the process. The trick is to give yourself no chance of doing the same. (Not that you're a traitor, yourself, but if she means to twist any hint into the appearance of treachery, then you should not give her any more opportunities than strictly necessary.)

[alt_narcissa]

Of course.

You'll make an operative of me yet. One does get so terribly bored, is all.

Until Wednesday, then?

[alt_crouch_jr]

Wednesday.

Sleep well.