(no subject)

[alt_narcissa]

I confess I have begun to worry about Regulus. It has been weeks and still no word from or even of him. I am afraid of what may happen if he delays much longer.

Patience may be a virtue, but one as important as our Lord Protector cannot be expected to wait upon someone seeking His forgiveness and mercy.

Comments

[alt_bellatrix]

I do occasionally wonder if he takes after his fool brother more than is wise.

You always had more sway over him than the rest of us, Cissy. I can only hope that he will read your words of concern and act accordingly.

[alt_narcissa]

Sometimes he does fail to act sensibly.

I can understand his hesitation, and I cannot say that I would not do the same were I in his shoes, but the time for fear is long past.

He cannot hide forever.

[alt_bellatrix]

And the longer he continues to hide, the worse it looks. Our Lord admires those who are willing to throw themselves on the fire, again and again.

I know you must be worried.

[alt_narcissa]

One has to survive the first time to be able throw oneself again.

He always did like to make me worry.

[alt_bellatrix]

I have a very full week, but on Friday I will be at home in the afternoon to meet with Hydra's tutor. Can you believe that this is the ninth tutor she's had in less than two years? I would hand her education over to Rodolphus, but he would only submit to her every whim. Just like a certain Auntie of hers.

But if you can make it for tea, there will be time to talk.

[alt_narcissa]

There is nothing wrong with indulging a child. Look at what a lovely young man Draco has become, and he has never once wanted for anything.

I will be there. And I hope that I will have Reg with me.

[alt_bellatrix]

Draco and Hydra are two different people. Children cannot all be raised the same way--our dearly departed sister is proof enough of that.

Good. Then I too will hope that you have him with you.

[alt_narcissa]

I hardly think Hydra will end up like our sister.

[alt_lucius]

I, too, have been wondering, my dear. After his several communications, again he has lapsed into silence.

I fear he may have met with misadventure, or else he has chosen to sink back into self-segregation once more. So unnecessary. And painful for all concerned.

Didn't you say that Walburga in particular was hoping for his comfort in the face of his thrice-hexed brother's seditious outburst? He ought at least to consider how his continued absence affects all his family.

I hate to see you so distressed over his reluctance.

[alt_narcissa]

I find it hard to imagine that he has chosen not to return. He knows that he cannot hide. I truly believe that he wants to return, he is merely hesitant to discover what awaits him at the just hand of Our Lord.

Regulus has been gone for ten years, darling. Auntie Walburga may not be as welcoming she says she will be, once he is actually home.

Perhaps that is what is keeping him away.

[alt_lucius]

I have little doubt that the lustre of having her favourite son home again would fade quickly in your Aunt's eyes. Remember the Christmas She has always been ... fractious. That does not discount the fact that she has never given up hope that your cousin lives, a hope which we have seen was not unfounded.

Nevertheless, there is another possibility, loathesome as it is to contemplate: Something prevents him from presenting himself.

[alt_narcissa]

If something is preventing Regulus from returning home perhaps that will convince Our Lord to grant him an act of clemency.

[alt_lucius]

Whatever it is, let us hope that he disentangles himself quickly and with a minimum of difficulty.

Do you think Friday, really?

Oh. Meant to mention at supper: the Headmistress at Hogwarts replied to a comment of mine about the Committee for Magical Commerce. Something about clementines for Christmas. Might you check with the Witches' League to see if they would be willing to provide for a few crates? I know it's frightfully early, but your ladies so often take far longer than one expects to come to an arrangement.