Private message to Bella

[alt_rodolphus]

Please tell me that these messages between you, Barty, Truncheon, Hopkirk, etc, are all a sign that the net is closing.

And please do watch yourself. It could just as easily be a threat to you as it is to Hydra.

Comments

[alt_bellatrix]

I get enough of this type of message from everyone else, husband - I should think you'd know better. They do nothing to get the job done faster.

Don't you remember?

He whose threats are the loudest is the one who has nothing left but threats.

[alt_rodolphus]

Don't they?

I do remember, and yet I am less inclined to abide by that maxim when it's my own family being threatened.

I've already told Ms Baylock not to leave the house with Rigel. I'm halfway to writing Razzer to ask that he keep an especially close eye on Hydra.

[alt_bellatrix]

Keep Rigel in, but do not trouble your brother. His duty is to the Lord Protector's son, and that duty must not waver.

Besides, I'm sure that his persisting affection for our daughter will have him looking out for her without your special instruction.

[alt_rodolphus]

Do you even care, Bella.

[alt_bellatrix]

Do I care? Do I? Let us see.

Have I been working eighteen-to-twenty hour days and sleeping in the field? Have I not held my own son in nearly a month? Have I only spoken to my husband through fire chats? Have I had to console my sister and assure her that I would never, ever let anyone hurt her? Have I had to disappoint my Lord with less-than-favourable reports? Have I had to avoid indulging worry and fretting because it would diminish my performance? Have I had to deal with my husband's petty provocations when he bloody well knows the stress I am under? Have I?

Answer all of those questions and then maybe you will come to some sort of conclusion on whether I care or not. Husband.

[alt_rodolphus]

I think I have my conclusion - Wife.

Do keep us updated.