Private message to Barty

[alt_rodolphus]

Good day, friend.

For my birthday I received enough bottles of Firewhiskey to wonder what my reputation has wrought. Only one bottle, however, was made in the manner of 12th century Ireland (greater proportion of malt to grain, matured in sherry casks, etc.). Only two distilleries in England produce this particular Firewhiskey - one located in the West Midlands, the other in Merseyside. Off the beaten path, to be certain. It was a gift from Daphne Greengrass, which has me wondering if it was you who tipped her off to my particular tastes, or if she managed to suss them out on her own.

Appreciated, if it was your doing.

Had a chance to fire call one Healer Hayden earlier this week. She was quite mum on the whole issue of Hydra's health and "accident," citing that you wouldn't approve of her sharing the details with me. And then that whole business of healer/patient confidentiality. Unflexible, yes. Nervous, too.

I realise you are likely reluctant to be forthcoming, what with the Missus minding over things, but assure me, if you will: was it truly just a training accident? If Bella has encouraged you to take a harder approach with the girl, know that Bella herself is not as responsible for Hydra's skills and gifts as she might think.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Trust it was a pleasant day?

Afraid I can take no credit at all for the whiskey--beyond having shared a glass now and then with the witch in question, though we've not discussed makers or merits.

She's perceptive.

As for Hydra, no, I don't imagine there was much the Healer could have told you within her oath. It was an unfortunate blooding, and we've been working on the fundamentals that will, one hopes, let her avoid that sort of accident in future.

Training's always a wheeling path, from uncertainty and hesitation, to competence and then mastery, to overconfidence and carelessness, to correction or comeuppance--and then it circles back to hesitation and uncertainty. In this case, I had her back on her feet and in the salle inside two days, and am satisfied that she's not damaged by the experience.

Trust that both you and Bella will be pleased with her progress when you've a chance to evaluate it yourselves.

[alt_rodolphus]

Pleasant as one can hope for, at my age.

Perceptive? She's not a secret legilimens, is she? Suppose not, wrong side of the family.

I would be flattered by her efforts, but I've a feeling they're not exclusive to me. Is she equally as insightful with you?

A mere comeuppance, then. I suppose the fault then lies with that Bulstrode girl, for announcing Hydra's murder at your hands on the journals. Has she been dealt with, then?

[alt_crouch_jr]

Can't say that I gave the Bulstrode imp another thought. I could still offer a lesson in discretion if you'd like. From what I can gather, it would be wasted there. Below average intelligence.

Marked contrast with her Housemate, who is, indeed, insightful. Believe she approaches everything in the manner of character study. Has ambitions of the stage. Imagine she'll be All That one day. Not bad now.

And, no. Not a legilimens. Thankfully. (No idea how you've weathered that.)

[alt_rodolphus]

Below the average of below average, it would seem. Perhaps I'll present the lesson myself.

As to the other: well, legilimency would be quite handy - even ripe with interesting possibility - with the right sort of woman. (Bella is not that sort.) Insightfulness may be the next best thing. Unless, of course, that insight gets leveled against you.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Fair point re. insightfulness. Confess I haven't sensed much danger in that regard, but letting one's guard down with a witch is unforgivable foolishness. (Have never been tempted to forget that in other quarters.)

Suppose legilimency could be an intriguing flavour. Not to my taste, I don't think. Which is as well, under the circumstances.

[alt_rodolphus]

Undoubtedly foolish. Curiously tempting.

Though I don't picture you giving in, which I suspect is for the best.