Private message to Raz

[alt_rodolphus]

I saw that Duckie wrote, asking to come by your office for tea. Did she come by? What happened?

The Missus was asking my opinion on Christmas gifts for her during our firechat this morning, so I think the freeze might soon be coming to an end. It's still plenty chilly, though, and Hydra's letters scarcely have enough lines to read between.

Those two are more alike that they realise - both are secretive as the grave.

Comments

[alt_rabastan]

She came round. Twice now, actually. She's just now scurried out of here to work on her Charms.

You're right, it's hard to get much out of the girl. Much of anything that gets to the heart of the matter. She said everything is so lovely and chattered a little about Tevis and when I asked her if there was anything she wanted to talk about, she said she wanted to talk about me. How did I learn to duel? Was I allowed to have creatures when I was little? What's my favourite sweet? I took that as a hint to get out some tarts and cakes but she turned them down, said she ought not ruin her supper.

So what do you think? Did Bella really make her stand up and present herself as a failure to the whole school?

[alt_rodolphus]

She refrains from eating sweets when she feels she's disappointed her Mother, so that's not much of a surprise. You should have tucked a few into her pockets anyway. That's what I always do.

Of course Bella was behind all that. Not that she's admitted to it (though it's been fun trying to trick her into doing just that). Narcissa was proper mortified, as you know. Can't say I was too surprised, myself.

[alt_rabastan]

Yeah, maybe that was it. Or maybe she just wasn't hungry.

Narcissa was right to be mortified. I know Bella's never been shy about making it clear that Hydra isn't pampered the way Draco is, and that's all very well and good, but humiliation seems a bit fucking much. Especially if she wants Hydra to come into her own. Now the girl's just keeping her head down more than ever.

[alt_rodolphus]

She's a shy one, our Duckie. We both know that she'll never be the fierce warrior the Missus is. Let her keep her head down, just so long as she knows you're there to look out for her, to see that she's protected.

I'll head to the shops in the morning and get her a few special things. That should do wonders.

[alt_rabastan]

Actually, I don't know that she won't be a fierce warrior. They come in all sizes and varieties, far as I know.

Maybe what she needs is a reason to want to put her head up, yeah?

[alt_rodolphus]

~~~-~~`

Sorry, it's difficult to manage a quill when you're laughing.

[alt_rabastan]

And what are you laughing about, you sod?

[alt_rodolphus]

The Serious Mr Professor Sir Who Knows What's Best for Children aura that you've managed to perfect. Droll, Raz. Very.

[alt_rabastan]

Get bent, wanker. I like children, and I remember what it was like being one better than you, old man.

[alt_rodolphus]

And yet you don't have any. That we know of.

[alt_rabastan]

And you don't have any bollocks and yet you have two.

[alt_rodolphus]

I don't have any bollocks or I have two - which is it?

I'm sure that Word Has It nonsense has given you more than a few options to choose from as far as women go. More options than usual, even. I'm sure any of them would be happen to give you a few children of your own whom you can inspire to hold their heads high and whatnot.

[alt_rabastan]

Oh, what stunningly new and different advice!

Bugger off, Roddy. I've got a lesson plan to get back to.

[alt_rodolphus]

Maybe Gwen can help you with that.

[alt_rabastan]

Fine, I'll bugger off first, leaving you to enjoy your oh-so coveted last word.

'Night!

[alt_rodolphus]

And so I will.

Goodnight.