Private message to Barty and Lucius

[alt_rodolphus]

Gentlemen,

Still in the process of finalising the official report, making sure nothing new emerges, but wanted to give you the details at once. Know you've been waiting.

Without preamble, then: Several multi-directional anti-transport hexes layered together over two runes, raiðo and tiwaz, all sealed with a blood ritual. My assistant and I theorise that one of the makers severed his or her hand in order to transform it into a dismemberment device specific to Narcissa.

Finally, it was capped off by an Ogham character, nGéadal. Its old Irish meaning is "killing," or, less elegantly: "slays."

As a professional, I find it excessive; it does, however, make clear the degree of intent.

Forgive me for leaving it to you, Lucius, to think of how to best present this news to your wife. Meanwhile - and I'm sure Barty will agree with me - I suggest an immediate security upgrade.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Mordred. Yes. Call Malvasius.

Blast and damn. They wanted to dice her into pieces.

I will be sure to return the favour.

Count on it.

[alt_lucius]

Queue up, Barty.

[alt_rodolphus]

Yes. Know that Bella and I will happily join you.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Should say 'thanks', too. If it didn't seem so perverse.

Good show, though.

Was the fledgling a help or hindrance?

[alt_rodolphus]

More a help than I anticipated.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Glad to hear it.

[alt_lucius]

Anti-transport?

I see. I see, of course. Plant the device, accost her in hope that she might Apparate .... Worse than I feared.

Crabbe's two started their rotations last night but - yes, in light of this news, we shall have to consider her schedule and protection once again.

Have already had a session with the bastard. Think I might have Truncheon let me back in again, if he'll do the courtesy of living through the night.

[alt_crouch_jr]

We've all we needed from that one.

He's yours.

I promise you fresh meat soon.

[alt_rodolphus]

My regrets, Lucius. I had not hoped to deliver such dire news, but as it became more and more difficult to unravel the last of the hexes, the more my fears grew.

[alt_lucius]

No, of course; it's lucky you were able to discern the intent at all. And more lucky than she knows that she did not simply flee.

Still, you're right: This is not news she will take well at all. Since the incident she has expressed her wish that I stay in her chamber with her - and still she has had trouble sleeping through the night. Last night she did manage an uninterrupted rest, finally.

This will not be a welcome bedtime story.