Entry

[alt_rodolphus]

- Interesting range of notifications in the owl post today. Invitation to a private auction in Grimsby this Friday. Historians have long debated the existence of a Grimsby Castle (or Grimesbi, as it is noted on 12th century maps), some claiming that one was planned but never actually built, others holding that the castle was built but promptly destroyed by rampaging muggle armies. Neither party was correct. The castle was in fact hidden for all these long centuries, first using a series of Fidelius charms. As the secret-keepers apparently thinned out, or failed to keep the secret, the castle stewards switched over to using disillusionment charms. In these last five years, the castle's last remaining steward, a man by the name of Bradley, either became forgetful or incompetent at charm-casting. On moon-lit nights the castle would appear on the hillside as an ominous, craggy hulk, then be vanished by morning. The superstitious Grimbarians began to suspect that the castle was itself a type of Grim, a ghostly ill-omen from Odin himself.* Rather than venturing closer to the castle to explore, they kept their distance. At least until this weekend, when Mr Bradley succumbed to death at the age of 154, leaving the castle exposed for all to see. The property title reverted to the town, who foolishly want nothing to do with it. Thus, an auction for the castle itself, as well as all the treasures contained within.

- Mrs Baylock on leave to visit her sister in Cumbria, which leaves Rigel in the company of elves and myself. Mrs Baylock always visits her sister at her birthday, but appeared loathe to take leave of her small charge last night. It is heartening to know that she and Rigel are so thoroughly bonded, but had to become rather insistent that the woman take her holiday as planned. Rigel fussed a great deal but has since forgotten, attention back on his toys.

- Speaking of. - Narcissa, it's been some time since you saw your young nephew. Can I tempt you over for supper tonight at St. James?




* I should note here that the Grimbarians are of Danish descent, and that in Norse mythology the word "Grim," meaning mask, is a name adopted by the deity Odin [Woden].

Comments

[alt_bellatrix]

Do not plan on an early supper with my sister. I will be taking Rigel to tea at Mrs Ponds' today.

Private message to Bellatrix

[alt_rodolphus]

Mrs Ponds?

Now you involve our son in your investigation, as well?

This will not become a habit.

Re: Private message to Bellatrix

[alt_bellatrix]

Rigel is going to tea.

If you disapprove of the investigation, then you ought to make it known to He who ordered it.

Re: Private message to Bellatrix

[alt_rodolphus]

You know that it's not the investigation I disapprove of. It is your methods.

Re: Private message to Bellatrix

[alt_bellatrix]

You have your methods, and I have mine. Let us keep in that way, shall we?

All my methods need do is work.

[alt_hydra]

You're going to Mrs Ponds' house today? With Rigel?

From,
Hydra

[alt_bellatrix]

That's what I wrote, is it not?

Do not mind the business of grown-adults, Hydra. I believe you should be at lunch right now.

Private Message to Bella

[alt_narcissa]

First questions, now tea? Whatever are you up to, sister?

Re: Private Message to Bella

[alt_bellatrix]

I am not at liberty to discuss the particulars, Cissy. But Nymphadora's not entir in trouble, if that is your concern.

[alt_narcissa]

Supper sounds lovely, Rod. Any particular occasion?

It's interesting you should mention Grimsby and its castle. You know we took the boys there on holiday for their tenth birthdays, the year before they started Hogwarts. I recall we got Mr Bradley to show us the castle during our visit. It took rather a deal of arm-twisting, even to be granted that much courtesy.

There was a lovely piece in the entrance hall, if I remember correctly. A Louis XIV display case. And in the case was a peculiar sort of foe-glass, much more ornate than one usually observes.

Shall you be bidding, then? or merely watching to see whom else bids?

[alt_rodolphus]

Bradley was reportedly very select on whom he even conversed with, let alone verified the existence of the castle to. The Malfoys must have made quite an impression, to rate a tour of the place.

Bidding, observing, yes, I shall be doing a bit of it all.

And supper - in fact the occasion is rather special. As you will soon see.

Private message to Lana Sandoval

[alt_rodolphus]

- Lana, sent off an owl to Mustinal this aff. Figured him not the type to read his journal often.

Have requested that he excuse you on Friday so that we can attend the auction together. Explained that you would be traveling as my assistant.

I hope that you're available.

Re: Private message to Lana Sandoval

[alt_lana]

Oh, I can't imagine he'd say no. He hardly knows I exist. Unless your reminding him makes him contrary.

I'll be horribly disappointed if he says no.

And not just because the chance to go to Grimsby would be fantastic.

Re: Private message to Lana Sandoval

[alt_rodolphus]

I think my message makes clear how very much I value your assistance. If he says no, there are other ways that he might be convinced.

We will be attending the auction not just for my personal collection, but for anything of worth or interest to MLE or DoM. Money is no object. Weather should be brisk up north by the water, and from what I'm told the castle itself is no pleasure palace. Dress accordingly, both for business and for warmth, but bring at least one set of dress robes in case we find ourselves in a situation which requires them.

The auction may stretch on rather late, so it might be wise to tell your parents not to expect you back until Saturday. I will see to it that we you have proper lodging for the evening if that is the case.

Re: Private message to Lana Sandoval

[alt_lana]

Do you expect there to be many other serious bidders? It sounds perfectly wonderful to be authorised with such an elastic budget at such a sale!

I'll do whatever's necessary to see that Musty lets me go. And I'll manage things with my family.

Re: Private message to Lana Sandoval

[alt_rodolphus]

It could well be. No doubt Borgin will have been invited. I would also expect R. Lorcan, though perhaps solely for research purposes. Amycus Carrow was probably bestowed an invitation as well, though I would be very surprised if he showed up, considering.

I have very rarely have trouble bidding on and obtaining whatever catches my eye, however. Others in attendance will be fully aware of who I am there to speak for.

Good and good.