Private message to Bella

[alt_rodolphus]

I'm at Le'Strange, since you've seen fit to ward me out of St. James.

I don't know what it is you think that you're doing, but this cannot stand. To legilimise Hydra without my knowledge or consent - no, I won't endure it. And I believe we spoke at length in October about your involving her in any aspect of casual investigation. If you have reason to suspect the Ponds in anything, then you open a case file on them with MLE and take the usual avenues. You don't send in your daughter for tea and then try to rummage through her mind for some trifling thing you can hold against them.

Another matter: I hope you know that the distance between us tonight did not go unnoticed by the other guests. It is one thing to make it clear to me that you no longer care for my feelings, or your daughter's, but to make it so evident to our friends and family, as well...

You test my patience, Bella. And if your pattern of the last year or so holds, I know better than to hold my breath and wait for a reason to forgive you.

Comments

[alt_bellatrix]

Oh, there it is. I knew this little missive was coming, it was just a matter of when.

I don't know why you persist in outlining your displeasures when you know that I answer to the Protectorate first, and the Protectorate only. Duty as a mother and a citizen compel me to ensure that my niece has not gone astray.

Hydra was not hurt, so please do stop fussing like an old nurse maid.

[alt_rodolphus]

When you miss the point, you do miss it splendidly.

While I have an interest in keeping her from being hurt, I am more concerned at your utter disdain for anyone's input but your own. You see all who disagree with you as standing in your way; anyone who dares to challenge your perspective is cast as disloyal, sentimental, or weak.

Is that kind of singular self-interest really what the Protectorate stands for?

[alt_bellatrix]

Rodolphus, do not argue with me about who understands the Protectorate better. I risk life and limb each day for it while you tinker about with your lovely little "artefacts."

The reason I resist challenge is because I know that what I do is right. You want me to give in, to put aside what I know is right and just for the sake of your male pride. And you dare to imply that I am the self-interested one?

I could come to you as I used to, wheedle you with soft words and caresses until you let me have my way. You'd let me do what I wanted then, wouldn't you? Because then you'd at least feel as if you'd given some kind of valuable "input."

We both know that what you're really upset about is that I just can't be bothered with any of that anymore.

[alt_rodolphus]

Emasculate me, wife? It's not like you to stoop to such levels. It makes me wonder just how right you really think you are.

You greatly overestimate your charms, as well. They've long since dried up, along with the rest of you.

The worst part is that I know you didn't even get anything of value from Hydra over it. If you had, you'd surely be gloating about it by now, using it to justify your actions.

[alt_bellatrix]

Stooping low right back, I see. Looks like that one must have left a mark. Well, take some pleasure in the fact that I actually bothered to leave one. You know how much these outbursts bore me.

It has been exceptionally frustrating, I must say. I'm getting precisely the same kind of resistance that I encountered two years ago, after her experience with the diary. At that time, I concluded that having been so close to Him such power had rendered the experience utterly unreachable in her mind. But now I begin to wonder if she actually has the ability. It could have been previously dormant... perhaps the experience brought it alive in her. Perhaps He it was left behind, inadvertently

[alt_rodolphus]

Left behind, you say? Like a gift? A token of affection, perhaps?

That she inherited the ability from her Mother, and only now grew into it, seems much more likely.

Consider your efforts wasted, and leave her be next time.

[alt_bellatrix]

Oh, what wise and loving advice. I'll be sure to take it to heart.

I'll try again in the morning

[alt_rodolphus]

Sarcasm, even? Why Bella, you almost make me feel as if I've won.

Sleep well, wife.