Private message to Narcissa

[alt_rodolphus]

- Narcissa,

My apologies for interrupting you on holiday.

A situation with my daughter has come to light, and I may need your assistance in the matter. For reasons you may discern, I prefer not to summon Bella to St James for her input. She'd likely only see it as a offence to her work, anyway.

Might I persuade you to steal away for a moment?

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

What sort of situation, dear?

If it's something I can manage from here, I'm at your disposal, of course. Unfortunately we are rather far out at present; Apparating all the way to New London would be problematic. At least until morning.

Is it truly urgent? I'm sure if she were seriously ill or injured you'd already have her at St Mungo's.

[alt_rodolphus]

This morning - in an abandoned muggle hotel, no less - I encountered undeniable evidence that she and her gentleman friend, Mr Finch-Fletchley, have been having intimate relations for some time now.

I haven't hurt her, of course, but she might hurt herself in her efforts to save Finch-Fletchley from facing his fate. She's currently warded in her room. Bound now, as well.

[alt_narcissa]

Ah.

[alt_narcissa]

How recently did you bind her? Perhaps you'd be so kind as to give her her journal so I can calm her tonight. Then I can come round first thing.

[alt_rodolphus]

I don't recall. I've lost track of time today, I'm afraid.

I suppose I might give her the journal along with a caution that she best not do anything to make things worse for him. The last thing I want is for this incident to be made public.

[alt_narcissa]

Well, as you say, all any of us need is to involve my sister.

You might remind Hydra that if she says anything untoward, it's liable to raise Bella's awareness.

[alt_narcissa]

Gracious.

She's no threat to herself, dear, but - well, she has formed quite an attachment.

I know you'll do what you feel you must, Rod. Only, please take my advice: If you wish your daughter to ever forgive you, please teach the lad his lesson and let him live to prove how well he learns it. Any lasting damage and I fear she might never recover.

[alt_rodolphus]

The attachment is mutual - the boy has been more than forthcoming.

It would be a complicated Obliviation, but not impossible.

[alt_narcissa]

You wrote to Razzer and Tosha. What have they to say about this great romance?

[alt_rodolphus]

Raz is playing dumb, no surprise there. Tosha waved his hands and suggested hormones were to blame.

Since this has been going on for at least six months, there can be no doubt that neither of them were paying attention, or worse, believed the matter was beneath their concern.

[alt_narcissa]

Well, dear, in a way Tosha's correct: They are teenagers, after all. Ruled by hormones. I meant what they advise you to do about it. Are they willing to second you? Or has Tosha offered to stand up for his protégé?

And it seems it's been going on for longer than six months. Hydra says they've been dating since her third year - the Yule Ball, if you'll remember.

Furthermore, she claims Bella encouraged her to tempt the boy. Something about practising in order to attract Harry. Which, I think you and I both know, is never going to achieve the results Bella wants.

She really is rather touchingly desperate about him. Poor thing.

So. What is your plan? Or haven't you decided?

[alt_rodolphus]

They've declined to participate, both of them. Have tried to steer me down a less rigorous path, but neither of them have children so their advice is not worth my time.

Oh yes, I've known they were dating. I meant that the actual...coupling - that's what has been going on for six months. This means that Hydra deliberately tampered with the bracelet I gave her (a detail which did not escape my attention, and indeed aroused my suspicions and drove me to take further measures, which leads us to where we are today).

And yes, I have known of Bella's plans. Another factor in my "further measures."

The plan is to duel the boy, and improvise from there. I do hope you won't try to dissuade me. You know that it's well within my rights.

[alt_narcissa]

No, I've no intention of dissuading you. He deserves a drubbing.

It's just that ... they've had to be awfully determined. And if Harry's never going to turn his eye toward her ....

Were you aware he came in third in the O.W.L. results? Lucius was a bit perturbed that Draco placed fourth, particularly when the Governors reviewed the entire list.

[alt_narcissa]

Out of curiosity, what have you done with him in the interim?

[alt_rodolphus]

He'll sleep in the dungeons tonight. He's had a decent meal, and reasonably good bedding. And I did, at least, give him his robes back.

Nevertheless, I can't say that he will get a good night's sleep.

[alt_narcissa]

What has your cousin to say about it? I presume you've told Jugson about his fosterling's transgression?

[alt_rodolphus]

He was fairly mortified. Was eager to give me free reign to do as I see fit.

And so I shall.

[alt_narcissa]

Yes, about as I expected.

Well. Dawn? How tedious, that barely allows for a few hours' sleep before getting ready.

Still, I shan't be late. If only to reassure my niece that all will be for the best.

I'm sure you'll think of a solution that will satisfy all concerned.