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]

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.