Private message to Narcissa

[alt_rodolphus]

- Narcissa, hello. It didn't miss my eye that you wrote to Hydra.

Tell me, how is she doing?

As much as I would like to inquire after her myself, Bella's definition of "interference" has become so tight that I'm keeping my quill to myself, for now.

To give you an idea of what I mean: I'm ensconced in my workshop at Le'Strange and am to be nowhere near St. James during the school hols. Not until I've proven my absolute trust in Bella's authority over our daughter.

And while it would be rather diverting to test the limits Bella's rules, I've only just recovered from the last time.

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

I am under similar restrictions. Bella says my influence would only 'confuse' Hydra at this juncture.


As for our girl, I can't tell. I think she feels she must conceal her reaction from Bella - wisely - but it seems to extend to anyone offering support. She has been feigning a certain sanguinity toward the proceedings which is admirable for a public front, but concerning when it continues in private. Either that or she really did not care for the lad as deeply as all her previous protestations would have indicated. I am not sure which option I prefer. If the former, surely she will lose her resolve and perhaps harm herself or others unpredictably. If the latter, then she led us on a merry dance for no discernible reason.

In any case, she did take the opportunity to tell me that young Nott lost no time insinuating himself into her routine. I am tempted to visit Brunhilda to see if she can convince her nephew to let the girl alone. She needs distance. And one wuld not like to think that her erstwhile paramour might seek vengeance against a new rival.

What a tragedy that would be.

[alt_rodolphus]

I admit, I'm almost sorry that Hydra developed those same gifts that Bella always valued so highly in herself. When she reached her seventh birthday with no indication of skills in either legilimency or occlumency (to say nothing of her introspective, subdued nature), Bella was disappointed in the extreme. That others saw value in this child who was quite different from herself only made Bella dismiss her more. On her insistence we tried again and got Rigel.

(Funny, I just now remembered how often she complained of you and Lucius at the time, having gotten your "perfect child" on the first go. You know how offended Bella is when the world won't let her have her way!)

Now, in seeing her daughter with fresh eyes, Bella has scooped her back up and taken her to the nest, prepared to fatten her up in all manner of ways.

None of this makes Hydra her mother in miniature (as much as Bella might insist otherwise). And I don't care to imagine what Bella will do if she's disappointed again. My Ducki daughter's current state is no doubt part-facade, part-armour, though it may be erected for more reasons than we can discern.

Every child wants their mother's love, and she finally sees a chance to get it. She knows all too well that it comes with fangs, but human instinct is difficult to overcome.

As for young Mr Nott, how serious are his intentions? He's on holiday. Perhaps I ought to pay him a visit and see for myself.

[alt_narcissa]

I know. I had always hoped, given how difficult it was for you two to achieve any child, that Bella would cherish the result, barring Squib or other deformity.

Alas, Bella's love has always been a stingy commodity, given and taken, traded like she has only so much to bargain with.

I've no doubt Hydra is arming herself against the scrutiny Bella will surely be paying her over the holidays. I only wish I'd been able to convince her to drop that façade long enough to rid herself of the worst of her emotions, in order to better prepare herself for the onslaught of Bella's 'training'. But your daughter has always forged her own path, for good or ill. She has an inner strength which, I am sure, will stand up to Bella in its way.

I would have thought you'd be happy that at least Bella can no longer sift through Hydra's thoughts like so much sand. I love my sister but she does seem to think of your children as wholly hers, instead of people in their own right.

Perhaps that's why we were so lucky with Draco. He made his preferences and dispositions known early on and I never saw reason not to indulge them, particularly as they were (usually) perfectly acceptable. His exploits with Harry notwithstanding, of course, but boys together will always egg each other on, as I'm sure you and Raz can attest.

I confess I was much easier dealing with the two of them as a duo than I ever was with young Nott. I've no idea of his intentions, from the infinitesimal amount Hydra has seen fit to tell me. She only said that he was 'too intense' for her liking. Knowing the boy as we know the father, that could mean any number of things.

[alt_rodolphus]

Bella always has plenty to bargain with. Not love, but other things. And while it is something to know that Bella can no longer manipulate Hydra the way she once did, if I know my wife then she will find another means soon enough.

Word, unofficial as it is, has it that Draco has performed outstandingly in our latest competition turned spectacle. There, too, I've heard that Hydra has held her own. I admit it remains outside the realm of my imagination to envision them in our Lord's circle just yet. She's still a child to me, just as Draco must surely be a child to you and Lucius. But they do grow up fast.

Until I hear more on the matter of young Nott, I will leave it in Hydra's hands to keep him in line as she sees fit (and I know she can defend herself in this regard better than most would suspect). All dogs can be brought to heel, once you find the approach that sticks. Ask Alecto Carrow.

[alt_narcissa]

Yes, Bella has never scrupled to leave anything off the table. Particularly when she smells any sort of weakness.


By the way, Hydra seems to believe you merely felt betrayed by her attachment to the boy, and that is why you've reversed your support (tentative though it was) of their promise to each other.


That wasn't the whole reason, was it?


How is Mrs Sandoval-Pennifold? It did not escape my notice that you've written her for the first time in a long while.

[alt_rodolphus]

As you know, it is never a question of if dear Bella will use some nugget of knowledge against you - it's only a question of when.

She has impeccable timing.

I fully expect that Mrs Sandoval-Pennifold is well as ever.