Rodolphus Lestrange

- Gentlemen,

Now that we have been thoroughly persuaded to put pursuit of bigger game on hiatus, I wondered if you would be willing to assist me with a small side project I've been tending to the last month or two.

I find myself dissatisfied with the number of branches on the Lestrange Tapestry. You both know that the Missus and I wanted more children than the two we have, but fate made mockery of our efforts. No more can be done for that, but the longer I look at the truncation beneath Raz's name, the more I wonder how it was that he never once impregnated a single witch. His appetite for female company was legendary, and yet he left no heirs behind. Unless there is one or more that we don't know of. I aim to discover just that.

While I cannot say I relish sorting through my dead brother's various liaisons, it's a necessary task. I have already accounted for the notable relationships, but the many flings, one-nighters, and prostitutes must be accounted for, as well. Raz wasn't the sort to shag and tell if he could help it, but women do talk, and gossip will out.

May I send both a copy of the list I am compiling? If you know of any other names that should be added, please make adjustments as needed. Barty, I know that you and he visited Pseudonymity several times. And then there are those mysterious years in the 80s when he was frequenting Borough Market on the regular. Though I prefer he not have sprogged up some wayward Halfblood, I intend this investigation to be thorough, no matter the outcome.

You.

Both drop what you're doing and come to my workshop at St James. Now. At once.

Brother -

We've lingered long enough. If you don't rest and sleep soon, I can hardly imagine what the consequences will be.

Let the others carry on with the clean up.

Brother, I need you to search the castle and find Hydra at once.

I have reason to believe that... she may have been put in harm's way.

As you know, I was in the castle this to afternoon check in on my brother and take a meal with my daughter, and to verify whether or not she is moving on at reasonable pace from the ordeal she suffered last week.

Time constraints prevented me from addressing the matter with you in person, for I could not stay at Hogwarts for long, so I use this journal to ask you this: do your cavity treatment programs typically involve such measures?

I saw that Duckie wrote, asking to come by your office for tea. Did she come by? What happened?

The Missus was asking my opinion on Christmas gifts for her during our firechat this morning, so I think the freeze might soon be coming to an end. It's still plenty chilly, though, and Hydra's letters scarcely have enough lines to read between.

Those two are more alike that they realise - both are secretive as the grave.