Private message to Barty Crouch Jr

[alt_bellatrix]

Expect you may have heard by now, but if not, I'll summarise: Draco attempted escape by Apparating to the Argyll camp. Snape pursued and killed Draco before he could reach safety. Neither the camp guards nor Lamont and Montague were successful in stopping Snape, and he remains at large.

While taking Lamont and Montague's reports, Mulciber arrived and retrieved the body without notifying me. Those same camp guards allowed him to do so. Both guards have been permanently relieved of duty.

Enforcers believe they found a safe house a few miles to the West. I need to examine the scene, but meanwhile, Mulciber must give over the body. I'm counting on you to convince him.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Lamont and Montague?

Nevermind. At least it's obvious why Mulciber's barged in. Smells fakery in this. Wants MLE and DIRRT controlling investigation so you and L can't collude to make Draco 'disappear'.

Will see what I can do.

Will absolutely retrieve the body.

[alt_bellatrix]

You know as well as I that my sister would never orchestrate her son's own death, particularly in light of the evidence that he was at least temporarily swayed to turn against our Lord and all that He stands for. One can hope that in his final moments Draco had a change of heart and was coming to us to tell all.

The safe house appears to have been occupied for at least a week. It would not have held more than four people, maximum. The conditions are habitable but not ideal, that alone may have been what caused Draco to re-think his situation. So accustomed to the best, that one. Some old blood on the floorboards - verified as Draco's. A scrap of some coarse garment snagged on a nail - the mudblood's, I would wager.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Assume you've sealed the site? Unless you're entirely done with it, Mulciber will be directly behind, wanting his own analysis of that rat hole.

Retrieved the material evidence MLE have sent in from Argyll. Blood-soaked turf. A shoe. Assorted Other. Only missed a box of files. Those are in M's hands, and not worth the fire fight to run after them. Assume there's nothing of value in camp parchments. (Of value to us. MEU, perhaps. What were Lamont and Montague doing there?)

Re. orchestration: it's immaterial what I think. Mulciber's theory is polyjuice: he sent the body directly to DoM. To Bale.

On my way there.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Have retrieved the body. Delivered to Osiris Sinclair. Have told Narcissa.

You'll have my report by morning. Suspect here will be a St M's report on Bale.

[alt_bellatrix]

Noted.

I've not yet spoken with Cissy. Other details required my attention first.

How is she faring?

[alt_crouch_jr]

Understandably upset.

Her first response was odd, though. Not what I anticipated, at least. More concerned for Lucius than-

I suppose she's stunned. Not yet fully grasping the loss.

I expect that's it.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Mulciber's going to press the polyjuice angle.

We can't disprove it.

I will not say this to Narcissa, but I have to grant it's a strong theory. Given Snape's known affinity for and possession of PJ.

Will not subject that corpse to Bale's analysis, however, though it could prove the theory. Can't disprove it, though, so it's useless for our purposes. And potentially damaging. Will stand accountable if there's accounting to be made.

[alt_bellatrix]

If I consider the reasons why Snape might fabricate Draco's death, I can only arrive at a few. Tosha may have more insight.

If Draco is indeed alive, there is much, I'm sure, he could be convinced to tell us.

But we must work with what is available to us right here, right now. I've secured our Lord's approval to move forward. Hydra will be in your hands, soon. My greatest concern is that her fondness for Harry will cloud her ability to do what must be done. She's showed mettle of late, but still has much to learn.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Agreed. If the death was staged, it was carefully done. And none of the explanations are ones I would want Narcissa burdened with.

A quiet search, then. Because, indeed, if taken alive, his information would be invaluable. Regardless.

Will speak with Tosha. Know he will join us in pressing back against Mulciber's efforts to paint Lucius as knowing collaborator in a pièce de théâtre directed by Snape. Certain that will be his line. And that he will be keen to persuade Our Lord.

You've had the pleasure of dealing with him since yesterday's defeat in Protectorate Affairs? Not best pleased, our man, Cadmus.

As for Hydra. I'm ready to begin with her whenever you wish.

[alt_bellatrix]

Quiet as can be, yes. Meanwhile, Hydra will move Harry into position.

As for Cadmus - it's rather too bad that Snape killed his brother just as I was getting to bond with Corax and know his mindset better. Without his brother, Cadmus is weakened, and he knows it. Weaker, but more dangerous. Still, he does remain predictable.

You know, Barty, your concern for my sister is really very touching.

Mind you don't develop the same sort of softness for my daughter. She has a way of evoking men's sympathies. No doubt that's why it seemed, for years, that she'd be better off following Cissy's shadow, rather than my own.

[alt_crouch_jr]

My concern for Narcissa is nothing for you to worry about.

As for Hydra. Prefer to keep tutelage and sex separate. Blurs lines and makes for tiresome drama. Was glad when the last cohort of ducklings got beyond thinking they could improve their standing by offering themselves. Would have to have sacked them after.

Shall I let you know if Hydra makes any inappropriate offers? Or would you prefer not to be bothered? Either is fine.

[alt_bellatrix]

She will not offer, but she may make herself beguiling to you, or attempt to evoke your sympathies and pity. That has been her way in the past.

If you see any such behaviour from her, do let me know. It would be a sign that she has regressed, and it best be nipped in the bud at once.