V

[alt_bellatrix]

It is fortunate that the season has blessed Him with good cheer, for I do not think that He would ordinarily allow an investigation like this to stagnate for so long. Happily, I made new ground earlier this week. All thanks to a goblin named Griphand or Hookgrip or somesuch, and a collection of blades meant to be worn like a set of claws, known simply as the Cat Gauntlets. A Belgravia townhome for one Mr. and Mrs. Greaves was got in exchange - more than they could hope for, given that they're childless and nearly old.

Hookgrip was cooperative enough, though in a decidedly goblinish way. True Owner indeed! Goblins do have their quaint ideas about ownership. Perhaps I do as well. I shall ask my Lord in our next vis-à-vis, and show him my new Cat Gauntlets while I am there.

I have other news to tell Him, and while it preys on me with urgency the Lord has requested that He be disturbed as little as possible in the coming days. His reaction to Hookgrip's revelation was very mild, so I cannot imagine that reports on my personal life should rate an interruption. I do not know what He is working on, alone in His palace, but if it is important enough for Him to forget my bir seclude himself during this festive time of year, then it must be very important.

Still, He shall be at Cissy's party. I think I will visit her today to assist her in the planning. Perhaps Hydra would like to come along. She does so love to play with Draco's toys when he's not there to stop her.

Comments

[alt_lucius]

Excellent news on the investigation! Small progress is still progress.

Narcissa was only saying last night that we ought to have invited you, Rodolphus and Hydra for supper, especially given the occasion. Reflecting her own preferences, of course, she wanted to assure that you three had time to celebrate privately, and as it was, I did not arrive home until after eight o'clock.

Shall we expect all of you this evening, then?

(And yes, it is not so much cheerfulness, but He has been growing most ... distracted of late. I hope that His son's return will shake Him from His pre-occupation. Perhaps His mood will lighten still further at the week-end and then your news will be more welcome.)

[alt_bellatrix]

If I am reading into things correctly, the progress could be quite big. But again, I must speak with Him in detail before I know that for sure.

Expect us this evening, yes. And you ought to warn Cissy that Mother might drop by unannounced. She said something to me about checking up on the decorations.

[alt_draco]

Hydra plays with my toys when I'm not there?

[alt_bellatrix]

She does.

Do you object, Draco?

[alt_draco]

I suppose not. But she wouldn't break anything, would she?

[alt_bellatrix]

Of course she wouldn't.

[alt_lucius]

Certainly - on both counts. And so much the better, if the dam should break at last.

You are just as like to see Narcissa before I do, but by all means, thank Druella for her vote of confidence.

[alt_bellatrix]

Thanks are lost on the woman - believe me.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Cat Gauntlets? They sound quite diverting, Bellatrix. Do they retract, by any chance?

[alt_bellatrix]

They do retract, though it seems that it takes a rather sensitive touch to work them properly. I've been experimenting with them this afternoon, see if I can make them behave.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Best to do that before taking them into sticky situations. It would be quite horrible to expect them to extend and have a malfunction.