Private message to Barty

[alt_bellatrix]

I've got an updated list of Uncooperatives for you. Three restaurants (Mandalay, Hedgepig, Poppet); one Inn (Blue Mooncalf).

In addition to whatever measures you deem necessary, a 3% increase in operational tax strikes as appropriate. I'll let Crispin know first thing.


And how do you find my daughter this evening?

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

On it.

Missed Crispin this afternoon. Expect he'll claim he was taking a meeting off-site.


Willing to be prodded. In fact, she seems to enjoy it.

Cannot, however, discover what appeal the phoenixes have for her. They waste her talents; her skills are slipping; and she doesn't look to any of them for guidance or leadership. Declares she's no one's protégé now.

[alt_bellatrix]

She always did have a manner of provocation all her own, which her father and others (and perhaps even she) seemed ignorant of.

Must there be a specific appeal?

She has some kind of affliction in her, just as my sister did. Who can name its origins? None. It can only be dealt with accordingly.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Don't intend to declare her unsalvageable until it's absolutely necessary. She's in a position to be of value if even involuntarily or half-heartedly. An asset we shouldn't discount or discard unless she forces our hand.

The affliction is romance. And yet, honestly, I can't say she's ever sounded all that besotted, but clearly she is, or she wouldn't have made the choices she has.

[alt_bellatrix]

So you've decided that her death need not be inevitable? I'd like to know why.

Can you imagine Hydra sounding besotted over anyone? Save perhaps some small rodent or rabbit.

But then isn't the afflication always romance?

[alt_crouch_jr]

She's on the inside there. If she can be manipulated or turned, that would prove extremely valuable.

Or-

Possibly, I'm finding the pursuit more enjoyable than I anticipated.

Will bring it to quicker resolution if you wish. Not that I've had a direct opportunity for an attempt yet, but I have had her in sight twice.

[alt_bellatrix]

Yes. If.

Have you reason to believe that she could be manipulated or turned? You did not indicate you thought it possible before.

In other words, has anything changed aside from your level of enjoyment?

I am in no particular hurry at this moment. But I do hope that it's still you pursuing her, and not the other way around.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Believe there's a possibility she could at least be made useful to us.

I'm no more optimistic that we'd gain anything of use if we seized her and tried to force information from her. That effort would be futile. Still believe that if we capture her, killing her will be inevitable.

And, yes, I am aware she might take the notion of hunting me. Would like to think it will occur to her. If so, it would at least draw her into the open.

The most satisfying chase risks reversal, don't you think?

[alt_bellatrix]

Hm.

The way you speak of her nearly makes me think that you might have reached some part of her in your time together. Not something I anticipated. Nor, I'm sure, did she (and she may in fact remain unaware of it).

Perhaps she revealed some vulnerabilities to you that have nothing to do with dueling. Perhaps they even had something to do with me.

And so perhaps she misses you like she misses the boy in the diary.

But I think you must miss her, too. At least a little.

Be careful how you manage that emotion.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Point taken.