IX

[alt_bellatrix]

Professor Sinistra, I've sent you an Owl this morning and I do hope that it has arrived in due course. It mostly includes detailed plans for the project, as well as a copy of the recommendation I penned for you following my observation of your class. Two others that I know of have been recommended for the position as well, but the fact that it is I who am recommending you should put you in good favour, I think. Please look the materials over and do not hesitate to Owl in return if you have any questions.

Along with that business, I've got to meet with Hoppykirk about the changes to the training programme, get her siggy all over everything before passing it on. Harkiss and Dawlish are feeling quite nervous, I believe. As they should be, a pair of lumps like that.

My Lord has asked to be left alone this week. Time spent with the new pet project, no doubt. I only wish to be of service on that count, but if it is solitude He desires, He shall have it. Praise.



Ah, Cissy... we did the charm last week. It's a boy.

Yes, for all of you reading along: I'm pregnant. Almost into the third trimester. All looks safe and well this time, and Hydra is beside herself at the thought of having a brother. A son! I'll have to begin thinking of suitable names right away.

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

A boy!

How wonderful! It's lucky I never quite got round to packing up all Draco's old baby robes for charity. You ought to come this week, then, if you've got the time, and we can look through the cupboards in the north wing, give the things you want a good freshening before you need them.

[alt_bellatrix]

I shall be sure to make the time, Draco was a most excellently dressed baby.

Names... hmm, I wonder if Ophiuchus is too much a mouthful.

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[alt_poppy]

Oh, for goodness sake! Ophiuchus. When that child arrives at school, he will spend all his time here in the hospital wing with me being patched up from all the beatings he'll take from the upper-years. I can't imagine that even being a Lestrange could protect him from that. Think of the nicknames!

I'd expect Thomas or Marvolo or Little Lord P, but Ophiuchus?


At least he'd come to us knowing how to spell!

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[alt_mcgonagall]

'Ophiuchus' is hardly the worst she could do. He wouldn't appreciate 'Thomas,' however: he hates anything that reminds him of his childhood.

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[alt_molly]

What, after all, can we expect from a woman who named her daughter 'Hydra'?

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[alt_sirius]

Just think, she might settle on Apophis.

Tempted to suggest Pythios instead. Or Oedipus.

Deimus?

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[alt_arthur]

Hmm. I picked up a smattering of Greek when I was first learning Latin (back in the village school, before I came to Hogwarts)... perhaps 'Hybris.' God of hubris, arrogant pride.

Goes so well with Hydra, don't you think?

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[alt_sirius]

Nah, only if they'd been twins.

I think she ought to cut right to the chase: Diabolus.

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[alt_molly]

After making a grim joke on the subject myself, I find myself rather uneasy, reading this over again.

After all, each child is supposed to be a new hope for the future. Yes, Bellatrix Lestrange is despicable, but shouldn't the child be permitted to prove himself, setting aside who his parents are?

I just don't want to fall into the enemy's trap, insisting that "blood" tells you all you need to know about a person.

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[alt_sirius]

You're right, of course - only in this case, the blood in question tells you that the poor kid hasn't much chance. My cousin will ruin the sprog if left entirely to her own devices.

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[alt_poppy]

You're right, of course: I'm wrong about 'Thomas', aren't I? I had heard that about him. I hate to think what it would bode if she were truly to send us a child named for the Protector. No doubt he would be a terror.

But, Minerva, I've just thought: she shared in the feast, did she not? Imagine the effect of unicorn roast on the child! What sort of monster might she be breeding? It's terrible to contemplate.

[alt_narcissa]

Perhaps as a middle name, dear sister. Cygnus Ophiuchus would do very nicely, I should think.

Come when you like and we'll discuss it. Has Rodolphus any strong opinions?

[alt_bellatrix]

He's only said that perhaps the name might begin with "R," but it's not a strong opinion. He hasn't said, but I think he might've been hoping for a girl. He's said he's going to miss Hydra when she's off to Hogwarts in the autumn.

[alt_lucius]

Congratulations, officially.

Yes, I suppose you heard the creature's final attempts to save itself? Madness, clearly. I do hope Our Lord's desire to work in solitude has no bearing on any more ... troublesome reasons.

Though I wonder that if He wished to be left with His new project, why He has expressly wished for His son to attend Him all week? Understandably He wishes to see the boy and acquaint him with His work. Still, historically He has preferred to keep young Marvolo out from underfoot.

[alt_bellatrix]

As to why He would like Harry present, I cannot say. Last we spoke, He seemed... shall I say, quite emphatic about His desire to see His son.

Solitude seems to call to Him oftener these days.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Congratulations!

[alt_bellatrix]

Thank you, Minerva.

[alt_sinistra]

First, my best wishes for your continued health and that of the little one. What wonderful news for any family!

I did, of course, get your Owl this morning. Thank you for the level of detail in what you are considering, and your hopes for this project. I am - as I said on Thursday - quite interested, but I also understand the importance of a thoughtful and well-considered decision.

I expect to have some further time to look closely at your notes tomorrow, and will certainly Owl with any further questions I have. Thank you again for your time, and your comments on our class topics as well.

[alt_bellatrix]

Thank you. My husband and I have been hoping for this for some time.

Astronomy was always an important subject in our family, owing to the tradition of passing on celestial names. I confess it isn't something I've kept up with, as it isn't muchly used in my own profession - still, it was interesting how it all came flooding back. Though your lecture was very clear and straightforward, and I'm sure that helped.