XXI

[alt_bellatrix]

We're about to finish up here. Most unfortunately, we were not told until our arrival that the actual sighting took place at least two days ago. Some of the horde were labouring at the edge of the camp when they glimpsed a large man fitting Macnair's description lingering at the edge of the forest. They kept the sighting to themselves until a guard didn't show up for work last night. In their excitement, they let their secret slip out where the other guards could hear. All three men have been soundly questioned.

We swept the forest for most of the day. Found the guard's body. Tortured, looks like - it had Macnair's touch - but death came by Killing Curse.

Walden, Walden...I wonder just what it is that you think you are doing. I don't imagine that you even know, yourself. Always the foolish Gryffindor.

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

It's still quite puzzling to imagine what he was about two years ago, when he had made a place for himself. Why sacrifice it all for some mad notion?

And whatever was he doing torturing a camp guard? Well, I'm sure you'll sort it.

Too bad there's little point your returning here this evening. Hydra looked just lovely.

[alt_bellatrix]

I have given it quite a bit of thought. Walden Macnair believes that he was cheated out of the fame and glory he was owed by the Protectorate, and now he's decided to pursue fame and glory by working against us. Oh, the degenerates here think quite highly of him - for he doesn't just write pompous missives while bedding whores in France, he murders their caretakers and attempts the same on the son of He who has granted their continued existence. They are too dull to realise that Macnair only has his own best interests in mind.

As for the guard, there are many possibilities, the most likely being Walden tortured him for information, then killed him so that he would not be able to report back about it to us.

Ah, did she? I'm sure she enjoyed that just as much as you did. And how's the baby, then? Pining for his new best chum?

[alt_narcissa]

Whether they realise it or not, you'll bring him to the same sticky end soon enough.

We thought it best to leave Rigel in the capable hands of Mrs Baylock. He was sleeping soundly when we got home a while ago. Earlier today there were some cries that could have been 'Bart' however - so I believe our Barty is not yet out of favour, despite his abrupt exit.

As for Hydra, I think she enjoyed herself no end. Not surprisingly her father was her best dancing partner, but the poor child went round one song too many and halfway home Rodolphus had to carry her. (Only for a short distance, though, before Apparating the rest of the way.)

Since it's our last night, and the weather is quite extraordinary, we've decided to stay on the beach a while longer. Though the boys are about to retire.

You could come along. I'm sure Rodolphus would care to sit up and watch the sun rise as well. We could call it a double-date.

[alt_bellatrix]

I don't suppose he'd like to step in on those days when Mrs Baylock takes her holiday? Probably not.

While I am sure that the sunrise is remarkable, I don't know that I can just...sit. Not after such a full day on the job.

[alt_narcissa]

Alas, no. I think you may have hit upon the ultimate threat, however.

... And we don't intend to just ... sit. As I said, the boys are about to retire.

But I take your meaning.

[alt_bellatrix]

Such innuendo, honestly. Have you been at the champagne?

I'll be along in good time. Surely before the sun is up.

Order Only

[alt_sirius]

Note to self: Avoid the beach tonight.