Private message to Lucius and Rodolphus

[alt_bellatrix]

I gave word that you both be notified: the body has been positively identified by a trusted source. Presumably you know as much by now. Cause of death has been verified as Killing Curse.

Now we must think carefully of how to make the unhappy announcement to Raz and Narcissa - before other tongues get there first.

Comments

[alt_lucius]

Have Bartemius and Norah been informed? Suppose Crouch will want his son's wand back.

[alt_bellatrix]

Sr. has, yes - Hopkirk just got through an hour or so ago. Apparently, his reaction was not noteworthy, because Hopkirk still hasn't relayed it back. No one answered the floo on the Mother's end.

Barty's wand still hasn't been found, so if he wants it, he shall have to wait.

[alt_lucius]

It wasn't recovered on the scene?

[alt_bellatrix]

Not his own wand, no, but supply records show he checked out one of our spares not to long ago. No personal effects were found at the scene, in fact. Hopkirk and I had to spend a good deal of time explaining (and yet not explaining, not entirely) that Barty was on deep cover assignment.

He never was one to throw himself into anything by halves.

[alt_lucius]

I see.

If he had been so immersed, though, why should he arrive so boldly at the Ouroboros?

Unless his appearance there was part of his operation?

Forgive me for prying into classified affairs; I am, at most, hoping for some shreds of information to give your sister later.

[alt_bellatrix]

One cannot immerse himself in an operation and yet leave a gaping hole behind in his real life. When it is most opportune, he must be seen going about as usual - which would of course include making the occasional appearance at the Ouroboros.

Unfortunately, it seems that attending to his usual routine led to....this.

[alt_lucius]

I have been ... hesitant ... to break the news to Narcissa. She must be told, of course, but

After the distress she has already suffered over the past months, she shall surely react poorly.

[alt_rodolphus]

Perhaps we can tell Raz, and then tell him that he must pass it along to Narcissa.


But Barty... Why is it always the young and most promising? All the more reason it will leave Raz gutted. Narcissa, too.

[alt_lucius]

Dominic claimed the lad did not even have time to draw his wand - if he had the outcome might have been quite different.

I shudder to think how Raz would impart the news to Narcissa. No. Best to have it done with a strong cup of tea at the ready.

[alt_rodolphus]

Quite different indeed.

I suppose that leaves me to tell Raz through these books. Though perhaps I can make a special trip the castle. Minerva must know by now, after all.

[alt_lucius]

She does. Suspect she is more than halfway into the Scotch I sent up only this after-noon.

Which leaves her in no condition to tell him, more's the pity.

[alt_rodolphus]

That leaves it to me, then. But I do think I will go to the castle, if only to make sure that he doesn't drown in scotch himself.

[alt_lucius]

Have not heard reply from Broome; have you seen Our Lord on this matter?

What think you of the lack of an assembly to discuss the threat Barty's murder represents?

[alt_bellatrix]

I was called, yes. Only for a brief counsel.

He is, as you know, well aware that certain quarters have been calling for the death His closest confidantes - you, I, and Barty included. He only asked if this might not be a MLE-executed plan to make the public believe that Barty had met his demise. I assured Him that this was not the case, at which point He asked if Barty would have any personal, un-disclosed reason for disappearing in such a permanent fashion.

I...confess that I could not answer to this with confidence. I assured Him only that I have no good course to believe that Barty would do such a thing. There's nothing that happens in MLE that I don't have a hand in, but Barty's personal affairs? I cannot speak for those.

[alt_lucius]

Presumably if he had decided that he needed to create such a diversion for his mission, he would have consulted you and Mafalda at the least.

For his personal affairs ... I have already instructed Ned to protect his office for the time being. Perhaps there is some clue there.

I suppose it's to be expected that even Our Lord may wish to rule out any other explanation than to accept that Barty was killed so ... ignominiously.

Rookwood, Crabbe, Pummel, Runge, even Nott - all wish to convene. Think the affair nonsense, personally, particularly if He has not summed us for a general Council. Still. Might be instructive to see who congregates with whom.

[alt_bellatrix]

No, he would never have wanted Narcissa to believe him dead.

Which means that he is.

I still have business to finish up, but can meet late. Better that than be peppered with owls and floo calls.

[alt_lucius]

St James, then? Half-twelve? I've a dozen owls and calls to answer and you're right; it will be easier to manage all at once. But not here - and not at Kensington.

[alt_bellatrix]

Yes, I shall make arrangements.