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 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.