Bellatrix Lestrange

A note intended to bring you both up to speed -

Hydra, despite your lack of response, I know that you must have received my owl regarding your journal entry. I shall succinctly repeat what I said yet again: such short, childish missives are nothing more than an attempt to clamour for attention. If you feel you have done something truly worthy of boasting, then by all means tell the world in less pitifully obscure language; otherwise, save your triumphant outbursts for your Father, as such a success is more down to his skill at playing the Knight than it is to your own efforts. (Though I should credit your ravenous sweet tooth as well, I suppose.)

Information not in the owl: Hydra, you are to report to Buckingham after breakfast tomorrow. I have petitioned our Lord and He has graciously allowed you the honour of spending the next week with Harry, seeing as Draco is busy with his parents and Harry's mudblood is in disgrace. Feel I have reasonably presented the case to Him that if Harry is to be in female company, better it not be the unclean sort. My hope is that you will take in the business and bustle of Buckingham and find yourself inspired into servitude for our Protectorate, so that you will at last find your calling and rise to fulfill it. If it happens that you remain uninspired, then at least this can be considered good practice for seeing to Harry's needs.

Rodolphus: Have managed to secure a delivery of three male camp prisoners for the re-creation exercise. None are as pure of blood as one would hope, but all match up quite well in height, weight and age. Exercise will commence on Tuesday, once they've been delivered. I don't need to emphasise how important this re-creation is; as such, please keep all interruptions to zero.

Last evening, during celebration of of Freedom from Tyranny and dear Harry's birthday, Rodolphus and I welcomed our son, Rigel Phineas Lestrange.

His birth date is a very auspicious one. Unlike Hydra, his hair and eyes are very dark like mine, and he cries very little, and feeds heartily, without fuss. I'm sure I couldn't be more pleased.

The naming ceremony will take place in two weeks, at ten in the morning at Blackmoor Park, followed by the ritual of ancestral trees, and then mother will provide all with a light lunch.

Otherwise, please forward all Owls bearing gifts to St. James Palace.

A quill in the hand... how odd it feels after years of neglect. I dare say the wand remains mightier.

Harry, dearest, your Father has told me of your recent coup on the quidditch pitch. It comes as no surprise that your marvellous talents continue to manifest under the close, watchful guidance of our Lord Protector. You are truly blessed to be first in all His thoughts and actions. Never doubt your place by His side. I didn't, and my life has all the more purpose for it.