Little brother, you may tell Narcissa I will not indulge her macabre sense of humour even that far, no matter how amusing it might be! (As to that, I rather suspect Acton would find the prospect of being offered up in such a fashion humiliating; she fancies herself the pursuer, not the pursued.)

But thank you -- I needed that laugh. Rather desperately, I am afraid; matters here are most unpleasant.

I am well enough for the moment, and Poppy assures me my recovery is well in hand; she has offered to treat me should there be true need, so long as she does not need to return to the castle while that woman is still in residence. (Would that I could make the same vow.) I will indeed take you up on the offer of Fletcher's services, and thank you very much; I will certainly not be getting anywhere near Kerr. I have had enough of being a research subject.

The moment I hear of any failure of his to achieve a basic level of care, I will inform you immediately. And please (please!) do use my example in your arguments with the Governors if you think it would be of any use; if you need a convenient relapse to bolster your efforts, it could likely be arranged; another few days in bed with no headaches piled upon me sounds heavenly at the moment, in fact.

(Forgive me; I am feeling particularly dreary and fatalistic this evening.)

I don't suppose you've sussed out any additional hints as to what sort of adolescent rebellion Our Lord is hoping to spur Harry towards? I am almost ready to explain matters to him and offer to hold his robes for him while he skins the woman alive

Will you and Narcissa be attending the Revue, meanwhile? From what I have heard, I am afraid I cannot promise you as much amusement as the last theatrical production the children attempted -- but it might be time for us all to make a showing of solidarity. We can all retire to my quarters afterwards and have a council of war -- or at least drink heavily and you can all commiserate with me and Raz for having to put up with the cow.

Wearily,
T