Private message to Barty

[alt_antonin]

I've gone to bed, solnyshko, but I've let Berry know to keep the fire alive in the library and be ready to fix you a meal, on the off chance you are able to free yourself at such a time to make coming home make more sense than not.

Otherwise, I will hope to see you tomorrow (and, of course, completely understand if I do not -- one must strike while the iron is hot, and from what you have said, the iron is hot). Let me know whether to expect you for Sunday supper, if you can do so without violating field discipline of course.

Luck, my dear.

Comments

[alt_antonin]

I am sorry that I missed you before I had to return to the castle, but I have my fingers crossed that your patience will pay off soon.

As it turns out, I missed quite the drama here. It appears this ridiculous competition has claimed its first casualty -- the girl is alive, but that's about the best that can be said. (Centaurs. Someone had the bright idea to send the children into the Forest to retrieve trophies.) I am quite irate; the girl is one of my better NEWTs, for all she likes to divert others' attention from her brains, and it's looking as though she might not recover before the end of the year. Is it too much to ask for there to be a year that does not disrupt our academics somehow? Bah.

At any rate, Berry has a batch of your favourite biscuits waiting for you; if you are not able to make it home, do give her a call at a quiet moment and claim them.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Sorry. Still engaged.

There's more to be gained by following and watching than by bringing this one to ground.

Have the Centaurs forgotten that Our Lord's tolerance shouldn't be put to the test? Manx the taxidermist would relish the opportunity if you'd send him a carcass.


Excellent biscuits, by the way.

[alt_antonin]

You ought to ask Berry to make them more often; she does enjoy the chance to spoil you. And I am afraid I do not give her nearly enough to do.

As for the centaurs, I would like nothing more than to establish my displeasure, but Our Lord believes they will be useful in His work. I am not, thankfully, the one he has asked to woo them -- yet; I ought not say that aloud lest someone overhear and get a bright idea -- but I doubt He would allow us to retaliate in kind. His response will undoubtedly be that if the girl was stupid enough to provoke them, we are well shut of her. (As to that, well, yes, she is not in the least bit suited for Council membership -- but that does not mean she ought be abused with impunity.)

And do not apologise. I have full confidence you will untangle the nest given enough time to stalk your prey. (Mind, however, that you do not emulate Koshka staring at the drapes for three days because it was the last place he saw the wand-light before I shut it off!) (Don't make that face at me, dear.)

[alt_crouch_jr]

Doubt that elves mind one way or another whether we ask much of them or leave them idle. Their duty is to be ready whatever's demanded.

Matters with the Centaurs have been strained since Macnair's defection. Understand he did his best to undermine Our Lord's standing with them. Speaking of carcasses I'd like to pass along to Manx for stuffing.

As for the kitten, which, of course, you neither own nor care for in the slightest... I trust I'm the better hunter. (Face? What face?)

[alt_antonin]

The kitten goes where he pleases; I simply do not chase him out when he shows up.

As for Macnair, one of these days we ought take a few weeks and try to find him. There are a few realities of life I'd like the chance to explain to him. There really haven't been any sightings of him or of Snape since they disappeared? I am rather curious how they managed that.

Ah, well, one of these days Magical Communication will work out a way to track journals' physical locations, and then we'll have Macnair, Snape, Strangeweale, Black, and anyone else who's managed to annoy us recently. (Pettigrew and Karkaroff, even. Who else am I missing?) And then we can all take a holiday and get some bloody sleep. A man can dream.

[alt_crouch_jr]

One at a time, Batya. We'll have them all eventually.

Perhaps sooner than later if this chase pays dividends.

[alt_antonin]

And this is why I am praying for your success.

If there is anything I can do to be useful -- other than making sure you eat more than only biscuits -- you have but to let me know. Otherwise -- do get some sleep tonight, solnyshko, if it is at all possible. I am off to do the same.