Private message to Finch-Fletchley

[alt_antonin]

Harassing a pregnant witch and taunting her about her child? And here I thought you prided yourself on your courtesy.

Still haven't found any of my little gifts? From the lack of hypocritical moralising, I am guessing you haven't. Come now, Юстинка, it's been simply ages. Surely you can't be that slow.

Comments

[alt_justin]

Harass? No, not at all. The child will be a brother-in-law, of a sort. I've every right to express genuine concern regarding her health, and that of the infant. I'm only sorry that she's chosen a father for it who will care more about its ability than its health or happiness. But if you think I was discourteous, I assure you, it was merely that I had not yet had the chance to wish her well.

On the other hand, handing over a psychologically vulnerable young woman to be raped by a man she believes to be her protector--is one meant to suppose that that is the soul of chivalry?

As for your contributions, are you worried they have gone unnoticed? I thought you needed no external reinforcement? I'm terribly sorry, what, that there's no one left to tell you, 'Well done, Batya,' or pat you on the back.

I decline to provide confirmation or denial for your efforts. They have received only the merit they deserve.

-J

[alt_antonin]

What on earth are you talking about?

[alt_justin]

I beg your pardon? Which part do you not understand?

[alt_antonin]

I am assuming you are referring to Miss Weasley?

[alt_justin]

Unless there are others you've delivered to be brutally manipulated, let's for the moment confine the conjecture to her, yes.

Surely you know what happened. You can't expect me to believe you had no idea.

If you're trying to trick me, it won't work. Don't think I've been neglecting my education, with or without you.

[alt_antonin]

I see.

I hardly expect you to believe me, but no, I had no idea. I will not ask you to convey my apologies -- not that I think you would -- but the matter will be dealt with.

[alt_justin]

A slap on the wrist and an avuncular lecture, no doubt.

[alt_antonin]

Of course if you say it, it must be so.

Keeping up on your education, are you? How difficult that must be, given the tedious hand-wringing your lot tends to produce on the topic. Do remember my lectures on the dangers of learning entirely from books.

[alt_justin]

Oh, but you left such gems on your shelves, Тошенка. We've got them nearly all catalogued by now.

Are you suggesting I field test some of the choicer contents? Name the place.

[alt_antonin]

That eager to sit your final exam?

Better to leave the time and place to happenstance, my dear boy. I would hate to deprive you of the opportunity to watch over your shoulder so closely. But don't worry: you'll get your chance eventually.

[alt_justin]

What puzzles me is all the opportunities you've had to stop, to change course, and yet you persist. Why? What is it about the likes of Sandoval or Lestrange or that maniac you served that you found so appealing? The idea that one ought to have no limits? How is that working out? Did creating Inferi feel so marvellous that you're desperate for more?

Your fine example, so far as I can tell, has led to nothing but grief and anguish. You could still stop but you won't do. I know you won't do. You're too convinced of your own power to control the outcome. But all your Arts lead to only one result.

Do you never tire of it? What sense is there in continuing? If you really wanted to contribute, you'd employ your Arts against Lestrange, so that we could bring an end to this conflict, and save us the trouble.

[alt_antonin]

I shall take your suggestions for my priorities under advisement.

What puzzles me is that you are too convinced of your own righteousness to realise the virtue to which you pretend is nothing more than what you accuse me of. Can you really not see that the accusations you fling at me are nothing but a mirror held up to your own choices? Was it a failure in the teacher or a failure in the student that led to you lacking so much self-awareness? Your talent for the Arts may be prodigious, but you have forgot their alternate name is the Arts of Self; when was the last time you took a hard look at the shape of your motivations and your choices?

I at least choose my hypocrisies and double standards consciously. I fear that you have fallen into yours without looking twice.

If you do not understand what motivates me by now, I doubt another round of tuition will provide you with any satisfying answer.