Thank you, first of all, for your vote of confidence. Believe me, I can entirely understand the difficulty of placing one's trust in another. It may surprise you to learn that it is more common among women than one might think. Particularly Slytherin witches, if you take my meaning. I am sure you have opportunity to observe them at their worst.
Now, I do apologise for not replying earlier. I did have several appointments that did not leave me at liberty. Next week, I shall be certain to clear away some time; I would very much like to get to know you better, if you'll allow me.
You have asked for my advice so let me be just as blunt in return: Within the Council, and by extension, among their partners, it is essential to know who one's allies are. There are very sound reasons that Ursula, Pandora, Diana and I spend so much time together and it is not limited to having been in the same class at Hogwarts. (Indeed, Pandora is much closer to your age but the commonality of purpose stands.)
You are quite right that displaying weakness can make things difficult not only for ourselves, but our mates as well. That is why it is a very wise choice to be able to unburden oneself from time to time - but not to just anyone. It must be someone who is possessed of a similar knowledge, who has a reason to exchange trust for trust, who will keep one's counsel private, and above all who may offer the sort of practical advice that one cannot find anywhere else. I can guarantee that no matter whom you consider your closest confidante at present, one who is removed from the circle of the Lord Protector simply cannot understand the mysteries that govern Him or His nearest. Nor would they ever draw the correct conclusions from evidence that must seem labyrinthine from the outside - and that must, perforce, remain closely guarded.
I am not sure whether you have ever heard the earthy saying that government is rather like the inside of a sausage factory? Even among such illustrious figures as Our Lord's own, I am afraid it is entirely the case. No one who has not been there can possibly provide the guidance or support one needs once one crosses the threshold.
I don't wish you to think Council membership is all grave pronouncements and dire acts of the utmost loyalty - I hope you've seen the contrary for yourself! But when things do take on a sombre tone, well, it is invaluable to know that there are others who know your mind without your needing to speak it, but who will be willing to listen without judgement when it is time.
There is one other thing I should like to make plain for you: Indeed, we are all grateful to you for affecting remarkable change in our Razzer. However, it is not entirely on his behalf that I have put myself at your disposal. I assure you, if I did not find in you much to admire, I could have chosen quite a different avenue to pursue.
So, please, from here on, let us dispense with protestations and modest self-deprecations. And by all means, let us not stand on ceremony with one another! Let us instead endeavour to become comfortable with one another on equal terms.
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Date: 2012-04-06 03:12 am (UTC)Thank you, first of all, for your vote of confidence. Believe me, I can entirely understand the difficulty of placing one's trust in another. It may surprise you to learn that it is more common among women than one might think. Particularly Slytherin witches, if you take my meaning. I am sure you have opportunity to observe them at their worst.
Now, I do apologise for not replying earlier. I did have several appointments that did not leave me at liberty. Next week, I shall be certain to clear away some time; I would very much like to get to know you better, if you'll allow me.
You have asked for my advice so let me be just as blunt in return: Within the Council, and by extension, among their partners, it is essential to know who one's allies are. There are very sound reasons that Ursula, Pandora, Diana and I spend so much time together and it is not limited to having been in the same class at Hogwarts. (Indeed, Pandora is much closer to your age but the commonality of purpose stands.)
You are quite right that displaying weakness can make things difficult not only for ourselves, but our mates as well. That is why it is a very wise choice to be able to unburden oneself from time to time - but not to just anyone. It must be someone who is possessed of a similar knowledge, who has a reason to exchange trust for trust, who will keep one's counsel private, and above all who may offer the sort of practical advice that one cannot find anywhere else. I can guarantee that no matter whom you consider your closest confidante at present, one who is removed from the circle of the Lord Protector simply cannot understand the mysteries that govern Him or His nearest. Nor would they ever draw the correct conclusions from evidence that must seem labyrinthine from the outside - and that must, perforce, remain closely guarded.
I am not sure whether you have ever heard the earthy saying that government is rather like the inside of a sausage factory? Even among such illustrious figures as Our Lord's own, I am afraid it is entirely the case. No one who has not been there can possibly provide the guidance or support one needs once one crosses the threshold.
I don't wish you to think Council membership is all grave pronouncements and dire acts of the utmost loyalty - I hope you've seen the contrary for yourself! But when things do take on a sombre tone, well, it is invaluable to know that there are others who know your mind without your needing to speak it, but who will be willing to listen without judgement when it is time.
There is one other thing I should like to make plain for you: Indeed, we are all grateful to you for affecting remarkable change in our Razzer. However, it is not entirely on his behalf that I have put myself at your disposal. I assure you, if I did not find in you much to admire, I could have chosen quite a different avenue to pursue.
So, please, from here on, let us dispense with protestations and modest self-deprecations. And by all means, let us not stand on ceremony with one another! Let us instead endeavour to become comfortable with one another on equal terms.
-Narcissa