Private message to Raz and Tosha

[alt_sinistra]

My love, I need
That was unbearably

Chloe Selwyn. She got me alone just now while you are all off talking. She’s overwrought. Drunk. More than that.

She insisted on telling me about last night. Point by brutal point. It makes no sense. What does that even solve? I knew it was bad, just watching people today. But the way she told me, it was...

I mean, there’s facts, and there’s implications. I can’t imagine she’s exaggerating what happened. Her voice when she told me Bettina Yaxley’s being punished, not allowed to use a wand for however long. That the curse was - that it needed Crucio to make it work. That Lucius had to - to assist with that.

But the implications are - well. When Chloe talked about her children I’d rather know than guess. Truth, please. Both of you. Whenever we get a chance to catch our breath.

Raz, dearest. This doesn’t change what I want with you. I refuse to let it.

But it’s going to take me a few minutes to be able to smile and make nice again. Come find me when you can, would you? I’m in the salon looking out at the garden. It’s quiet enough here - if I go elsewhere, I’ll let you know.

Comments

[alt_sinistra]

Both of you - moved to the small drawing room not too far from there, and have found (been found by, more like) Pansy Parkinson, whose conversation has many virtues at the moment. Beyond her usual, that is.

Private Message to Auri

[alt_antonin]

Dearest,

I'm so sorry I didn't see this until just now -- I'd left my journal back in my rooms lest it distract me. Raz left our conference a little while ago and I will assume he's found you by now, but if he hasn't, he is here somewhere and if you call a house-elf, they will likely be able to find him for you.

I am also incredibly sorry I could not stand your champion as much as I had promised -- matters have grown exceedingly complex, very quickly. I am, unfortunately, tied up in an exceedingly thorny problem that must be solved in a short period of time and Lyoushka's library lacks the references I need -- I must return to my townhome and consult some of the books I did not bring with me to Hogwarts.

(I would not excuse myself were it not urgent, and I do not know if I will be able to explain the details to you, but knowing what I know of your priorities and values I can safely say that if I did, you would understand completely.)

I will tell you what I can, when I can. And I am sorry that you heard what transpired so brutally.

Yours,
T

Re: Private Message to Auri

[alt_sinistra]

Toshenka -

Raz did find me a few minutes ago. I'll manage - clearly, there's worse afoot. I could tell as soon as I saw his face. (And what you say, above, just confirms.) And you were all off talking for so long. That's never a good sign.

Raz and I are about to see if we can do one more round of pretending this is a social event everyone's enjoying, and that nothing's the matter, honest. Much easier with Raz to help, anyway.

On the rest, if there's anything I can do, I know you'll tell me. And we'll talk when we get time, I know. Whenever that may be.

Re: Private Message to Auri

[alt_antonin]

Little star,

If you and Raz are taking the floor again I will feel less guilty at having to leave Narcissa alone. Raz will know what to do, but if anyone is stubborn about leaving by about another hour or so, gently and discreetly ask Narcissa if she'd like help apportioning guest rooms for the remnants; that will remind her to steer everyone to a bed for the night if she hasn't noticed the time.

I will tell you what I can (little though it might be) when I can, but do not worry -- we were away so long to brainstorm about a problem, and if the gods are smiling upon us, we may have cracked it.

I don't think I'll be in need of your particular talents to solve this particular conundrum, but if I am, I will not hesitate to ask.

Yours,
T