Private message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_sinistra]

Narcissa -

A few things from last night, that I wanted to pass on. Or ask about. And sometimes both. First, I heard more than a handful of envious comments about your robes - I'm sure you had no doubts at all, but they had quite the effect.

- What is the story with Theo Higgs and Lana Sandoval-Pennifold? I was watching people, as one does (and well, I'm starting to contemplate seating charts for the wedding supper, so knowing who's not getting along seems especially useful right now), and I don't think I've ever seen her quite that way. Or at least to that extent. And him bidding up like that...

- I did get a lovely chat with Ptolemy Baddock. So glad to see him happy, and I always did like Karo Moon. I gather he's getting along better with his father than he was for a little, but - there did seem something a little odd there. Though I suppose all grown children and their parents wrangle over something.

- It was very good to see Tosha so rejuvenated, truly. (And I gather, watching, that the same was true of Barty and of Lucius?) After the previous week, it was rather a pleasure to see them all at their brightest. I'd gathered from Raz that their work had been successful, but he'd not asked details, and Tosha only said I'd be gladder with what they ended up doing than the original idea.

- I did spend some time watching Dolores, and that's the part I wanted to ask you about. Did it seem to you she spent rather a lot of time with certain people? I saw her spend a very long time talking to Peakes, but also Mr Burroughs (he did go on, apparently, I saw even her trying to get away), Mrs Fleet, and Mrs Rickett, and then rather a long time with Mr Vandemar. But I also saw her in - well, she'd rather cornered that Rowena Robins, who was her assistant for a long time. (And she - Miss Robins - seemed a bit off her usual, did you see?)

And finally, the Cooper party on the 27th quite made me see why you were so nervous about the theme idea for your Christmas party last year. It really is possible to take a thing too far, isn't it? And it all felt so very ... I don't know, inauthentic and flat. I rather wished Tosha'd had more time to give sotto voce commentary than he did, but of course, other demands.

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

Aurora,

Thank you, but you sell yourself short. There were more than ample compliments dropped in my hearing regarding your wardrobe, as well.

The St Mungo's benefit is always a highlight of the season, whether it's for its opulence or its lack of it. (There was one year, 1987, I think, when the decorations were inspired by Arthurian legend and - well. The less said the better. It was just as well that the auction format began the following year; I don't think anyone would have stood for another entertainment featuring dancing suits of armour.)

As for what troubles Mrs Sandoval-Pennifold about Mr Higgs, it's hard to know where to start. My current guess is that he was recently seeing one of her schoolmates and she, discerning witch that she fancies herself to be, disapproves. He certainly did not help himself by driving the bidding with no intention of actually winning. I must admit that seeing him get caught and with that atrocious tortoise wall hanging - well. Poetic justice!

Poor Ari, it's always something between fathers and sons, isn't it? Just when I think Draco and Lucius are back to being friends, one or the other prickles. But in this case, you're quite right that it's not the wedding eating at Ari. Ptolemy believes that since he'll be starting a family, he is also ready for an introduction to Court. Understandably Ari is not - ready - to take that step.

I must admit, I found many more enjoyable things to do last night than monitor Dolores' movements. However, it is interesting that she spoke to so many member of Hogwarts' Board of Governors. Tell me, did you happen to see her speaking with Director Selwyn? (I do apologise, dear, if that name brings up unpleasant thoughts. But I know Chloe, now that she's back to herself, is dreadfully embarrassed.) I'm sure I didn't notice Miss Robins in the slightest. But as you say, she was Dolores assistant for some time so I suppose they had much to catch up on.

[alt_sinistra]

Narcissa -

That is a relief, on my robes - I still find it so hard to tell if I'm striking the right balance. (And Raz gets more than a little credit for the end result, I should add.)

I heard the overall auction went well, though I gather from a few bits of snideness that the items for the Rebuilding Ireland fund were not what they might have been. Something about how that set of charmed hair combs were rather second rate, and that set of serving dishes, especially. At any rate, interesting enough to see the thing for myself for once, and at least none of the difficulty of last year.

Thank you, on Mr Higgs - not a student who particularly stood out to me. And I suppose I can see about Ptolemy. Difficult place to be in, I suppose, for both of them.

As to Dolores, I'd not pick it as my first choice of hobby, but she does have rather a noticeable effect on my day to day life at school. (Raz and Tosha and I keep trying to figure out what she's up to there, and any further hint can only be helpful.) But yes, on seeing her with most of the Governors, and the oversight board for the YPL. (Though I noticed her giving much more attention to Strangeweale and Caldwell there than Whitacre, though he's mostly concerned with the budget, really.) I thought her attitude with Miss Robins quite different - and not precisely what I'd call friendly, either - though I suppose that's understandable.

On Chloe Selwyn, I could use your help. I've been giving her a wide berth, but really, I'd rather smooth things over. It's not as if the discomfort is doing either of us any good. Would it be better to send a note, do you think, or to find a moment to speak in person? (Not New Year's Eve, as I'm sure we'll both want to have our minds clear for other things, but I thought I might catch her quietly at one of the Twelfth Night events for a quick word.)

It's true I am still thinking over what she said, not just how she said it, and it was a bad few minutes. But I also see enough of where she's coming from. You know her so much better than I do, perhaps you'd know what would work best as an approach.

[alt_narcissa]

Oh, my dear, of course. I'm sure Chloe's only waiting to know what sort of reception she'll receive. It would be so good of you to make the first move. I suggest a note, and include an invitation to tea - not alone, of course, but with some others. Pandora, perhaps, since her girls are of an age with Chloe's, myself, and either Yvaine or Mariah. That way she'll be among friends and we may steer the conversation in ways that will be comfortable for you both. Besides, it's probably high time that you begin to hostess your own small parties; it will help you later. I'm sure Raz would offer Spencer but it might be better to choose a reputable tea room and book one of their salons. You'll continue to come to town on Tuesdays, is that correct? Then it could be on any week that suits you, even after the term starts up again.

Regarding Madam Umbridge, it's none of my business, of course, but it's my understanding from certain contacts of mine in the Ministry that she never quite forgave Miss Robins her ambitions. Knowing Dolores as we do, that's not hard to imagine. Perhaps she intended to take the girl to task for some new slight, imagined or otherwise. In any case, that's well outside the realm of holiday thoughts and celebrations.

You ought to take that young man of yours out somewhere fun this evening. We'll see you tomorrow, I assume, but that's a circus, always is.

[alt_sinistra]

Oh, that is just the thing. Of course. And you're quite right that waiting until after the holidays makes some sense, though I'll send a note today or tomorrow, just to ease some of the awkwardness in case we do bump into each other.

And yes, I do expect to be in New London most Tuesdays. While I think we're nearly sorted on most of the major wedding details, I meet friends for supper most weeks, and well, there's always one errand or another that's more enjoyable done in town. (Granted, for me, that usually involves the bookstores, but still.)

And I could use an excuse to get to know either Yvaine or Mariah better, really.

As to tonight, yes. Balancing everything is a trick I'm still learning, but a night out with just Raz is quite the thing. And I will look forward to seeing you and Lucius tomorrow night, of course, however briefly we manage.