Private Message to Antonin Nikolaevich

[alt_ptolemy]

At the risk of Narcissa assuming the worst from this message header, wanted to let you know her audience went about as expected. Perhaps worse, in some ways.

One of her house-elves sought us out just before supper last night. The creature was beyond distressed but apparently Narcissa had forbidden it to seek Healer Fletcher. Luckily, Karo and I are under no such restriction.

We're staying with her at the Manor for the time being. She's refusing visitors; indeed, it was difficult to convince her to let us look after her. It took Healer Fletcher's insistence and even then she'll barely admit Karo into her chambers and prefers the elves to tend her.

Still, I knew she'd spoken to you about her intentions and you might be worried. There's nothing you need to do, though news of Barty would clearly ease her temperament. That's if the news is good, naturally. If it's not.... For now, we should keep that from her, I think.

Comments

[alt_antonin]

Salazar's mercy. How badly was she hurt?

If she is in Fletcher's care, then she is getting the best care possible, but please do keep me informed, no matter how much I'm sure she'll protest. I'm glad you and Karo are able to be there for her, at least. If you think it will help, I can stop in tonight after supper, assuming there are no further crises on my end.

I don't have any more news about Barty, I'm afraid. I wish I did.

[alt_ptolemy]

Not badly but--it wasn't Cruciatus. It's--well, you know how beautiful she is. Let's just say Karo tried to console her by telling her no one wears low-cut robes in winter, anyway. Didn't go over well.

That's why she wants no visitors. She's adamant no one should see her in her current condition.

Fletcher's certain it's a curse-mark, too, so he doesn't even think he can fade the scar with time. Karo's right that it'll be easy enough to cover up, at least, but this is Narcissa we're talking about.

I haven't been able to get her to explain why yet--I mean, what she said or Merlin, even thought to prompt Our Lord to lash her like that. Maybe if you wrote to her she'd tell you?

[alt_antonin]

Fuck.

Yes, I can imagine precisely what she is thinking. If Fletcher has need of a consult he has but to ask. Though I'm certain if it's something he can't heal, I am not likely to be of much more use -- but one does like to be sure the offer has been made.

I'll write to her, yes. Though if she's as upset as you say, I don't know that I'll get an answer.

[alt_antonin]

And -- I did not say -- thank you for taking care of her. I'm sorry; I ought to have said that first.