Order Only: Private Message to Dora

[alt_sirius]

Well, how bad was it?

You know, if I'd been thinking clearly I could have gone with you as Padfoot, for a little moral support.

Sorry for not thinking of it sooner. I suppose I've been distracted by drafting this Grim Truth Alice wants, trying to come up with ways to tell people about the private messages without making it clear that we have someone on the inside letting us know how long it would be before they start archiving them again.

Anyway, supper's ready if you're feeling like joining us. The 'whole family,' I suppose we might start calling it. Not that Remus, Hermione or I are very hungry after the spread they put on at Moddey. If you don't want to tell Draco how his mother is, you can tell me after Bea goes to bed.

I'm sure Snape wants to hear all about Dolohov's house, though.

Comments

[alt_nymphadora]

Not so bad as you'd guess.

I think she's a bit lonely, actually. She seemed really pleased to see me. But then, if she's only got Antonin Dolohov and Farty for company, it makes sense she'd be going spare. And I think she really does only have them. It wasn't anything she said directly, but I got the idea she's not actually allowed to leave there. How grim is that?

Not that I'm feeling sorry for her, not really. But it was nice today. Except for the bits that were awkward.

[alt_sirius]

Awkward, you say? Can't imagine why that might be, do tell.

I hadn't thought about her being under house arrest but it makes a certain amount of sense, from Voldemort's perspective. I suppose if she can't leave she'd be careful about who she invites to visit. Or perhaps it's that all her fancy society friends won't touch her now that Lucius is in prison.

Or both.

[alt_nymphadora]

Oh, quite a lot.

You know she asked me to bring pictures of Bea, and naturally I had to be careful which ones I brought. Nothing taken at home, obviously. I took her a copy of our Ponds family Christmas portrait so she'd have it to remember us by, and I took a couple of those photos Mrs Noblin gave us. The most recent ones I could find. Anywiz, she thought it odd we don't have a camera. I suppose she thought we really are just that poor.

And then for a while every topic we tried was difficult. I mean, I had to say something about her loss, and she had to say something about Draco and how difficult it's been, and I had to say something about his being taken before his time. And then we had to talk about Mr Malfoy and Azkaban. She's not allowed visits, but I'm not sure whether anyone actually is. I mean, it's not as if it can be easy to get there, and, well, with the Dementors and all...

But she says she's certain that it's only temporary, that he'll be released, and if it's not very soon, she'll take the matter up with the Protector herself. (I'd like to be a fly on the wall at Buckingham for that.)

She was really thin, though. And trying to seem herself, but I could tell she was working very hard at it.

She was happy for me, of course. Truly. Though that was nearly another awkward thing. She said something about how busy we keep and how it would surely be difficult with another little one and surely we'd be getting another servant to help us... and somehow that got me saying we hadn't really been trying for another and that this was a bit of a surprise, and I went on like that until I realised and dropped my teacup so I'd have a reason to shut it.

So, definitely some awkward minutes in there.

[alt_sirius]

Let's hope Farty doesn't look at that portrait too closely. Moony's disguise is good but it's a little nerve-wracking to think he's got access to a photo any time he wants it. But you're right, better than anything we might have snapped here where she'd immediately recognise the background.

I'd also like to know what she thinks she can say to Voldemort that would convince him to let Lucius out. As for visitors, I've never heard of anyone going out there - well, that was the point of the place, wasn't it, that no one could visit. Even back in the day, the Minister for Magic only went once a year or so for a routine inspection. I take it she's tried, though. Out of curiosity, did she say anything about where he is in the prison? Under constant guard by Dementors, or in an area where he can move about? I'm not sure there even is a 'minimum security' wing, come to think of it.

You don't think she suspects that it's not your husband's baby? I suppose it doesn't entirely matter. Except if you're going back to visit, she might pick at you until she gets the truth. (Our family are good at poking each other like that.)

Do you think you'll go back?

[alt_nymphadora]

I didn't even think to ask where in the prison he is. I mean, it's Azkaban.

Oh, no, not at all. I mean, I don't think she'd have thought so. I suppose I'll find out when I go again, won't I?

Now you've got me worrying I shouldn't have let her have that picture. I doubt she'll put it up anywhere Crouch will see it. We're not exactly the relations she's proudest about, after all.

And if he did see it, well, what are the chances he'll pay any attention to Mr Ponds.

I'm just going to trust that Bea will steal all the attention like she always does.

[alt_sirius]

You're probably right: she'll focus on Bea and Grouch will sneer at the very idea of a family photo.