Private message to Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange

[alt_mcgonagall]

Lucius, Bellatrix -

I have received several incoherent owls from various and sundry, but you are the most likely to be sensible.

What in Merlin's name has happened? In truth, not rumor?

Comments

[alt_lucius]

Still sorting out the truth from the rumour myself, Minerva.

Also still awaiting explanations from Bella; we shall see if she is more able to answer you than she was earlier this afternoon; spoke to her very briefly at MLE and she indicated that it might be another hour or two before she would be prepared to state anything with certainty.

[alt_mcgonagall]

It seems - well, not being physically present (or able to get away) it seems an utter madhouse.

Have you spoken with Our Lord today?

Whatever has truly occurred, his reaction – well, I find it hard to imagine that it will be good.

[alt_lucius]

We've had the coroner's update: Identification is positive.

It was undoubtedly Barty.

Someone was waiting outside the Ouroboros with a good vantage of the Apparation point. As soon as he arrived, he was hit. Killing Curse, I think, from the description Selwyn gave, though that has not been confirmed by anyone yet.

Have heard from Broome only that Our Lord has no intention of calling a Council session. Make of that what you will; others are already doing so.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Merlin and Nimuë!

I suppose that there's only one thing to make of it, isn't there - though I hate to act like a carrion crow, picking over the dead.

Better forewarned and forearmed, however; thank you for telling me. And thank you for the Scotch – it is most needed tonight, I think. If you would like a nip, you are certainly welcome, though I suppose you'll be busy.

[alt_lucius]

You would not be the only one; Runge, old Glendower, even young Ollivander have already made moves to step into the void left in our inner circles.

As for the Scotch, thank you. Sure that more than a nip shall be welcome, to-night, but you are correct; there is far too much to do for me to hare off to the north.

I've still Narcissa to tell. At least for the moment, we are assured of continued secrecy; young Glendower himself made sure that no one from WWN or the Prophet has any idea - or will have until we're ready for them to know.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Well. Glendower surely won't succeed; Ollivander is a clever one... in any case, best to close ranks, I think, lest we find ourselves with a dangerous upstart in our midst.

Narcissa will not be pleased, will she.

[alt_lucius]

That is the view held by Rookwood, Nott and Rosier. They have been through this sort of upset before, of course (as have a number of us).

We are not even certain at present that the attack was cast by an outsider. Dominic is as close to a witness as MLE have and his account was that the assassin may have had an invisibility cloak.

Bearing these unpleasant facts in mind, I am less inclined to allow our membership to assemble - particularly when He has not deemed it necessary or appropriate.

And ... Yes. Narcissa. 'Displeased' is an understatement. Confess I have been avoiding contacting her ... until I have a clearer picture of what, exactly, one may tell her.

[alt_mcgonagall]

I hate to admit it, but my mind turned to that possibility; perhaps I am becoming more Slytherin in my old age, or by association with you. Part of why I pressed you on the matter is that one of the owls was from Glendower, asking to see me - which could be about his great-niece, but then again it could not, and at the moment I am not inclined to take the risk.

I shall certainly not mention it to Narcissa then – not that we run in similar circles. (I believe she does not even classify me as a witch, but some eerie neuter being.)

[alt_lucius]

I'm sure Narcissa thinks nothing of the kind, Minerva.

But if you and Raz are - in condition - to come to London, we shall be gathering at St James Palace in a little less than two hours.

Sadly, Glendower is not on the invitation list.

[alt_mcgonagall]

I imagine we shall be.

[alt_bellatrix]

Minerva,

Rodolphus may want to come to the castle tonight to pass the news along to Rabastan in person. I would be grateful if you could accommodate his entrance.

[alt_mcgonagall]

He is here and I have done soo.