James was home for once, working on paperwork, an attempt to come up with a plan for how to deal with this case. He had the barest inkling of an idea, but he wanted to go over the tiny amount of evidence he had again before approach Boss about it. It was a pretty drastic idea.
So absorbed in his thoughts, James didn't hear the owl pecking at his window until it almost became hard enough to crack the glass. He jumped up and went to the window, opening it to let the bird in, offered it some treats from a bowl, and took the letter. His first thought was less than flattering.
Oh dear Merlin, she remembers me.
And he remembered her, he certainly did. He remembered how serious and boring he'd found the entire family, how very dull in their constant elitist airs, and the vague mutterings of his parents at one point about an arranged married between him and one of the Black sisters. Oh they were older, but that wouldn't matter, especially as they grew up. Thank Merlin it'd never gone any further than casual suggestions. He found all three of the Black sisters a bit full of themselves.
For half a second he considered not answer Narcissa's owl and trying to pretend the bird had gotten lost somewhere, but without any freak storms, she'd never buy it.
He wondered if she remembered the exploding chocolate frogs he'd left in her bed. Thinking of that still made him smile.
So finally he sat down and wrote out a response.
Narcissa,
I'm shocked pleased to know my portrait hasn't been blasted off still hangs proudly in the Black home. I remember the times I spent at your home, but you do remember that you're only five years older than I am, don't you? As I recall, your 'watching' me really meant trying to keep me out of trouble. Sorry about that, by the way. All of it.
I'm sorry to say that large crowds make me nervous. Hair-trigger from the Auror training and work, you know. I'd hate to be a danger to any of your other guests, or yourself. Wouldn't want to get blood on any of your carpets, I'm sure they're expensive.