InsaneJournal

Owl to Zacharias, sent at 12:42am
[Attached to the letter was a torn piece of the jumper that Adelle had been wearing that afternoon.]

Zacharias, By now I am sure you have noticed that Adelle has not returned from our shopping trip, though she was due to stay at yours overnight.  I believe I told you at our lunch that it would not be very difficult for me to figure out what your weakness was and after spending a few hours with her, well, it was rather obvious, wasn't it?  And really, Zacharias, for someone who holds his cards so closely to his chest, don't you know better than to hand your Ace over to the other player? She is quite beautiful, your sister.  It would be a right shame if something unseemly were to happen to her, don't you think?  And she just lost her father too, things must be so difficult for her right now.  Shall I tell her that she's in this situation because her elder brother—the one who swore he'd protect her always—made a wager with me that I couldn't figure out what he needs most and use it against him for my own advantages?  Oh and this is my favourite part so read carefully: then he lets her go skipping off to the shops with me without thinking twice on it!  How absolutely thrilling is that?  For all that work you put into protecting her during the Battle of Hogwarts, you certainly are gambling with her life now, love. I did tell you, did I not, that you might regret joining in on this little venture with me?  Well now is your chance to admit defeat and keep things civil—after all, I have no real desire to hurt your sister.  I've always rather liked her.  She's a great future ahead of her and I know we'd both like to see her fulfill her potential.  So I think it's best you cut your losses now and bow out gracefully before things turn ugly, because you should not forget that there is very little that I will not do to keep the better hand. I'll await your reply. Marietta C. Edgecombe