InsaneJournal

Heavily Warded Owl
Private Owl Post
Madame Malfoy
Malfoy Manor
Wilts.

Darling,

I've done what was necessary, and at least Nott is satisfied. I took him to Enrico's, so that we'd be in public. They didn't have any decent wine, but I didn't have time to fetch my own or walk out.

Edward was early, of course, but I'd sent ahead to Enrico so we were in a quiet table in the main room. Nott chose to stay for a brief chat, much to my obvious pleasure.

I'm glad we didn't try the same thing as Rodophus, Nott is sharper than his friends. And mentioned his partners' impatience and lack of tolerance of failure. It was definitely a reference to Rodolphus. It was both a not-particularly subtle threat and an effort to differentiate his position from his co-conspirators.

He asked me about my public peace offerings and seemed to encourage them. I think he would be happy with our desired outcome if he could arrange it, or if he were the last Triumvir standing.

I'll be slightly more sorry if he dies due to his friends' incompetence than if they do, but I will not mourn if he's collateral damage in the road to our freedom.

We discussed the item itself, and I went into the tale we concocted about how my father had possessed it for many years and if there was anyone who could hide his spellcraft from me, it would be him. I couldn't guarantee there weren't traps on the item.

I hit just the right tone of immature wounded pride, I think. If anything does go wrong (Merlin Forfend!), I think your late father-in-law will be blamed.

And I know you were worried that Nott might use Mulciber's tactics on me, but he's not the sadist his friend is. It's really a pity he's the least likely of the Triumvirs to survive.

I won't be able to make it home before the opera tonight, so let's plan to meet in our box. After the day I've had today, I cannot wait to return to your company.


Until then I remain, as I ever have been, and ever shall be,

Yours,
Lucius