[Private]

I know I am supposed to congratulate him, but I must admit my first reaction was fear. So many of the Inner Circle have died recently, after all. My father and Regulus' too, and Celeste's of course. I can't help but fear they are simply... filling the position with another body and that no one but me cares if that body remains intact or not.

Oh, of course that is so very pessimistic, and doesn't take into account the fact that he deserves it. Lucius is an amazing wizard and an astounding man, and of course so very devoted to the cause, but I will not be made a widow. I couldn't...

I must remember this is good news. I must not let my fear and lingering grief put a damper on his success.

Besides, even outside of the Inner Circle, he was at risk. They all are, my sister and Regulus and Rodolphus... No one I love is safe. Which is all the more reason to be proud of Lucius for being recognized for his achievements. It isn't often someone so young gets inducted into the Inner Circle. At least the Dark Lord realizes how exceptional Lucius is. That is good.

This is a good thing.

Oh, if he dies, I will kill him.

[End]


[Regulus]

I forgive you. And I need something from you. These are two unrelated occurrences.

You will listen for me, among the ranks, for any... distemper or jealousy, won't you? Lucius has been inducted into the Inner Circle (but don't say anything, obviously, as he has only just been told) and I just... oh, I worry in a hundred different ways, mostly for things I cannot control. And I don't worry because I doubt him or his abilities, or because I doubt the necessity of what he is doing, but I worry. You understand, don't you? There is so much I can do nothing about, but if there is anything that may suggest others will put, say, perceived opportunities before his well-being, you would tell me, wouldn't you?

Oh Regulus, please find a way to remind me that this is an honor, that I must be happy for him, I must.

[End]

Perhaps it is late, considering his funeral already honoured him greatly, but I still feel that I should say something publically.

I knew Caracatus Lestrange my whole life. He was a friend of my father's and he was very nearly family, both in role and through my sister's marriage. I held him, as I hold the entirety of the Lestrange family, in the utmost regard. He was an intelligent and formidable man, and I respected him a very great deal. It is an incredible loss. I know my father, were he still-

There is little else to say, I suppose. Others have expressed such sentiments as well, and I can only repeat it now: He will be missed.


[Private]

It is odd, but with the loss of so much family lately, I find myself thinking of Andromeda and Sirius more often. I am not as angry as I once was, though of course forgiveness is out of the question. I just... if I could bring my father back, or Evan, or Orion or Caracatus, I would. But I cannot.

And I cannot bring Andromeda or Sirius back either, I know, but they are still alive and I can't help but

That is both a dangerous and a completely futile avenue of thought.

I just hope that I don't lose anyone else. I don't know that I could bear it.

[End]


[Lucius]

Do you think we should consider announcing the pregnancy? I can scarcely hide it any longer if I wish to leave the house, and glamours only really go so far. I know it is silly to think this way, but I can't help but wonder if knowing I am with child might... lessen the danger you are in.

I am not naive, but surely anyone would hesitate to take a father away from his child? And I worry for you so. If Caracatus can be killed--

[End]


[Celeste]

I spoke to Reg

How are you feeling? Have you decided on a course of action? You know that I will do what I can to assist you, and to quell the rumours.

[End]

[Private to Regulus]

Regulus Arcturus Black. Explain this instant.

[End]


[Bellatrix]

I assume the news you had for me was our dear cousin's choice to renege on his engagement? How long have you know? And what is being done?

[End]

[Regulus]

Lucius said

Is it true? It can't be. Tell me it isn't. Tell me it's a misunderstanding. Tell me that Evan isn't dead. He can't be. I refuse to believe it.

This war is     I hate it. I hate that it is necessary. I hate that it is not over.

I'm sorry. It was selfish of me to write, considering the circumstances. I know that. Bella's right when she says I think too much of myself. Can I continue to be selfish and request a visit? Please? Even if it's short. I just want to see that you're all right with my own two eyes.

I had a nightmare that it was you and I couldn't stand it if it was

Or at least speak to me here. I don't even know if you were involved or if       I have just been so very worrried all morning. What you and Lucius do is so dangerous, and I couldn't

I couldn't stand it if something happened to either of you. You know that, don't you?

[End]


[Bella]

I'm not sure what happened last night, but Lucius assured me you and Regulus are both fine. I would know, I feel, if you weren't. You seem so invincible that I can't even

Of course, I also had not imagined that I would lose another family member so soon.

While I'm sure you know more than I do, I won't ask for details. Just confirm for me that you're all right, and promise me that you won't die. I need you, and I shan't permit it.

[End]

{Private}

Three months ago I had a father.

I didn't feel up to going to his grave today. Travelling is so tedious right now, and I just couldn't face the outside world today. I miss being able to apparate. I miss the convenience and independence and the privacy of being able to go where I please when I please. It is all so frustrating and...

Oh, mostly I just miss my father and I hate feeling ineffectual. Still, I would take the carriage everywhere for the rest of my life if it meant he were back. And the way he died, the way our own government justified murder because he was who he was, it was despicable. My father was a good man. The best man. The very best I ever knew, the best I will ever know.

He was my daddy.

{End}


{Private to Bellatrix and Regulus}

Lucius unfortunately has some unavoidable obligations this evening and likely won't be home for hours. I am feeling sad listless and I require entertainment. Or company. Or both. Or... oh, just distract me. I have had a terrible day. I'm sure you can commiserate.

{End}

I absolutely detest and abhor the colour orange. It is not flattering on anyone or anything at all and should never be used. It has tainted the potential of Halloween to be a stylish holday, and there is absolutely nothing redeeming about it. Not one thing. I don't know what interior designer in their right mind would suggest using putrid, acrid, citrus orange accents in a home such as ours. Please.

What's worst is that when I corrected the silly little imbecile, he had the nerve to make excuses. I do not know nor care what Pop Art is, but it has absolutely no place in my home.

Rust is not quite so terrible. It has potential, at least. Still, I think I shall go with something a little less... rustic in my redecorations. In fact, I am in a mood for pastels.

It is silly, perhaps, to be redecorating our home when I will soon have a whole school to redo, but I suppose it is almost an excuse to get the creative juices flowing. Besides, it isn't as though I'll have free range in a school. Charity projects never have pockets quite as deep as our own.