(no subject)

[alt_regulus]

If I know one thing, I know this.

The dead cannot pass for living.

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

Indeed. Horrible supper conversationalists, for one thing. No sense of style, either.

And that doesn't begin to discuss their incapacity to maintain rhythm while dancing.

Are you back among us, then?

[alt_regulus]

Very true on all counts.

I have hopes that this project is winding down. I might make it through if I thought I could share cognac and cards with you this weekend. What are my chances?

[alt_narcissa]

Oh, well, if it will fortify you for the final push, then I suppose I ought to give you the encouragement you require.

[alt_regulus]

You're too good to me, cousin.

Shall I arrive by lunch on Saturday?

[alt_narcissa]

Do. Shall I air the Stilton or are you still delicate? (Though I warn you that if I do bring it out and you are late, I shall have to be cross with you.)

We may have to leave you to your own devices for a few hours on Sunday; I trust you know how to amuse yourself on the grounds.

Unless you'd rather come with us? It's a rather dreary engagement, but a necessary one for all that.

[alt_regulus]

I think the Stilton will be the right sort of bracing medicine I need, and I promise to do my very best to arrive on time.

What's the Sunday commitment? At this pass, what strikes you as dreary might be the height of entertainment for me.

That does sound pathetic, doesn't it? But after a double fortnight with only an elf for companionship, I suppose my standards have lowered some.

[alt_narcissa]

It's a naming ceremony, actually. The Fudges' first grandson.

[alt_regulus]

Oh, those are always entertaining: parents tense about what their parents will say or insist on, and the children trending from impatience to screaming fury.

We'll make faces at the new sprog and see how long it takes him to start shouting.

[alt_narcissa]

Do you know, I think I'm quite glad, in some ways, you were not about to sabotage Draco's naming ceremony with an attitude like that.

Though I suppose you'd tell me you'd never have dared to induce him to crying. And back then, you didn't have the hook, which I suppose sets you one above everyone else in the pursuit.

Well, suit yourself, then. If nothing else, Barty will be there and the two of you can amuse yourselves chatting up the Ministry stenographers' pool.