Narcissa

[alt_regulus]

I've only just got here, and I'm being called back. Nymphadora is napping at the moment, I'm informed, so I'm not able to speak with her. They tell me that she ate breakfast, though without great enthusiasm, that her urine is normal, and her other vital signs are within the ranges they expect at this point in her recovery.

I gather she's to have some sort of therapy this afternoon, and I suspect that's the part you were hoping I could look in on?

I'm sorry I can't stay or do more.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

That's not entirely how I would have put it.

Nonetheless, I'm pleased to do it to spare you the trouble.

[alt_narcissa]

And you're a dear for running my errand for me.

Can I repay you with luncheon tomorrow? You can brief me on your visit.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Certainly. Where should I meet you?

She was awake and quite purple when I stopped. I gather she was hoping I would be someone else, but she did manage seven or eight civil sentences before she feigned tiredness and sent me packing.

She seems concerned about her career as a shopkeep. I told her that I shouldn't be surprised if she'd been replaced, that she should be prepared for that news. It's simply the way of the marketplace. Business doesn't wait for employees who can't--for whatever reason--fulfill their obligations.

Say where and when: I'll tell you the rest when I see you.

[alt_narcissa]

Purple? All over or just her hair? Do I even want to know?

Well, I suppose I'll hear all the news tomorrow, at any rate. Let's say The Berkeley at one o'clock? I've changed shifts with Ursula again - this time for her convenience, but it works out as I've a new project, so I'll be in New London already. You can prepare me for what I'm likely to see when I go.

It's laudable, I suppose, that she feels so conscientious about her own obligations to her employer. But then, she has had the most problematic time holding on to the positions she's managed to get so far. After that disgraceful episode at the Ministry, it's no wonder she's grasping for the sympathy of this Ponds fellow. Still, it's disappointing to think that with all the advantages she should have had, this is all she's amounted to thus far.

[alt_crouch_jr]

The Berkeley, then, at one.

It was just her hair, of course, although that included the eyebrows and those were particularly alarming. You know that she studies ways to be provoking, but I'd forgotten quite how skilled she is at it.