Private message to Barty Crouch Jr.

[alt_daphne]

I saw your message to the Headmaster. I've only heard a bit about what went on out there today, but I hope that whatever it was, you've emerged triumphant - and as unharmed as possible.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Thank you. Yes. I'm fine. Order prevailed, and the rule of law. The Protectorate is more secure tonight than last.

Regret having missed supper there tonight. Perhaps Tuesday.

[alt_daphne]

I completely trust that it is.

I'd say I regret it, too, but your service to our Lord and Protectorate is far more important than any supper.

That said, I hope to see you Tuesday.

There's nothing I'd like more than to thank you for your service in person.

[alt_daphne]

And... just so you know:

I realise that you're accustomed to being called a hero and being told that what you're doing is important. Perhaps you even grow ill of it, at times. I wouldn't know, myself.

But probably not enough people acknowledge that what you do is difficult, and requires a lot of sacrifice. I'm already seeing how it affects Hydra in such a way. I wish she were able to live the life of a more ordinary girl, but her gifts are required by all of us.

So what I mean is that I don't really want to thank you for your service. I'd just like to see you.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Would prefer that. Truly. It was a duty I owe. Not the sort of thing that requires thanks. Or ought to receive them.

And, yes, it was more pressing, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't have preferred to be there. With you.


Was yours a pleasant day, at least?

[alt_daphne]

Owe, rather than give freely? Or... because you're on the council, is that what you mean?

Oh, and dinner -I have to admit that I would have preferred you there, as well.

My day was pleasant enough. I was able to delegate most of the work to the prefects so that I could catch up on my homework for once. Though I suppose that by the end of this year I'll be glad that my career path doesn't require exceptional NEWT scores.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Have given a vow of life and allegiance. Gave it freely. Perhaps you're too young to know the strength of duty or the bonds of life commitments.

That sounds- never mind. Beware anyone who spews sage pronouncements at you.

Do you know that you've a tendency to sell yourself short?

When I see you, I'll remind you of your attributes and talents. Those begin with intelligence. In my opinion. Expect you'll earn NEWTs in excess of anything you choose to pursue.


I'm glad it was a pleasant enough day. That puts other things in perspective. (Should say goodnight before I lapse back into gnomic mutterings. Mine's been more than a day and long in more than hours.)

[alt_daphne]

I admit that I have yet to make a single life commitment - none that I can name at the moment, at least. Except to abstract things like beauty and passion and living an interesting life.

I won't keep you from sleep, then - goodnight, and if all goes well, I'll see you Tuesday.