Private message to Lucius Malfoy

[alt_selwyn]

Just got word from Our Lord.

They're all to be executed. All, not merely the girl and her mother. There's an older boy who finished school...I'm not sure when. And an eight-year-old.

My orders are to execute the youngest.

Yours?

Comments

[alt_lucius]

What?

All of them?

For what reason?

(Clearly, no, was not info--

[alt_selwyn]

All of them.

I wasn't given a reason.

Do you think I should ask for one?

[alt_lucius]

Yes. Just received the confirmation of execution orders from Yaxley. Bella and Barty have the honour of the others. (Bella presumably because she has been champing at her bit; Barty in acknowledgement of his 'quick and decisive' response to Dolores fucking Umbridge. Blast.)

Court this after-noon, as well. Mordred's Mercy.

No. Best you steel yourself, Dominic, and simply do as told.

[alt_selwyn]

I keep thinking about your niece.

The worst sort of traitors, for parents. But moved to a decent home...she's lived a respectable enough life, I think.

Has magical blood become so cheap, then

I've asked Bella to let me know when they're done -- when they won't need the boy anymore.

[alt_lucius]

My n .... Oh. Narcissa's, you mean.

Perhaps it's a lesson in some form of rehabilitation but to me it speaks more of the volatility of station: In one generation, an entire branch of Narcissa's family has entirely lost all its former value in heritage and dignity. Though in her case, it's an open question whether the blame falls entirely on her own mongrel nature or the inability of Barty's father and mother to instill the best values, or more likely, the combination of the two factors.

I ... take it you attempted to argue for clemency on the part of the younger children?

[alt_selwyn]

Oh, yes. I'm sorry; I meant Narcissa's niece.

I would not have said that I argued, precisely, but --

Well. I have my orders; it's time to carry them out.

[alt_lucius]

Come by for a drink after, should you need one.

[alt_lucius]

Just received an owl from my former clerk - he's been told to come to Fleet's house as well.

Tell me he has not been mixed up in this affair.

[alt_selwyn]

Not to my knowledge.

He's been clerking for Mr Fleet, yes? Surely if they suspected Crispin of involvement, he would have been seized upon, not merely invited to drop by.

[alt_lucius]

Not clerking but works in his office, yes.

Now that my initial shock has passed, believe I know the cause. Ah, Yaxley has just confirmed.

Related to matters Crispin and I spoke of only Monday, in fact. Morgana, hadn't expected anything to move that quickly.

Though even in that - should have been notified prior to the decision. Double blast.