Private message to Lucius Malfoy

[alt_rachel]

I saw you posted. Is everything okay? I was making some evening plans, but if you're on your way back...

Comments

[alt_lucius]

Everything is fine - well, not precisely, but there is no immediate threat.

Unfortunately, much as I would love to resume approximately where we left, it will not be possible this evening.

Unless you care to Apparate to the furthest reach of the realm, to what amounts to little more than a thatched cottage masquerading as a credible hotel. While that would be a welcome visitation, I confess that the place has little to recommend itself.

[alt_rachel]

You make it sound ever so appealing.

What happened? Or maybe I should ask, is there anyone I should be assiduously avoiding tomorrow?

[alt_lucius]

As far as I can tell, my dear, your presence would be the only thing that could make it in any way appealing. But perhaps it's best if you go about your ... other plans. Your arrival could not be anything but conspicuous.

Currently, I believe what 'happened' is that Bode has bungled his calculations on the latest stone going live. You're aware that to-day is the equinox, of course: The St David's location was expected to flare (to the extent they were ever 'expected' to do anything, mind) but Mysteries received report of disturbances in northern Scotland instead.

We were despatched to this ... wasteland ... to determine whether the flare was the result of tampering or what Bode now has the audacity to call 'normal' activation.

[alt_rachel]

Oh, for Merlin's sake. Why are they making you all spend the night up there? Misery loves company?

[alt_lucius]

It's over 650 miles from New London - and off the Floo network. You may be accustomed to Apparating that far multiple times in a day .... but given that Bode intends more investigation at dawn, the prospect of spending the night seemed ... preferable to making the trip thrice within twelve hours.

Though at present, that may have been a mistaken decision.

[alt_rachel]

Well, the damage wrought by a hard bed and a bad meal can generally be fixed without the services of a Healer, unlike splinching, so ... it was certainly the wise decision.

You'll have to remember the name of that hotel. You can recommend it to people you dislike, for their next holiday.

[alt_lucius]

Ha, and I thought you were a Ravenclaw. Clearly you've spent too much time among Slytherins.

Though it would be perfect for our friend Mulciber.

But you probably want to go on with your evening. Go and meet Mr Weasley.

[alt_rachel]

I guess that means Mulciber didn't get called up there with you? Pity. I was hoping I wouldn't have to see him tomorrow morning.

NOT that I blame Mysteries for preferring to manage without him.

I'll cross my fingers for an uninterrupted afternoon next week.