(no subject)

[alt_crouch_jr]

Narcissa.

I apologise that my exchange with Black last evening caused you renewed pain. I hope you know that was not my intention.

Will you be seeing to arrangements today? If there are errands or details that I could manage for you, I'd be pleased to help in any way that occurs to you. I have my book with me. All you need do is write. Lucius, this offer is as much to you as to Narcissa. I know your schedule was overstretched before this occurred. Do not hesitate to call on me.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Narcissa.

The house is warded shut. When I was unable to enter, I visited your mother and she returned with me to try her key. That removed the locking spell as it ought to have done, but there are other wards on the house. I've been in and out of the house many times with Regulus, and have watched him use the key. There was no further unlocking charm, so far as I ever observed; it could have been keyed to his presence, but your mother, who has always been permitted entry before, was barred today.

I checked with the Floo administration, as well, and there's been no action from their end: the house has blocked its own fires.

I know Orion went to considerable lengths weaving protections around the house, but you might have supposed that with Walburga's death and Reg's it would have no further need to bar entry. Instead, it seems to have redoubled its wards.

I've sent a message to Rodolphus. If anyone can sort out what's gone wrong, he can.

[alt_narcissa]

Oh, for pity's sake. I just tried sending Trinny and she failed utterly, as well! I've never heard of a warding that bars one's house-elf as well as humans.

Mr Sinclair will have to do his best with the robes she was wearing, for the time being. How disappointing.

[alt_rodolphus]

I've had a look and I'm afraid nothing's gone wrong; the wards are doing exactly what they're meant to do, and neither you, I, Narcissa, or anyone else will be getting into 12 Grimmauld Place. There's only one person that the house will open for, and he is most certainly not in the vicinity of New London... unfortunate as that may be.

[alt_crouch_jr]

That's ludicrous! There has to be a way to break the seal.

He can't inherit the place. You know they disowned him years ago--he's entitled to nothing. Even if he'd not been written out of the Will, he's been outlawed, so any inheritable property is forfeit to the Protectorate.

There's really nothing you could try?

[alt_rodolphus]

Going by the age of the magic, I'd say the wards were put in place before any disowning, and long before the Protectorate, too. Blood magic of this nature has no regard for the law, and will answer only to those who cast it, or to their heirs. I don't know why Orion and Walburga never changed the spell themselves... perhaps they meant to but never got 'round to it.

I can think of one thing to try, but it's rather macabre. Especially so soon after her passing. And it might end up being nothing more than a hex in the dark.

[alt_lucius]

Let us approach this logically, Rodolphus. I'm sure there are items of value, but other than something suitable for her burial, I don't believe there is any urgent need to gain entry.

If as you say, we have a limited window of opportunity, then it would be foolish not to consider it. However, depending on the nature of the procedure, we may do well to wait until we have the right person at our ... disposal.

[alt_rodolphus]

I have no personal interest in gaining entry aside from wondering if it could be done...like I said, a hex in the dark. Narcissa's invited me over, so perhaps we can discuss options in person, and whether or not you even want to take those options.

[alt_lucius]

I was not suggesting you have any personal stake - only that my wife is not necessarily thinking as clinically as you or I.

And yes, I welcome the chance to discuss it together with her.

[alt_narcissa]

I shan't insult you by asking whether you're sure, but is there anything we can do to break the spell?

Mother knows nothing about Uncle Orion having put any such spell on the house. Can you tell how old it is - I mean, approximately when it was cast? Is it possible that he bound the place up before he fled for the continent?

[alt_rodolphus]

I won't offend you, Narcissa, by describing the only possible solution that has occurred to me. Read what I wrote to Barty if you care to know more, but mind that you brace yourself.

I'd gauge the spell as having been cast thirty or so years ago, give or take.

[alt_narcissa]

Recall that I am also your wife's sister, Rodolphus: I do not pale so easily, whatever Lucius may choose to believe.

Would you need all of her or only a sample of her blood?

Perhaps we ought to discuss it in person.

[alt_rodolphus]

Discussing it in person would be best.

[alt_narcissa]

Why don't you come over, then, if you're free. Barty will be here to take the statement that has Bella in such a flap; but if we're discussing anything that would require dispensation, he might as well be present.