Private Message to A Dolohov

[alt_crouch_jr]

Batya.

Not sure what your tasks are today, but have just seized a property that will interest you. Floo: Crosby Hall, Chelsea.

Had no idea Moran was a collector. (Has risen considerably in estimation as a person of interest this morning. Sure he's less keen on that score than we.)

Books. A wing full of them. Bring containment cases. You're welcome to all you want.

Imagine the search will demand at least a day. Suggest we summon the elves to cook for us here: his larder's rich in things that've gone short elsewhere. We could make an evening of it. You owe me a rematch at gobstones, anyway, and that would be more entertaining on his terrace, watching the boat races on the river.

Comments

[alt_antonin]

Moran's estate had something worth looking at? That's a surprise, honestly, but I've never known you to be wrong at an assessment. Will be there in a moment, as soon as I finish up here.

And you are welcome to the rematch, although your perpetual insistence that you have a chance at winning will never fail to be amusing!

[alt_crouch_jr]

Your win last time was purely luck.

I was distracted by that business with Rowle.

[alt_antonin]

You may continue to think that, of course. Far be it from a father to discourage a healthy self-image in his son. That having been said, darling, what's your excuse for the four losses that happened before that?

Do we think Moran will ever see the light of day again -- in which case I will restrict my avarice somewhat -- or do we have free rein? Oh, what the hell, I'll simply bring all the cases I have free.

And making an evening of it sounds lovely (and sorely needed). I'll have Berry collect a bottle of wine from the cellars and set herself to inspecting the larder. She's been quite out of sorts about the shortages; she'll be beside herself at the chance to feed us a proper meal.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Moran's prospects depend entirely on what he's able to offer us and how deeply enmeshed he's been with certain contrary interests.

If he wins a reprieve, he'll be pleased to understand the plunder of Crosby as a contribution to the cause. A loyalty tax, as it were. (His liquid assets have already been transferred.)


You know perfectly well the tally charm was faulty. We agreed those scores were void, Batya. Or is your memory slipping?

[alt_antonin]

That we agreed those matches do not count to our running total does not change the fact you lost them fair and square!

Oh, well, perhaps you'll get lucky. I wouldn't want to discourage you from making the attempt; ambition is to be rewarded, after all.

Understood, about Moran. And I'm certain we can put his assets to better use, either way. Particularly those assets in his larder. (I haven't eaten lunch yet; have you? A fortifying meal before taking inventory sounds just the thing.)

[alt_crouch_jr]

Keep telling yourself so, old man.

Lunch, however, is an excellent suggestion.

[alt_antonin]

And I have finished up here, and will be collecting the cases and arriving shortly.