Order Only Private Message to Miss Lestrange

[alt_severus]

I suppose congratulations are not the appropriate sentiment, given the reality of the situation, but as I cannot think of a more suitable method of honouring the work you have done, they will need do. I had not thought the Dark Lord would accept you so young, but your showing has been strong enough it is clear He would be a fool to delay your initiation.

I do hope your mother does not prove too insufferable.

You are not in need of the same instruction as I have been providing Draco, and you have clearly developed a number of mechanisms throughout the years for maintaining your inner landscape in the face of extreme provocation, but should the strain of your rôle become too much for you, I will offer the same bargain I offered him: a listening ear and inviolable secrecy should you need to unburden yourself, an additional mind in organising your plots to the goal of making them as airtight as possible, an extra wand wherever it might do good, and any other assistance I might provide, in any way.

I will not press that assistance upon you, but it will always be there for the taking. I regret I will no longer be at Hogwarts to offer that assistance more regularly, but you have but to say the word.

Comments

[alt_hydra]

My birthday's in a week. Perhaps they took that into consideration. Still, I'll be sixteen, not seventeen.

Justin says that I'm stronger than Draco. I don't know if he's right. He's got reason to be biased.

I, too, am sorry that you won't be living at school when we return.

[alt_severus]

Rather, better to say that you and Draco are strong in different fashions. Your ability to walk through hardship and come out the other side without losing your sense of self and your determination to continue doing what must be done will serve you well in the coming months and years, however. And both of you must be honoured for your ability to see through the Protectorate's lies and choose a more egalitarian path; that you have been able to see through the pretty lies to the truth beneath is a strength too many discount.

As Bellatrix Lestrange's daughter there is likely nothing I could tell you about what will be required of a Death Eater that you do not already know. Still, should you wish to make use of a confessor to whom the detail of what that rôle entails will come as neither surprise nor shock, I will always listen. Even if it must be via journal rather than anything more direct.

Allow me also to wish you a pleasant birthday, incongruous though such wishes might be.

[alt_hydra]

My parents have always been proud of their service to the Lord Protector, and my mother, in particular, has never bothered to hide what that service entailed. I know what sort of things will be expected of me, now that I have the mark.

I also expect that being the youngest, and female, will inspire some to protect me, and others to test me. Whatever the latter dream up, I doubt it will compare to the ways that Mummy herself will test me.

Thank you for your offer. I won't forget it.