Private message to Bellatrix Lestrange

[alt_savitha]

I had a thoroughly interesting conversation with your daughter this morning, Bellatrix. She believes Antonin Dolohov to be guilty of treason -- specifically, that he's been aiding the escape of various traitors from the castle. He warded Aurora Sinistra's tower so that she was alerted in time to escape; she says he wrote to Evelyn Longbottom, saying something innocuous to warn her to flee; and she believes he knew that Draco was alive, though she hasn't been able to confirm it.

Could you have journal monitoring check his conversations with Aurora and the Longbottom girl?

Do you think this is merely Hydra attempting to throw suspicion in any direction that's not toward herself? I've asked her for some specific information that we'll be able to double-check later, though frankly this is just not a good week to try to find out anything more complex than which exams everyone is most worried about. Once NEWTs are over, the 7th years should be a bit more relaxed and revealing.

I assume you're occupied with the search for young Marvolo, but I thought I ought to let you know what Hydra told me. She said she didn't say anything before because she wasn't sure, and hesitated to accuse someone so respected and powerful without extensive evidence; Barty's mentorship of her, and Antonin's of Barty, also complicated matters. Needless to say, my own position here relative to Antosha also creates a certain amount of awkwardness, but believe me, I'll be keeping a careful eye on him.

Comments

[alt_bellatrix]

That does sound interesting.

I am now remembering that when I interrogated the Longbottom boy, I wrote to Tosha to ask a brief question about a potions text. He became quite meddlesome, really, asking what he could do, did I need another pair of hands, and such. It was MLE business, and he ought to know that if I need someone of him, I'll make that clear. And yet he volunteered himself to "lure" the girl back to her home so that Enforcers could arrest her.

I seem to recall he also made an attempt to "lure" Sinistra down from her tower.

Either he is very bad at luring, or there is something deeply amiss here.

To be frank, I have always felt that his religious beliefs are quite in conflict with much of Our Lord's goals. A traitor is a traitor, whether fifteen or fifty.

As for Hydra, I would not underestimate her ability to be incredibly crafty. Men frequently do this; I trust that you will not. I still believe her to be guilty of treason herself, of some kind, but at this point disloyalty from her is far less threatening to the fabric of the Protectorate than disloyalty from someone like Tosha.

I suggest that you begin to quietly gather concrete evidence to build a case against Tosha. I'll do the same, starting with journal monitoring. Once Harry is found, we will take further steps. Unless, of course, circumstances arise that require a more aggressive response.

[alt_savitha]

I've occasionally found it advantageous to be underestimated. I imagine it's been a while since you've been able to use that strategy.

In any case, I will not make that mistake with Hydra.

I had not realised that Antonin volunteered himself to lure the Longbottom girl. That's quite interesting. I dimly recall he had some sort of appointment with Aurora, that evening when all the traitors turned up at the school. Or so he said.

[alt_bellatrix]

I have not been underestimated since I was very young. It's a useful card to play, if it's available to you.

Oh, when I was pregnant with Rigel, I had some good fun pretending to be fat, waddling, and helpless. But even that was years ago.

As to Draco - it would not surprise me, though that was likely driven by my sister's helpless bleating. You'll note that she's now living behind Fidelius, like other traitors.

Tosha insisted he be granted that very task, in fact. I now regret that I allowed him to insert himself into MLE business at all.

[alt_savitha]

Your sister never had your strength or fire but she did at least appear loyal, over the years. Hiding behind a Fidelius ward would be a strong indicator of something to hide, though. Such as knowledge of Draco's whereabouts, or worse.

I wonder if Harry might have gone to ground in the Manor? It's certainly a more comfortable spot to hole up in than the little cottage outside of Hogsmeade. Shame there's no way to slip in and check. I don't suppose you've any influence over the Malfoy elves?

[alt_bellatrix]

I think we can assume the elves are fully loyal to my sister.

Perhaps the right bait would lure her out. I will think further on it.