Thank you for the reviews on the last chapter!
This interlude sets a plot in motion that takes a while to culminate.
Interlude: Special Order
To: Tertius Serpentigena
Coluber House
July 3rd, 1995
Dear Mr. Serpentigena:
This is simply a letter to confirm my order placed on the twenty-second of April. I had not heard anything from you since the original letter acknowledging that you had an Omen snake on hand, a laying female. Just to make matters clear, I wanted to request a young Omen snake, and neither an egg nor an adult female. All my research has made it clear how much depends on the young snake having his or her own mind before their choice of a partner is complete. An egg hatched by a certain person will result in an Omen snake too attached to that person, and most adults have chosen already, or never will. The need in this case is for a companion, a friend, not a mindless servant or a distant adviser.
Please acknowledge my letter, and inform me that you have such a snake on hand in Coluber House. If you do not, I must ask that you return the half of the payment I have given you directly.
Sincerely,
Draco Malfoy.
To: Draco Malfoy
Malfoy Manor
July 8th, 1995
Dear Mr. Malfoy:
I do indeed have several young Omen snakes on hand. My laying female's latest clutch has hatched, and I have been looking over the brood to see which would be most suitable. I have three females and one male, all a month old and very intelligent. Which one would interest you most?
Sincerely,
Tertius Serpentigena.
To: Tertius Serpentigena
Coluber House
July 11th, 1995
Dear Mr. Serpentigena:
For several reasons, a male snake is more desirable. Enclosed please find the second half of the payment, and I look forward to your delivery of the Omen snake no later than the morning of July 31st.
Sincerely,
Draco Malfoy.