Hi All,
This is summer again, so uploads will be a little sporadic (also, I found a glitch I have to repair in the story, which means I deleted 70k words from the future chapters that I need to replace, so please be patient with me, its for the better outcome).
Please note that the story is rated M for a reason. This chapter might be triggering.
As always, the Harry Potter saga belongs to Rowling, and I make no money from this endeavour; I am only having fun and I'm grateful for the opportunity.
The next upload will probably be only in August. Sorry for the delay (and the glitch). Please try to enjoy!
Evan to Lucinda
23rd July 1976.
Dear Miss Lucinda,
It was a pleasure finding you among the throng yesterday. True to my promise, I am indeed taking the time to owl you and inquire about your continuous good mood. (Some say cheekfume ingestion needs some getting used to, but I'm reasonably sure that a girl like you would avoid all side effects.)
Be so kind, and keep our shenanigans in private so they may get repeated. Until then, please convey my well-wishes to your friend, Bellatrix, on the occasion of her sister's wedding. Both I and my brother are most obliged for the entertainment she (and you, beautiful) provided to make the grand day bearable.
Your faithful admirer,
Evan Rosier.
Evan to Lucinda
4th August 1976.
Dear Miss Lucinda,
Tell me, where are such girls as you hiding until one goes to Hogwarts? I've just celebrated getting rid of that tedious place, and here I'm finding myself longing to return when there's no chance to do so! Suggest a solution, I need to see you again.
Hopefully, your close friend,
Evan Rosier
Lucinda to Evan
10th August 1976.
Mr Rosier,
Your conduct is horrible. Please keep it up, or I'll be forced to choose another friend for the coming weekend. My friend Bella is getting engaged. If you need the particulars, you are not the wizard I was led to believe you may be.
Come and find me!
Regards,
Lucinda
Evan to Lucinda
20th November 1977.
You cheeky witch,
Now, is this the way to leave someone in Hogsmeade? Rosmerta will ban me from the premises, but I have no regrets.
Tell me, my demon, who this Regulus fellow is? Our Lord has taken an interest in the brat, and I'm sure you know him. I would honour your hardships if you found the time to share with me some titbits. The castle is unapproachable from the outer side. Are there others, too, I should expect to see at a gathering? And when shall I see you?
Impatiently,
Evan
Lucinda to Evan
30th November 1977.
Impatient Evan,
If you wish to hear about Hogwarts, you should make it worth the time to entertain you. Here, I give you a chance:
Regulus Black is my friend's first cousin. He's tolerable at Quidditch and has but one fault: his brother. That boy's a menace, thankfully leaving the family nest in favour of his blossoming friendship with the Headmaster's pets. I cannot fathom what could make the Dark Lord aware of him, though. Reg has no special skills but his ancestry and appearance. Although, if He is into blatant fanboying, he chose the best candidate.
As for others, the rest of his lot is more subdued. The boys in my year are more ready to jump the rope. Especially Avery and Mulciber. They both hope to climb into His good graces on Malfoy's back. Bella tells me Rodolphus is appalled.
How will you compensate for my struggles? If your offer is good enough, I might write longer.
Lucy.
Evan to Lucinda
9th December 1977.
Lucy Lucy Lucy,
You bait a wizard with permission to use such a childish nickname as if you didn't know what it does to me! Now I'm thinking of your blameless skin and features that don't show your age and chant the name you signed. Wicked girl! When will I see you?
Our Lord has his own consideration when he chooses his closest allies. The ranks are filled like circles from the acknowledged to the most appreciated, making cells for the organisation that only He keeps with in touch. You are lucky, girl, for I know more about Him than the average follower, having a father immersed into the old circle of think tanks like Abraxas, and a brother accepted as a loyal servant among Corbin Yaxley and Dolohov, of whom you might have heard already. Myself only lately received the honour, which put me with your friend's beau, and her sister's husband. Each circle has a talent for poisoning, political strategy, and combat. My hunch is that your classmates will soon be received into our circle as combatants because the times for hiding in shadows are over.
I worked hard for your favour, now tell me the day and the hour!
Evan
Lucinda to Evan
17th December 1977
Mr Rosier, sir,
Your words show you are so mature and knowledgeable! How could I even begin to keep up with one the Dark Lord favoured?
Among Avery and Mulciber, I'm sure the others are likely to take up the fight, too, and soon. Crabbe and Goyle are especially eager duellists, and some say the Snape boy might also be interested. He's just a little swot in Sluggy's Club, but he's a real ratbag. There's also a boy in the fourth year, Barty Crouch, a typical fanboy for His enjoyment. You could endorse him if the interest in Reg expires.
I asked for an old-fashioned pinafore dress for Christmas. If only someone knew how to fix it up! Do you have someone in mind?
I'm available on the 27th and on New Year's Eve. Ask your friends about the hottest place to party!
Little Lucy
Evan to Lucinda
2nd June 1978
Lucinda,
I have arrived in Hogsmeade and will not leave without you. Pack your trunk well because you'll live from it for a month.
Evan
Lucinda to Evan
27th August 1978
Dear Evan,
I told you I could get it! The First Administrator at the Magical . Office has a new secretary. I have free movement in the building and may take and read all documents except the MLE's ongoing investigations. Even there, I have access to the archives. Tell me what you wish for, darling!
I know we have to wait, and I wouldn't risk your stupid sister's ire, but my friend Bella is worried. Have you heard anything about Reg? It seems he walked off the map, and no one knows a thing about him. I would compensate you for your help!
Lucy
Evan to Lucinda
27th August 1978
Darling Girl,
I wish I could be of use, but I can't leave here. Something's cooking, and I must attend.
Wish me luck, and try to find that prick!
Evan
Evan to Lucinda
17th September 1978
Lucy Lucy, My Dream,
You won't believe it, but if I tell you this, you will forgive all my sins and tardiness.
I just came from our Lord's side. It was sensational! All that He can do with His Wand and the tales he told us! I have never loved the Arts more in my life! Also, we have a new cell established just for combat. Who do you think is to link them to our Lord?
The bad news is that sissy Snape boy received the Mark and was put under the same command. Are you quite sure about his accomplishments? Lucius tried him at various positions, but the boy was useless! He makes me wish for Regulus instead, and I have no idea where that nitwit has gone!
Soften your heart, girl, and let me see you!
The Dark Lord's new lieutenant,
and your faithful
Evan
Evan to Lucinda
19th September 1978
Girl,
You can't make me pay this hard for what wasn't my fault!
I know how to soften your heart. Listen:
Before my father died, there were tales in the old circle about a Hector Fawley. The man was Minister for Magic from 1926 to 1939. It was said he didn't take Grindelwald seriously enough, which is no surprise as he'd been secretly rooting for him. When he was forced out of office, he married Eleonore. You know her from the receptions. I hear she's a little over her prime, but I never had eyes for women like her.
The thing is that he supported our Lord but had never been marked, so his nephew joined the old circle in the name of the family. The guy is hardly older than my brother and sits with Haemophilus Macmillan and Abraxas Malfoy, who both used to be schoolmates with our Lord. Can you even imagine, Lucy? To go to school with a wizard like Him?
Well, they say there used to be a secret club. It grew out of the one old Slughorn leads, and its members were called the Knights of Walpurgis. Now, everyone believes that they dissolved or just became Death Eaters, but that's not true. Haemophilus Macmillan invited my brother! They are all over the Ministry, and no one is the wiser.
Can you see now you can't live without me? Let me see you, girl, and I will make you a part of my new plan!
Evan
Lucinda to Evan
Between October 1978 – February 1979
Dear Evan,
Just because there have been other ministers forced out of office for our Lord's sake doesn't mean it's an easy feat to pull off. Don't mistake me; I trust in your abilities, but as you will see yourself, this will take time.
I Geminio-ed Minister Minchun's calendar and daily tasks for you to read. He never leaves without an Auror on his side and always checks identities with premeditated questions.
I'll keep my eyes open. Don't forget Bella's birthday, and I'll be a good girl if you do your job and show up.
Lucinda
Dear Evan,
I Geminio-ed the Minister's monthly calendar. You will find it in this envelope. Also, I hear he has a son in Hogwarts. The man is all about the kid. You could use that.
I know you aren't responsible for your insane sister, but could you somehow leash her?
Lucy
Darling,
This is Minchun's calendar for the Season. He has a new bodyguard, some Shacklebolt. That man is a menace; I will not be forced to go back there soon.
See me in Derby in the Holiday! I prepared something for you.
Lucy
Evan to Lucinda
March 14th 1979
Dearest Girl,
You did an excellent job! I will reward your efforts. Now, you are also ready to hear the details.
As I hinted, our Lord wishes to own the Ministry through his proxies. This is more convenient for a wizard like Him. The problem I have solved is the sad lack now of a wizard, like old Abraxas, who used to poison the Minister for His convenience. I gathered all that was to know about Nobby Leach's mysterious illness, and I think I came up with an idea.
Poisons are easy to reveal, and this new wand rule in the Atrium makes cursing tedious in the building. But there is a two-component Confundus that makes the subject ingest a simple potion. It does nothing more than make his system sensitive for chosen hexes. Then, every Confundus pushes him deeper into insanity until he has no choice but to seek the help of St Mungo's wizards. And the potion cannot be detected.
The best thing about it is that it doesn't matter who sends the hexes. They may even come from different wands with days or weeks between them. I talked to Sloan Travers, and he is in. It's time to show the Dark Lord that the Malfoys are not His only choice when it comes to the Ministry's politics. Sloan also told me that Wilkes may be interested.
Wish me luck! If I manage to convince Wilkes to leave Lucius for my plan's sake, we will have the world, my dear! We shall be our Lord's favourites, and even your friend Bella will have to step back before you.
Evan
Lucinda to Evan
20th March 1979
Darling,
You are a genius. I knew I had chosen wisely.
Now, let me just add a little to your great plan, as I know Wilkes better and may be of some use. Meet me at our regular, tomorrow at 6 p.m. (I'll leave my stockings in my bag so you will listen to what I have to say, but feel free to make me stay after. I'd like to reward you!)
Until then, you might want to talk to Corban. The Yaxleys have long sought a chance to push the Malfoys aside.
Faithfully yours,
Lucy
Evan to Lucinda
17th April 1979
Lucy, My Dear,
I can't tell you how much I hate to be stuck here and wait for my silly brother's potions to do the job. I swear if Mordred didn't ask me to stay put and recover, I would just go berserk and out this whole disdainful lot!
Not that I haven't known about Monty's sick inclinations about putting it into Muggles, but this woman he eventually chose is probably the worst of them all! And she comes with a mother and aunt! Can you imagine? The whole place is loud with their inane chatter, and their boys are given bloody bicycles to roam the neighbourhood!
The only saving grace was discovering my niece in this bedlam. The girl is formidably open to dark magic. I haven't seen the likes in an infant before. Do you remember being a small child? What is your first memory? I wish I had known you before you left the cradle!
See? I am left with daydreams.
Write to me, girl!
Evan
Lucinda to Evan
30th May 1979
Evan Rosier,
I know about all your aberrations, you sick bastard, and if you don't leave that place this instant and return to me, I will raise hell on you and feed you to Hades' dogs!
Do you want to hear about my memories? Come and charm them out from me! I was a cute baby. I can show you pictures, even transfigure my nose shorter, and regrow my maidenhead with a potion. But spend one day with another girl, be her your infant niece or the daughter of Venus, and I will cut off what you find so hard to place!
Evan to Lucinda
31st May 1979
Darling, you made me so happy and excited! I wish I could join you right now!
Don't fret, dear, there's no one like you! I have learnt my lesson. But I can't possibly leave in this state. My skin was torn off my back almost completely, and as much as Monty is a pathetic bore, he has the best potion to heal it.
I also found my father's books about the Arts in his library and will read through them for both of our benefits. Anabella is sweet. I will not lie about that. But she is heavily guarded. However, these books may help us with Minchun.
Show some trust, darling, and send me those pictures! I will soon prove to you just how much I missed you!
Evan
P.S. Do you really know such a potion? I can't stop thinking about that!
Lucinda to Evan
22nd August 1979
My Dear,
You made me sore at all the wrong places! I should hate you for that, but I can't wait to repeat it!
You deserve something for your perseverance:
There's this strange boy I used to go to school with, a Gryffindor from my year. His name is Pettigrew. He just got a job at the Magical Sports and Games, and I have a feeling he could be turned against Dumbledore.
See, the kid always had a thing for whoever is stronger, and his besties were infamous for being the Headmaster's pets. Yet this time, he is all alone in this huge Ministry and has no choice about it, for his ma needs the funds. I am yet to learn why his brethren failed to help him, or perhaps it's some misguided act of pride or other rubbish. The thing is, he must know all kinds of details about their little secret society and, with the right persuasion, would sing like a nightingale.
Now tell me, when shall we repeat last night? I'll have the potion.
Lucy
Evan to Lucinda
7th March 1980
Darling,
It's time. The potion worked. I could see it in Minchun's eyes. There were no side effects, and the old fool tried to play it down. Wilkes must have the first hit, so we'll be sure about his alliance. Then you and Corban may send him a hex under the table whenever you find it safe.
Oh, Lucy, to know I have brewed this cocktail and fairy boy gets all the accolades for poisons! Well, not anymore!
Just the other night, our Lord graced us with His presence. The Snape boy should have proved his worth, and we all gathered at what's called a "water treatment plant" (I didn't even know those were a thing), and the guy just got down to business in front of everyone. Then do you know what happened? Nothing! Gods, I never had a better laugh! The dumbarse botched it! Our Lord was livid, of course. I thought I was watching the idiot kicking the bucket on the spot! But for whatever reason, he was spared, even if I doubt he'll walk again in this life.
And I can't tell them about the potion until our plan works out! Life is so unjust! Come, cheer me up!
E.
Lucinda to Evan
9th June 1980
Darling,
You are such a dear! To watch here all the people cry their eyes out for the Bones family is a treat I didn't know I wanted! It's better than when the McKinnons were tortured! The photographs are classified, so of course, everyone has seen them!
Splendid job, my love! Come for your reward!
Lucy
Evan to Lucinda
10th June 1980
Darling,
If you liked the job about the Bones, you should have seen what the Dark Lord did to Dorcas Meadows today! Words fail me when I try to describe it! Watching Him execute Meadows was watching a true master of the Art show off all his talent! Except I thoroughly doubt He had to use a tenth of what He has, and still, the experience was unforgettable!
Next time you'll be free to see me, I will try to borrow Mordred's Pensive. As far as I remember, it went to him after Father died.
What would you give for that memory?
Evan
Lucinda to Evan
19th June 1980
Dear Evan,
You must know about this. Sloan Travers popped in today, and was quite worked up. He demanded assistance in casting away Caradoc Dearborn's body. I helped him. I don't dare to write down where it is, but his transfigured ruins will never be found.
Why do you think Sloan did this? Weren't we forward enough? Didn't he already know that we keep to the deal? Or is he returning to Lucius and trying to gather evidence?
Evan, I'm scared! I can prove that he and Wilkes played along, but what if they want to hurt me?
Come to me!
Lucy
Evan to Lucinda
20th June 1980
Darling,
I would be the last to object to you behaving childishly, but keep it in the bedroom! Have you forgotten about what I told you about old Macmillan? He received Mordred into their circle, and the Knights of Walpurgis are yet to dissolve. You do have a background. I might not be able to think straight enough when you're holding onto me to tell you these logical titbits, but you should know them. If you ever get into trouble because of Sloan or one of the Wilkes, and you cannot find me, run to the Macmillans. I would never leave you without a cover!
But you know what? If it gets as hot as last night, you may get the jitters more frequently.
E.
Evan to Lucinda
dateless
Benjy Fenwick exploded! Gods, it was beautiful! Small Fenwick pieces rained from the open skies! I want to fuck you until I feel it in my veins! Leave everything and come to me!
Evan to Lucinda
14th July 1980
Lucy,
Have you read the Prophet? I can't believe it! All the hard work we put into it, and I'm stuck in the country to learn it from the bloody Prophet!
Bagnold?
What the Hell is going on in Town? How couldn't you even warn me?
Seriously? Bagnold?
I can't even… Lucy, darling, I'm losing my mind! Munchin is leaving the office for the sake of a rubber room, and instead of short chaos comes Bagnold!?
Who did this?
Evan
Lucinda to Evan
16th July 1980
Evan, Dearest,
I was trying to warn you when you came to see me last time. Perhaps if you came more frequently, you could spare some brain cells for what I'm actually telling you, but as it seems you couldn't, I will hereby repeat it:
Crouch.
This is your problem. Bartemius Bloody Crouch is the Ministry's new strongman, who has the support of practically everyone who doesn't belong to us. So much so that I've been contemplating offering him our support so the others wouldn't believe our silence to be a statement of purpose.
This is pure politics, Darling, not your fault and not mine. Unfortunately, the Dark Lord has yet to grab the Ministry, and until he does so, a dark horse may win the race. Bagnold is the smaller bad. Crouch as a Minister would have been a death sentence for many of us.
You are strong and creative, Evan. You are my hero. We will get through this and begin again.
Lucy
Evan to Lucinda
18th July 1980
Lucy,
I hope I managed to express my feelings last night. However, if you want to stand up and march on, we will need a thorough look at the MLE. You go, my dear, and get all the details. I will not suffer this Harlequin in silence.
Evan
Lucinda to Evan
27th July 1980
Dear Evan,
I have spent the last week befriending the MLE assistants. I can't do much yet, but I can put our plans into motion.
The first order of interest is weakening Moody. He flies in tandem with Crouch, but be careful, for he is a close acquaintance of Dumbledore and enjoys not only his support but perhaps also his advice. And I didn't mean the Hogwartian rubbish; the man defeated Grindelwald, and Moody has access to his private library.
I will try to find a leak on his shield, but until then, you should watch for this Shacklebolt. He's been old Munchin's bodyguard and seems to have developed a close friendship with his son, too. The boy is now received into the MLE after just finishing his Auror training, which might interest you. I don't know if he suspects us.
There are also the Longbottoms, considered the star Aurors since the Prewett brothers fell. (Whose job was it? These guys are clueless, and I would toast the fellow!) They have a weak spot, Alice is pregnant. They are more vulnerable for an attack now than any other time.
I will write as soon as I gather more.
Think of me!
Lucy
Evan to Lucinda
22nd August 1980
Darling,
I don't know what curse we have fallen under, but nothing works out as it is supposed to.
Do you remember the Snape boy's fall from grace? Well, it became a funny business because our Lord didn't even waste his time to kill him. Instead, he got a chance to redeem himself or get killed by the enemy. What no one foresaw was that that dumbarse pulled it off somehow and provided our Lord with information they are keeping in confidence even in the First Circle. To top it all, he was granted a wish last night for proving himself "so useful," and guess what he asked for? A Mudblood's life!
I swear that clodpoll has a problem on the upper levels, or I don't know how he stayed here this long without catching the plot! Now, the Dark Lord had the laugh of his life, and we are held back to celebrate the future Malfoy baby. I would rather go and curse out the Longbottom brat from its mother's womb.
I hopelessly miss you. Here, I said it. Whatever you have done to me, it worked.
Evan
Lucinda to Evan
25th August 1980
Darling,
I'm so sorry!
I cannot stop crying since I heard about Mordred! Are you all right?
Evan, please send me a sign that you are unhurt! Please don't do anything rash! Let me help you!
Evan, Please reply! You don't have to bear this alone, dear!
Your faithful Lucy
Evan to Lucinda
29th September 1980
Lucy,
Moody captured Karkaroff and Dolohov. Whatever you will hear, I am unharmed. We didn't avenge my brother, but I have an idea.
Munchin's son must have been in training when we worked on his father. I will get close to him and make him deliver his betters. That will be the laugh when their own pet serves them up!
Wish me luck, darling,
Love,
Evan
Lucinda to Evan
29th September 1980
Evan, don't go there! He knows it!
Lucinda to Evan
30th September 1980
Evan,
Where are you?
Darling, this isn't funny! Please reply!