CHAPTER 34

7 January 1992

My Beloved Granddaughter,

I was most pleased to receive your recent letter. The tides are turning once more within the serpent's nest, and I am delighted to hear about whom steers the tides' change. As the stars foretell, Shagr will soon rise to sit astride the shoulders of the Immortal Seven-Faced Paar'zheal. But as you and I both know, it may not be enough to stave the looming dark horror that threatens to engulf us all in unending damnation.

But that time is not now.

Be the counsel he requires at this time, like your father did and his father did and all others before. Do not allow your influence to go in vain.

Until we meet again darling child.

Biquat alsahr natahamaluh

10 January 1992

Il mio passerotto,

Come già sai, i versi annunzianti della profezia sono iniziati. Il principe di Serpeverde inizia la sua ascesa al trono. Stai al suo fianco e quando sarà il momento, ci incontreremo così posso leggere la sua fortuna.

Stammi bene.

3 February 1992

Dear Cousin Miranda,

Thank you for your most detailed letter. Grandfather was enjoying his most recent rejuvenation, and is now ready to provide the necessary guidance.

It seems that the filthy halfblood Potter has established some sort of influence over Heir Malfoy. Not completely surprising, since the boy has always been a witless brat at best. Still, a halfblood blood traitor exerting any influence over a Pureblood is completely objectionable, especially one who oft conspires with mudbloods, squibs, and all manner of other filthy riff-raff that loiter the Hogwarts halls. If left unchecked, such insolence will fester and poison us all.

As it stands, your task for the remainder of this school semester - and next semester if needed - to squash whatever ill-gained influence Harry Potter has acquired, and lead the charge in cleansing Slytherin House of his filthy influence. Do not fail.

Oderint dum metuuant

Dearest Cousin Cassius,

It would seem that the halfblood Potter has made some rather interesting strides in the serpent's nest. Though his blood may be inferior, this new development cannot go without additional investigation. Per Grandfather, it is your new responsibility for the remainder of this school year - and the next if needed - to ingratiate yourself with Potter and learn more about his new far-reaching influence. Gain his trust and earn his allyship to become a member of his inner circle, so you may strike from within.

Do try not to fail.

Oderint dum metuuant

26 February 1992

Lucius,

Per additional reviews of your son's mindscape, the situation is significantly more dire than originally expected. The 'obedience influence' is burrowed rather firmly within his psyche, and imparting standard introductory Occlumency practices - that is, to be a proficient Level 2 - will not be enough to uproot it. We will require additional support, a scalpel if you will.

Severus

25 March 1992

- NAM OCULI TUI SOLUM -

Status: Semi-Urgent

Regarding: SUBJECT W

Response: Required

Observation of SUBJECT W is seven days post transformation. No new physical or psychic changes detected. SUBJECT W continues to maintain an unprecedented Level 4 self-imposed psychic-lock within his dreamscape on DREAM TARGET Z1 during crescent and waxing phases. The lock's integrity does not change pre or post transformation.

As requested, 018 has made three separate Legilimency attempts to breach the psychic-lock. Attempts 1 and 2 were unsuccessful. However Attempt 3, - a Level 3 hybrid mind scan with 063 and 081 - led by 018 utilizing his unique [REDACTED] ability was almost successful, before SUBJECT W subconsciously initiated a temporary phrenic freeze. This resulted in further obfuscation of DREAM TARGET Z1, before psychic ejection of 018, 063, and 081 from SUBJECT W'S dreamscape (refer to Memory SX, SXY, and SSXY contained in attached phials).

Recommendation to transport SUBJECT W to [REDACTED] for additional surveillance, with additional recommendation for targeted psychic surgery to isolate and remove DREAM TARGET Z1 for Pensieve inspection.

009

- NAM OCULI TUI SOLUM -

19 April 1992

Galahad,

Circumstance requires that I send you this missive by words of ink and not that of mind. Cassio is on the move; he has made contact with Porter, and the two plan to reconvene in the Solstice month. You have already received confirmation of Cassio's compromisation, orchestrated by Porter and the family of good friends.

In an even odder turn of events, Cassio has also made contact with Dogberry at a rather random tavern, which I fear may have disastrous results for our purpose. Though he may wear the visage of a most extravagant oaf, I believe Dogberry may have some use for some of our goals.

I await your response.

Hector

14 May 1992

Good evening, Mr. Potter. This is Professor Quirinus Quirrell, writing to you by way of Miss Granger's rather ingenious little parchment. This is what the muggles call - I believe - telephone! How utterly delightful, no?

But enough of that. I believe it's time we had a little chat.

AN 1: My Italian is quite terrible, so forgive me for suffering through that. As requested, a translation for the Italian text: My Darling Sparrow

As you already know, the heralding verses of the prophecy have begun. The Prince of Slytherin begins his accession to the throne. Remain at his side and when the time comes, we will meet so I can read his fortune.

AN 2: These letters are setting the stage for plot-points for Book 2 & 3, so stay tuned! :)

AN 3: Of course the Selwyns play both sides and pit certain members of the family against each other.

Up Next, Quirrell vs. Harry vs. Jim, Part 1!