Private message to Auror Crouch

[alt_hydra]

I'm not sure if you'll make it to the castle tonight. If you don't, I'm still set for training. Justin Finch-Fletchley and I have agreed to book the salle one or two evenings a week. You've seen what he's capable of, so I'm sure there are things I can learn from him, and vice versa.

I hope everything's going smoothly out there.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Am at Hogwarts, in fact, though you missed me at supper. Were you doing homework or sparring with Monsieur Finch-Fletchley? Will not mention same to your mother. Who is, by the way, not impressed with the obvious inadequacies of your diet and the effect on your stamina.

If you are not otherwise entangled, meet me at the salle, and we'll assert precedence if it's occupied. You're slipping. Not a testament to your (ex?) paramour's supposed excellence.

[alt_hydra]

I've been revising at supper, lately. But I always eat some biscuits or something during. I guess that's not enough.

I'm sorry, I know I am. I can't explain why, I feel like I'm putting in more effort than ever. I'll be not-entangled in fifteen minutes, though, and we can get to work.

Justin and I used to date, yes, but I can safely say that there's no chance of us ever dating again in the future. So no worries there.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Heard (at some length, relative to the source) that your balance is off and you're easily winded. Also that you're squeamish about things you've never shown scruples about, and she's convinced you've gone to daydreaming.

Would be easier if you just performed to expectation.

[alt_hydra]

Relative to the source. I see.

When was the last time you heard my mother say something nice about me, though? Right, thought so.

Okay, so I'll do just that. See you in a bit.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Mind you, I do understand that communication with parents is not always accomplished by acquiescing.

Can't think of a time when I did.

Would help if I knew what sort of statement you were trying to make. She's not always receptive/perceptive where you're concerned. (Not a surprise, I'm certain.) For a brilliant witch, she has a significant blind spot.

(Would tell her that myself if necessary.)

[alt_hydra]

i don't know.

Sometimes I think I'd rather be adequate and only partially-motivated in the face of her critique, rather than try my very best and end up hearing the same things.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Quel surprise.

Expect you've explored the limits of that strategy. Will not offer advice on that front.

[alt_hydra]

You're funny, you know. I'd never noticed before.

Are you going to stay after to see Daphne?

[alt_crouch_jr]

And you're cheeky. I'd been warned, but hadn't noticed that before.

What do you think?

[alt_hydra]

Cheeky seems like a polite substitute for what you actually heard.

Well, for her sake, I hope you are, because I think she fancies you quite a lot.

And I hope that if you don't fancy her back the same way you won't string her along until something new catches your eye, because she definitely deserves a good deal more than that.

So do you, actually.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Sounds like a studied opinion. Didn't realise you gave so much thought to my arrangements.

Good. You ought to be measuring and assessing your sparring partner's distractions.

Also. Pleased to know you think that much of her. Your opinion carries more weight than most.

And I'll take the suggestion under advisement.

[alt_hydra]

The Protectorate in general gives a lot of thought to your arrangements. And yes, I think I'm learning more about your distractions all the time.

I do think a lot of her, and not just because she's turned out to be my cousin. She's thoughtful and sensitive in rather unique ways. Just don't ask Padma Patil for her opinion of Daphne. Or her opinion of me, for that matter.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Indeed.

As I said, your opinion carries more weight than most. Decidedly more than that useless quantity.

[alt_hydra]

Well, good.

Alright, I've finished stalling. Ready to perform to expectation.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Waiting your leisure.