(no subject)
Title:Bellatrix Black’s Diary
Author: minnow_53
Assigned Characters: Bellatrix Black and Ludo Bagman
Rating: PG
Era: October 1970
Thanks: To my anonymous beta, for reading through.
Bellatrix Black’s Diary
October 5
What a bore! I’ve been invited to a beastly charity auction at St. Mungo’s, and I’ll have to go and buy some hideous vase that Mother won’t even let into the house. Well, perhaps I can give it to Aunt Walburga as a Christmas present. Of course, I might not be bidding on a vase. It could be a vile portrait, or even a hand-knitted wand-cosy. I’m shuddering already at the thought!
Saw Andromeda off on her work experience this morning: she’ll be in Romania for a month, training vampires to become desensitised to light. Lucky so-and-so, missing this dreadful auction.
October 6
Well, that was unexpected! Not a hand-knitted wand cosy in sight. It turned out that St. Mungo’s was actually auctioning off its patients. The place is overrun with mad people at the moment, and they’re trying to raise money for a new wing to put them all. They were selling a few of the less crazy ones so a sane person can look after them for a few days. They’ll build the wing with the proceeds from the sale, then take the patients back. Apparently, Muggles call this ‘care in the community’, and it’s all the rage.
The mad witches and wizards all looked pretty dangerous to me. Most of them had wild, staring eyes and a few of them were laughing manically. But you know what Mother is: she said sternly that it was my duty as a Black to put in a bid. She also said, quite reasonably, that the more I bid, the sooner the new wing would be ready, and then I could send my mad person back.
In the end, I went for this rather lost-looking blond wizard with big blue eyes. He had an awfully dirty face: I suppose they’re not allowed their wands in there. Mother says, meanly, that I fancy him, but really I don’t. She pointed out that he couldn’t be a pure-blood, as most of the naturally blond wizards in England died out after the Norman Mages Invasion. I said, ‘Really, mother! Who cares, these days?’ Of course, I didn’t mean it.
A lot of witches were bidding on him, including my Aunt Lucretia, but I succeeded in snagging him with a vast, but I hope worthwhile, fifty Galleons. He will be delivered within the next hour.
October 7
Well, my lot, as auctioneers say, arrived by Special Owl Delivery at 6:15 last night. They’ve given him a good scrub, and his robes were hospital issue, with those rather awkward tie-things round the back, but clean. He was wearing trousers and a shirt under his robes, thank goodness! I have no desire to see his underwear.
His name is Ludo, and he plays Quidditch. ‘I’m reserve Beater for the Wimbourne Wasps,’ he told me, which I found quite impressive. I asked why he wasn’t buzzing around the Quidditch pitch, in that case, and he replied, ‘I’ve been having a sort of nervous breakdown. I had a nasty run-in with a Bludger, and I’m afraid of flying now.’
I was relieved that he wouldn’t be dangerous. Or at least, one hopes not.
October 8
A frustrating day. Mother complained that her priceless heirloom diamond ring has disappeared: she didn’t quite accuse our mad person of taking it, but her hints were pretty heavy.
I pointed out that a) her heirloom ring would hex anyone who steals it to turn into a giant tomato, and I didn’t see any tomatoes this morning besides the ones on our plates, and b) it would automatically perform an Avada Kedavra on said tomato, and there were no squishy red corpses lying round last time I looked.
Ludo came down to breakfast in those dreadful hospital robes, and Mother insisted he borrow an old set of Father’s robes while he’s staying here. He does look quite handsome in them, I think, though of course he isn’t exactly my type. ‘I suppose you must miss your Quidditch robes,’ I said, and Ludo looked sad and mumbled, ‘Yes, I do.’
Still, he seemed to cheer up while he was tucking into a large breakfast and reading the Prophet. He certainly doesn’t seem mad, but I suppose he’d go beserk if I produced a Bludger and started swinging it round.
I asked if they fed him properly at St. Mungo’s, and he said ‘Not as well as this, Miss Black.’ I told him to call me Bellatrix.
I then asked where the mad people slept if there wasn’t enough room in the main wards. It seems they’ve been living in an enchanted annexe, but the Ministry has clamped down and said it didn’t give planning permission for a magical extension. So St. Mungo’s now have to build a real one, out of bricks and cement. Sounds like Muggling-down to me! I can’t imagine why the hospital director puts up with such nonsense from the Ministry.
Mother said, ‘Well, sadly, everything’s going downhill these days,’ and Ludo said, ‘With all respect, Mrs. Black, we’ll be a lot more comfortable when we have solid floors and walls. It’s awkward when the beds keep disappearing.’
Was at a loose end what do with Ludo this afternoon, so took him to the Bestiary, where he greatly admired the Krups in the Petting Zoo, and groomed one with the brush provided. He told me that he has a Kneazle at home, and his mother’s looking after it while he’s at St. Mungo’s.
In the evening, Mother and I had a previous engagement, to hear that charming Lord Voldemort speak about his new political party. I thought he would greatly admire Ludo’s fair hair and blue eyes, if we were lucky enough to get anywhere near him in the crush.
He gave a rousing speech about purity of blood, and introduced the audience to his followers, who’re called the Knights of Walpurgis. Ludo found them alarming, poor lamb! He whispered, ‘I say, Bellatrix, those men are holding their wands a bit aggressively, aren’t they?’ I replied, ‘I find them rather attractive,’ which garnered a strange look from Mother.
During refreshments afterwards, Voldemort came up specially to have a word with us. As predicted, he seemed very taken with Ludo’s colouring. He told him, ‘You’re just the sort of lad I want as a Knight,’ and ruffled his hair. Of course, V. always speaks very highly of blond wizards and witches, though he himself is so dark. Ludo, as I suspected, is not a pure-blood. His father is a distinguished wizard, whom I shall not name here as he is quite high up in the Ministry. His mother is a Norwegian woodcutter - I think he said woodcutter.
When we got home, Mother busied herself making cocoa, and Ludo and I had a quick game of Exploding Snap before bed.
October 9
I am missing five Galleons from my purse, but have not told Mother, who will blame Ludo, no doubt!
Fortunately, her diamond ring has reappeared, on the shelf in the bathroom. Silly Mother! She’s so absent-minded.
Owl from Cissy this morning, in response to mine about Ludo. She is quite indignant about Mother’s stance on blond wizards not being pure-bloods, and points out that she herself is blond, and she’s my sister. I don’t like to remind her that her ‘blond’ gene is actually due to a Dyeing Spell.
Ludo slept late this morning, and appeared for breakfast in his hospital robes again! Mother admonished him and said he could consider Father’s robes a gift, as Father never wears any clothes that are more than a year old.
Rodolphus called at eleven. He did a double-take when he saw Ludo sitting with me in the morning-room drinking coffee and helping to sort out a few jinxes to play on my sisters when they’re next home. We were laughing at the ludicrous effects of a Jelly-Brain jinx. I hope I wasn’t being tactless, seeing as Ludo is mad, but he didn’t seem offended.
Rodolphus said, ‘A word, if you please, Bella,’ and dismissed Ludo with a curt nod of his head. Ludo didn’t seem to understand, so Rodolphus had to ask him to leave, which he did.
‘Who is this boy, Bella?’ Rodolphus asked, when we were finally alone.
‘Ludo? Oh, he’s just a mad Quidditch player I bought at the St. Mungo’s auction,’ I answered, endeavouring to sound as unconcerned as possible.
To my relief, Rodolphus relaxed. ‘Another one!’ he exclaimed. ‘I dropped in on Aunt Walburga and Uncle Orion this morning, and they were busy showing some strange girl how to use a wand to scrub dishes.’
We laughed together, and Rodolphus checked that my engagement ring was in place, which it was, of course. I told him about Mother’s carelessness over her diamond, but didn’t say anything about my five Galleons.
I also mentioned the Wimbourne Wasps, and Rodolphus said, ‘Oh, he’s that Ludo! I didn’t know he’d gone crazy. Last I heard, he was about to be promoted to the first team. Well, let’s hope he’ll be better soon.’
Rodolphus took me out to lunch, and I insisted that Ludo come too, as he is our guest, in a manner of speaking. We went to the new French restaurant in Diagon Alley, and had a pleasant time shelling mussels by hand and watching the passers-by. There was a group of very blond Norwegian tourists having the guided tour, and I imagine Ludo’s mother looks rather like one of those, except she isn’t a witch, of course. I took a few photos, and shall send them to Voldemort’s secretary; he may enjoy a tour of Wizarding Scandinavia, spreading the word about his Knights and so on.
Ludo opened up a bit in Rodolphus’s presence: I suspect he’s a bit scared of me, though he seemed to enjoy our game of Snap. He confided that he has a brother, who isn’t mad at all. That must be a comfort to his parents!
October 10
Word has come from St. Mungo’s that, thanks to so many generous contributions, the new wing is nearly ready. Ludo will be leaving us on Monday morning: an orderly is coming to fetch him.
Today, I gave him some soothing work to do, sticking entries into my scrapbook with Spellotape. We passed a pleasant afternoon discussing his treatment. He tells me that he talks to a Healer twice a week, but it isn’t doing him much good so far. I lent him Curing with Charms, an excellent guide to alternative medicine.
October 11
At breakfast, I said, ‘It’s funny, Ludo, we’re about the same age, but I don’t remember you from Hogwarts. What house were you in?’ I supposed he must have been a Hufflepuff. Such funny little people!
Ludo said, ‘Oh, I went to Beauxbatons. Father wanted me to learn a second language, though I can’t say it worked exactly.’ Well, that certainly explains why he’s a bit odd! Mother was at Durmstrang, and she always rubbishes Beauxbatons. Fortunately, she was tactful enough not to say anything derogatory in front of Ludo.
He explained the Beauxbatons House System, which is very complicated. He used a plate, a fork and six eggcups to represent it, but I didn’t understand it any better by the time he’d finished.
We invited Aunt Walburga and Uncle Orion to bring their mad person over on Saturday, to provide some like-minded company for Ludo. He seems a bit bored with Curing With Charms. I suppose sporty types don’t much like reading.
He was obviously very happy to see the mad girl. Her name is Aurelia, and Aunt Walburga informed us that she’s suffering from after-effects of a Bubble-Head Charm that went wrong. Ludo told us later that she usually spends half the time crying in a corner and the other half rushing about and talking so fast you can’t understand a word she’s saying.
Anyway, she was awfully polite, and gave a little curtsey when she shook hands with me.
‘That girl is terrified of using even the most rudimentary magic!’ Aunt Walburga told Mother and me while we were preparing lunch in the kitchen. ‘Understandable, I suppose. Of course, she hasn’t got a wand at the moment, so I lent her Orion’s old one, and it doesn’t seem to suit her at all.’
‘How’s Regulus getting on with her?’ I queried, and Aunt Walburga rolled her eyes and said, ‘Don’t ask! She was supposed to be helping the house-elves look after him while Orion and I went to the opera. When we got back, Reg was still up, playing the piano and eating a ham roll. I decided not to bring him today, because I wasn’t sure your mad person would be a good influence. But he seems quiet enough, doesn’t he?’
I retorted that Ludo was perfectly chatty when it was just us, but he is a bit shy, poor boy.
Ludo was very attentive to Aurelia during lunch, passing her the salt and butter, and making sure her plate was full. I wonder if they’ll get together when they’re back in the new wing at St. Mungo’s? Over lunch, I decided they’d be perfectly suited. Naturally, I assumed she wasn’t a pure-blood, as there are certainly no Aurelias on the Black family tree!
After lunch, I asked Aunt Walburga about Aurelia’s people, with a view to persuading Ludo how perfect they’d be for each other. Aunt Walburga said, ‘You mustn’t tell anyone this, but she claims to be an illegitimate pure-blood brought up in the most exclusive Wizarding orphanage in England!’
I was surprised to hear it, and begged Aunt Walburga to tell us more, but she wouldn’t reveal who Aurelia’s parents are. ‘Or rather, who she says they are.’
Mother said a bit grimly, ‘I do hope she didn’t name anyone in the family, Walburga.’
Aunt Walburga patted her arm and said, ‘Well, all the pure-bloods are in the family, Dru. You don’t need to worry, though. She certainly didn’t mention you or Cygnus. And of course, one can’t be sure she’s telling the truth. She’s probably suffering from delusions. She certainly didn’t learn much at her so-called exclusive orphanage, though she knew enough to bungle that Bubble-Head charm.’
Mother said, ‘Well, education today! Cissy can’t put together the simplest potion. The only magic she’s really good at is lightening her hair.’
‘That should help her get a husband, at least,’ Aunt Walburga said.
After they left, I suggested to Ludo that we could take a walk in the garden, and perhaps he could have a go at flying on my broomstick. Ludo looked a bit crestfallen and said, ‘They tried that already. It’s called Aversion Therapy.’
‘She’s a brand-new Nimbus,’ I told him, which he seemed to find reassuring. ‘You couldn’t imagine a better-behaved, more docile broomstick.’
In the end, Ludo agreed and, to my delight, he managed to fly round the garden twice, while I held on to the Nimbus’s bristles to maintain the lowest speed possible. ‘We’ll soon have you back with the Wasps!’ I cried, and he nodded without saying anything, obviously overcome with emotion.
October 12
Ludo’s last day. Mother owled the Headmaster at Hogwarts to ask if Cissy could be allowed out to tea with us, and he gave his assent. Ludo revealed that, unfortunately, he doesn’t have his Apparition licence yet: it seems that Apparating has much the same effect on him as broomsticks, and so does side-along. In the end, we went by Floo, which Mother hates. ‘It’s so common!’ she sniffed, and explained to Ludo, ‘We only keep Floo powder for our country relatives. They’re a bit behind in Dorset, you know.’
We tumbled out of the fireplace in the Nag’s Head, to Mother’s chagrin, but she dusted herself off with a quick charm, and went to collect Cissy from the school office while I showed Ludo round a bit, as he had never been to Hogsmeade before.
He insisted on going into Honeydukes and buying a big box of chocolates for Mother and me to thank us for having him, which was a sweet thought, I felt. He paid with a five-Galleon piece. When I asked if inmates at St. Mungo’s were allowed to have gold, he said, ‘Why of course!’ He further elaborated, telling me that he likes making bets on the Abraxan races, and won a very large sum when Flying Fish came third in the Spell Sweeps a month ago.
Mother then arrived with Cissy, who was in her school robes and looked a bit sulky, I thought, though she cheered up when we introduced her to Ludo. She pulled my sleeve to hold me back, and when Mother and Ludo were a bit ahead of us, she whispered, ‘Guess what, Bella? Lucius Malfoy has asked me out on the next Hogsmeade weekend. And he’s a blond pureblood, for your information.’
I said, a bit meanly, ‘If you’re banking on having beautiful fair children with him, remember that your hair’s a few shades darker than his, when you allow it to grow a bit.’
Cissy stuck her tongue out and said, ‘So how’s dear Rodolphus?’ I’m never sure she and my fiancé get on very well, but it doesn’t matter, as she’s not the one who has to marry him.
I said, ‘Fine,’ and Mother said, ‘I do hope you’re not bickering again, girls,’ and ushered us into Madam Puddifoot’s.
Ludo looked round at the red gingham and bows and said, ‘Gosh! There was nothing like this at Beauxbatons.’ I hissed to Cissy, ‘For goodness sake don’t mention the houses there, or we’ll never get out of here.’
Cissy asked, a bit rudely, ‘So why are you in St. Mungo’s, Ludo?’ and Ludo explained, then added, ‘Actually, thanks to Bellatrix’s patience with me on her Nimbus, I’ll probably be able to fly again soon.’
Mother ordered, and Cissy asked for scones and cream as well as the set tea. Ludo kept looking round, fascinated, though I wished he wouldn’t. There were a number of couples gazing into each other’s eyes, and I didn’t want him to be reminded how lonely his lot in life is.
Madam Puddifoot herself served us, and was very flustered to see Mother in her tearoom. Fortunately, Mother and Cissy pronounced her scones excellent. Ludo and I stuck to cake and tea.
Ludo seemed a bit subdued: I suppose he wasn’t feeling very happy about having to go back to St. Mungo’s. I tried to cheer him up by speculating what the new wing would look like.
‘I bet it’ll be painted green,’ he said gloomily. ‘Hospital wards always are. I hate green.’
Cissy, who was, naturally, wearing her Slytherin tie, gave him a filthy look. I don’t think they really took to each other, but of course it’s hard to tell, as they’d only just met.
When we got home, Mother suggested an early night, so Ludo would be rested for tomorrow. She also reminded me that Father is due home soon after Ludo leaves; that will be something to look forward to.
October 13
The Orderly arrived to fetch Ludo before we’d even finished breakfast, and Mother was rather cross. However, he accepted a cup of tea and admired Mother’s stuffed parrot, so in the end they got quite chummy with each other!
Ludo went upstairs to fetch his things, and came down dressed in those ghastly hospital robes again. When Mother reminded him that he could keep Father’s robes, he said, ‘It’s all right, Mrs. Black. I’ve packed them in my case, and I’ll think of my happy week here every time I look at them.’
He gave her the box of Honeydukes chocolate, and Mother was overwhelmed: she even dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.
I must confess, I felt a bit tearful myself when he’d gone, and even more so when I noticed that my new ruby necklace has disappeared. I can’t find it anywhere...
End
Author: minnow_53
Assigned Characters: Bellatrix Black and Ludo Bagman
Rating: PG
Era: October 1970
Thanks: To my anonymous beta, for reading through.
Bellatrix Black’s Diary
October 5
What a bore! I’ve been invited to a beastly charity auction at St. Mungo’s, and I’ll have to go and buy some hideous vase that Mother won’t even let into the house. Well, perhaps I can give it to Aunt Walburga as a Christmas present. Of course, I might not be bidding on a vase. It could be a vile portrait, or even a hand-knitted wand-cosy. I’m shuddering already at the thought!
Saw Andromeda off on her work experience this morning: she’ll be in Romania for a month, training vampires to become desensitised to light. Lucky so-and-so, missing this dreadful auction.
October 6
Well, that was unexpected! Not a hand-knitted wand cosy in sight. It turned out that St. Mungo’s was actually auctioning off its patients. The place is overrun with mad people at the moment, and they’re trying to raise money for a new wing to put them all. They were selling a few of the less crazy ones so a sane person can look after them for a few days. They’ll build the wing with the proceeds from the sale, then take the patients back. Apparently, Muggles call this ‘care in the community’, and it’s all the rage.
The mad witches and wizards all looked pretty dangerous to me. Most of them had wild, staring eyes and a few of them were laughing manically. But you know what Mother is: she said sternly that it was my duty as a Black to put in a bid. She also said, quite reasonably, that the more I bid, the sooner the new wing would be ready, and then I could send my mad person back.
In the end, I went for this rather lost-looking blond wizard with big blue eyes. He had an awfully dirty face: I suppose they’re not allowed their wands in there. Mother says, meanly, that I fancy him, but really I don’t. She pointed out that he couldn’t be a pure-blood, as most of the naturally blond wizards in England died out after the Norman Mages Invasion. I said, ‘Really, mother! Who cares, these days?’ Of course, I didn’t mean it.
A lot of witches were bidding on him, including my Aunt Lucretia, but I succeeded in snagging him with a vast, but I hope worthwhile, fifty Galleons. He will be delivered within the next hour.
October 7
Well, my lot, as auctioneers say, arrived by Special Owl Delivery at 6:15 last night. They’ve given him a good scrub, and his robes were hospital issue, with those rather awkward tie-things round the back, but clean. He was wearing trousers and a shirt under his robes, thank goodness! I have no desire to see his underwear.
His name is Ludo, and he plays Quidditch. ‘I’m reserve Beater for the Wimbourne Wasps,’ he told me, which I found quite impressive. I asked why he wasn’t buzzing around the Quidditch pitch, in that case, and he replied, ‘I’ve been having a sort of nervous breakdown. I had a nasty run-in with a Bludger, and I’m afraid of flying now.’
I was relieved that he wouldn’t be dangerous. Or at least, one hopes not.
October 8
A frustrating day. Mother complained that her priceless heirloom diamond ring has disappeared: she didn’t quite accuse our mad person of taking it, but her hints were pretty heavy.
I pointed out that a) her heirloom ring would hex anyone who steals it to turn into a giant tomato, and I didn’t see any tomatoes this morning besides the ones on our plates, and b) it would automatically perform an Avada Kedavra on said tomato, and there were no squishy red corpses lying round last time I looked.
Ludo came down to breakfast in those dreadful hospital robes, and Mother insisted he borrow an old set of Father’s robes while he’s staying here. He does look quite handsome in them, I think, though of course he isn’t exactly my type. ‘I suppose you must miss your Quidditch robes,’ I said, and Ludo looked sad and mumbled, ‘Yes, I do.’
Still, he seemed to cheer up while he was tucking into a large breakfast and reading the Prophet. He certainly doesn’t seem mad, but I suppose he’d go beserk if I produced a Bludger and started swinging it round.
I asked if they fed him properly at St. Mungo’s, and he said ‘Not as well as this, Miss Black.’ I told him to call me Bellatrix.
I then asked where the mad people slept if there wasn’t enough room in the main wards. It seems they’ve been living in an enchanted annexe, but the Ministry has clamped down and said it didn’t give planning permission for a magical extension. So St. Mungo’s now have to build a real one, out of bricks and cement. Sounds like Muggling-down to me! I can’t imagine why the hospital director puts up with such nonsense from the Ministry.
Mother said, ‘Well, sadly, everything’s going downhill these days,’ and Ludo said, ‘With all respect, Mrs. Black, we’ll be a lot more comfortable when we have solid floors and walls. It’s awkward when the beds keep disappearing.’
Was at a loose end what do with Ludo this afternoon, so took him to the Bestiary, where he greatly admired the Krups in the Petting Zoo, and groomed one with the brush provided. He told me that he has a Kneazle at home, and his mother’s looking after it while he’s at St. Mungo’s.
In the evening, Mother and I had a previous engagement, to hear that charming Lord Voldemort speak about his new political party. I thought he would greatly admire Ludo’s fair hair and blue eyes, if we were lucky enough to get anywhere near him in the crush.
He gave a rousing speech about purity of blood, and introduced the audience to his followers, who’re called the Knights of Walpurgis. Ludo found them alarming, poor lamb! He whispered, ‘I say, Bellatrix, those men are holding their wands a bit aggressively, aren’t they?’ I replied, ‘I find them rather attractive,’ which garnered a strange look from Mother.
During refreshments afterwards, Voldemort came up specially to have a word with us. As predicted, he seemed very taken with Ludo’s colouring. He told him, ‘You’re just the sort of lad I want as a Knight,’ and ruffled his hair. Of course, V. always speaks very highly of blond wizards and witches, though he himself is so dark. Ludo, as I suspected, is not a pure-blood. His father is a distinguished wizard, whom I shall not name here as he is quite high up in the Ministry. His mother is a Norwegian woodcutter - I think he said woodcutter.
When we got home, Mother busied herself making cocoa, and Ludo and I had a quick game of Exploding Snap before bed.
October 9
I am missing five Galleons from my purse, but have not told Mother, who will blame Ludo, no doubt!
Fortunately, her diamond ring has reappeared, on the shelf in the bathroom. Silly Mother! She’s so absent-minded.
Owl from Cissy this morning, in response to mine about Ludo. She is quite indignant about Mother’s stance on blond wizards not being pure-bloods, and points out that she herself is blond, and she’s my sister. I don’t like to remind her that her ‘blond’ gene is actually due to a Dyeing Spell.
Ludo slept late this morning, and appeared for breakfast in his hospital robes again! Mother admonished him and said he could consider Father’s robes a gift, as Father never wears any clothes that are more than a year old.
Rodolphus called at eleven. He did a double-take when he saw Ludo sitting with me in the morning-room drinking coffee and helping to sort out a few jinxes to play on my sisters when they’re next home. We were laughing at the ludicrous effects of a Jelly-Brain jinx. I hope I wasn’t being tactless, seeing as Ludo is mad, but he didn’t seem offended.
Rodolphus said, ‘A word, if you please, Bella,’ and dismissed Ludo with a curt nod of his head. Ludo didn’t seem to understand, so Rodolphus had to ask him to leave, which he did.
‘Who is this boy, Bella?’ Rodolphus asked, when we were finally alone.
‘Ludo? Oh, he’s just a mad Quidditch player I bought at the St. Mungo’s auction,’ I answered, endeavouring to sound as unconcerned as possible.
To my relief, Rodolphus relaxed. ‘Another one!’ he exclaimed. ‘I dropped in on Aunt Walburga and Uncle Orion this morning, and they were busy showing some strange girl how to use a wand to scrub dishes.’
We laughed together, and Rodolphus checked that my engagement ring was in place, which it was, of course. I told him about Mother’s carelessness over her diamond, but didn’t say anything about my five Galleons.
I also mentioned the Wimbourne Wasps, and Rodolphus said, ‘Oh, he’s that Ludo! I didn’t know he’d gone crazy. Last I heard, he was about to be promoted to the first team. Well, let’s hope he’ll be better soon.’
Rodolphus took me out to lunch, and I insisted that Ludo come too, as he is our guest, in a manner of speaking. We went to the new French restaurant in Diagon Alley, and had a pleasant time shelling mussels by hand and watching the passers-by. There was a group of very blond Norwegian tourists having the guided tour, and I imagine Ludo’s mother looks rather like one of those, except she isn’t a witch, of course. I took a few photos, and shall send them to Voldemort’s secretary; he may enjoy a tour of Wizarding Scandinavia, spreading the word about his Knights and so on.
Ludo opened up a bit in Rodolphus’s presence: I suspect he’s a bit scared of me, though he seemed to enjoy our game of Snap. He confided that he has a brother, who isn’t mad at all. That must be a comfort to his parents!
October 10
Word has come from St. Mungo’s that, thanks to so many generous contributions, the new wing is nearly ready. Ludo will be leaving us on Monday morning: an orderly is coming to fetch him.
Today, I gave him some soothing work to do, sticking entries into my scrapbook with Spellotape. We passed a pleasant afternoon discussing his treatment. He tells me that he talks to a Healer twice a week, but it isn’t doing him much good so far. I lent him Curing with Charms, an excellent guide to alternative medicine.
October 11
At breakfast, I said, ‘It’s funny, Ludo, we’re about the same age, but I don’t remember you from Hogwarts. What house were you in?’ I supposed he must have been a Hufflepuff. Such funny little people!
Ludo said, ‘Oh, I went to Beauxbatons. Father wanted me to learn a second language, though I can’t say it worked exactly.’ Well, that certainly explains why he’s a bit odd! Mother was at Durmstrang, and she always rubbishes Beauxbatons. Fortunately, she was tactful enough not to say anything derogatory in front of Ludo.
He explained the Beauxbatons House System, which is very complicated. He used a plate, a fork and six eggcups to represent it, but I didn’t understand it any better by the time he’d finished.
We invited Aunt Walburga and Uncle Orion to bring their mad person over on Saturday, to provide some like-minded company for Ludo. He seems a bit bored with Curing With Charms. I suppose sporty types don’t much like reading.
He was obviously very happy to see the mad girl. Her name is Aurelia, and Aunt Walburga informed us that she’s suffering from after-effects of a Bubble-Head Charm that went wrong. Ludo told us later that she usually spends half the time crying in a corner and the other half rushing about and talking so fast you can’t understand a word she’s saying.
Anyway, she was awfully polite, and gave a little curtsey when she shook hands with me.
‘That girl is terrified of using even the most rudimentary magic!’ Aunt Walburga told Mother and me while we were preparing lunch in the kitchen. ‘Understandable, I suppose. Of course, she hasn’t got a wand at the moment, so I lent her Orion’s old one, and it doesn’t seem to suit her at all.’
‘How’s Regulus getting on with her?’ I queried, and Aunt Walburga rolled her eyes and said, ‘Don’t ask! She was supposed to be helping the house-elves look after him while Orion and I went to the opera. When we got back, Reg was still up, playing the piano and eating a ham roll. I decided not to bring him today, because I wasn’t sure your mad person would be a good influence. But he seems quiet enough, doesn’t he?’
I retorted that Ludo was perfectly chatty when it was just us, but he is a bit shy, poor boy.
Ludo was very attentive to Aurelia during lunch, passing her the salt and butter, and making sure her plate was full. I wonder if they’ll get together when they’re back in the new wing at St. Mungo’s? Over lunch, I decided they’d be perfectly suited. Naturally, I assumed she wasn’t a pure-blood, as there are certainly no Aurelias on the Black family tree!
After lunch, I asked Aunt Walburga about Aurelia’s people, with a view to persuading Ludo how perfect they’d be for each other. Aunt Walburga said, ‘You mustn’t tell anyone this, but she claims to be an illegitimate pure-blood brought up in the most exclusive Wizarding orphanage in England!’
I was surprised to hear it, and begged Aunt Walburga to tell us more, but she wouldn’t reveal who Aurelia’s parents are. ‘Or rather, who she says they are.’
Mother said a bit grimly, ‘I do hope she didn’t name anyone in the family, Walburga.’
Aunt Walburga patted her arm and said, ‘Well, all the pure-bloods are in the family, Dru. You don’t need to worry, though. She certainly didn’t mention you or Cygnus. And of course, one can’t be sure she’s telling the truth. She’s probably suffering from delusions. She certainly didn’t learn much at her so-called exclusive orphanage, though she knew enough to bungle that Bubble-Head charm.’
Mother said, ‘Well, education today! Cissy can’t put together the simplest potion. The only magic she’s really good at is lightening her hair.’
‘That should help her get a husband, at least,’ Aunt Walburga said.
After they left, I suggested to Ludo that we could take a walk in the garden, and perhaps he could have a go at flying on my broomstick. Ludo looked a bit crestfallen and said, ‘They tried that already. It’s called Aversion Therapy.’
‘She’s a brand-new Nimbus,’ I told him, which he seemed to find reassuring. ‘You couldn’t imagine a better-behaved, more docile broomstick.’
In the end, Ludo agreed and, to my delight, he managed to fly round the garden twice, while I held on to the Nimbus’s bristles to maintain the lowest speed possible. ‘We’ll soon have you back with the Wasps!’ I cried, and he nodded without saying anything, obviously overcome with emotion.
October 12
Ludo’s last day. Mother owled the Headmaster at Hogwarts to ask if Cissy could be allowed out to tea with us, and he gave his assent. Ludo revealed that, unfortunately, he doesn’t have his Apparition licence yet: it seems that Apparating has much the same effect on him as broomsticks, and so does side-along. In the end, we went by Floo, which Mother hates. ‘It’s so common!’ she sniffed, and explained to Ludo, ‘We only keep Floo powder for our country relatives. They’re a bit behind in Dorset, you know.’
We tumbled out of the fireplace in the Nag’s Head, to Mother’s chagrin, but she dusted herself off with a quick charm, and went to collect Cissy from the school office while I showed Ludo round a bit, as he had never been to Hogsmeade before.
He insisted on going into Honeydukes and buying a big box of chocolates for Mother and me to thank us for having him, which was a sweet thought, I felt. He paid with a five-Galleon piece. When I asked if inmates at St. Mungo’s were allowed to have gold, he said, ‘Why of course!’ He further elaborated, telling me that he likes making bets on the Abraxan races, and won a very large sum when Flying Fish came third in the Spell Sweeps a month ago.
Mother then arrived with Cissy, who was in her school robes and looked a bit sulky, I thought, though she cheered up when we introduced her to Ludo. She pulled my sleeve to hold me back, and when Mother and Ludo were a bit ahead of us, she whispered, ‘Guess what, Bella? Lucius Malfoy has asked me out on the next Hogsmeade weekend. And he’s a blond pureblood, for your information.’
I said, a bit meanly, ‘If you’re banking on having beautiful fair children with him, remember that your hair’s a few shades darker than his, when you allow it to grow a bit.’
Cissy stuck her tongue out and said, ‘So how’s dear Rodolphus?’ I’m never sure she and my fiancé get on very well, but it doesn’t matter, as she’s not the one who has to marry him.
I said, ‘Fine,’ and Mother said, ‘I do hope you’re not bickering again, girls,’ and ushered us into Madam Puddifoot’s.
Ludo looked round at the red gingham and bows and said, ‘Gosh! There was nothing like this at Beauxbatons.’ I hissed to Cissy, ‘For goodness sake don’t mention the houses there, or we’ll never get out of here.’
Cissy asked, a bit rudely, ‘So why are you in St. Mungo’s, Ludo?’ and Ludo explained, then added, ‘Actually, thanks to Bellatrix’s patience with me on her Nimbus, I’ll probably be able to fly again soon.’
Mother ordered, and Cissy asked for scones and cream as well as the set tea. Ludo kept looking round, fascinated, though I wished he wouldn’t. There were a number of couples gazing into each other’s eyes, and I didn’t want him to be reminded how lonely his lot in life is.
Madam Puddifoot herself served us, and was very flustered to see Mother in her tearoom. Fortunately, Mother and Cissy pronounced her scones excellent. Ludo and I stuck to cake and tea.
Ludo seemed a bit subdued: I suppose he wasn’t feeling very happy about having to go back to St. Mungo’s. I tried to cheer him up by speculating what the new wing would look like.
‘I bet it’ll be painted green,’ he said gloomily. ‘Hospital wards always are. I hate green.’
Cissy, who was, naturally, wearing her Slytherin tie, gave him a filthy look. I don’t think they really took to each other, but of course it’s hard to tell, as they’d only just met.
When we got home, Mother suggested an early night, so Ludo would be rested for tomorrow. She also reminded me that Father is due home soon after Ludo leaves; that will be something to look forward to.
October 13
The Orderly arrived to fetch Ludo before we’d even finished breakfast, and Mother was rather cross. However, he accepted a cup of tea and admired Mother’s stuffed parrot, so in the end they got quite chummy with each other!
Ludo went upstairs to fetch his things, and came down dressed in those ghastly hospital robes again. When Mother reminded him that he could keep Father’s robes, he said, ‘It’s all right, Mrs. Black. I’ve packed them in my case, and I’ll think of my happy week here every time I look at them.’
He gave her the box of Honeydukes chocolate, and Mother was overwhelmed: she even dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.
I must confess, I felt a bit tearful myself when he’d gone, and even more so when I noticed that my new ruby necklace has disappeared. I can’t find it anywhere...
End