The River of Lathe

Correspondence

May 31

Dear Miss "James",

I must confess, I had expected a more interesting pseudonym. I am assuming the "James" is in homage to the dearly departed Mr. Potter. Touching but a tad predictable, don't you agree? Well, far be it from me to fault a name change. The ones we are given can become so awkward as we out grow them. Still, I must say Hermione is far more pleasing than plain old Jane.

I was delighted to read about you in the Prophet. The mysterious Jane James. Narcissa had been raving about your work for years now. She is quite a fan, quite the collector. She would love to meet you in person, maybe get a piece or two signed. But... I do suppose that would be quite problematic for you, wouldn't it? I dare say you would lose a buyer. Pity.

Still, I find myself also becoming a fan of your work and would love to request a commission from you. Don't worry, I am sure your skill is up to the task. I need a ritual vessel. Something with the old serpent imagery worked in, we must keep tradition. Oh, and you will need to be sure to use spells that will not react poorly with blood, human or otherwise. The rest I leave up to your artistic vision.

I await your letter.

Regards,

Lord Voldemort

***

June 7

Dear Miss "James",

I am not so much surprised by your failure to respond to my last letter as disappointed. You must know that this tendency to ignore potential clients will have a marked negative effect on sales. Ah, but maybe I am mistaken and your delay is just because you are having trouble with the blood spell requirement. What have you come up with so far? Maybe I can offer my humble assistance, if you find yourself stuck? What use is your intelligence, your destiny, if you keep all of your brilliance to yourself, telling only a spoiled cat? You can't sit in your hideout playing with dirt and water forever. Eventually your mind will tear itself apart.

I still await your reply.

Regards,

Lord Voldemort

***

June 12

Dear Sir,

If I were attempting the spell, which I will not, I would try modifying the pronunciation to an archaic form of Etruscan instead of the more typical Latin ending. I would consult Unveiling Enchantment, but I do not have a copy here so that may be the wrong text referral. If all still failed me, I would try combining Portus with Incendio and Crucio, since you have no moral qualms in using it. I believe that a melding of those three spells should give you a result that, with minor modification, should give you the desired outcome.

But you, I am sure, know this already. Why do you ask me? Also, I am afraid I am too overbooked, I cannot accept your commission. I do not work in blood.

Respectfully,

Hermione (Let's have enough of those name games.)

***

June 18

Dear Miss Granger,

You ask me why I wrote you; yes, I knew of the Etruscan pronunciation and have consulted several books, Unveiling Enchantment being one but not nearly as helpful as The Distant Mystique I did not, however, think to combine those three spells you mentioned. My compliments on devising such a remedy. I will try it on a few of my own vessels and inform you of the results. You have great fame as being a person of unique mind... and you are wasting it.

Tell me, do you avoid mirrors at all cost? When you happen to catch your reflection, do you cringe because you are forever holding yourself up against who you thought you would be? You have not become who you wanted to be, who you still could become, thus you have been waiting these long empty years for the chance to prove to the world, and more importantly to yourself, that you are a person of intelligence and bravery.

There is no shame in accepting the change that has already occurs. Indeed it often seems to take more courage to accept one's losses and move on, to protect one's self and interests and rise about the situation. But these are Slytherin virtues I am extolling and they must sound repugnant to you.

Truly your stubborn loyalty to your fallen cause is a testament to your house. You are a true Gryffindor. But there is no more Hogwarts as you and I knew it in our school days. The old house rivalries have finally been put to rest. Dumbledore would be proud after all.

By the way, I took the liberty of contacting Violet Greystone. She informed me that you are not at all overbooked; indeed you are turning down more commissions than you normally accept. She was ever so gracious and assured me that you would be honored to craft a piece for me. It seems our business deal is still on my dear.

Regards,

Voldemort

***

June 21

Dear Sir,

I admit, you played me nicely but then I am witnessing a master, am I not? I would not have thought of you as one to stoop to games with simple artists, artists of non-magical birth at that. You see, I am an artist. My "dirt and water" do not accuse me and my days pass quite nicely. I need for no one.

I do wonder about you though. You have not achieved immortality yet; who knows, maybe that is the reason for this ritual vessel and I am unwittingly helping you. A chilling thought. You temporarily stepped down from power allowing your lackeys to run everything while you single-mindedly pursued your goal. But I wonder what you would do without that goal. All the driving forces in your life are leaving you. No Harry to be your archenemy and then no immortality to chase, what will you do when you are faced with an empty eternity? I was able to find solace in the mundane but I do not think you will be.

Please excuse my frankness. I speak out of frustration and to be quite honest, anger. I do not like having my hand forced nor do I like playing games, you will have your commission but when will the blow really fall?

Hermione

***

June 25

Dear Hermione,

Good, I shall expect delivery in two weeks at the absolute latest. As far as specifics go, it should be able to hold at least four quarts of, well let's say liquid, to protect your delicate sensibilities. And along with the aforementioned serpent pattern, I would like the color silver incorporated in some manner. Again, the rest I leave to you as proof in my belief in your artistic ability. Oh, I know you do have some talent but don't hide behind the simple title of artist with me, child. You are also so much more. False modesty is overrated, my dear.

So, your days pass nicely do they? But what of your nights? Do you sleep well, Hermione? Do you rest well with your ghosts?

It is easy to see that you would not have lasted long in Slytherin, or maybe you would have, you have proven wonderfully adaptive so far. I do not want the minister's job. Really child, can you see me sitting in an office listening to ever minor complaint? It is better to be the power behind the throne as it were. It is better to be the one pulling the strings than to be bogged down in the paper work of day to day life. And there will always be a lackey, as you so aptly but it, to do my paperwork for me. Better to be the shadowy presence in the back of the council chamber, whose word is unquestioned law. I exercise a power unlike that sham ministries mortals set up.

As for your other question, 'how will I fill an eternity?' I am surprised by you; surely you know that there will always be something to learn. Study and experiments alone could fill an eternity quite nicely, that you for the concern though. But then, maybe it was not me you were truly concerned about. Worried about an empty future, Hermione? We could earn much you and me. And I would give you meaning again. Nothing would be expected or required of you. You could learn to trust me. It is disheartening to picture you alone with a book in your studio, no one to argue with but the wind.

But I should know better than to tempt such an exemplary Gryffindor with such things. It is a pity thought.

I expect a delivery in two weeks, remember.

Ever,

Voldemort

***

June 27

Dear Sir,

I can have the piece shipped in eight days. I trust that will prove sufficient?

And yes, you are correct; my life did not take the course I set out in my girlhood, but then whose life really does? Not even yours turned out exactly as you planned, I would imagine. You speak of my wasted talents and learning but are you not doing the same thing yourself? What are you playing at with your Death Eaters and Dark Revels? Yes, I can see the perverse need for them when you were fighting against order and light, but why keep it up now? You waste your talents with your petty torments as surely as I do mine with my escapism.

Do you ever regret the path you chose? I know you will never tell me if you do, neither your pride nor your justified lack of trust in me will allow that answer to be set in ink. Still regret, I have come to believe, is part of the human condition so I must think that you do. Regret but also being bound to our roles. I cannot hold the memories I have inside me and give a passing thought to such selfish temptations as you describe. Please understand this.

Sincerely,

Hermione

***

June 27

My dear Hermione,

You already have given it more than a passing thought, or I would not have asked.

Yes, sometimes ever I regret the choices I have made, but I do not regret the path I walk. There was never a choice that I could see. Mine is the path of destiny and we all finally bow to her wishes. And that is exactly what I am working against. To win immortality is to also break free from man's wretched destiny of death. This is why I seek such power, to break out of fate. Can you not see this?

You are surprised I answered your question. I have nothing to hide; I am beyond such things. And I could raise you to be as well. No more hiding in the shadows; no more weeks passed in silence; no more ideas scribbles out in scrapes of paper for the sole reason that you know they would consume you if you did not get them out, even if only to throw them away. You could act on any idea which came into your head. I would put all you could need in your service.

I am afraid I will not be in to pick up your package until the 6^th of July. That should give you an extra day or so to work. Duties of state call. Dolohov is something of a disappointment as Minister of Magic. You remember Dolohov don't you? I believe he almost hilled you once. Ah, but why live in the past? Lucius should have his job. But then again living with Lucius and his love of ceremony and pomp would grow tiring. For Friday, he has orchestrated a review of the troops of all things and I am to attend. Solidarity in times of war and all that. Since it is my war I might as well show support.

Ever,

Voldemort

***

July 1

To Pierre Le Bon

Sir, I am writing you with the most fortuitous news. I have heard from a friend, known to you by reputation only, that there is to be a military parade on July 5^th. However, I am a little unsure as to the reliability of this bit of news. My friend seemed over eager to tell, but I believe there may be a reason for you to want to attend and bring several of your friends. This may prove to be the type of day we were hoping for. One not to be missed.

Hope all is well,

J. James

***

July 1

Lord Voldemort,

I didn't expect such a frank response to my more rhetorical question. Trust is such a strange thing. We speak of it as if it is an either or deal; I either trust you or I don't, but really there are levels to how much we trust. It is all too easy to trust an unseen correspondent. I wonder where I stand with you?

Delivery can be moved to the 6^th without any problems, but really a military parade? I am afraid your news took me by surprise. I am assuming you will be an honored spectator and no more. Indeed, the thought of you strolling down the street followed by a brass band is further than I can stretch my imagination. If you do go, be careful.

Take care,

Hermione

***

July 3

Dearest Hermione,

This will be the last time we correspond, I fear, as I assume I will be seeing you on the battlefield tomorrow. Surely you are not surprised. I have a very good network of spies. I know all about "Pierre's" plans, most likely more than you, and your little, expected, betrayal. I must say I was taken aback by your concern for my safety though. Did you think to subtly warn me away? Touching.

Ah, but then it seems you may have formed a bond. Notice how easily, by your second letter no less, you were comparing yourself to me. And why should that not be? We were both the brightest and best of our generations. If only you had been in Hogwarts with me, what a pair we would have made. I do hope you do not feel too ill used now at the end and I am sorry not to see your work. I am sure you made a magnificent piece for me.

But who knows what tomorrow may bring? I will wish you the same care you wished me.

Till then,

Voldemort

***

After it was all over, when the ragged band, all that remained of the resistance, struggled into Hermione's cottage seeking sanctuary, they found Lord Voldemort's last letter where it had been dropped, next to a puddle of wax and a cold mug of Darjeeling tea.