Private Message to Cornelius Fudge and Dominic Selwyn

[alt_lucius]

Confirming to-morrow's arrangements.

Rousseau and Propopov have settled in comfortably; Narcissa's been a marvel this week-end, must say, with them and their wives. Propopov is still focused on the Cup, of course, and full of demands regarding when the Bulgarian team may have access to the stadium for practice sessions. (Could have had more tact than to mention it prominently in front of Rousseau, who is, I believe, still smarting that France was eliminated in the quarter-finals.)

Weasley received the owls from your offices regarding the agenda of meetings for the week. May have to change if Propopov insists on attending the side's arrival, as I suspect he shall.

Dominic, you'll still be available to accompany Rousseau on his tour of New London? Heard from Pontner to confirm he and his wife shall conduct Propopov's delegation. Press are arranged, as well? Would re-arrange calendar if necessary but seem to recall Amanda, Froissart and the boy are arriving sometime in that window. To say nothing of sparing Narcissa yet another day playing hostess.

You'll not believe it - perhaps you will, at that - but Rousseau brought up an age restriction again. Best adjust the meeting agenda to include thirty minutes to explain - again - the unlikelihood of an underage wizard being selected. Was tempted to invite him to restrict his numbers accordingly but stopped myself at the last moment. No need to open that phial of poison again!

Must return in a few moments. Needed a brief respite and this provided the perfect excuse.

Comments

[alt_selwyn]

Is Rousseau TRULY that worried about a first-year Beauxbatons student outshining his older peers? Do you suppose you could ask your sister whether they have some shining prodigy whose safety they're particularly concerned for?

I'd be happy to take Rousseau on his tour. I should mention, incidentally, that at the banquet last night Rousseau asked for a tour of the muggle camps, and some fellow from Propopov's delegation leaned in to say they wanted one, too. We'd already decided against putting this on the official tour, but we can hardly say no. Are there any camps that could be, hmm, cleaned up adequately in time for that sort of visit?

[alt_lucius]

The only students Froissart has mentioned - through my sister or otherwise - are the young British ex-patriot he seems to find so fascinating (you remember the one) and one or two of his students in their final year. (Though you will be amused that Mlle Delacour is high in his esteem!)

As for the camps. Interesting. Thought we had dispensed with that before the delegations arrived.

What with pulling so many muggles out to prepare for the Cup and the general stink of summer - no, there's no camp I would recommend at present. I've inspected at least five camps in the last month - Chipstead, Hambleton, Sevenoaks, Torridge and Woodside - and none are in a fit state nor like to be within the span we have available.

However.

You know as well as I that even the best, most disciplined camp is disorganised and populated with large numbers of idle swine. What about somewhere more productive and orderly?

[alt_selwyn]

Yes, I believe that's why we'd ignored some hints regarding their interest, and refrained from putting a camp on the itinerary from the get-go. Are you thinking perhaps a tour of some sort of work unit, instead? Do you have a particular option in mind?

[alt_lucius]

First, I believe that Rousseau's and Propopov's delegations have been exchanging notes, which may be the source of their sudden renewed interest in such an outing.

But second, yes. If they insist on a display of the proof of our success in cowing the chattel, then you might approach Archimedes Bobolis. He's always eager for a chance to increase his standing in Our Lord's eyes. And no tour can be too arduous when it ends in a tasting.

[alt_selwyn]

Oh, that's an excellent thought. I'll have my clerk owl Bobolis first thing tomorrow; I've no doubt he'll want to make some preparations before having us all descend upon him.

Perhaps I'll get a spot of Christmas shopping done early, while we're there. No one ever complains about a nice bottle of firewhiskey, and it's not as if it'll go off before the holidays. Unless I drink it myself, which I suppose is a possible risk...

[alt_lucius]

While you're at it, see if Bobolis will give each delegation a case of his best label.

[alt_selwyn]

Naturally.

[alt_lucius]

Well, naturally, yes, but it's the sort of thing Bobolis won't volunteer by himself. Not in those quantities, at any rate.

Ought to rescue Narcissa. You'll be here at 10:00? We can talk more then.

[alt_selwyn]

Also, I've been meaning to ask, did you ever work out where Mme Froissart and her esteemed spouse will be staying?

[alt_lucius]

My brother-in-law shall stay with his charges at Hogwarts (though as you know we are still working with Minerva to determine the best options for their accommodation on-site) and - as I understand it - joining Amanda at the week-ends.

As to her lodging, that is another matter as-yet unresolved to my satisfaction. Or hers. I had hoped to install her at Dunrobin Castle for its proximity to the school. She of course has her heart set on Mellerstain House, for reasons passing understanding. And Munroe refuses to budge, despite what was quite a generous offer.

Thankfully she does not need to be settled this coming week. I've another meeting with Munroe after the World Cup which I anticipate will yield ... better results.

[alt_selwyn]

Surely you have options, should Munroe remain intransigent.

[alt_lucius]

Indeed. His resistance to my ... suggestions ... proved stronger than expected. But I've no doubt that he'll see reason. Eventually.

Should have been much easier had he not provided so large a contribution to the Scottish highland camps - nor were he not so loyal a proponent of the Repopulation Rewards - but as you yourself have said, we can hardly bend the rules when we are the ones setting them. More's the pity.

[alt_selwyn]

Well, we can't bend the rules where the children are watching, at any rate!

Best of luck with your rhetorical strategies, Lucius! I'm sure you'll find a way to persuade him.

How many children does he have? He's probably reluctant to give it up because of the hassle of relocating a large brood. Perhaps if you offer up a location with ponies for all the young ones -- taking care that the eldest girl hears you make the offer -- she'll manage her father for you. Should more reasoned options fail, at any rate.

[alt_lucius]

You are more generous than I, Dom. My initial offer was one year's lease at a rate high enough to give each of his children - he has ten, according to his file - a muggleborn servant, if he so desired. He could have let Glamis Castle for the year, particularly if he wanted to garner additional acclaim among the clansmen.

The longer he rebuffs the offer, the less he is likely to get from me. Am confident the usual methods shall prevail. Eventually.

[alt_selwyn]

Ten children? Well, that explains how he rated Mellerstain, I suppose.

Ponies are cheaper than mudbloods, and single-minded horse-mad girl children are the most effective persuaders yet invented (for this sort of affair, at any rate). I'm sure you'll be successful in the end. The only question is whether you'll be successful before your sister arrives from France.