One Week In ....
Jun. 22nd, 2009 12:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_luciusIt has been a whirlwind of meetings, sight-seeing, receptions and appearances, but this morning offers a quiet chance to catch up on the journals and provide a brief accounting of our progress.
We have taken a second property for the month in order to house the entire entourage, which includes all the Ministry personnel, Crispin of course, Draco’s tutors, Narcissa’s Witch Weekly staff and a photographer and reporter from the Prophet who were allowed to accompany us.
The Floo network here is not quite as efficient as ours, which has made co-ordination between the two households rather more challenging than planned. Then, too, the French Ministry has stationed Aurors for additional protection; as some at home will know, our presence in Paris has not met universal approval. After our first delegation meeting at the Ministerial offices it was agreed that the precautions would be wisest. We are perfectly well and safe, of course, but there are a small, vocal number of mudbloods here who protest any measure that might reassert true wizarding values across the board. I gather that one of Draco's tutors was accosted on his way in a few days ago and Crispin reports that they have determined to travel in pairs whenever possible to avoid being inconvenienced by the curious or the belligerent.
Regarding the delegations themselves, naturally, one cannot reveal privileged discussions before the respective governments have authorised any statements. However, the address to L'Assemblée européenne d'Illuminati drew quite a positive response, if I am any judge. It bodes well for the address to the Companie D’Aristocrats.
This week, Draco’s art lessons commence as well as his usual tutoring; then there are the ball Tuesday evening at the Austrian Embassy; luncheon at the Ministry with the delegation from South Africa; and the first of the emigration candidate interviews (at the staff residence). Narcissa has been invited on visits to Marseilles and Florac to tour the headquarters and millworks for Julie Jourdin’s studios. Ostensibly the inspection is to gather information on Mme Jourdin’s new robe fashions; I shall be astonished if she does not return with at least three ‘samples’ to bring home.
Also received an owl from a former acquaintance, requesting an opportunity to meet. Reassuring to know that not all our ties have been broken by the long absence of contact.
Amanda has suggested that we also visit Beauxbatons over the holiday. When I asked why ever we would, she answered that perhaps we might adopt some measures in place there in order to better remedy the disturbing trends at Hogwarts. I am not certain this is her only motive, however; she had that look about her she used to acquire when she wanted something she knew would meet objection. (It has been remarkable to see her with Draco, incidentally. I think she has been thoroughly enjoying having him there. If nothing else, she remarked last night that it is as if she were now the elder sibling to a younger version of myself! I cannot dispute Draco's resemblance, although I would have to say that she and I never whispered or colluded to nearly the same extent I have observed of aunt and nephew this week.)
It is my understanding that the end-of-term marks are being forwarded this week. Suspect it will take an extra day or so for Draco's reports to arrive - but we may be surprised.
We have taken a second property for the month in order to house the entire entourage, which includes all the Ministry personnel, Crispin of course, Draco’s tutors, Narcissa’s Witch Weekly staff and a photographer and reporter from the Prophet who were allowed to accompany us.
The Floo network here is not quite as efficient as ours, which has made co-ordination between the two households rather more challenging than planned. Then, too, the French Ministry has stationed Aurors for additional protection; as some at home will know, our presence in Paris has not met universal approval. After our first delegation meeting at the Ministerial offices it was agreed that the precautions would be wisest. We are perfectly well and safe, of course, but there are a small, vocal number of mudbloods here who protest any measure that might reassert true wizarding values across the board. I gather that one of Draco's tutors was accosted on his way in a few days ago and Crispin reports that they have determined to travel in pairs whenever possible to avoid being inconvenienced by the curious or the belligerent.
Regarding the delegations themselves, naturally, one cannot reveal privileged discussions before the respective governments have authorised any statements. However, the address to L'Assemblée européenne d'Illuminati drew quite a positive response, if I am any judge. It bodes well for the address to the Companie D’Aristocrats.
This week, Draco’s art lessons commence as well as his usual tutoring; then there are the ball Tuesday evening at the Austrian Embassy; luncheon at the Ministry with the delegation from South Africa; and the first of the emigration candidate interviews (at the staff residence). Narcissa has been invited on visits to Marseilles and Florac to tour the headquarters and millworks for Julie Jourdin’s studios. Ostensibly the inspection is to gather information on Mme Jourdin’s new robe fashions; I shall be astonished if she does not return with at least three ‘samples’ to bring home.
Also received an owl from a former acquaintance, requesting an opportunity to meet. Reassuring to know that not all our ties have been broken by the long absence of contact.
Amanda has suggested that we also visit Beauxbatons over the holiday. When I asked why ever we would, she answered that perhaps we might adopt some measures in place there in order to better remedy the disturbing trends at Hogwarts. I am not certain this is her only motive, however; she had that look about her she used to acquire when she wanted something she knew would meet objection. (It has been remarkable to see her with Draco, incidentally. I think she has been thoroughly enjoying having him there. If nothing else, she remarked last night that it is as if she were now the elder sibling to a younger version of myself! I cannot dispute Draco's resemblance, although I would have to say that she and I never whispered or colluded to nearly the same extent I have observed of aunt and nephew this week.)
It is my understanding that the end-of-term marks are being forwarded this week. Suspect it will take an extra day or so for Draco's reports to arrive - but we may be surprised.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-22 10:52 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-22 10:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-22 11:02 pm (UTC)Have you replied to Igor yet? It would be grand to see him again, if we can find the time for a private meal among all the other engagements.
Anyway, I really only wanted to tell you I've arrived safely at Julie's and yes, the collection is marevellous.
By the way, you and Draco ought to meet me in Marseilles next weekend. The weather here is splendid.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-22 11:18 pm (UTC)I had thought to invite Igor next week; there is a free afternoon between the Chinese delegation and supper with the French Senior Undersecretary, I think. I believe next week-end might be better to go to the coast, however. I seem to recall that we had intended to take Draco to see the Pyrenees. Is that still your wish?
no subject
Date: 2009-06-22 11:36 pm (UTC)I do think Draco would find the mountains beautiful and a good subject for his painting. As long as it's not raining.
If you're thinking of next Wednesday for Igor, that's when we were planning to take in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint-Michel. I can entertain Igor alone, though, if you prefer to keep in your day of browsing for musty grimoires.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-22 11:55 pm (UTC)And by no means do I intend to cancel the book district or miss Igor. No, I was going to suggest next Thursday, teatime.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-23 12:08 am (UTC)You'll find Crispin has squeezed in a fitting early tomorrow morning.
Thursday next sounds grand. I'll make sure Mariposa has my calendar cleared as well.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-23 01:16 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-23 03:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-23 03:35 am (UTC)If not this weekend, then the weekend before we go home, at least.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-23 03:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-23 03:50 am (UTC)Well, your great-grandmother Pennifold was skeptical of Mother's entire marriage, as I understood it, and demanded to see your Aunt Amanda and me together before she would believe there were two of us!
As for dropping her, that's nonsense. That's what elves and nursemaids are for.
You, on the other hand, always cried if ever anyone were foolish enough to hand you to me. I levitated you; you liked that. You used to clap when I jogged you up and down. I never dropped you, no.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-23 03:59 am (UTC)You didn't always cry when he held you. You remember the portrait from when you turned five? You sat on his lap for that, all smiles.
And there was that spate of bad dreams you had, the year before that, when I would read to you to get you back to sleep. Occasionally he would take you back to your nursery and you didn't cry then.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-23 04:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-23 04:08 am (UTC)Gracious, if this is the sort of thing that comes of leaving you alone with your sister ... we shall have to come to France more often.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-23 04:14 am (UTC)You never noticed?
no subject
Date: 2009-06-23 04:31 am (UTC)In fact, for your sake, dear husband, I shall simply ignore this revelation, thank you.