Results?

[alt_lucius]

Following Rookwood's - admittedly - compelling demonstration earlier this week, was able to recommend to Minister Fudge that the DoM be given immediate access to field testing facilities. Requires careful co-ordination with the Department of Magical Transportation, owing the delicate nature of the equipment which must be transferred to their test locations. Unfathomably, O'Connor took it into her head to insist that the parchmentwork for portkeys could not be rushed, regardless of the circumstances. Some nonsense, I gather, about the staff shortage creating a backlog of 'urgent' requests for portkeys - and a good deal of waffle concerning the safety of the proposed destinations. Have never seen Rookwood so beside himself. Under different circumstances it could have been highly entertaining; given the very real consequences of success, however, could only agree with his sense of outrage. Had O'Connor in Cornelius' office by day's end. Confident that Augustus shall have his portkeys within a week.


Ari quite surprised me Tuesday by revealing that Reg's young friend has already interviewed and visited Kenwood for a profile on the family. He had mentioned spring, but it seems Bobolis was too eager to wait. Learning from Reg's somewhat misplaced faith, Ari insisted on an advance copy of the article in order to ensure his full approval of the story. (Bobolis has not yet delivered, however.)


Amanda, Narcissa tells me that you have settled on robes (a fact which I understand was the subject of much discussion back and forth between you). Of course I'm pleased that Froissart has secured your preferred venue. And no, I do not doubt that he will continue to endeavour to satisfy you in every way possible. As to your question regarding whether we should be able to attend: Dearest, may I remind you yet again that the excursion to France last summer was a special circumstance, and that moreover with the restrictions in place it is even less likely than ever that we will make the journey. It has nothing whatever to do with my approval or lack thereof! As you so vehemently stated on our visit, I have no dominion over your decisions - only concern that you consider with care the choices you make. Do not over-estimate my ability to move the earth for your convenience and by no means mistake my limitations for a passive objection to your plans.


Draco, I trust you have resolved the matter of obedience in your servant? We'll continue to send Valerian to you at the week-end so you can send your letters.

Comments

[alt_regulus]

Early word from the young friend is that he got great copy and better pictures at Kenwood. He was more than a bit giddy over dinner Tuesday evening.

So Amanda's really going through with it, then? I thought she might never settle, but I suppose we all mellow with time.

[alt_lucius]

Perhaps you may wish to remind him, if you get the chance, of your own discomfort when you opened his inaugural issue to its surprises. It is one thing to indulge in sensationalism when presented with such a tempting target as your brother; I should not like to think of his burgeoning career's chances if he takes any similarly unwise risks with Ari's history and connexions.

I think you know my sister well enough to realise that she does not so much settle as choose. And once she chooses, she is unlikely to change her course. If anything, her years of independence on the continent have made her more headstrong than ever. At least this time, she seems to have made her decision less ... impulsively than before.

[alt_regulus]

I doubt there's anything to fear. The Baddocks, of course, are subjects of interest and respect, whereas my erstwhile sibling is, as you say, a target. For the MLE, the press, and the public.

If it's any consolation, he seemed most interested in opening the admirable features of the house to view rather than in excavating delicate details of its owners' lives. I haven't seen what he's written, though, so I can't offer any assurances beyond a general sense that he values his career and hopes the magazine will have a long run of success.

[alt_lucius]

I'm sure he's quite a credit to his ambition and his profession. I mention it only because Ari had said that he instructed your young man to give him an approval copy - and as of yesterday he still had not seen it.

[alt_narcissa]

You've patched things with him, then? Good. He seemed so very out of sorts when I spoke to him last.

As for Amanda, she was very anxious for Lucius to meet the young man, and he's delightful. You know how protective my husband is of his sister. I'm sure he would have reacted in a similar manner even if her intended had been Salazar Slytherin himself!

But I hope your friend will have a care when it comes to any mention of Serena. For Pandora's sake, as well as Ari's. And of course, young Ptolemy.

[alt_regulus]

What's a relationship without a bit of friction. Keeps things interesting.

Yes, well, I should think the age gap would have been concerning if it'd been Slytherin himself. Lucius would be entirely in the right to object in that case.

I'll raise your concerns with him, cousin. I trust he's wiser than to make such a blunder; I've never sensed anything vaguely suicidal about him.

[alt_draco]

Everything's alright for the time being. I talked to someone who made me realise why he might be acting out.

And good - I miss writing to Auntie Amanda most of all.

[alt_lucius]

Acting out? I suppose it would be rather like raising a child, in some ways. So you've rooted out the cause, then? Good.

I'm ... intrigued, son, that you've maintained a correspondence with your Aunt. Pleased, of course, but ... surprised. I should not have thought her usual frippery of any interest to a boy your age.

[alt_draco]

We've written one another every fortnight since leaving France. I suppose you might call her my most trusted advisor. Besides Harry, that is.

[alt_lucius]

How droll. And on what does she advise you?

[alt_draco]

All sorts of things, really. But they're all quite private.