Court and holidays

[alt_lucius]

Harry, it was very good to see you this afternoon. I do take your point about remaining in Buckingham instead of going on more enjoyable holidays but you must understand that at the present, particularly with the fugitives still evading capture, it would be ill-advised to remove you from the additional protections your Father's home affords - without making careful provision, that is.

You'll be glad to know that we have already begun preparations for the Young Protectors' League trip so that you will be able to join the group as is your right. I'm sure you realise that my time is very limited at present, through my return from France on Saturday, but I assure you that I shall discuss the matter further with Our Lord and Mrs Malfoy. We may yet be able to arrange some sort of holiday, with Rabastan along of course, so that you can spend at least some of the remainder of summer outside the city. It will have to be prepared carefully, so that your whereabouts are as protected as your person, but if it can be properly organised, I assure you it would be our pleasure to have you accompany us.

In any event, I am glad you and the Razzer are getting on so well. I think you'll agree it would be much more tortuous to spend time in the constant company of one who is not so genial as he is.


Our first walk-through of the old artillery barracks is to-morrow. Weasley, I hope you're prepared to manage on your own for a few hours? If you've the revisions to the reply to Hawkins, bring them in, if you please.


Narcissa, I've an owl inviting us to the Harris garden party on the 23rd. The date is familiar for some reason, but Crispin has no note in the calendar. Have we a conflict that I've forgot?

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

I'd already sent our regrets to the Harrises, husband. Theirs is at six, but the Sandoval party is that evening beginning at seven.

I thought you'd be home by now. You're not still at the St James' house?

(And of course, we ought to discuss a holiday. It's been ages since we've taken a proper one. I should have suggested it sooner, but it's been so hectic this year.)

[alt_lucius]

Of course, the Sandovals. That's why it was so familiar: Inigo mentioned it himself at the opera on Friday last. I wonder they don't simply reschedule (Harris, I mean).

I hadn't seen the time. Indeed, I shall finish up and return presently. The memo can wait until morning.

[alt_harry]

I suppose. It just doesn't seem fair. I mean Father has all these state visits and things, and I sit. I suppose it's better than when he made me go with him to everything. That was really boring.

I would LOVE to go on holiday with you and Mrs Malfoy and Draco. And I am excited for the YPL trip!!

Razzer won't let me call him Razzer.

[alt_lucius]

My dear boy, I can certainly understand how one as active as you are accustomed to being may chafe under the tedium of days spent in constant supervision. Were it not for your own protection, of course, we would have you at the Manor as often as you like. We may still be able to arrange the necessary measures to allow you and Draco more time there.

Mrs Malfoy and I have discussed a holiday somewhat. We shall have to revisit the matter after my return. As you may imagine, I have a great deal that must be arranged before I can leave, and my departure is looming ever closer.

Regarding the Razzer, I am not at all surprised! If he wishes to cut an imposing figure, he could hardly do otherwise. You must remember that he is there for a purpose and you serve neither him nor yourself by becoming too friendly - though as I said, it is always preferrable to enjoy the company of one's bodyguards. It is the only way to endure such measures with pleasantry.