Busy week-end ...

[alt_lucius]

... At least, as these things go.

Wednesday evening's audience with the Lord Protector extended into supper. Our Lord sets an excellent table. We spoke on a variety of topics, and I was flattered that My Lord solicited my opinion on a number of matters, small and large.

In addition to concerns of the Protectorate, He made known to me His desire to celebrate His birthday at Hogwarts, where Harry and the other students may partake of the festivities directly. It is a traditional day of solemnity, of course, with the usual toasts and holiday trappings, but doubtless the Prophet will be able to make much of Our Lord's devotion to His son in observing His anniversary thus.

Thursday's Board meeting went much as expected. Circulation increased with the seizure of The Quibbler and news that its subscriptions will be suspended through the year-end. The rest of the Board approved my proposal on that score, with a few friendly amendments, which left me prepared for Friday's discussion with Lovegood.

As to that, the man was ... understandably distraught, but nonetheless he presented a rather more desperate plea than I had anticipated. Really there is nothing so distasteful as a man who thinks he can insult power and then beg his way out of his own predicament. I confess it made my wand hand twitch.

Still, I had my own direction and that of the Prophet to consider, so I made Lovegood an offer. He balked at first, particularly our staffing suggestions, but I believe I convinced him that if he were willing to cede some minor points, I could likely arrange for ... lenience ... on aspects of the Ministry's penalty. Of course, I shan't know until to-morrow whether Dolores will accept, but I am certain Scrimgeour will seize upon the fairness of the terms, as he had argued in favour of clemency in the first place.

Narcissa has been wearing herself to the bone looking after Regulus - and thus by definition, Walburga. I provided her a diversion on Saturday evening in the form of inviting the Baddocks to share our box for the performance of Tosca at Covent Garden. One of Narcissa's old school friends, Athena Belby, was singing the role, so we invited her and a few of the other principals to supper with the four of us afterward.

To-day Narcissa went back to Grimmauld Place for luncheon and to bring Reg more essence of dittany, but I have spent a quiet day at home, catching up on the markets. Carpet sales are up since last quarter, but it seems cauldrons are, as ever, highly erratic, reflecting irregular standards. Should have divested last year after the Brewers' Guild was dissolved owing to a lack of qualified Journeymen being elevated to Master status. At least pewter ingots themselves are holding steady. The other stocks appear in reasonable order.

Ah, and I see, Bella, that Scrimgeour and Thicknesse have relented to reason at last! You are quite right; this is excellent news.

What is not excellent news is that the grounds of Hogwarts are being stalked by a former professor. I'd give three guesses who, except I doubt three tries should be necessary. Crispin can verify the reports this week.

First things first, however: I must meet Minister Umbridge early to-morrow to obtain her assent on Lovegood's mitigation.

Comments

[alt_draco]

Why was that former professor sacked, Father? Some of us at school are wondering. Is it true that he was a drunkard?

[alt_lucius]

Have you seen him personally, Draco? Did he appear drunk to you?

If you see him again, you are to inform Headmistress McGonagall immediately, is that understood? Under no circumstances are you to engage him, nor should any of your friends.

He is not dangerous, not by himself, but he is apt to be unpredictable, and probably upsetting, to you children

Whether he drank to excess prior to his termination I am sure I do not know; it was not the primary reason, certainly.

Do you recall the trip you and Harry took with your tutor to the British Museum and what you were taught there about Muggles?

[alt_draco]

I didn't see him, Father, I just heard some of the bigger students talking.

I remember that they had Empires, and a lot of wars, and they built a lot of machines that were just for the wars. They also did odd things like worship animals and make mummies. There was even a mummy cat. And the tea that was left behind in the cafe was very bad, also.

[alt_lucius]

All true. I was referring to the lessons on why we had to take over, even though there are far more Muggles than wizards.

Let's say that had Quirrell remained on staff, you should have learnt nearly nothing of the true history of Muggles and instead a load of waffle about how useful Muggles have been over the centuries.

[alt_draco]

Mr Lupin the groundskeeper was writing to Harry in his book about all the good things muggle doctors did. Maybe he should be sacked, too.

[alt_lucius]

Lupin's opinions are certainly unsavoury, but werewolves are a protected species. Most of them are much more practical and not so sentimental. Lupin's circumstances are ... unusual, to say the least.

But that's immaterial. The point is that he was not hired to teach you, Harry, or anyone else about Muggles, nor was it his error to stray from the Ministry-approved curriculum in accomplishing his set tasks. He is a groundskeeper, Draco, and as such his opinions amount to little more than empty air.

[alt_harry]

I heard he hit his students like a Muggle.

[alt_draco]

With one of those belt things?

[alt_harry]

No, with a switch he got from the Whomping Willow. Which isn't all that un-magical, I thought. Wouldn't it hurt worse to get hit with a Whomping Willow-switch than a non-magic one?

[alt_draco]

It probably hurts a lot no matter what. But it seems like a lazy thing to do, because the switch would do all the work for you, so maybe he was lazy, and that's why he was sacked.

[alt_harry]

I suppose. I'd rather get hit than be jinxed though.

[alt_draco]

It might be better to be hit, it's probably over faster, but I wouldn't want anyone treating me like a common muggle.

[alt_harry]

Well, it's not as though you are a common Muggle so it doesn't matter if peopel treat you like one.

[alt_draco]

I'd be offended, though. Wouldn't you?

[alt_harry]

Maybe, depending on who it was. I don't think I'd be offended if it was a professor or if it was your dad or if it was Father.

[alt_draco]

Look at that--Acton just looked right at you while you were writing under your desk, and she didn't even say anything. I bet she'd let you leave class for a nap, if you wanted.

[alt_harry]

Yeah, I bet. Only Percy would get us in trouble, so better stop now.

[alt_lucius]

I've been in meetings all day, but Weasley is not the only one who noticed you were writing during lessons.

I really have no idea where you boys get your ideas. Long ago, corporal punishment was considered a more than suitable penalty for young wizards who do not mind their studies, though nowadays magical punishments and simple non-magical detentions are deemed more appropriate. Ask Professor Carrow, if either of you dare, for a history of torture and its application to over-inquisitive little boys.

No, Quirrell was not discharged for beating his pupils. I think Draco may have deduced the real reason already, given his eagerness to see Lupin meet the same fate for his diltutionary sentiments.

[alt_draco]

I'd rather not ask Professor Carrow, if its all the same.

And I didn't write this bit in class. Classes are over for the day.

[alt_lucius]

No, son, I did not imagine you would be so foolish.

On either count.

[alt_percy]

I do not believe that is correct, Mr. Marvolo. Or at least, if it happened, none of the prefects ever reported it. Again, please, it would be best if you not participate in spreading rumours.

[alt_harry]

Oh.

I suppose that's good to know. It was just something I heard. I didn't mean any harm.

[alt_percy]

As I told Ms Perks, being curious is entirely natural. Learning when it is appropriate to air speculations and when to be silent about them is something that may become clearer to you as you grow older.

[alt_harry]

Alright.

[alt_draco]

But I started it, sir. Harry was just contributing. My Father doesn't mind if I ask him a question, he's open to being approached on all sorts of things, by all sorts of people.

[alt_percy]

Yes, and your father answered quite wisely, I think, giving you what information you have a need to know, but otherwise repressing further unnecessary speculation.

(I believe you are in class right now, Mr. Malfoy. Shouldn't you be paying attention to your professor?)