Busy week-end ...
Oct. 6th, 2008 03:21 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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'sold 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.
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
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.