All as usual

[alt_lucius]

My thanks for the many returns of the day. For those who have asked: No, no special plans. Perhaps a quiet supper with friends, as has been my wont for the past several years. Particularly as there is no State event pre-occupying one's attention; they are welcome, of course, with the pomp and splendour they provide, but one also appreciates the opportunity to celebrate only with one's nearest from time to time.

However, was reminded by the various cards and tokens that it has been some time since posting. Pray think no nefarious cause in that: All has proceeded at a customary pace. One's business of late has been too sensitive for public consumption but all is well as can be expected. If my journal has been more a source of reading material than a mouthpiece recently, it is only that there has been nothing of interest to report.


By contrast, the efforts of Our Lord's young novices have continued to offer both insight and diversion. Received quite a number of compliments on my son's performance, following the last Hogsmeade week-end, in which Ned, Crispin and others were able to meet with their candidate choices. Would that any credit were mine; he is wholly his own man, by this time. Still, one cannot help be proud to hear so well of one's offspring. That he has already distinguished himself in pursuit of Our Lord's own recognition is worth more than any birthday present.


Speaking of presents, though: Amanda, received your latest gift and news with amusement. While we should like nothing better than to meet our new nephew, it is unlikely we shall find the time to arrange a visit before next Christmas. Perhaps not even then. Pleased to inform, however, that as the Ministry's next great advance completes itself, under the watchful eye of Our Lord, the ability to travel safely may well be improved. Tell Mother she ought to look after herself better, as well: a broken hip may be easily mended, but it is still no joke at her age.


Oh, and Miss Parkinson: I've time for tea prior to to-morrow's Governor's meeting, if you would like to join me. We can discuss your own place among the standings and follow-up on other matters concerning your future.

Comments

[alt_antonin]

'Nothing of interest to report'.

Interesting choice of phrasing.

[alt_lucius]

If you are referring to seeing you in Our Lord's presence, that was notable but only for its rarity. It's hardly something that merits a mention, however.

[alt_antonin]

I was referring to the idea that your 'nothing of interest to report' stemmed from an actual lack of things of interest happening, rather than from your ... oh, it would be uncouth of me to finish that sentence, now wouldn't it?

[alt_lucius]

Don't trouble yourself with speculation; my brief is as diverse as ever. If one cannot discuss one's closed-door dealings at the Ministry, Mysteries, Court or elsewhere, one simply says nothing.

Or should one infer from your clumsy attempt to draw a comment that you yourself are feeling a strain from the specialisation required to teach teenagers how to place a blood lock on a trunk? Perhaps that's why you came begging to be entrusted with more challenging chores. Teaching lost its glow when it becomes a daily task?

[alt_antonin]

Do make up your mind: am I to be mocked for laziness or overreach? Shoddy intellect to want it both ways -- but then, I am hardly surprised.

I do hope that you and Narcissa will enjoy your quiet birthday supper alone together.

Private Message to Antonin Nikolaevich

[alt_lucius]

Not alone. Very close friends gathering round about eight. One must take the utmost care these days whom one invites into one's home.

Re: Private Message to Antonin Nikolaevich

[alt_antonin]

Quite. I trust you are well aware by now who your true friends are.

(Я ненавижу это так, бля.)

Private Message to Lucius

[alt_pansy]

I hope you enjoyed your present, Lucius, and I hope you are well today.

I would very much like to see you, it feels like an age and a half since Christmas, and I would appreciate the opportunity to gain some insight into my performance.

I very much hope that my comportment thus far reflects well on my father's legacy.

Re: Private Message to Lucius

[alt_lucius]

Well enough, from what I have heard. Looking forward to seeing you, my dear.