First of the Month

[alt_lucius]

First of the month already - inconceivable. Usual accounts to attend to this afternoon.

This morning was the quarterly meeting for Purity Control, including both the Muggleborn Labour Committee and the half-blood placements. I don't recall the placements for students working out this late in the year before, but at least it's done now. There was some discussion of the reluctance of pureblood families to take on mudblood servants. Pointed out that for many older families, house elves are sufficient and less of a drain on capital resources; for others there is still a feeling that using mudbloods in place of house elves is nothing more than a bourgeois fancy. Warrington will be organising a plan to change the perception that mudbloods in the home are neither a passing fad nor a common and paltry substitute for a bonafide house elf. (Of course, efforts from the Division of Wizarding Communication will be instrumental, as well as other developments. But those cannot be rushed, whereas Wizarding Communication and in particular the Public Information staff may be utilised to achieve the desired shift along any timetable we choose to set.)

Saw Barty at the meeting and inquired after Regulus; he reports that all is well and that the two of them continue to find the arrangement acceptable.


Crispin's just brought in the post, which includes an answer for which I have been waiting, so that clears up one of the pending matters.


The Manor's grounds are looking somewhat bare now that they are put to bed for the winter, though this will naturally be corrected for Christmas. Narcissa's winter garden should be in bloom in time for the party and the holly bower (for the veranda doors off the main ballroom) is coming along well. I noticed it this morning only because there was frost on the terrace and I diverted to the windows on my way out to have a look at the weather. Nearly all the trees have their leaves down and the dwarfs have been over the place to collect them at least thrice in the past fortnight.

Speaking of preparations, I have offered to review the invitation list for our party at the Manor, as poor Narcissa is quite overtaken by preparations for the St Mungo's benefit and does not wish our traditional celebrations to suffer as a result. Will have Crispin cross-check the acceptances from last year so that the invitations may go in the post to-morrow or Wednesday.

Comments

[alt_pansy]

I wouldn't want a mudblood in the house because ew. Professor Carrow's is always cringing and shivering and cowering. Who'd want to look at that all day? I like elves myself. They do what you tell them.

[alt_lucius]

Yes, I am not certain that the Department of Purity Control has come up with a salient argument against 'Ew' as yet.

As for Professor Carrow's mudblood ... likely that has more to do with Professor Carrow, but I shall not go into further detail on that subject.

The primary advantage of house elves is that if they do their job properly, one does not see them at all. One cannot say the same of mudbloods, no matter they are suitably behaved or not.

[alt_pansy]

See, that's how I like it. I don't want to see the elves or mudbloods or whatever. I just want them to do their jobs. Looking at mudbloods all the time would be weird. Harry's just sits there in the common room or whereever Harry is and he's just... there. And I can't come up with a better word than ew. Sorry.

[alt_mcgonagall]

While I would not particularly enjoy it, one might consider leaving half-blood students at Hogwarts, at least for the winter hols. There are several students who will not be returning to their families, for one reason or another. Such an arrangement would allow you more time to find placements for them all.

I am willing to give up the peace and quiet in my castle for the sake of the cause, naturally.

[alt_lucius]

Not to worry, Minerva. My understanding is that there were only a few last-minute requests and the placement office had been dithering over which students would be best matched where. I think Warrington demanded that they be placed prior to today's meeting if for no other reason than to prove to the council that there is one more box ticked in his 'complete' column.

[alt_mcgonagall]

Excellent. I may yet hope to have a peaceful holiday, in that case. I am several months behind with the Proceedings of the Society for Metamorphosis and Transfiguration.

[alt_arthur]

I believe I'll speak to Warrington to volunteer to be on his task force. Perhaps we might get some testimonials from some respected families who can report positive interactions with their mudblood servants. I have a few ideas of some we might approach, notes on particular cases that could be used for promotion, etc.

It wasn't clear to me whether he meant to spread the word about the program through media outlets or brochures. I suppose both could be used.

[alt_pansy]

Oh, and Lucius? Why would Rita Skeeter want to do an expose on my father?

And I thought mudbloods would turn on you Sorry. Fergus jumped up here.

[alt_lucius]

A little overtime to make up for holiday spending?

Well, it happens something Miss Parkinson said, of all things, has given me a few ideas of my own.

Perhaps I shall sit in on a few early sessions.

[alt_lucius]

Because she is a vindictive sensationalist who thinks petty acts of mudraking shall set her ahead of her betters.

It is nothing about which you need concern yourself, Little Bit.