Lucius S Malfoy

Weekly meeting with Fudge a mixed bag this week.

The worst report was that St Mungo's has documented 100 cases of purebloods contracting the paralysis and a number more than double that in halfbloods. We had thought the precautions in place adequately contained the disease's spread, but the most recent cases resulted from a family disregarding the travel advisory at the week-end bank holiday. Surprised this was the only case, frankly; it seemed that everyone was most anxious to conclude business early on Thursday and Friday last in order to take advantage of the days off. Recommended that Selwyn's people devise another pamphlet to reinforce the proper travel procedures and the consequences of reckless transportation. (The Knight Bus, for example, remains out of service for the time being.)

The good news is that there have been no new cases reported in the camps in over a week. The remedy devised by Rookwood and his assistants from St Mungo's appears to be taking hold. All muggles who have been given the restorative are seeing benefit within twenty-four hours and most are able to return to light duty within five days. The camps are reinstating them to full work within two weeks, and most report no lingering joint pain or stiffness by that time. Consequently, the Minister anticipates that labour forces will be back to normal levels by the end of April - though this is concerning as the planting season will be well underway by that time. Discussed measures to allow for the shorter planting season and account for any reduction in crops that might result.

Rookwood's cure for the halfblood and pureblood version is ready for testing. He has seen decent results in rats and ran a phase II trial outside of Willesden a few days ago. He and the Healer team are looking for volunteer families to test the cure; approached me for permission to give it to Narcissa's niece, as she is still in hospital.


Must review the packet for the NRBC board meeting on Monday. Also received word that Muggle-born Labour shall meet via firechat, as the muggle-born workforce is well on its way to restoration.


Court yesterday was ... illuminating. As is usual, the spring air instills in Our Lord a zest for new research. He has followed Rookwood's efforts closely, of course, out of concern for His people. His interest has expressed itself, however, by returning always to that subject which has been central to His pursuits for many years: To continually improve the strength of magic's ability to protect, to preserve and to prolong life and prosperity. We spoke yesterday at length regarding certain volumes He wishes to acquire .... Some are easily accessed in the library at Malfoy Manor; for others, I believe the Black home at Grimmauld Place may well hold the resources He would reference. Still others may be more difficult to find, though doubtless Hogwarts' library may have a musty copy somewhere. If so, Minerva, we may need to prevail upon your gorgon, Madam Pince, to release the manuscripts from their vault for a time.

The situation in the camps, we are told, improves daily. Unfortunately, the number of cases of half-bloods and purebloods continues to climb. The form of these cases is particularly concerning, as the disfigurement of the victims is itself a source of potential infection. The pamphlets which have been produced by St Mungo's and distributed by the Ministry in the last two weeks - most distressingly - accurately portray the early signs, but moreover represent the means of its communicability. The need for isolation has never been more apparent.

The effect of these precautions on various committees, boards and societies has been palpable. The bright spot, however, is that our industry is well on its way to restoration.

Regarding the cure, Rookwood and his St Mungo's team report progress, though still no sure success. Of course, they are working round the clock and a few hours besides, but at Court we hear the feeble excuses of the experimental researcher: perfection cannot be rushed; without certainty we risk worsening the problem; these things take time. Needless to say, while we understand the need for diligence, the demands of public health dictate that their pace never slacken until they find the solution.


Moving on to more pleasant topics, Narcissa remarked over the week-end that she ought to begin planning Draco's birthday party. Though she was distracted yesterday by her cousin's poor health, but that seems to be a simple enough thing to remedy.

Draco, as I recall, you had a deal of activities you desired. Since owls are currently still under restriction, perhaps you might use the school holiday to give your mother an idea of what you would like to include at the celebrations.


Thursday will be the first of the month - inconceivable, but at least the weather has improved vastly in London over the last two weeks. Raining to-day, naturally.

As mentioned elsewhere, the celebrations on Friday were very enjoyable. Drinks at White's, followed by supper at The Wolseley, which closed to the public for the occasion. The Warlocks were a truly pleasant surprise. The evening went quite late and I fear some indulged rather more than others. (Speaking of which, Minerva, I trust you stayed over in London? Narcissa was concerned you might try to Apparate all the way back to Hogwarts in your ... condition. Are you quite recovered?) We ourselves stayed at Kensington rather than attempt Wiltshire.

Still working through the notes of thanks to all who sent tokens. Draco, your card was much appreciated. No need to apologise for it: The portrait of your Aunt was exceedingly well-done, particularly seeing as it was from memory. I know that you and your fellow students are under some strain with the current restrictions. The remembrance is more important than the form of present - though in this case, the present itself also served admirably. (And to Ari, for the reading glasses: I look forward to paying you back at a suitable moment!)

Luckily for us, Saturday had no set agenda. I confess it was well after noon before I braved the light of day. We did not even return to the Manor until supper, which was spent in a small party including Ari and Pandora, Stephen, Rabastan, Bella and Rodolphus. Sunday continued the relaxing, quiet trend. I do not think I have spent an entire day at home since Christmas. Even able to read a little for leisure, rather than work. Bliss.


Nonetheless, time marches on: Another birthday gone, and March already. First of the month accounts to-day, of course, along with a dash out to Shroton, Ampfield and Broxtowe, in company with Rookwood and Spencer-Wells, to review the progress of the measures enacted to counter Black's sabotage. At a recent court, Our Lord reminded us all that we must conquer our fears to become truly strong, and quite right. The cure, such as it is, has already shown promising results where it has been introduced and with proper precautions observed as they have been in the camps all along, there remains a minimal danger to purebloods. Still, owing to the fullness of the rest of the day, hope the visits will be brief.

Wizarding Wireless Board this afternoon. And back to the Ministry for another discussion with Plympton, Scrimgeour and Minister Fudge on the status of the DoM investigation.


Narcissa received some ill news early this morning. Her niece was admitted to St Mungo's yesterday, with what the Healers are certain is Black's paralysis. She was in the first stages, they said, but until the cure can be modified for half-bloods there is little the staff can do but keep her comfortable and try to control the fever. Narcissa has not decided yet whether she ought to visit, or if it is better to leave her to the care of the Healers and her rest. She may yet go to St Mungo's to-morrow for her regular volunteer shift.


Meanwhile, court and country await. Back to business.

Cassiopoeia Black's funeral will be to-morrow morning, which ought to put an end to an unpleasant business. Sinclair obtained her remains yesterday (about time!) and Caldecott has reviewed her will and testament. Luckily for the entire family, her affairs were in no wise as muddled as Lucretia's.

I have discussed with Walburga whether she wished to hold a public reception; she declined. Cassiopoeia was always a very private person. Moreover, in the current climate, Walburga agreed that large gatherings do not seem prudent. Per the announcement in the Prophet, we had established a small fund at St Mungo's for gifts on Lucretia's behalf; we shall now add Cassiopoeia's name to the endowment.


Meanwhile, the activities at the Ministry and among the administrative body of the camp continue to move along so brusquely that it was a minor miracle Ari and I were able to sit to a quiet, relaxing tea to-day. He has been offered a seat on the St Mungo's Board; tried to convince him to take it up, but not sure whether he will. Also he mentioned that he and Pandora did consent to have Kenwood profiled in the Londinarium sometime this spring.


Regarding the Ministry, attended a general meeting of all senior camp administrators to review the findings of the investigation into the sequence of events leading up to the Prophet article. Three Healers from St Mungo's were included, as well. Their chief concern has been to stem the spread of the disease, whereas our primary goal that day was to determine where and when the disease began to spread - and most importantly how it jumped from camp to camp. Certainly, the absence of any infection in any camp personnel reassures one that the danger is limited to the loss of labour and productivity and not a question of possible transmission. (It should be noted that precautions are still a wise measure, as is the case whenever coming into contact with anything tainted such as muggles.)

What is particularly vexing is the solidarity among the camp staff in their insistence that they have done all in their power to contain and to reverse the disease - when obviously if they had taken more responsible action, they should have brought in experts much sooner, and perhaps saved the State countless Galleons in lost mugglepower. Within the Ministry, it is clear that a few key suspects who were made aware of the situation took it upon themselves to obfuscate the truth. One can only conclude that they feared retribution if they revealed the extent of the problem; a self-fulfilling prophecy if ever there were one! We have, I am happy to say, successfully detained those suspects whom we are confident played a part in worsening this menace - and those whom we strongly suspect are agents of the traitor, Sirius Black.

Finally on this subject, expect to discuss the entire matter with the Minister on Thursday, by which time I hope we will have the results of Selwyn's internal inquest. I cannot imagine Dolores herself bears any culpability, although there is something to be said for her ability to maintain a firm grasp of all that passes through her office ....


Speaking of maintaining order, forgot to mention that last week, I returned from Buckingham to the St James' house to find that Crispin had brought his nephews with him. Some mix-up, apparently, resulting from a prior commitment to take them for the day, which he could not then re-arrange after I required him to be on hand. Vorenus is eight and Gracchus is six, though he took great care to note that he will be seven in a mere three months. The boys reminded me a great deal of Draco and Harry at their ages: Polite, but inquisitive, and prone to curiosity if not well-occupied. Permitted Crispin to use the drawing-room for them, and further to order them up a meal and send the elf for a few of Draco's old toys and games to distract them and keep them from getting underfoot. Unfortunately it was not long before Gracchus became a little too excited playing 'Snitch-Snatcher' and one of his Chasers flew out of the drawing-room and into the foyer. Nothing a swift 'Reparo' could not remedy - but clearly something that ought not to be repeated. And clear indication that charming as both young men are, they were too much a distraction for any productive work to be accomplished whilst we shared their company. It was a further two hours, however, before Crispin could obtain another relative to watch them and get along with his duties. How quickly one forgets, once boys are able to amuse themselves without need of constant supervision.


Luckily, other than ad hoc demands, this is a light week. Court to-morrow, of course, and the matter of an appointment for drinks with the Razzer and a few others on Friday, but otherwise one may recover from the ... excitement ... of the holidays in relative peace.

As it's all over the papers this morning, there's no point not discussing it.

Summoned yesterday afternoon by an urgent fire call from Shroton. Preparations for Our Lord's visit were disrupted by a rather pervasive reaction to the news of Black's accomplice's capture. Several of the Mudblood sections of the camp took a notion to refuse to work. Apparently had the ridiculous idea that if they protested, we should be forced to negotiate. The camp enforcers attempted first to subdue them but in the scuffle an enforcer lost his wand to a mudblood.

He was stopped in a matter of moments, of course. But the administrator requested Council involvement immediately to oversee the investigation of the incident, as well as the subsequent trial of the remaining agitators.

Spent most of the night at the camp, along with Mulciber and Rookwood, to ensure that the plans and protections were well in order before the Lord Protector's scheduled arrival.

Cancelling tea, Ari, as you might expect. I've only a few hours to restore myself and then must return to the camp.

Harry, I'm glad to hear you are feeling more yourself.

Draco, I would like you to make sure you keep yourself from cold or draughts and do by all means see Madam Pomfrey at the first sign if you've caught anything. (That goes for you, Miss Parkinson, as well.)

Clearly, I chose the right day to be on-hand at Epping Forest.

I began the day at the Ministry for a briefing from the MLE, then Apparated to the Epping district office to begin my tour. Applebee, the administrator, had scarce arrived to conduct me round when we heard a commotion near the herb gardens.

We found the scene a shambles and it took Applebee and three overseers a quarter-hour to sort out the altercation. A Muggle male, age 30, had attacked one of his guards. The Muggle was quickly subdued, but not before a few others took his part. They were also brought to heel swiftly. I was able to observe first-hand their methods of ascertaining the cause of the minor mutiny. Moreover, the interrogations that resulted from the incident revealed that there has been a growing unrest among a portion of the Muggle population of the camp. Fortunately the Enforcers now have a clear picture of the extent of the danger and may now take definitive steps to suppress the violent urges inherent in their charges and channel them back to productive pursuits.

The interlude naturally took much longer than anticipated, given the fracas, but by mid-afternoon I was able to proceed with the originally planned tour. We circuited the grounds over about an hour (skipping several unimportant areas) and then Applebee's assistant conducted me to Building Seven to meet with Augustus.

Suffice to say that the research upon which he has embarked is illuminating. Amycus seems to have found his element, as well; I am gratified to hear that they work effectively as a pair.

Since the inspection and our ensuing conversation regarding their theories ran quite overlong, I accepted Augustus' invitation to dine. Applebee had the staff prepare a fine, if rudimentary, meal, and Augustus supplied a particularly good wine from his personal stores.

Our discussions ranged, but at one point we did touch on Carrow's poet. I had glimpsed him from afar, though thankfully Amycus has kept the prying eyes away from the sanctum and has wisely chosen to occupy his body in order to prevent his mind growing presumptuous once more. Though to that, when I complimented him on the apparent reform of his servant, Amycus expressed rare prescience and a concern that the effect, however transformative, may be only temporary. I noted our surroundings and suggested a potential solution, should he prove repeatedly intractable.


In more pleasant matters, Ari has begun transferring the family to Kenwood and will bring Pandora there directly she is discharged from St Gerard's. Pansy is quite taken with her kneazle; the outing was pleasant but I was most relieved when Ari suggested we take Ptolemy to the Caledonian for a libation. (And interesting to note that they employ Mudbloods among their domestic staff!)


Well, it is late and I've another early start to-morrow. Selwyn, I have down ten o'clock; that makes sense as it would follow directly on my briefing with the Minister.

Must have slept half the day away on Monday - well after noon when I woke - but by early evening my brief, impromptu holiday was quite at an end. Dined with the Lord Protector and several other guests; after which we continued the work interrupted by Friday's events. I do believe we made progress, although thus far the only result has been proof of a surprising stamina. While frustrating, it was nevertheless somewhat impressive.

On returning home, it became clear that the lack of a tray that morning lay not, as I had assumed, wholly within Narcissa's consideration for my need to catch up on lost sleep. I retreated to the office rather than press a confrontation, but it was just as well, for there was more than enough to demand my study.

Yesterday, apart from the usual tea, back to Buckingham for an hour or two, and a meeting at Obscurus Books. We expected the report from Derby with the full details, rather than the pitiful excuses we have been receiving throughout the week-end, but nothing yet.

Also, still no further word from the harridan - possibly a good sign. Though one never knows ....

This morning's breakfast seemed restored to harmony; Crispin informed me that Madam Pomfrey has been provided direction so that future requisitions shall be processed without delay. It is unfortunate that Peakes' new clerk was apparently not entirely versed in the new policies before the beginning of term.

I have not yet written about the most enlightening and productive conversation had with Amycus over supper on the night before Draco and Harry's misadventure; I flatter myself that of the many subjects of our discussion, my advice afforded him some new perspective - and a renewed vigour to apply alternate methods to a test case that has, heretofore, shown both resistent and deceitful. Moreover, we had the opportunity to explore Amycus' penchant for empirical analysis - and I believe I can connect him to a project that will enable him to channel that enthusiasm and energy to his - and all our - benefit.

No office hours to-morrow, of course, though as yet my plans do not much extend beyond spending the afternoon at the club.