Lucius S Malfoy

Ari, received your owl. Have been working on arrangements at this end. Chiefly, just came from a meeting in Paris: ICW will extend emigration rights to those of our cohort who can manage to make landfall in Europe. No extradition back to England. We just have to produce evidence that you have not played a significant role in the events following the fall of the previous regime, or that you have been coerced to commit acts in the service of the current one. Simple enough.

On the topic of Ireland, Tosha, have advised them to recommend that it be completely removed from the ICW treaties for the present. No qualified representatives are in any position to negotiate there and it's unlikely there will be for some time to come. Uncertain they will follow my guidance but at least the head of the coalition for Irish Affairs was inclined to caution. Suspect they will drag their feet, if not comply altogether.

Oh, and Ari, you asked about the Secret Keeper for Dover: No, sadly, they were reasonably careful not to provide us with a name or face. We were blindfolded and he came into the room to tell us. Can confidently state it was not Diggory, however. Have you been chasing him all this time? You ought to have asked weeks ago.

If the situation has indeed devolved as far as that, then by all means, get out. It is the only sensible course.

If Dover is not available, you might try Penzance. The stone there was diamond. They likely have it under guard.

As for the territory here: We are both well, considering. Though it is quite a different landscape, in which increased interaction with Muggles is the norm. It is not without - benefits, however. One didn't realise all the things one missed.

Gentlemen, if you can escape, do. It may be the healthiest move any of us have made in years.

-LM

What did Ari want with you?

This is

Thank Merlin our party is Saturday. Narcissa plans to out-do herself to make sure it is a universal success.

FUCKING

Come on Saturday whenever you like.

Pansy,

Allegations have reached us that you've agreed to enter into business with Fred and George Weasley.

Shall give you this one chance to deny any truth to these rumours. As you know, Mr Baddock and I take tea every Tuesday, as we have done for many years, and he is fully aware of the situation. We have reviewed your last year's transactions and he has confirmed that at no time did you and he discuss an inclination to embark in commerce as a financial backer.

However. We did note a number of requests which in retrospect add to something somewhat ... irregular.

Have you anything to say to us? What explanation can you give for these unusually large sums - and shall we pursue the Weasleys to the fullest extent possible for their libel and fraud?

Have just returned from White's where Ptolemy asked his father and me to join him. Showed us his new Mark.

If he thought Ari would embrace him with paternal pride he was sorely mistaken. He has only just reconciled him-self to being a father-in-law! He was entirely unprepared to see Ptolemy undertaking Our Lord's service so young or so soon after marrying.

Took quite a number of rounds to calm him down. Might have been one too many for Ptolemy as well. (At any rate he took my advice and has gone home with his father rather than surprise his new wife with a late-night carouse.)

Cannot blame him. Barty hears about Ned second-hand, and Bella about Lana. Claudius was not present at Sarah's induction; now Ari and I both blind-sided by Ptolemy. If my clerk's petition is granted before the end of the summer we may all be sure the ranks are being diluted to a purpose - though what He intends I could not pretend to guess.


There was something else.

Can't


Oh.

Covington. Augustus says he checked the log book. Covington's not been to his lab since Friday after-noon. Odd because Covington typically works at least one day at the week-end and for the past three weeks has been in by 7:00 a.m. on Mondays.

Also, Barty: Augustus had something new about Bale.

Muggleborn Labour Committee this morning. Is it my imagination or has that collection of industrious camp administrators grown even more tedious than ever? No end of excuses for the low productivity reports but very little in the way of solutions - at least, on their part. Daresay the Committee had a number of suggestions all of which would not only bring up the tallies but doubtless put a stop to any further disturbances.

At least Hertfordshire and Sussex are not deterred; their numbers were better than any other three counties combined. Clearly the wizardfolk are not about to listen to nonsense concerning the Cup or the muggleborn 'influence' over the Dogstar. Rot. They are just as suitable as ever for their usual employ.

As for Dogstar, well, they may have a knack for recruiting fools but clearly no instinct at all for strategies that actually work. Thus far, MLE have uncovered every one of their grand schemes and caught more than a few of the 'masterminds' responsible. Anyone can see they need to recruit, actively, because they keep losing their misguided members to Our Lord's illustrious chosen.

Nonetheless, reminded the camps of their duty to keep their charges occupied and contributory - and reminded them, too, of the consequences of failure.


At the behest of the Healers I am still not meant to resume my regular routine on the duelling courses. So naturally, under no circumstances did I go. Utterly ridiculous restriction; one need not raise one's voice to aim hexes and otherwise I am fully recovered.

However, did take tea with Ari, which seems like the first time since mid-summer's that he and I were both available. He has been busy preparing for the Wizengamot Executive Session - understand from him that Hooper's case is to be arraigned this month in order to speed the trial - and now that Ptolemy has finished school, he is assisting his father in matters pertaining to the private practice. Spoke also about his hesitation to allow Ptolemy to betroth himself. Concur, though I do believe his motives show the caution of a reactionary rather than the sagacity of the experienced. Cannot blame him, of course; merely could not resist pointing out that his son's prospects are vastly different, given the relative peace which we now enjoy compared to the tumult at the height of the war. Still, if they are truly committed, they will remain so at the end of a year's separation - and there's no rush, in any event, for either of them.


Social calendar remains, as ever, overflowing with choices, too many to possibly accept. Have asked whether Amanda might like to take on a role or two within a few of the circles, especially those societies which were particular favourites of Mother's. Do not intend she should sit idle in Mellerstain House for eight months with only her husband's visits to bring her cheer! She has consented but is relying on Narcissa (as do I!) for much of her knowledge of the set. Journals only reveal so much, of course, and it is excessively difficult to guess whether all the old associations still hold true. Confident Narcissa may help her navigate without a qualm.


Draco, Harry, Pansy, Hydra: Glad to hear you are all off to promising starts for the term. Do recall that your studies are only going to demand more attention as they progress in difficulty and that the time you fill now shall be much-needed next year when your O.W.L.s will require your diligence. You may think losing Quidditch a hardship but not, I trust, one that will overset you for long, not compared with the prospects ahead.

Realising to-day that while I have used the journals for various communications of late, it has been quite some time since I had any leisure to simply update.


Magical Commerce met Monday; nearly all signs of last year's drop in trade seem to have faded and all sectors report traffic back almost to the levels they were at before the illness struck. Crispin appears to be settling in to his new duties well enough. He reports a number of new licence applications for these so-called reduction ... clinics, spas, some of them call themselves clubs or hotels. Every one of them has its own 'guaranteed' method to produce results, naturally. But it is difficult to conceive a better solution when so many wizards have become enamoured of the pies, pasties and various other concoctions made almost entirely from transfigured foods. Suet and fat, most of them; no nutritional value whatever. Have banned Hooper going to the vendors he prefers as he had gained at least a stone since starting with me just over two months ago. At that rate he should have been able to sink a frigate by summertime.


Fudge's anniversary luncheon went well indeed. His address on the WWN is scheduled for early February and ought to be enlightening as well as affirming. Our nation is strong thanks to the measures which Our Lord Protector has adopted.


Speaking of the WWN, heard that the second broadcast channel has been picking up audience. Peale's last report claimed that the new original content - a serial drama and an interview show - have been among the most popular offerings, judging from the post he has received. Of course, the music, particularly the newer music, had a considerable jump in popularity over the holidays, but has dropped off now that the students are back at school. He's asked to monitor it again during the Easter holidays to determine whether they are correlated.

(Incidentally, Draco and Pansy: Saw Nolan last week and he asked me to be sure to remember him to you both, and to tell you not to be too discouraged. His suggestions come from experience. Any idiot can collide words until they scan and rhyme; it takes something altogether different to write a song that captures the attention of an entire country. And he said by all means to keep working on material.)


Everyone at the Elysian was talking about Hogwarts' foray into dramatics, even on Tuesday when Ari and I were there. He, of course, knew that Ptolemy read many of Miss Moon's early drafts and had already made several suggestions to her, resulting in the script that the Governors approved before the project went forward. Still, he was not certain he would attend - and small wonder, as the closer of the first half dwells on Serena's murder. Believe we have all been thinking of the past more often of late, thanks to the Londinarium article. Moody and his minions have much for which to answer, when we bring them to justice. Leicester was particularly difficult for more than one reason but it was not the only day we sacrificed heavily for the privileges we all now enjoy. One cannot regret the cost in light of the eventual victory, but I do wish I had been able to finish capture him either on the day we freed the Ministry of Bagnold and Dumbledore or on that day Tony died. It's fitting Miss Moon assigned him a cat as a familiar: The blackguard has at least as many lives as one, despite how often we whittled away at him.

But I confess it was a great pleasure to run the Ouroboros' course last night with so many others. In a way it was more like the days of old when we were the few who had the courage to follow through on Our Lord's magnificent plan. Certainly, we did not chase quarry near so ... appealing ... as the creatures Travers arranged for us yester-night, nor so willing victims. Must say that Narcissa's training regimen has been nothing but good for her. She kept pace every bit as well as Malvasius and Forney, even Bella at times. (Not that Narcissa was ever less than skilled in duelling, but the course has some sections that are calculated to be challenging even for warlocks in their prime.) I daresay she surprised quite a few members of MLE - and I hope made them fear for their profession, if they can't surpass her!

The only drawback to such a spirited celebration was that neither of us cared to go further than Kensington at evening's end, nor even to-day. We have remained in Town and in a state of utter relaxation - necessary, but something of a lost day. Not even sure what we were supposed to do this afternoon, but whatever it was, our apologies. I trust that the event took place without any notice that we were not in attendance. I do recall we had seats for the opera this evening, but we both agree that's out; we shall re-arrange to attend another performance.

To-morrow, we do not have the luxury of late lie-ins and lazy afternoon teas, however. That much I do recall without consulting my books.


Oh, and Barty - assuming you've any time for journals outside of throwing yourself on Ms Drumgoole's mercy: Should she refuse to forgive you, perhaps the hair ornaments Gaude gave you will convince Miss Golightly to return with you to the ring.

Congratulations to MLE on their tireless pursuit of enemies to the state. Between their capture of Dippet and Gudgeon and the Longbottom exposure they have proven to all that our safety is in good hands and that even in the wake of Black's downfall, they have not given their vigilance a holiday.

That said, it is refreshing to once in a while read in the Prophet some fact one did not anticipate. For example, I had heard that the investigation into Black uncovered incontrovertible evidence of accomplices long believed eradicated. So I was not at all surprised to see the disgraced former-Aurors Longbottom have been, to our dismay, resurrected. Until this morning, however, I had not known the precise nature of that proof.

Which is rather perturbing, as I am certain a child with their surname would have been easily detected by the Headmistress or myself on our inspections of the Hogwarts rolls. Minerva, I can conceive at least two explanations for such an oversight; I trust you shall provide an acceptable justification. We shall, of course, require an additional check through the book at Thursday's Board of Governors' meeting.


Pansy, Mr Tenebridge confirmed this morning that we will be able to tour the facility next week. (He also let me know who will be recording when you are there; I think you will be pleased.) And I have arranged for you to meet with Mr Baddock regarding those changes to your paternal pension which will take effect upon your mother's remarriage. To that end, he requested you bring the Parkinson vault key. Knowing your mother, you will need to obtain it from wherever she has hidden it - if she can remember where.

However, he has a favour to ask in return: It seems that last year, you made quite an impression on his younger children. They overheard him saying that he would be seeing you and immediately begged another chance to spend time together. He suggested you spend an afternoon at Kenwood; I said I would ask if you thought you could spare the time. There are at least two afternoons when I shall be unable to keep you company, so perhaps you might agree to one of them and it will not impact our timetable grossly. What do you think?

Horace, thank you and Minerva again for kindly arranging a three-way fire chat so that Narcissa and I could speak directly to Draco. His servants' murder hit him rather hard, I think, not least because it is the first time he has seen death so closely. (And I, too, wish for his sake that he had not chosen to view the body, Horace, but agree that it was his right to do so.) I believe Draco had grown attached to Dennis, not just because he had acquired him for his own, but out of a genuine sense of responsibility for his possession. Particularly coming as Dennis did from Harry and the Lord Protector, it was doubly difficult for him to accept that anyone would mean him harm. I do not doubt that Draco will continue to recover from the loss, but that it may not be an easy or instant adjustment.


In any event, the news of the attack's effect on Draco prompted us to reconsider my decision to abdicate the Manor for the week-end. I did manage some tasks on Saturday while Narcissa entertained her cousin, but it was just as well I remained on hand. I had already made provisions for a Valentine's Day spent (of necessity) apart, however it was infinitely more enjoyable to spend the holiday in each other's company.


The good news is that Rookwood was able to deploy his trials this week and is monitoring them for their results. If all goes well, he should be able to expand the programme in a matter of days.


Meanwhile, Magical Commerce meets to-morrow, amid much consternation over the impact of continued labour shortages and the newer travel restrictions on the state of consumption within the realm.

As if by contrast, Ari and Pandora have arranged a reception on Tuesday in honour of the Londinarium article (which I gather from him was much to their liking) - and in a sort of celebration of Ptolemy's recent assumption of the role of Slytherin prefect. Although the circumstances were far from ideal, Ari is of course proud that Ptolemy was considered the best choice to redeem the house, following Mr Ollivander's disappointing dereliction of his duties.

Home from the Baddocks' - Pandora is still a trifle vexed that she was wrong several weeks ago and little Natalie has not yet exhibited her magic. Narcissa assured her that it will come in due course. Malcolm grows taller every time we see him and Lucy and Antonia seem well over their shy stage. Ari has been working with all three of them; we were treated to a short display of wand work before going in to supper.


Everyone is talking about this Londinarium periodical that debuted to-day. I daresay that leaving The Prophet was the best thing young Bobolis ever did. To say nothing of his flare for the dramatic - imagine pulling such a stunt merely to secure the interview in the first place. Well, the Witches' Institute certainly thanks him, and from what I hear, he has reason to thank them in return! If the next issue matches this one it promises a most ... interesting future for him. (In fact, Ari has a mind to let him photograph Kenwood, now that it is fully appointed.)

Regulus, wherever did he get those photographs? There are at least three Narcissa and I had never before seen. We had a long chuckle over that ludicrous shot of the traitor - quite a find on Bobolis' part, I must say.


Otherwise, lost track of the number of times I was drawn into conversations on some pretext or other, only to find that the assembly wished in reality to inquire about the state of the labour crews and the retraining progress. Do I strike them as a camp administrator? The training will progress as quickly as possible. As for the defective labour details, it is not surprising, although I must agree it is distressing. The Council have reviewed the reports and find that this season's flu epidemic has debilitated much more of the population of mudbloods and muggles than anticipated. The situation is in hand, however, and I am sure the Council will devise an appropriate solution before the holiday season reaches its peak. Nonetheless, it bears a mention to MacMillan so that the Labour Committee can once again assess the demand and supply of ready workers.


On a brighter note, saw Rookwood this week at the Ministry and he believes he has made something of a breakthrough in his research. If all goes well, it should alter the course not only of the labour shortage but the quality of that labour, once the industrial rates can again be increased.


Spoke to Clarriker this week as well, chiefly regarding the items Narcissa reported seeing at Laszlo's of London. Never fear, Regulus, we shall not deprive you of your local source. On the other hand, it would be mad not to ensure that other outlets may grasp at the same luxuries as can be found in the opulence of Doughty Conduit. Though you might wish to find another 'little gem' for a while anyway; if the article generates the sort of interest I suspect it shall, you may not be able to walk out your door without legions of admirers dogging your steps.

While on the subjects of contagions, cures and importations, Minerva, have you reviewed the consumption rates of your hospital wing this year? I hope that, despite the increased infectiousness of this year's colds and flu, we do not face another winter like last year, with dire predictions of mortality lest the Governors act expeditiously.


Looking ahead to the school holidays, have arranged with Walburga (and Rosalind) to accompany Miss Parkinson to her tea. (Must remember to gauge her reaction to the Londinarium since surely she will have seen it by now. Overall, expect her to be pleased with the light it puts on Reg and Orion, but of course, there are some distressing inclusions.) Deuced inconvenient, since Muggleborn Labour may go overlong, but then it also serves as a good reason to keep the meeting short. Pansy, you will be happy to know our strategy worked admirably well, just as I predicted. Your mother believes I am doing her the favour, rather than the other way round. Well done, my dear.

On the other hand, she has not grown so grateful as to defer her requests on her own behalf. Consented to allow her and her Mr Campbell to accompany Narcissa and myself to the release party for Solstice Night's new album. Apparently Mr Campbell fancies himself in the recording industry, among other things.


Finally, noted the incident at Hogwarts yesterday. Mr Marvolo, I am sure your esteemed Father has already assured you that you need feel neither remorse nor apprehension at displaying your abilities to good effect before your classmates. In a duel, such tactics are not only expected but often necessary. Your conduct was in no way unseemly, particularly not if provoked by events such as have been described. Think nothing of it.

Muggleborn Labour this morning - more 'urgent' requests for labour details. Discussed at length - far too long, in my opinion. Insisted that MacMillan cut off the conversation as it had grown circular; agreed to meet with him separately later this week in order to review the feasibility of releasing additional mudbloods for unskilled labour. Have also made an appointment with Spencer-Wells in Domestication, to determine their preparedness to meet those requests which lie more properly within their department.


Tea with Ari exceedingly pleasant, although cut short by a request from Pandora to call him home prematurely. She believes Natalie is already exhibiting signs of magic - though at seven months, this is quite unlikely. Made him promise to Floo us if she is right.


Ned has accepted an interim post in Purity Control. Understand he shall be assisting Nott with a project long on his list: Reviewing the record books and intake parchments against Daily Prophet notices and Ministry marriage, birth and death certificates from the last twelve years. Gather that the recent discovery of the halfblood, previously believed to have sprung from two non-magical parents, has weighed heavily on Nott. Despite an otherwise robust and exhaustive process employed when first separating mudbloods from those with a legitimate claim to magic, Theodore has decided to assign Ned to double-check and reassess the genealogies. Well, it should keep him busy, at least!


Pansy, I am sorry again that we were cut short on Saturday. I am always at your disposal, Little Bit, should there be anything you wish to discuss.