Lucius S Malfoy

Sister,

Have spoken with Helpmann. On the whole, it is thought better were you to return with the Beauxbatons delegation, as originally planned, rather than remain for any part of the summer and then rejoin Émile at a later time. Yes, it is in part due to the other matter, on which there can be no intercession. The boy made his choice. Should not need to remind you that said choice atones, in some part, for the desertion of Highslip during our diplomatic mission to France three summers ago.

Your best option, and Étienne's, I should think, is to use the Fletchley lad as an example of future losses that might occur if the administration there do not achieve greater magical freedoms for the citizenry. In any event, were you to stay, it could as easily be interpreted an estrangement between you two as simple reluctance to leave England so soon. Moreover, your husband's own goals shall be better served were you to appear eager to return to France and proselytise the advantages of the Protectorate.

See no point in further discussion.

Now, as for the matter of Mellerstain, and the furnishings: Narcissa says she can use several of the pieces you and she selected to fill in certain rooms in Kensington; the rest will go to the St Mungo's auction at year's end. Would like to restore the house to Munroe in exactly the condition in which he left it to you: Bare. Trust you and Étienne will have your personal effects removed by 15 June.

With any luck, his campaign within the Wizengamot in Paris will succeed and we can look forward to less restricted travel between here and the Continent. It would be good to be able to visit more often, and you here as well.

Narcissa and I shall be at Hogwarts for the Third Task. We thought she might come back to Mellerstain with you to help divest the place and we could all meet again a week from to-night to say our good-byes. Does that suit?

Until Monday, then, please accept fondest affection from your loving brother,

Lucius

Mrs Malfoy and I extend our deepest gratitude to all who have either made donations this season or sent us their personal tokens of esteem. Know that we appreciate every gesture made to express the feelings of loyalty, dedication and industry that permeate Our Lord's citizenry.


Our congratulations, of course, go to Mr and Mrs Campbell on their new arrival. Unfortunately with the New Year's celebrations at Buckingham, it is unlikely we shall be able to accept your kind invitation to his naming ceremony. Rest assured our gift is on its way, however.


Have had a day or two to catch our breath among all the whirl of social obligations and for once, am fairly relieved that the week betwixt Christmas and New Year's is generally quiet. Have needed it after the surprises this holiday brought! (Had not planned, for example, to spend part of Christmas Day in firechat with the Minister of Magic for France. Nor to be comforting my sister on the sudden - but necessary - departure of her husband on Christmas Eve.)


Mr Finch-Fletchley, trust you are recovering well. On behalf of the Governors, allow me to extend our sincere regrets that you met with calamity on Hogwarts' grounds, even if, as it now appears, no Hogwarts students were implicated in your misfortune.


Was pulled into a meeting to-day regarding a feared reduction in the interest rates offered by Gringott's on certain types of vaults. Reminded how long it has been since I have negotiated with goblins. Necessitated another international correspondence, this time with Egypt, scheduled later this week.


Draco, good to talk to you as always. We missed you and your cousins at Blackmoor Park this year. And to you and Pansy, again: Congratulations. Nolan tells me Tintagel is doing very well with the song and it is already much-requested on the wireless.


Weasley, have a few notes for you for to-morrow's business at Court. Kindly attend to it first thing, if you please.

Hooper, did you manage to accomplish anything in the last week or have you, as I suspect, taken the opportunity simply to sleep in, empty the larder and leave after luncheon? The point was to cover for my being out of the country - not to make it clear to all and sundry by your behaviour that I have been away. Should not have to impress upon you the delicacy of both sets of negotiations with countries, schools and leagues involved in these endeavours. Even Bagman's people understood the need for absolute secrecy until such time as all parties agree to the terms. How is it possible that you have failed where they succeeded?

Moreover, explain to me the dereliction of your duties that occurred whilst I was gone. You led me to believe all was in control. I specifically left documents to be completed and forwarded to Scrimgeour prior to my return. I've just seen him and he claims not to have received the parchments. What have you done with them?

I trust the parcels for Hogwarts, at least, were delivered as requested.

Make yourself useful, if you can, and kindly see if Cornelius and Dominic have ten minutes before day's end - before four o'clock, if you please. To-day of all days I have no intention of leaving Mrs Malfoy to dine alone. Under no circumstances interpret that to mean you may also pack in before you have completed your tasks.

Speaking of which, I came across your request for time away over the summer. Presume this means you intend to acquire coverage in your absence. Perhaps if, in future, you intend to bring all the business of my office to a halt when I am not present, it would be better to assure that your holidays co-incide with mine. As for the current request, out of the question. Shall need you at the very least to be on-call during the event, should anything untoward occur. With so many visitors and dignitaries on all sides it would be disastrous. You will be afforded an excellent seat for the match itself, never fear. Provided you can fit into it.

Bagman ought to be invited to meeting next week. The one on Tuesday. See to that, as well, before you take your luncheon. And kindly contact Clarriker to replace anything you have consumed these last days - garnish your wages to settle the account, if you please.

If you've the reports on Bradford and Llanfyllin, bring them to me at your convenience.