Lucius S Malfoy

Weasley, meet me in the office in two hours.

Much to explain but in brief:

-As you know, the Ministry's archive of Private Messages was destroyed; thus we have, for the time being at least, total privacy from any who might try to interfere.

-Evidence against Draco strongly suggests there is more to the accusation than libel. Still attempting to clear his name but it is now apparent that he will need to present himself to do so.

-Convinced Our Lord to offer a temporary reprieve, if Draco does return. However, it is still possible that he is being held against his will and will not be able to return within the window extended by Our Lord's beneficence.

-Am drafting notice for the Prophet to offer reward for information leading to Draco's release or return. Weasley, you will need assistance screening replies. Hire someone.

-Cancel after-noon appointments to-mor -

Oh, blast. Will cancel after-noon myself.

Plans proceeding at anticipated pace.

Beginning next Tuesday and going forward, replace three o'clock tea with AB. Here for now; do not wish a publicly affirmed reconciliation quite yet.


Also, obtain guest list for Lestrange party to-morrow night. The Razzer ought to be able to provide.


Next, need time with Rookwood, Bode and Bode's assistant early next week. Helpful if it is before Minister's visit to Cornwall (co-ordinate with Mavis Sewell to find out who his acting undersecretary will be; have it on good authority that Miss Robins has left the Ministry).


Next, understand young Avery was here this morning during my meeting with Fudge. Give him fifteen minutes to-morrow, whenever you can fit them in. If Ursula calls you may let her know how to find me.


Do not anticipate returning this after-noon.

SR sent awaited signal. Send packet no. two to Prophet via anon. post owl.

Also. Had news from CF which plays into plans. Take packet no. three from blotter to his ofc. tomorrow. See that RR sees you deliver same but do not give it directly to her, use one of the other girls.

Oh, and see if you can find out AB's schedule for month.

And. W/in week, invite UA to lunch. Will provide alternate stationery for same.

That's all for now, except to let me know to-morrow when you next plan to meet your brother. May have information for you to slip into conversation; from there, trust he will carry to CM2.

There are far too many baskets and boxes littering the front parlour. Take what you like - only see to it that the elf removes to the pantry anything you do not claim.

Have been meaning to ask if you intend to take any time away this holiday, particularly this coming Friday and Saturday. Recognise that the days may have greater significance this year.

Naturally, if you wish to spend the day in your own way, would not think of stopping you. However, should you have no other plans, might have an invitation which could interest you.

Besides this week-end, there are a number of other parties which Mrs Malfoy and I simply cannot attend and, as with Crabbe's, we ought to send some representation. Come in when you have a moment and we may look through the list.

Need you on standby - there has been a disturbance at Saltash which is apparently proving resistant to peacekeeping forces.

May need you to re-arrange meetings to-morrow. Particularly morning meetings.

St James' house, immediately.

Heads-up.

Corax Mulciber instructed by Our Lord to oversee Protectorate Affairs.

Likely he's enlisting Bill Weasley as aide. That could work to advantage; Weasley will have a window to their movements.

Still. Not sure of the full implications of this development.

Crispin, alert Rookwood if you will - quietly. Barty, shall arrange lunch or drinks alone with Cadmus and Ari sometime this week. See what you can learn from Yaxley.

Between appts. No need to reply.

Reserve private room Monteith 6 PM. Confirm DS office (MD clerk). Topic: Personal.

Know you are hearing rumours of many elevations to Council among your peers or age-mates.

Don't get any ideas. We have discussed this before and you know my opinions on your readiness. Continue as you have been and there is every indication that the proper introductions shall present themselves at appropriate moments. On that note, however, inform me immediately should someone approach you, particularly if it is not someone well-known to you.

Send copy of remarks from Fudge's state of Protectorate address to me no later than half-eleven. Particularly the mark-up section on self-sufficient manufacturing and muggle containment. Wish to review before luncheon; meeting with Dunstan and Allenham moved to half-one.

Also, find out when Rookwood's next avail. And whether the following people are in DoM to-day: Bale, Covington, Croaker, Morlock, Sinistra. Discreetly.

Your message's timing could not have been better. Cannot abide Madama Butterfly but it's one of Narcissa's favourites (though will say it is diverting to see the interpretation of a muggleborn Butterfly). Perfect excuse to step outside to the bar.

Yes, see no reason to cancel lunch on the 15^th (my apologies, again, for last month). But in advance of our meeting, would be most grateful if you could look into the deed history and provenance on several addresses obtained from Miss Blishwick - she continues to be an excellent source of information, if nothing yet has led to concrete evidence against Maule. Am forwarding an owl with the pertinent locations.

Regarding Saturday's invitation from Fleet, unfortunately, have had additional conflict arise and must decline. Do your best to assure him it is as much business as pleasure. Could send Weasley if you think some representation necessary, however, trust you to provide much better account of my absence than his presence would bring about.

Speaking of Weasley, you may wish to counsel him on his current ... domestic arrangement. He has been somewhat distracted by it of late. Confess that I had my doubts, for all that I supported his removal from that hovel his parents call a home. New London agrees with him; his particular living arrangements, I fear, may not. Have not wished to pry, as you know I pride myself on allowing him, as you, freedom to make decisions fitting an adult who needs no one to tell him what is best. However, the question of balance is, always, one we must wrestle at all times.

Pleased you found the introduction to Glozeman useful. He is a particular friend of Glendower's (the elder); see if you can parlay the one to bring you near the other. While the son is an utter fool, the father has ... protections ... which may prove valuable in time. (And of course, anything they can be brought to say about Strangeweale or Caldwell - particularly as it relates to whatever Dolores' plans are - would be most appreciated.)

By the way. Heard from Ned that you have been by his desk more than once to see if Barty has given him extra tickets to Puddlemere that he can't use; don't know if I mentioned that Cuthbert continues to send tickets on a regular basis and Weasley has little interest. Feel free to contact him if you're of a mind to go and Ned is not forthcoming.

As for Antonin Nikolaevich, rest assured, when the opportunity arises, shall arrange introduction. His time in New London is currently extremely limited, but even if there is no prior engagement which affords the occasion, he'll naturally attend our Christmas party, so it will come about, sooner or later.

Trust otherwise you are keeping well and look forward to seeing you, particularly since last month's meeting was irretrievably jostled.

Rhom,

Think it would be elucidating to hear Miss Blishwick's information on the use of mudbloods in public works projects. She has extensive notes regarding infrastructure projects which MLE believes were or may have been infiltrated by DogStar; though the organisation has been routed, it is possible that vestiges remain within the numbers of labourers assigned to various bridges, piers, buildings and reclamation areas under the control of the Committee.

Have asked Miss Blishwick to prepare a presentation for our meeting next week. Had Weasley check the agenda; suggest we table item three until July's meeting; there shall be plenty of time for New London's holiday celebrations or discussion of next winter's Frost Faire over the summer. The question of safety is paramount and must take precedence. Sure you agree.

Dunstan can contact her if necessary for any copies of material or notes to distribute to the Committee. Weasley has a set of her notes as well, if you wish to review them prior to Tuesday.