Lucius S Malfoy

It is a singular curiosity that although they have no current obligations to the Young Protectors' League or (as yet) the Cadet Force, we see almost less of Draco and Harry this summer than years past. All to be expected: Given a summer to fly free, as it were, what young men would not indulge their social predilections?

Nonetheless, it is a pleasure to enjoy pursuits together, such as running the course at the Elysian and the Ouroboros and taking refreshment afterward. It is most gratifying to see them interact with witches and wizards on equal footing, now they are nearly grown. One cannot help be proud of the way in which they conduct themselves and the company they attract.

We have been particularly glad that the weather is so fine - or so they tell us, when they explain that their long-distance flights are a clever method to escape this heat!

The air of Town, however, wants changing this time of year, so we do plan a holiday, if we can manage it. Narcissa favours the west again, perhaps Cornwall. We still have the brigantine which wants a sea holiday, so that is well-suited to her wishes. We may teach the boys a thing or two about sailing.


That is, assuming that the Ministry and affairs of state permit any time at all out of Town. Have no wish to send them alone but that may become necessary, given days like this one.

Commerce committee ran over-long; this business of the black markets getting out of hand. Unsure what, if anything, Yaxley is even doing to control the rise of prices or the disappearance of particular delicacies. The lack of certain products even disrupted our niece's birthday supper. Most intolerable.

Luncheon with Crispin, as well - and discussion of his options at the Ministry. Naturally his well-deserved induction into Our Lord's Council provides him any number of choices; he has merely to determine where his interests lie.

Once back, was detained by an interminable matter at Rookwood's behest. Tosha, will call on you to-morrow if you are at home, to discuss that trifling business! Should interest you to no end.

Speaking of seeing you, Toshenka, Narcissa hopes you and Barty will join us at the week-end at the Manor.

Too many for private messages.

• Hogwarts: Minerva, since you have been incapable of bringing to the Board of Governors an acceptable candidate to undertake instruction in Dark Arts, Our Lord has seen fit to resolve the vacancy on your behalf. Understand that he shall present his credentials and portfolio to you this week; note that there are other changes to the timetable which Our Lord deems appropriate (and half the Governors have already concurred), which must be accommodated before start of term. Trust you will see to the letters and revised book lists for the students.



• NRBC: Cumulus, have reviewed the statement of accounts from Monday's meeting and find it unfathomable that additional savings cannot be achieved. Presume this is down to your commitment to avoid staff cuts; advise you and your brother to re-evaluate said position.



• Weasley: There are three manuscripts from Charles here. Two of them irrelevant; third can be taken to the address affixed. Suspect the recipient will welcome the chance to review the material and provide his notes on the subject. Would appreciate if you delivered it to-night or to-morrow, if you please. Also note the addendum to Monday's schedule regarding the inspection of the Battersea Park project. Finally, require the revisions to the Commerce Committee's minutes before end of day. MacMillan's clerk was supposed to send them over. Kindly track them down, will you; I'd like to sign off before leaving.



• LB: Expect an owl from me. Sending you some reading for your time at Gloss. Trust it will make the days pass more pleasantly.



• Narcissa: Trust you are settled? Did not hear from you this morning. Did hear from Yvaine, hoping to find you. Told her 'holiday' meant you were likely not tied to your journal. (Seem to recall something about not carrying them everywhere this holiday; that was the plan, was it not?) Heard from a few others as well, all hoping for your opinion about something. You might wish to contact Miss Poddington as it seems she received a handful of messages as well.

Oh, and Weasley, come in when you have a moment; there are some other matters to attend arising from Court, which cannot be entrusted to the journal.

It took him three months. Three months since I stepped down from NRBC and he's created a vacancy - and wormed his way into it.

From the broom trade he gets to Quidditch and from Quidditch it's a short hop to labour and all manner of commerce.

Blast.

Feared this would happen when Our Lord insisted

To make matters worse, this business with young Pott Marvolo has Our Lord on a tear. Luckily His anger remains directed more toward Minerva than to me but with that conniving, wheedling dog drawing nearer and nearer His throne, shall require careful steps to ensure he cannot contrive a reason to keep me from Court.

There's already talk of some initiative to bring camp administration under one larger umbrella, centralise the lot. Have heard my name mentioned more than once and deflected unofficial nomination, claiming matters of importance to the state.

But. Fudge has been acting oddly lately. Will get to the bottom of that this week.

Still - hope your project is going better than mine at the moment. Trust you realise that much of the deterioration began when you undertook your current task; suggestions on how to maintain your connexions and strengthen the old guard welcome, particularly if, as suspected, you cannot intervene directly to maintain the alliances already formed over this matter.

Boards, meetings, errands - unbelievably busy. Behind on journals in favour of owl correspondence.

Minerva, I received the Governors' package for to-day's meeting but only had time to review it last evening. I don't see anything about the arrangements for next year; assume this was an oversight on the agenda? I know I have updates from B; believe Dominic has something to report regarding D's expectations as well. Have you approached Mr Dawlish for his plans? Presume the usual provision for tea with Draco and Harry has been arranged as well.


Narcissa has opened Kensington this week and Mr Cooper is completing the installation of his unique sculptures about the grounds. Suspect that we may spend more of the spring and summer months at Kensington than previous years in order for her to enjoy the new gardens. Admit that the walk from there to St James' has made for quite a pleasant routine this week; not sure I care to make it a regular occurrence, when the Floo connexion between the Manor and the St James' house is so much more convenient. Still, when the weather is fair, as it has been the last few days, the ramble has been a welcome start to the day.


Commerce met on Monday and happy to report that trade is up considerably, particularly owing to the reforms in France which have made importation a bit easier. We understand how difficult it has been to ration ourselves these past years while we ensure that all materials, foodstuffs, potables and other products are in keeping with the standards Our Lord demands, both for our safety and our collective well-being. In the meantime, we have endeavoured by careful steps to acquaint our allies and friends abroad with those standards and enlist their co-operation in enforcing them. Last month the French Ministry passed several acts which have opened the gates, as it were, to allow more approved imports than ever before. In particular, linen, flax, certain grains, a larger selection of fruit and vegetables and a few other necessary staples have new sources which we may safely say are made entirely under the supervision of wizards. It is our hope that similar reforms will continue abroad, not only in France but in other European nations and beyond, which will ease the burden on the ordinary citizen of the Protectorate.

(Also lunched with my former clerk, to hear his progress in Regulation of Commercial Enterprise. Always an enlightening perspective on New London's development.)

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.

Heard that the queue for Black's remains has been over two hours long since Monday. Expect that it will slacken after the week-end but increase again once the students return from Hogsmeade. However, meanwhile, increase lead time by fifteen minutes for any trip to Buckingham - some show of beneficence must be made whenever passing through the entrance hall. It does put one off schedule.

Shall need the reports on birth rates in the camps prior to meeting with Fudge this morning - in general, going forward, I shall need any materials pertinent to meetings at least one hour before if you can manage it. Obviously on days when there are back-to-back meetings I shall need everything in advance as well. There is nothing so tedious as to be asked to meetings where no-one has prepared! The time is wasted merely summarising the background material.

Also, contact Dewhurst in Ludgate Hill and tell him either the blue or the green. Or both - doesn't matter. To be delivered by 24th, of course. He has the address.

Oh, and the next time you have the chance, kindly go through the coming year's calendar and clear some time - a three hour block twice a week if you can find it - for writing. These manuscripts are piling up maddeningly. I've only been able to give Charles three forewords this quarter. You may need to move something around; perhaps Muggle-born Labour or Commerce might change its time, or try one of the boards. Reese's term is coming up on Labour - that might give you the opportunity to suggest the change.

When is Mrs Parkinson booked in? I thought I told you to schedule her in the week or so following Campbell's visitation. I don't see her in the diary.

Finally, on the matter of Mrs Austin's request, the answer is No. We are flattered by their decision to name the child Lucius but send regrets for the ceremony.

Crouch Junior, Kendall. Not Senior. And it's the Animagus Registry, not Werewolf.

McCormick is not from the Prophet - all the more reason to decline his request.

Croaker - no, not until next quarter. Rookwood - no, but if he wishes I will visit the lab later this month. He may make whatever case he wishes then.

Have you made any progress on providing Mr Baddock with the list of names he requested? Ogden's assistant ought to have them, if the file gives you no direction.

No more Floo calls regarding the Witch Weekly feature, if you please. Mrs Malfoy's assistant can address all inquiries about it. Not even sure when the subscribers receive their copy, let alone general sale.

Also, where is that file on Chapman? The reply granting the petition is drafted but there are a few details to fill in.

Finally, the next time Dideron calls, kindly make a greater effort to reach me rather than take a message. The Ministry have runners, after all, it cannot be so impossible to send word.

Spent most of the day, following Court, on inspection tour at Preston and Leeds. Sheeting down rain the whole time - except, of course, when the Head Enforcer for the region conducted us inside for luncheon. Had to reinforce warming and water-repelling charms twice before returning to New London.

Leeds remains an altogether well-organised operation. There were some minor issues and of course, one or two open questions regarding security. The mud (both varieties) makes for an excellent brickworks, sorely needed for repairs throughout the realm and the muggle population appears well-kept and adequately deferential as befits their station. Interestingly, the administrator there has chosen to separate families, as a matter of course. Claims it elicits better compliance.

However, this is not borne out when compared to Preston, which also until recently kept the genders segregated and rewarded good behaviour with the privilege of conjugal visitation. Preston's disciplinary logs over the last two weeks have shown a marked increase and there are signs that its administrator (Rosalia Craig) may be losing her control over her charges.

At least her muggleborn denizens are tightly mastered, yet even these have undergone recent periods of unruliness, particularly leading up to and on Bonfire Night. When our party arrived, however, the camp had been turned out in good form and we were treated to a public reprisal for the mischief of Friday night. While their comrades staged a diversion, three mudblood youngsters had broken in to the dispensary and stolen strength potions. These, we were told, they distributed among several of their younger companions and together attempted to overpower the guards and make their way to an abandoned section of town, where they intended to hide.

The three instigators were apprehended and four of their accomplices as well. Craig also located their muggle parents and forced the children to watch while the adults were Cruciated in front of them. A fine lesson in theory but Craig seems to have under-estimated the degree to which separating mudbloods from their biological parents also divorces them from any feeling of kinship, nor from any responsibility to one another as a family. Thus it is hard to conceive what possible submission the method will secure when neither parent nor child has any contact with one another to re-inforce the necessity of docility. Moreover her redress, from what our party could discern, had quite the opposite of its desired effect - though not, as I say, out of familial loyalty. Instead of reminding those under her supervision of her power to give pain or succor, she merely added to their disquiet. Suspect she missed the point of the prisoner's dilemma. Return scheduled in two weeks to determine whether our recommendations have made any difference to her bottom line. (Oh, and Mr Kendall: note the date if you please and clear the calendar as necessary when you hear from Spencer-Wells' office to schedule the visit.)

In any event, back at the St James' house now and unable to accomplish nearly as much as I should like owing to the constant interruption of questions from my front office. (Which also reminds me, Mr Kendall: If you are so wholly incapable of brewing a decent cup of tea, leave it in future to the elf.) Should like to read the intelligence report from the Bonfire Night arrests in Green Park - if one could find them!

The whole week has been ridiculously hectic, in fact. The only luck so far has been that court was especially brief - a testament to Our Lord's efficiency.

Executive Session ran over-long, meaning there was no time at all to follow-up with the Minister prior to Court. Hoped to schedule an additional half-hour Thursday but am told Fudge has a divisional meeting with Fleet prior to our usual time and I have an appointment at Obscurus directly following same. Suspect the infrastructure planning for next fiscal year is taking Fleet longer than it ought owing to the flood of requests for additional magical engineers all over the country. The enhancements to New London are desired elsewhere and the subsequent demand for improved Floo grates has been increasing steadily over the last two quarters, an attempt, I believe, to attract New Londoners to other communities just as much as to convenience travel to our capitol. Discussed at length at yesterday's Muggle Labour Committee meeting, in fact.


Barty - I did receive your owl regarding a time when Narcissa and I may both stop in to MLE, though I am not certain it can be this week. For my part, Ned can work something out with Crispin. (If, that is, Crispin can be bothered. Of late I have but to cross the threshold of the door before I hear the distinct sound of a clerk hastily chivvying someone off the Floo and shuffling parchment to appear otherwise occupied. Particularly in the wake of Fleet's solicitous questions regarding him so recently, am less than impressed with this apparent comfort in his position of advantage. Time for a reminder of my expectations - if I were not so over-occupied this week, I should have undertaken it already!) In any case - a week and Thursday appears free for me; not sure if Narcissa is available then. Do I correctly surmise this regards to her recent complaint? If so then surely that is soon enough to meet us both. If it is more urgent, then I am sure we can re-arrange ourselves as needed.


Cannot believe it is already time to assemble invitation lists for our holiday party. Draco, if you would like to invite anyone on your own behalf, be sure to let us know; we shall not simply repeat last year's list, in the assumption that you shall choose to be more selective.

Received word that the referendum on muggleborn registration passed through the French Confederation to-day. Over the next sixty days, all mudbloods residing within the country shall be required to submit their wands to be registered. Any mudblood using an unregistered or unmarked wand shall be subject to arrest or fine. Have already sent congratulations to Dideron and Minister Rousseau. This marks a vital step in their campaign to align themselves more closely with the Protectorate - and a necessary one if our borders and countries are to become linked more openly than they have been.


As if to demonstrate this commitment, this month's Muggleborn Labour Committee came to complete agreement regarding the need for a decennial census within the camps. What the Committee could not determine with any consensus was whether or not to grant Carpenter's request for a hundred test subjects. His proposal showed merit, but some fundamental misunderstandings of the challenges facing their adoption as domestics. Although if successful, his method would virtually ensure the obedience of said servants. Nonetheless, until such time as he can prove to the committee's satisfaction that he adequately understand and has prepared for the risks, a one-hundred subject study is far too ambitious. Recommended he revisit the feasibility of conducting a five-person pilot instead, to be reviewed next quarter.


Excellent bit of sparring, however, on Wednesday. Ouroboros has revamped its course, which brought our party back to square one and led to some unintentional humour. I daresay Cadmus had grown entirely too used to the left turning after the third obstacle on the old course; it's now a right followed by a swift vault left onto the balance bridge. He saw it a split-second too late and bounced off the corner - right into my stunning spell (and thence into the water trap). I think the whole episode added perhaps ten seconds to the side's overall time. I very much doubt we can count on the same again, however.


Continue to note with interest how the newest feature of Our Lord's beneficence - Private Messages - has been adopted with both success and, it would seem, its own etiquette regarding appropriate use. Urquhart's misguided choices aside, it seems there are some topics still sensitive enough to warrant the formality of an owl. Though one wonders, in some cases, why it would be worth the bother. For example, if one addresses a private message, the contents are hidden but the recipients are named plainly for all to see. What then, one wonders, is the logic in using an owl to apologise for sending the first message? Particularly when to do so draws more attention than simply leaving the first message lie, and moreover when the matter had been concluded with no special need for additional communication? Believe the reasoning must either rest in the author's youth and inexperience, in her lack of exposure to any semblance of polite society or perhaps simply owing once more to her determination to prove that her complaint and request had no basis in validity in the first place. It could be a simple side-effect of residing in Gryffindor House - but one is acquainted with some Gryffindors who do have more sense than a transfigured turnip. Few of them, for certain, but it is possible. Well. No matter; this is why one has a competent clerk.


Another week-end of social obligation awaits: I believe it's to be an anniversary and a house-warming? Oh, and Narcissa has a shower or two on Sunday, I think, though thankfully I may count on those hours to catch up on manuscripts for Obscurus and new applications for entry into the Protectorate.