Lucius S Malfoy

My thanks for the many returns of the day. For those who have asked: No, no special plans. Perhaps a quiet supper with friends, as has been my wont for the past several years. Particularly as there is no State event pre-occupying one's attention; they are welcome, of course, with the pomp and splendour they provide, but one also appreciates the opportunity to celebrate only with one's nearest from time to time.

However, was reminded by the various cards and tokens that it has been some time since posting. Pray think no nefarious cause in that: All has proceeded at a customary pace. One's business of late has been too sensitive for public consumption but all is well as can be expected. If my journal has been more a source of reading material than a mouthpiece recently, it is only that there has been nothing of interest to report.


By contrast, the efforts of Our Lord's young novices have continued to offer both insight and diversion. Received quite a number of compliments on my son's performance, following the last Hogsmeade week-end, in which Ned, Crispin and others were able to meet with their candidate choices. Would that any credit were mine; he is wholly his own man, by this time. Still, one cannot help be proud to hear so well of one's offspring. That he has already distinguished himself in pursuit of Our Lord's own recognition is worth more than any birthday present.


Speaking of presents, though: Amanda, received your latest gift and news with amusement. While we should like nothing better than to meet our new nephew, it is unlikely we shall find the time to arrange a visit before next Christmas. Perhaps not even then. Pleased to inform, however, that as the Ministry's next great advance completes itself, under the watchful eye of Our Lord, the ability to travel safely may well be improved. Tell Mother she ought to look after herself better, as well: a broken hip may be easily mended, but it is still no joke at her age.


Oh, and Miss Parkinson: I've time for tea prior to to-morrow's Governor's meeting, if you would like to join me. We can discuss your own place among the standings and follow-up on other matters concerning your future.

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.

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.

Just received an owl from my former clerk, Virgil Crispin. He's been asked to go to the Fleet home.

Barty, you've not uncovered any evidence implicating him in this sordid business? Cannot believe he would be so foolish but ... stranger things have happened.

Or is there some other force in play? Just Monday we were speaking of his ambitions.

Between meetings and realised have not seen February's accounting. Recall asking for it Friday as well.

Exactly what seems to be the problem providing it in a timely manner?


Also. Understand delivery of flowers to Miss Robins may have ... encouraged a familiarity to which she is no longer not entitled. Cannot imagine what over-sentimental note you might have enclosed. Specified that of an acquaintance. Should she request time or anything similarly foolish, she is to be turned away. Also alert me immediately should she re-commence any of her childish nonsense of interfering with the business of my diary or other affairs of state.


Now. Kindly double-check arrangements for Wednesday evening; in Razzer's absence we must endeavour to show Rod a memorable birthday.


Rosier ought to be in touch if he has not already with the dates of upcoming camp inspections. Trust you will exercise restraint per our conversations last week; although your brother is now his aide, that gives neither of you licence to discuss sensitive matters that do not directly intersect with Rosier's office or mine.


Two changes for next week: Shift Crispin to 12^th in order to accommodate Rookwood's presentation on 19^th and add meeting with Yaxley and Hopkirk. Believe Friday was the agreed date, prior to afternoon Court.


Finally: Realise that the past week has been difficult. Good to see you have not let it hinder your efforts (February accounts excepted). Should you find you need time or additional counsel, you have but to say so.


Ah, the WWN Board have assembled. Should be back at St James' square no later than half-two.

Have baited the trap. Contrived an exchange with Fleet in which we planted the suggestion that Maule's downfall lies in his illegal practice of collecting samples of hair from incapacitated patients, for sale in the seedier dens of Knockturn and Carne Alleys.

Rubbish - at least I fervently hope so. Crispin did forward the real evidence to Holcomb per my instruction.

Shall see how long it takes for the rumour to circle back to its source.

Barty, I've those tickets to give back to you, as well. Forgot yesterday.

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.)

At least this week has been relatively straight-forward but nonetheless a pleasant change in that there have been no catastrophes which might have been avoided easily enough.


Understand that the Council have taken up my challenge to run the Ministry course against the current crop of trainees. Excellent. It will, I believe, afford all concerned an opportunity to test one another's mettle and acquaint us with the aspiring Aurors in the bargain. Not to mention a reason to maintain oneself at a time of year when most are over-indulging. Suspect Rowle and a few others will discover they have spent far too long behind their desks and not enough time keeping up with current duelling theory.

Speaking of - Mafalda, Rufus, came across a curious little volume through Obscurus that might interest you both. Chap name of Payne has written a rather innovative work on the use of unexpected spells in duels - particularly on the topic of what he terms 'spells of opportunity.' Charles sent it over to me last week to ask my opinion before accepting the manuscript. Think you ought to read it as well. Have you heard of him before? He writes as if he's had some experience and not within the confines of the law. His biography states that he's spent a good deal of time in Ireland addressing the troubles there. Yet I don't recognise the name straight off.


My wife has enjoyed an unprecedented amount of attention of late, not surprisingly. She mentioned last night that Witch Weekly have asked if she would care for a protection detail since at every turn, it seems, she has been approached by someone for an autograph, a photo or some other token. Most unwelcome are the types who seem to feel entitled to information she would not otherwise provide. Thus far, she has managed to keep them at bay on her own - but if it continues, have advised her that a companion or two to help clear the way would not go amiss. Particularly if she also accedes to WW's request to grant an interview on the WWN or any other public address.

Still, she has her obligations and will not be put off them. Chiefly that has seemed to be laying in all the shopping for the holidays, apart from those items that we cannot store indefinitely. Our sheer volume of our social calendar continues to be as demanding as ever. It is of course gratifying to see the Protectorate thriving and to know that all we have done thus far is helping to ensure a vibrant and prosperous future for our race.


Am not sure we will continue to prosper quite so healthily, however, if this trend continues within New London and I assume elsewhere of all the shops cropping up, specialising in 'affordable' foodstuffs. Hooper in particular seems to favour a bun shop some blocks away - four times this week he has taken himself there for a pasty or some other concoction. The fare appears to me to be nothing but grease and processed, transfigured paste - but he takes to it like a babe to the breast. At this rate he'll gain a stone before Christmas, I expect. Ought to remind him to at least walk there and back rather than Apparate, were it not that it would surely take him out of the office for an hour's stretch were he to do so.


Draco: Received your last letter with the news about your team's decision. Well done.
Mr Marvolo: Do not be disappointed. It will not be long, I am sure. Keep to your lessons for now - both in and out of class. Quidditch will still be there when it is safe for you to return to it.
Pansy: Have not heard from you in a few weeks. Do you have everything you need before returning? Your prospective step-father came to see me this week; believe the tenor of the visit would amuse you. Oh - and for you and Draco both: Mr Tenebridge will see you on the 29th at 11:00. I've had Hooper put it on my calendar but you might want to note it so that you do not forget.