Lucius S Malfoy

About to leave for Bode meeting ....

Think you might wish to come along. May prove educational for you. Experience, if nothing else.

Shall be ready in five minutes.

Arrived Durness, about two and a half hours ago. Bode insistent we go straight to the site while he ran tests on the stone. Nothing conclusive as yet.

Likely heading to St David's in the morning before returning to New London. Our Lord will wish an update at Court.


(Interesting to note that when things go wrong, many who might otherwise have sneered default to their previous wont - looking for someone to hide behind, doubtless, but nonetheless amusing to watch.)


Now to the apparently impossible task of finding a decent meal in this wasteland.

Just finished with Rookwood. He sees the point in taking additional precautions and has agreed to alarm Mysteries to your sole attention, Barty. Rod, if you could assist him; fear he will need the extra wand (and memory) of one well-versed in protective spellwork.

Have either of you spoken with Bella? Received a message from her - cryptic, but in her usual direct tone - that she will join us late this evening and has 'news' for us.

Presumably that relates to who else besides Higgs may be implicated in -

--

Just thought of something. Barty, if you and Toshenka are available, could you meet me in the Blue Drawing Room?

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.

Minerva, meant to remind you to include in your report next week the performance of the new groundskeeper as well as Mr Milland in his duties as caretaker. Particularly with the tournament at the week-end, there are parties who will wish to know if you made the right choice, splitting the two positions again.


Barty, Narcissa asks me to invite you to supper to-morrow at the Manor. Something about wanting to try a few new dishes she's considering for our holiday party. Trust you'll be available.


Weasley, before I forget: The minutes from Wednesday's Executive Session still had not arrived as of this morning. See to it. And the last month's industry report, as well.


Draco, received your owl. Thank you.


Ari, to-morrow? Yes. Make it ten o'clock. Have Rookwood at half-eleven so must be back to the Ministry by then.

When I asked for a meeting with Rigg and Bletchley regarding Wednesday's Wizengamot session, what on earth made you think the meeting could occur on Thursday?

Reschedule it correctly if you please. Early morning is fine - six or seven o'clock if necessary. Or late to-day.

And no, there is no reason to grant anyone from the Prophet an interview on Friday's arrest. Who asked - Doyle? He ought to know better. If he pesters again, contact Bole and let him know to pull in the leash.

Also - ran into Crouch this morning. He mentioned a cross-check of obliviation victims with St Mungo's as well as a registry audit and I quite agree. Work with Rookwood in Acton's office over there to obtain any clearance needed for Hopkirk's trainees to access their records; have him send the forms directly to Ned.

Also, before Friday I shall need the packet for Magical Commerce. Ordinarily MacMillan has it sent by now but I've not seen it. Possible Green misplaced it somewhere in your office.

Speaking of that, Hooper is willing to come in at the week-end to transition. Contact Crispin and have him co-ordinate with Hooper so they can set things to rights before he begins on Monday.

Oh, and I was handed figures at to-day's Labour meeting that should be included in the inspection reports. They are on the desk. Revise the graph, if you please, and return it to Warrington so he may forward it on.

I'm expecting Mr Mulciber for luncheon - when he arrives, kindly pass his lunch request to the elf (include your own if you like) and show him upstairs.

The situation in the camps, we are told, improves daily. Unfortunately, the number of cases of half-bloods and purebloods continues to climb. The form of these cases is particularly concerning, as the disfigurement of the victims is itself a source of potential infection. The pamphlets which have been produced by St Mungo's and distributed by the Ministry in the last two weeks - most distressingly - accurately portray the early signs, but moreover represent the means of its communicability. The need for isolation has never been more apparent.

The effect of these precautions on various committees, boards and societies has been palpable. The bright spot, however, is that our industry is well on its way to restoration.

Regarding the cure, Rookwood and his St Mungo's team report progress, though still no sure success. Of course, they are working round the clock and a few hours besides, but at Court we hear the feeble excuses of the experimental researcher: perfection cannot be rushed; without certainty we risk worsening the problem; these things take time. Needless to say, while we understand the need for diligence, the demands of public health dictate that their pace never slacken until they find the solution.


Moving on to more pleasant topics, Narcissa remarked over the week-end that she ought to begin planning Draco's birthday party. Though she was distracted yesterday by her cousin's poor health, but that seems to be a simple enough thing to remedy.

Draco, as I recall, you had a deal of activities you desired. Since owls are currently still under restriction, perhaps you might use the school holiday to give your mother an idea of what you would like to include at the celebrations.


Thursday will be the first of the month - inconceivable, but at least the weather has improved vastly in London over the last two weeks. Raining to-day, naturally.

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.

It is dizzying to reflect that Minister Fudge has been in office for a full three weeks already.

Not all of the transitional activities are concluded, but thus far it seems he has made some progress, particularly in the direction of the investigation into the security breaches that enabled Black and his spies to exacerbate the medical crisis.

(Dominic, you may have heard by now but I'm pleased to tell you that you were spot-on regarding Miss Robins; Cornelius has re-arranged his personal staff somewhat and recognised her ambitions with a promotion much more suited to her at this time. I believe the young lady will go far - but this ought to appease her as an interim step!)


The travel restrictions have made several meetings difficult. At Nimbus and Presto, there have been no need for changes to the procedure but Muggleborn Labour and Magical Commerce each have a member or two who happen to be halfbloods. Consequently the boards have made allowance for their absence by means of providing the agendas early so that they may register their opinions and recommendations via owl. Tedious, but it gives them their fair say without requiring them to violate the terms of the edict. The Daily Prophet has simply replaced those Board members who cannot attend in order to ensure quorum. The Hogwarts Governors, of course, cannot meet at the school owing to the quarantine, but have communicated directly to Peakes who shall extend the decisions to the Headmistress.

Despite the increased limitations and precautions, we have continued to enjoy a pleasant winter between home and London. Last week-end, of course, we went to the theatre with Barty; mid-week there was a reception at the Dulwich to unveil the newest exhibit on early Reformation portraiture; last night we attended Lady Percy's annual winter ball. To-day we shall be celebrating young Rigel's six-month anniversary with Bella and Rodolphus and the rest of the family.


Narcissa had a commitment arise that prevents her from her St Mungo's volunteer activities. Not sure when she will return to the Auxiliary, though it seems at least not for the next several weeks. Some sort of course she agreed to lead for the Witches' Institute, I believe, conflicting with her ordinary St Mungo's time - and of course it is impossible for her to switch with someone else indefinitely. So for the time being, we continue our support for the dedicated Healers of that fine institution through our regular donations and other means.


Rookwood insisted I stop into the DoM to-morrow. Suspect I know what it regards. Although as this is the third time in as many months he has been 'convinced' he has achieved breakthrough, I remain skeptical.

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.