Lucius S Malfoy

Just a friendly warning to you both.

Suspect that your infuriating fuscia fatarse may be on something of a warpath. Have taken measures to mitigate her latest attempts to destroy the school.

According to the Ministry, owls were sent to the parents of students currently preparing for O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s informing them that they may, if they so wish, engage tutors (with the proper certification) for one-to-one revision at school.

Meanwhile, Tosha, have heard that you are doing all you can to ensure your pupils (and Razzer's) are ready for their examinations, with or without the opportunity to obtain practical application outside of lessons.

Razzer. What can any of us do to remove the intolerable restrictions on our movements against the pink menace?

Son,

No need to reply unless you feel like it. Am giving someone a lesson in patience.

However, occurred to me that we have not discussed your mother's birthday. You may be sure that this year's anniversary is giving her more difficulty than she would care to admit. More than her usual reluctance, that is. Hope whatever you have been considering is discreet.

Believe that I have found the solution on my part, though timing is, always, an issue. Your upcoming match is 3^rd November, which is just possible on the heels of Our Lord's birthday celebrations but perilously close to Bonfire Night, which the last few years has been tumultuous.

Have decided, therefore, that the following week-end we shall visit Castle Rushen on the Isle of Man. Telling you mainly because my goal shall be to minimise our distraction on the trip, to the point of forgoing journal communication (if at all possible, limiting it to no more than an hour a day or so if not possible to leave it aside altogether).

That by itself is hardly remarkable as we have tended to take time alone, if not at her birthday or mine, then certainly on our anniversary. Expect she will decide I am being unoriginal, which is part of the plan. For the secluded week-end is merely the backdrop to present her with her real gift, which is a 20-ft brigantine to sail us back to Lancaster, where she'll winter (unless your mother wishes to sail her elsewhere). But confess that I have been unable to hit upon the right name for the vessel. Had thought of the Amaryllis, the Cassiopeia, even the Regulus but of course that is not a name to be used lightly. Suppose the best option is to leave her unchristened and let your mother do the honours.


On another topic entirely, you have not heard any rumblings of students taking it into their heads to attempt anything like Razzer's and Antosha's display on Saturday? Do discourage it; you know as well as anyone how dangerous it could be without the proper precautions.

Well. It's been long enough now to answer her. Except to say that I hope you are otherwise well and should you wish to discuss any topic at all, know that I am, as always, at your service.

Forgive the intrusion from your affectionate

Father

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.

Merlin. He keeps getting more and more long-winded.

Suspect Dolores has been giving him lessons. Or writing the speeches.

At least Harry seems more at ease now that we're actually starting. The waiting is always worse than the action.

I take it all back; this is vastly diverting. In its wild inaccuracy, if nothing else!

'Dominic's' hair ... 'Dolores' as a lithesome, gracious, curl-headed brunette .... Must not laugh aloud - but Morgana, it's difficult.

I will admit that your imitator, Raz, has some of your mannerisms down pat (the obvious advantage of paying attention to your lessons, no doubt). And the girl portraying Barty is quite good - I think in fact she does his sneer better than he himself!


Ari, if there's any young lady your boy's trying to impress, it's clearly Miss Moon. Otherwise how could he possibly associate himself with this farce?

Ahha-- Norah!


(Pardon. Narcissa is helpfully digging her nails into my thigh so neither of us dissolves into peals of laughter. Suspect we shall find ourselves both relieved and excessively sorry we did not indulge with much wine at supper.)

Finally getting to the day's correspondence.

Priority for to-morrow must be the delivery of the Wizengamot verdicts for Our Lord's signature. Broome expects them as soon as you have the verification from the court clerk. Kindly go in person to Rigg for his initialed copies, take them directly to Buckingham and wait for them so you can return them to Thicknesse's office. Before noon, if you please, as the sentences will need to be dispatched to Azkaban before sunset. Trust I do not need to explain the urgency.


Also, Charles said he sent his man over with two manuscripts. Why did you say nothing? I had one ready to go back to him; see to it that he receives it to-morrow as well.


Not sure what Bobolis wants but if it's anything about Kensington, surely he has his own source in the designer, being a friend of his. There's nothing to photograph yet and I would rather he not pester Narcissa. Tell him we will consider allowing him to tour the grounds once they are in flower and the installations complete.


What's this from Cuthbert? Explain.


Yes, I'll meet with Gibson. No to Umbridge, absolutely - but tell her perhaps next month (do not schedule). Offer Scrimgeour an early meeting - 7:00 if necessary, though not before Tuesday next. Campbell ... yes, but don't trouble if you need to book him out a month or more. Move nothing to accommodate him; can guarantee there will be no rush. Massopust? Not Warrington? Hm. Well, all right. Half an hour - and he comes here, not his office. Regrets for the Clarriker invitation; regrets for the Higgses; accept Drumgoole and Spinx, per Narcissa. Must remember to arrange accommodations for that week-end as well. Yes to Sedgwick, before this month's Governors' meeting, so if you need to shift something that's all right. No more than half an hour, however. Oh, and sometime in the next week, book me in at Lobb's. I've a left boot that is too tight. Also I'll need a table with a view at Portico on Thursday next, for about twenty.

Interminable meeting with the Minister to-day. At least Miss Robins' tea continues to compensate, a little, for Dolores' usual waffle.

(I must tell you, Regulus, that she remains quite put out over the outcome of the auction. I cannot think what she might have been like had she won, but by the third sidelong mention I made it clear that the matter interested me not in the slightest and you even less, I suspect.)

Was treated then to a litany of matters requiring the Council's and Lord Protector's input. Noted with some surprise that nearly forty per cent of the muggles dispatched to fulfill work orders have been returned as 'defective,' by which, further inquiry discovered, they mean ill. Must determine whether their susceptibility is a side-effect of having been kept dormant so long or whether this strain of flu is somehow more virulent than previously suspected.

Also pointed out the MLE's efforts to locate certain persons suspected of providing inflammatory and false reports to the traitor Black. Authorised the Minister to offer rewards for information leading to a successful arrest of anyone colluding or conspiring with the traitor or his guerillas, and advised her, per meeting with Scrimgeour on Monday, that the MLE are considering as a suspect any person who in the course of work has contact inside the camps and subsequently falls missing. (Also recommended they review the department attendance records throughout the Ministry and camps for additional intelligence.) It is also possible that Black's men are kidnapping those whom they believe may be coerced into giving up details which Black may then misconstrue in order to continue the public panic.

Endured her requests for additional funds for various projects and departments; ignored her simpering over the boys' return to their Quidditch side and the state of her Christmas shopping. Had to return her to the agenda more than usual, which again, I think, attests to her disappointment of the week-end.


Discussed Draco's Christmas request with Ari over tea, and later with Narcissa. Believe we have reached an accord on the matter. Ari's advice was quite sound and valued, given that his eldest is a few years ahead of Draco, giving him a perspective beyond that of our recollection of our own youth.


Holiday season is already in full bloom. Narcissa has scheduled the winter garden preparations early next week; we are considering whether to open Kensington during the week between Christmas and New Year's, though I doubt there should be the need. Crispin surprised me by having the elves lay in toddy and punch early and he has already finished compiling the invitations from last year (acceptances, declines) so that Narcissa may finalise her batch to-day. (Unsure whether to think he is in such a merry frame of mind because he has renewed his attention to his work, or because he has found a new distraction from it.)


Pansy: Received your owl. In light of the decision rendered by the courts, I see no reason we should not be able to spend some time together. In fact, where a month ago it might have been necessary for you to approach your mother with the request first, these days, it seems she is very interested in my friendship again. I think we both know the reason why. But let us not dismiss our opportunities when they present themselves. I have been thinking I might go with you to Mrs Black, which would accomplish two of your goals together, wouldn't it? Still, likely the prudent thing will be for you to express your wishes to her directly, but of course I shall consent.

Regarding your other topics: Your father used to use the Tintinnabulum hex quite effectively (it causes a ringing in one's opponent's ears) and I recall a half-year when we were all very fond of Heliovox, which although it is in no way debilitating, used to provide hours of amusement, particularly if aimed at sixth- and seventh-year boys. You might also try Nebulosus Visio, which blurs the vision of the opponent and was another of your father's favourites. Though that is a little more advanced than second-year work. It is also never too soon to practise casting silently - the really accomplished duellists never disadvantage themselves by announcing their intentions.

We shall be able to discuss other matters in more detail when we see each other.

Considering that I hardly saw him, it is odd that the house seems quiet with Draco back at Hogwarts. Suppose it is partially Narcissa's minor doldrums rubbing off - does a mother ever grow sanguine about sending off her child? All three times this year she has been in a bit of funk after putting him on the train.

Nonetheless, it was back into the fray after the short break last week. Magical Commerce this morning; glad to see that the importation associated with the medicinal substances for St Mungo's and Hogwarts have provided a small increase in the general markets, as well. Revati has certainly had her hands full with her daughter's new-found fame, from the sound of it. And of course MacMillan continues to puff about doom and yet does nothing.

Relatedly, Clarriker has realised his error in allowing rivals to seize on better product and pricing. Reminded him of the practices that left him in need of new partnership in the first place. He assured me it would not happen again.


Received a follow-up report to the incident at Epping Forest. Several written copies of Black's seditious writing were found hidden in the upstart Muggle's bunk; astounded that previous surprise inspections had not uncovered the pages before. According to the report they were copied out from the journal of a guard foolish enough to 'lose' it for a time, then copied over again on hoarded bits of parchment and passed among the kine. The guard has been dismissed. As for the Muggles in possession of the pages, well, the diphtheria outbreak has been contained, thanks to the efforts of the Healers, and therefore the reprisals may begin without fear of infecting the Enforcers.

Speaking of camps, Bella, I understand Hibbert has been asked to answer charges of accepting bribes in exchange for ignoring the tunnel. I trust that his case will come up before the Wizengamot presently and we shall discover more about the Derby escapes. Not at this Wednesday's session, however.


Although Our Lord has been pursuing His project with a singular mind, unfortunately, I was obliged to go to Buckingham on Sunday after seeing Draco to the Hogwarts Express. He was not pleased to be interrupted, but when I explained the reason for my visit He allowed the necessity of it. I believe the extended time alone with Harry has done Him much service, for He spoke extensively of His son and loyalty. I agreed, naturally, that a son's unconditional devotion is particularly gratifying, though fragile enough that it must be tended with care. I confess I am not sure why the conversation seemed to have more significance for Him than for me, but then I am accustomed to Our Lord keeping His own counsel from time to time. He told me that when the time came to show me the product of his labours, I should understand their importance; I have no doubt this is so.

However, for the time being, He was content to provide Broome (and thus myself) with specifics regarding His participation in the Wizengamot session to sentence Llewellyn-Davis and attend to a few other matters of the highest priority. Moreover He has also approved the order of ceremonies for the ten-year celebration, which will make both Dolores and the Prophet exceedingly happy.


Our preparations for the diplomatic mission continue. Crispin has been in contact with Selwyn's clerk to schedule a series of meetings between them to ensure that the itinerary is set well in advance (and allows for adequate time to visit the family). We plan to depart less than a week after the end of the term, although given that Draco and Harry were not able to spend time together this holiday, we may be able to postpone a few more days.

I do believe Draco and Finnigan enjoyed their visit, though. Stephen certainly has made quick work with his foster-son - something Crouch might remember in his next campaign for the placement programme.

In reverse order:

Bella, kindly help me assure your sister that you are taking care of yourself quite adequately under the circumstances. She seems to be certain otherwise since your penultimate entry - and the last did nothing to assuage her. Something about being outside too much in the cold and ... what was it? Ah - accepting tea from strangers. (Gentlemen, whenever addressing one's spouse, remember that as a male of the species, you are allowed no opinion on issues of female health, not even to point out that as mistress of her own form a level-headed witch can surely be trusted not to jeopardise herself.)


Perhaps some of Narcissa's ill-temper of late has another source: The Minister of Magic, I understand, contacted her last week in a bold-faced ploy to engage her in the planning committee for the anniversary celebrations to come in late spring. Dolores's timing is, as ever, exquisitely atrocious. Given Narcissa's harrowing experience herding cats to pull off the St Mungo's benefit, I should consider it miraculous if she ever agreed to plan so much as a dinner party again. The idea that she might devote the next four months or so to planning a solemnity that will involve half of Britain is as flattering as it is preposterous. To make matters worse, Dolores had not even the courtesy to ask on her own behalf, but left it to Miss Robins. And while Miss Robins has every ounce of discretion and decorum that her employer is lacking, even she cannot be expected to coax blood from a stone, as it were. No: It was exceedingly bad form on Dolores's part. (To show there were no hard feelings levelled upon Miss Robins, however, I invited her to tea earlier this week and brought along Narcissa's apologies for her stern reaction to the request.)


Last month I met with Warrington and Nott to discuss the plan I hit upon for placing Mudblood servants with more success. Nott found it amusing and worth pursuit; Warrington I think may have wished he had thought of it first, but no matter. He volunteered to begin a pilot programme within the first quarter of the year. This week we sat down again to review progress. Sad to say Warrington has not come along as we had hoped. He wishes to appoint a task force to 'dig deeper' and actually asked to borrow Crispin to clerk for the project. Absolutely not! I've only just got things back where they ought to be following his irresponsible illness and all the bustle of the holiday season. Let the man find his own clerk, if that's what it takes for him to get anything done. Told him he might spend a night or two re-organising that disaster of an office of his, before he attempts to organise anything more complicated than an inter-office memorandum.


Fourth, but certainly not least, the new edition of The Quibbler came out this week. That's also nothing short of a miracle, judging from the way Skeeter has been carrying on about her 'rights' and what is 'owed her' by the Prophet. Ridiculous, as if the publication doesn't already pay her a living wage and provide her more than enough gossip for her rumour-mongering pea-brain. At least if she and Lovegood do murder each other it will be entertaining. And she's not about to risk her position with the Prophet by refusing her assignments to The Quibbler - unlike Bobolis who has already quit, I'm told. Summerby would rather die, I think, than let Lovegood defeat her, and I've no doubt that Laverty will not stand for any of Lovegood's usual nonsense.