Lucius S Malfoy

I know you've been writing to Draco.

Get word to him, or to Hydra, if you can do it without anyone taking notice: Antonin certainly means to kill Finch-Fletchley. Not idly, if you take my meaning, but as a priority. Obviously the boy's a fool if he doesn't know he's a target but there is a difference between a target of opportunity and one Tosha has already decided to take down.

If you want your niece to retain her husband, you'll warn them to avoid Tosha at all costs. I've gone as far as I can go to talk him out of it without making it obvious.

Dearest Sister,

Hard to know where to begin. You should know that since our last communication, there has been a breach of security at the Ministry. The journal archives, which were our only means of monitoring private messages, were destroyed. The Ministry are working as quickly as possible to re-build the spells over the existing network but it is ... unclear how long that may take, or if Ned's department will determine the only way to restore oversight is to force an exchange of journals again. But for the moment, we may speak freely.

No doubt - no doubt, you have seen enough through the public entries in journals to understand that Draco disappeared from Hogwarts just after his birthday, under suspicious circumstances. The unfortunate truth is that he stands accused of miscegenation and aiding in the magical education of legal nonpersons. It is impossible to say whether the allegations have any legitimacy but the case against him grows stronger with every day he does not return to explain himself. Early on, it appeared he had been taken prisoner by enemies of the state; whether or not that is actually the case, it is impossible to believe they will arrange a ransom within Our Lord's deadline.

You know the extents to which I will go to protect our family. Could not bear to see you destroy yourself, so many years ago, when you found your situation similarly precarious; cannot now bear to think Draco might perish due to a youthful misstep. Have agreed to stand punishment in his stead, a guarantee against his safe return, whether under his own power or at the hands of his captors (if, indeed, he is a captive).

Naturally, there can be no guarantees as to what may follow after. Am taking any and all necessary steps to protect the family interests, so much as possible. There is one absolutely essential component to the plan which, should it succeed, will require your co-operation. Let us say, for now, only that you may be able to introduce my wife to her nephew, after all.

One cannot help but ... reflect ... on those things one will leave unfinished. Unresolved. Perhaps it is ironic that the same flaw which drove us apart for so long has been visited again in my own son. That after so long promising he should not lose his father, it seems likely, and at the same age I was when we lost Father. That - that the wizard whose vision I have sworn to serve will be the instrument of my downfall.

But not my family's.

Things may move quickly, from here. I've barely a week to make all the necessary arrangements and it must be done carefully, without a hint, lest others derive the impression that I mean to run, rather than merely assure Narcissa's safety. If I can deliver her outside the wards and buy for Draco any measure of clemency, then I will consider the bargain well-struck at whatever price. But as there might not be time later for anything more than an urgent message regarding her expected arrival, this, my dear sister, may be farewell. Tell Mother - tell her, I have done all I can to preserve our legacy.

Take care, Amanda. I pray you remain happy, and safe and healthy.

All my love,

Scip

Dearest Sister,

Was quite pleased to receive your letter of last week; forgive the delay in answering but no matter the day or time set aside this week to reply, some other, more pressing business intruded.

To begin, then: Glad you and Étienne enjoyed your holiday in Morocco. The ability to travel the world is one luxury we quite look forward to indulging again. But as you correctly point out, those hopes have taken a step backward recently.

Not sure exactly what you expect of me, however. Our diplomatic endeavours do not seem to have had much result. And if your husband's aspirations, as you report, do not seem to lie in politics to the extent you believed before marrying, then, my dear, it would seem it is you who must take a choice. You may either attempt to change his leanings and shape his ambitions back in the direction you think more advantageous to you both or you must reconcile yourself to his revised plan.

Given the news you had to share, you do have at least one more reason to press for an improvement to your circumstances and his ability to support your growing family.

(About that, at least, Narcissa and I could not be happier for you! Though Narcissa warns that June and July are a miserable time for the final months (though not as bad as August). And it's just as well that your husband's obligations to Beauxbatons will be lower in the summertime, so that you may both become accustomed to the inevitable changes that will come.)

In any event, believe when we all spoke last year, Étienne considered that the path to political success led through the Headmaster's post. Surely it would follow that he has no immediate wish to abandon the school for more a more direct approach? Am disappointed that he did not use his experiences here in England to better effect, in arguing for the law to change. But not sure how my 'speaking to him' would exhort him to the sort of action you seem to wish he would undertake. If anything, the thought of his child should have led him to conclude the immediate need for the assertion of those same rights which he saw in action here.

Nonetheless, it is probable that in order to achieve true results, more negotiation is needed. Shall speak to Pontner about additional effort with the French delegation. Your husband's student has fully integrated to English life but perhaps his account is still worth some credit with the French Parliament.


For our part, we are all well. Draco is still near the top of his class (not as high as I would like but certainly at a respectable level) and continues to receive glowing reports from all his professors. He has loaded his timetable with extra-curricular pursuits, in addition to his Prefecture and the YPL responsibilities, but wisely has opted for a small, supporting rôle in an upcoming theatrical performance rather than a leading one. (Have made it clear that if his marks slip he must choose to withdraw, since I doubt he wishes to drop Quidditch, especially as Harry has assumed the Captaincy.)

Narcissa, as ever, dazzles the entire country with her perfection. Her editor approached me before the holidays with a request for a new venture. Sponsored by Witch Weekly, she is to design a new line of foundations which will be sold to witches in intimate trunk shows in the home. She is delighted, particularly as it provides the benefits of her knowledge of fashion and attraction without requiring the exhaustive regimen of an active model. She plans to integrate a number of active-wear components for the witch who is, as she puts it, 'in need of maintenance but unwilling to sacrifice style.' Whatever that means. At any rate, she is pleased.

You'll be amused to know she decided it's high time I sat for a new portrait for the gallery. No idea when one shall find the time.

Oh, and yes: Antonin Nikolaevich has been as much like his old self as you remember. Perhaps moreso! Shall pass on to him your fondest remembrances. You could write him yourself, if you are not too shy. He remembers you and would be happy to hear from you - and no doubt would pass on an endless array of questions to compare teaching methods with those of his colleagues on the continent! (Can only wish that it were not injury which necessitated his return to British soil - for he is even more suited to teaching than he was to diplomacy, and that, my dear, is saying quite a lot.)


You mentioned that Mother has been talking of spending time in Vienna. Knowing her, there's some ulterior motive. What is it, has she said? (Suspect it's her fascination with Amelie Imberkopf's work on harmonic magic. Or has she some other reason for sudden wanderlust?) Believe you are correct and that, whatever her plans, she shall return when the time comes to welcome her new grandchild.

Well. At least you may say without fear that you shall never want for anything, regardless of whether Étienne decides to take an active interest in the political arena or remains content to shepherd young minds into the world. (Given the stabilising influence teaching seems to have had on the Razzer, the quiet life of a professor may not be so horrible a prospect - even if it is not what you bargained for long-term.) You know you have but to ask it and, if it is in my power, it shall be done.

Cannot think we shall be able to join you but if it is possible, shall endeavour. (Another item for Pontner to consider!) Meanwhile, warm regards to all, provided that you keep for yourself a large portion of affection from,

Your loving Brother,

Lucius

Sister,

Have spoken with Helpmann. On the whole, it is thought better were you to return with the Beauxbatons delegation, as originally planned, rather than remain for any part of the summer and then rejoin Émile at a later time. Yes, it is in part due to the other matter, on which there can be no intercession. The boy made his choice. Should not need to remind you that said choice atones, in some part, for the desertion of Highslip during our diplomatic mission to France three summers ago.

Your best option, and Étienne's, I should think, is to use the Fletchley lad as an example of future losses that might occur if the administration there do not achieve greater magical freedoms for the citizenry. In any event, were you to stay, it could as easily be interpreted an estrangement between you two as simple reluctance to leave England so soon. Moreover, your husband's own goals shall be better served were you to appear eager to return to France and proselytise the advantages of the Protectorate.

See no point in further discussion.

Now, as for the matter of Mellerstain, and the furnishings: Narcissa says she can use several of the pieces you and she selected to fill in certain rooms in Kensington; the rest will go to the St Mungo's auction at year's end. Would like to restore the house to Munroe in exactly the condition in which he left it to you: Bare. Trust you and Étienne will have your personal effects removed by 15 June.

With any luck, his campaign within the Wizengamot in Paris will succeed and we can look forward to less restricted travel between here and the Continent. It would be good to be able to visit more often, and you here as well.

Narcissa and I shall be at Hogwarts for the Third Task. We thought she might come back to Mellerstain with you to help divest the place and we could all meet again a week from to-night to say our good-byes. Does that suit?

Until Monday, then, please accept fondest affection from your loving brother,

Lucius

Have just come from Court.

It is Our Lord's wish that I ... re-arrange my time to focus my efforts on relations with France, control of the camps, assisting in the capture of DogStar operatives and other sundry pursuits which He deems more ... suitable.

Shall need to meet with the following, in person, in private - sometime in the next month and absolutely before we are less than one month from end of quarter:

Nolan Tenebridge
Cumulus Cuthbert
Charles Pennifold
Ephraim Clarriker

No need to tell them the purpose of the meetings for now. Should not require saying but schedule around current Board meetings and of course, leave the end of July free.


Also, kindly see to it that the calendar is cleared on Wednesday (with the exception of Court).

I note that you've asked for time week after next. Surprised you bothered; you ought to realise it is out of the question. Dideron's delegation arrives on the 21st and will wish to inspect the proposed location the following day. Trust you have co-ordinated with International Wizardry on their accommodations in New London and at the stadium site? Have you ensured that the nearby camp has sufficient labourers on tap to build, presuming all goes as planned? Make sure I have time booked with Selwyn to review the details on Monday, if you please. Any word on whether the English boy will be coming?


Oh - and send a bottle of brandy out to Le'Strange Hill with my compliments, will you? Gather my brother-in-law has been pressed of late but is making significant progress on his analysis of the DogStar prisoners' artifacts. (So much so that my wife has offered our hospitality to his inquisitive and mobile son.) Suspect the fortification will induce him to exhibit greater insights.

Finally. Interested in your explanation for Minister Fudge's recalcitrance yesterday morning. Asked after him to-day and learned that you were incorrect: Clearly there is some personal slight he has perceived. Have contained the situation for the time being. If you value your employment you would do well to discover the true cause and bring it to me before he and I next meet.

Son,

Ordinarily I would entrust this sort of message only to Valerian, but depending on your answer I may need to act more quickly than his wings can convey. We must trust therefore that the privacy of this message will be respected by the Ministry.

At supper this evening, your Aunt Bellatrix shared with us the news that Hydra has written requesting permission to remain at Hogwarts over the holiday. She seems to have already indicated her wish to Harry, for he also wrote to your Aunt imploring her indulgence for Hydra's company.

It will not surprise you to learn your Aunt was amenable - indeed, enthusiastic - regarding the suggestion. Your Uncle and Mother were somewhat less favourable toward the notion that Hydra would miss her whole holiday out of what seems an obvious attempt to curry her mother's approval, or at least, to avoid making herself the subject of any further disappointment. The discussion resulted in a compromise. Your Uncle Raz will bring Hydra home with him for the holiday party and Christmas, thereby allowing her to remain at school and cheer Harry while spending at least a few hours with her family for key celebrations.

This bargain having been struck, it occurred to me that you may think yourself obligated to make the same offer of sacrifice. (Indeed, your aunt expressed some curiosity as to whether we would volunteer your services to Harry in like manner to your cousin - a suggestion which your mother did not deign to answer.) Rest assured that neither your mother nor I would decide unilaterally without consulting you, not when it is entirely optional, as it is this year. Should you wish to stay out of sincere preference, we would make the arrangements as necessary and your Uncle could as easily conduct the two of you as Hydra alone. Though I do not need to tell you it would greatly dismay us both, particularly your mother, since last year's misunderstandings kept you away. Nonetheless, the choice is yours to make.

Lest you interpret this letter as exerting pressure to remain, let me assure you that is not the case. We have both been looking forward to your return and made many plans contingent on your society. In addition, there is your appointment with Pansy and Mr Tenebridge to consider - though again, I am sure we could prevail upon the Headmistress to fetch you there and back if you so chose. Finally, we have spoken before of your decisions with regard to Harry and his esteemed Father's expectations. In this wise, I do not think you need concern yourself with His preferences for your disposition. Provided Harry makes use of his time in the manner his Father has prescribed, your presence or absence ought not affect His pleasure.

Obviously, if you decide to stay you must inform me immediately so that we can notify the Headmistress and Professor Slughorn of your lodging over the holiday. If you do not wish to remain, then we need take no action, and we will see you Saturday.

I await your word and meanwhile remain your devoted,

Father

First of the month accounts settled.

Under-estimated the amount of time required to untangle Lucretia's financial affairs; have only just learned of the final dispensation of her monetary estate this week. Apparently there were several accounts to be held in trust for one year following her death - why I cannot fathom, but such were the terms. As the anniversary is in three weeks (hard as that is to believe), Ari has been kind enough to tackle the Ministry's inheritance tax forms and prepare to wrest the monies from the goblins' long fingers.


By mutual agreement, the Hogwarts' Board of Governors met in London last week, and an hour later, owing to the overlap with the Prophet advisory board. Coupled with wishing Minerva happy returns on her upcoming birthday, adding a few more minutes of cheer at the end of the meeting. But made for an extremely long day and afterward, had only the energy for a quiet supper at Elysian. Odd thing, though: Fleet insisted that I accompany her to meet her husband at their club instead. There commenced a puzzling comparison of clerks. Quickly became clear that Fleet had tasked Maribel to create an impromptu opportunity to solicit my advice on the subject. Fleet's clerk seems inferior in every way; told him at last that if he is so unsatisfied he should simply discharge his assistant and engage a competent one. Allowed as how Crispin did have a wearing in period, though certainly not a long one, in which he grew accustomed to my expectations, but had he not learned to exceed them, I should not have retained him in my service.


Have been speaking with Narcissa on cutting back some of the engagements we had agreed to early on in the season. Particularly with her new commitment to the Daughers of the Protectorate, it seems ridiculous to maintain the schedule we had previously thought reasonable. Suspect she would rather over-extend herself than re-visit which events to cancel. Suggested that the effort would be worth it when the holiday season closes in and she finds herself running out of time to plan our usual celebrations, or disappoints herself by selling short.

Among her commitments I am glad to see coming along is the collaboration with Revati Patil. She is far too modest to say it, but I do believe their partnership has gone a long way to ease both their grief over the tragedy of last spring's occurrence. Though it is not without its own sources of stress. Narcissa has been, to my mind unnecessarily, worried that the camera will not forgive the intervening years while she has been involved in other pursuits. The amount of preparation she is undergoing for this week's modelling has been, as I say, superfluous, but nonetheless I cannot pretend to be displeased with the results. Even if the primary purpose was a psychological benefit, there has been a physical one as well. I hope she is as proud of her efforts as I.


Draco, we have not had your owl from you this week. Assume this signifies that you are well and merely pre-occupied with scholarship. Still we do look forward to your letters and trust that you will write more when your studies allow.

Hydra, I hope your birthday celebrations were pleasant, as was your tète-a-tète with the Lord Protector. I'm sorry I could not join you, but your Aunt tells me you liked your presents very much.

Well. She went through with it after all. Right up until the exchange of vows I was half-sure she might cry it off as a whim or a joke, but no. She is Mme Amanda Froissart now. Étienne promises to make her happy; for his sake, I hope he succeeds.

Aside from departing nearly twenty minutes late, owing to the myriad 'last-minute' issues demanding attention (most of which could have easily waited or should have been addressed long before Friday), was further delayed at the border by a lackey who clearly had no idea to whom he was speaking. Quickly reached Dideron, who straightened the matter - and assured me the patrolwizard would be re-assigned for his impudence. Missed the rehearsal; arrived just as the dinner was about to commence. (Amanda was most upset and had the notion that I had 'arranged' to be detained so as to avoid the walk-through. Assured her of my mutual annoyance at my tardiness - but did allow that there was a bright side to the timing. Summarised my rôle for her to demonstrate that no rehearsal was truly necessary: 'Everyone else goes first, yes? The music starts, yes? Then we walk. Fairly simple.')

Mother handled the rehearsal supper masterfully. Étienne has rather a large family (not atypical for French wizards of his class) and it was a jolly if one-sided affair. His brothers, I think, would fit well with some of our friends - Rabastan, Mordant and Cadmus in particular come to mind. After supper the witchfolk whisked Amanda out for ... some ritual we mere men are not allowed to witness (and I suspect I had rather not contemplate). After producing an excellent bottle of whiskey, Étienne's brother Georges led a smaller group out into Paris to provide the groom his last carouse. Nothing that might put the wedding in jeopardy - though I am sworn to secrecy on the details. Loyalty to my sister aside, a bachelor party is a bachelor party. Also I confess, I am not certain where they continued on after I left them to it somewhere around the 16th arrondissement.

Managed to rise and dress in plenty of time for a private breakfast with Amanda and Mother (though Amanda could barely eat). Then they were off to the salon to arrange their hair and such and I spent a blissfully quiet hour with the papers, paid a few diplomatic fire calls and worked on the wedding toast a little. Then it was time to go.

I know this will disappoint, but I cannot even begin to describe my sister's appearance in her robes. Exquisite does not do justice. Had my wife been there I'm sure she could find the words. Suffice to say I was dumbstruck, and again felt that no wizard, even one as suitable as Froissart, deserved her or could hope to do so.

So - they are wed. The reception was held at the Hôtel du Barbarac, which, Amanda was fond of telling me, is where the French Ministers nearly all have chosen to hold their inaugural balls. Truly it was unparalleled in Paris, though I wager our own halls are just as grand and our own elves no less attentive. Certainly the orchestra were as excellent as the food - and that's saying something.

But my time grew short, so as soon as the bride and groom departed for their honeymoon (Moscow, I understand, and a tour along the Silk Road), I too made my farewells and returned via Calais and Dover. Needless to say I fair fell into bed and have only just begun to consider refocusing my attention on whether anything monumental occurred in my brief absence.

Surely not.

Thank you both for arranging for Draco to join us this afternoon. If he could be ready by half eleven, that would be preferrable. The service and reception for Walburga ought to conclude by five-thirty; however, Narcissa would like to keep him for supper if that is acceptable. We shall return him before curfew goes into effect.


Yaxley, Crispin informed me that you refused to accept his assessment of my agenda. One wonders exactly what the use is of having a clerk to address scheduling when his answer is met with accusations of inventing conflicts in my timetable - I might remind you that we have experienced rather a jolt to the whole family in the past week; there is much to do at the best of times, and this is far from that. Nonetheless, he is quite correct, whether you believe or no: If you wish me to accompany you this week, Wednesday prior to court is the only option. Crispin will expect your decision by day's end so that he may re-arrange as needed, pending your confirmation. Next week presents a much wider range of choices, though I do appreciate the time-sensitive nature of the visits. If it is that urgent, however, then I suggest you do what must be done and provide a memory of it later. Or take Mulciber if you prefer. It makes no possible difference to me, either way.


Pansy, Narcissa asked me to tell you that she was touched by your letter. She does intend to reply, but this week will be very trying for her, so please do not think the delay an indication that your words were not received with gratitude. Regarding your question about Regulus' memorial, that is difficult to answer at present. I am sure you will have seen her tell Mr Crouch as much. Since there is no need for an immediate burial, I believe we may simply wait and hold a more private gathering over the summer.

To-day has been more full than it had a right to be. Though much of that was due to sitting up most of the night with Narcissa and Barty, awaiting updates from the Healers as they stabilised Regulus and repaired the damage he did himself. Barty and I took it in turns to sit with her so that we could each monitor our various other responsibilities, since we neither of us expected to be able to leave soon. Finally convinced Narcissa to retire, though she would not leave the ward, but Healer MacCowan was kind enough to allow her a private room adjacent to his, for what remained of the night.

Early in the morning, however, Regulus awakened, in great distress despite the preparations the Healers had given him. Healer MacCowan explained that it was undoubtedly a temporary effect of the spells they had cast to reverse the amputation. Similar to re-growing bones, apparently.

No sooner had we settled him, and I hoped to take the necessary few minutes to fulfill my promise to young Miss Parkinson, when we were interrupted by the arrival of Narcissa's aunt. It seems that when Narcissa sent the elf back to Grimmauld Place (as indeed, became necessary when the creature would obey neither threat nor sound advice from either myself or Barty), he awakened his mistress and informed her of the situation. She, in turn, responded by choosing this, of all times, to make a supportive showing.

I think it was Walburga's appearance, more than Regulus' prognosis, that persuaded Narcissa she could leave the bedside herself. She has for the time being returned to Kensington, which she had ordered opened for us shortly after Flooing to St Mungo's yester-evening.

Barty also chose that moment to return to the Ministry, while I conveyed Narcissa to Kensington and there took a short rest before my weekly meeting with the Minister. By luncheon, Narcissa had returned to the ward as well - after visiting her niece, who is to be released soon. I think she wanted to speak to Healer Page about her post-hospital care, but learned from the medi-witch that Nymphadora's employer has already made provision for it. Interpret that to be a mark of a surplus in business owing to Laszlo's ability to maintain its trade during the worst of the epidemic, such that he feels he can support a shop clerk who is only partially able to perform her duties. However, should far rather she convalesce in her own home than at the Manor.

Returned to the St James' house, but the briefest attempt at correspondence was preempted by a summons to Windsor - and instruction to collect Narcissa and bring her along. Our Lord wished to know what had befallen His retainer and to be assured of Regulus' timely salvation. The Healers had told us this morning that Regulus might be discharged within a day, depending on whether his hand function is restored as quickly as they anticipate. Here Our Lord voiced His express wish that Regulus be brought direct to Windsor, that He might personally oversee his recuperation. Know this disappointed Narcissa in some ways, as she surely hoped to bring him to the country once more, but cannot conceive of more solicitous care on Our Lord's behalf, all the same.

We have only achieved the Manor ourselves. Neither of us took tea, nor are we in a frame of mind to wait for supper. Suspect we shall order a simple repast and each make an early night of it.