Lucius S Malfoy

Settling in, are you?

It appears you went ahead and selected the eldest Weasley.

Any observations so far? Was in the building earlier to meet Fudge but had no time to stop up and welcome you in person.

Perhaps next Thursday you'd care to go to lunch? Am sure you will have questions about certain of Dominic's policies and ongoing projects that affected other departments. Would be pleased to provide any insight, from a level your Weasley would have no way of knowing.

We could invite Stephen, as well, so he can tell you anything you need to know about your new - Senior Adjutant, is it? Creative title. Trust he understands it means whatever you need it to mean at any given moment?

Not sure how he'll do under that sort of ... variability in his scope of duties. The third brother has an altogether different temperament but then you must have seen something you liked about this one.

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?

Timetable changes for to-morrow and Friday:

Inspection tour of Tedford to-morrow morning, urgent. See if Fudge can move to afternoon. Contact the Elysian and change Friday morning's duelling course booking to earlier: 6:00 or 7:00 is fine. Not later than 8 o'clock. Inform Travers, Mulciber and Glendower of the new time, when you have it. (Yes, Glendower - the younger, if you please.)

Also add in meeting Friday at 10:00 o'clock: Crouch, Travers, Rowle. Under no circumstances confirm with Rowle's assistant - go through him directly for his calendar. Book one of the cafes near the Ministry so they can step out without attracting notice.

Will be in Porlock and Preston rest of day, up until Court this afternoon. Contact camp administrators to arrange entry parchment for Ms Blishwick as well; others in the party all ought to have the proper credentials already.

Need first avail. with Spencer-Wells and Dominic.

Oh, and - there's a short list of engagements requiring someone to represent yet be silent. Add to your books.

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.

Get up. Need you in office immediately. Throw out to-morrow's - make that to-day's - schedule.

Keep Fudge but must meet 1st thing, before nine o'clock. Seven would do.

Travers next - Mordant, that is. Barty as well; see Ned for his calendar. Hopkirk and Scrimgeour may wish to add their instructions.

Next. Bole.

No. Bole before Travers & Crouch. But Hopkirk before Bole. NOT at Ministry.

Blast. Selwyn as well - put him in after Fudge. He may have already been notified but in case not, tell him it concerns Whitesnake.

Broome has a special session of Council on the agenda for one o'clock - must work 'round that and imperative to have met with Bole before then. No notice to the Prophet, if you please, that Council will convene.

Oh - & send something to Mrs Malfoy for breaking to-night's promise. Two dz sufficient. Inform her I shall likely remain at Bkhm most of evening, as to-night.

Heard from Cornelius and Rufus this morning that MLE have arrested the two suspects in the Beadell murder? Evidently, review of the Private Messages has borne fruit. Rufus also mentioned a droll little fellow by the name of Rapley - apparently there was nothing of too much note, after all, once the enforcer heard his response. Trust they shall keep an eye on him in future, however.

No further reaction to Snape's entry, then? Rufus mentioned Bella has someone preparing a few entries to be posted in a similar manner, with mis-information calculated to entrap the traitors who follow the posts' advice. Not sure if she has communicated with you or with Massopust directly regarding the creation or appropriation of the journals for the project.

We were interrupted this morning by Bagman, of all people, with news that I took to be of some importance to him. To Cornelius as well, more's the pity. More work for International Affairs. Suspect you'll hear about it at Fudge's staff meeting but .... Allow that it could be a morale-boosting endeavour for the whole country, if handled correctly. If botched, potentially staggering breach of national security, however.

In any event, added to the burden on Hogwarts next year, should make for a busy summer for us all.

Oh, Narcissa asked me to tell you she's planning a small supper in a week or two at Kensington and wanted to be sure you and Chloe are free. The ... 22nd April, in point of fact. Check with Chloe (if your marriage is anything like ours, I know it's she who'll keep the diary!) and let me know so I can tell her? (She's still dividing her time between St Mungo's and Kensington, for the moment. Gather Barty tried to check himself out of St M's this morning, against Healers' advice, and she cast a sticking charm to fix his pyjamas to the hospital bed! Expect I shall hear any moment that she wishes to install him in Kensington rather than allow him to return to Marlborough. Because they are so very far removed from one another, after all. I do try to give her the benefit of the doubt - after all, we have had a trying year of losses and they have taken more toll on her than anyone - but have no wish to see Barty chafe under the iron rule of another Black matriarch. On the other hand, her presence did make the Prophet's article a much stronger piece, as she was able to keep Norah monopolising the reporters and simultaneously help Barty maintain his dignity under their scrutiny. Apparently he was still quite drugged when they came to call.)

Well - ought to be getting on and you as well. Congratulations again and compliments to Massopust's staff on their diligent review.

The Minister's address went relatively well, though as usual there was a bit too much emphasis on budget and not enough on the intended uses of the funds. Also surprised to find that the section on muggleborn population was shorter than expected, though pleased it met with approval from the assembly.

Less surprised by the comments regarding international relations. The French government have been taking great strides forward in terms of policy but their progress is deliberate and slower than a flobberworm at times. Confident that continued efforts and contact will yield further results. The inevitable queries regarding free trade garnered the necessary response: Trade shall be opened if and when other nations can guarantee that their exports adhere to the standards we have set.

In other regions, of course, the progress is either less marked or has always been ripe for plucking. Expect that eastern blocs shall be readily convinced to take more ... direct action to establish dominance.

Also intrigued by Fudge's position on the introduction of enhanced transfiguratives to supplement the general fare. Suspect additional research is warranted to determine whether the nutritive value is truly equivalent to more traditional substances.


On an unrelated topic, have been intrigued to see another increase in the popularity of reduction clinics. Another three opened this month so far. Mind you, there are an increasing number of people who seem to need their services. The Frost Faire's ball provided an excellent opportunity to judge that; fortunately it seems modern robe designs are more forgiving to the figure compared to Elizabethan robes. (And incidentally, Barty, well done. Perhaps you have the, er, legs after all.) Certainly, and not unexpectedly, those more conscious of maintaining their physical health were the centrepiece of the ballroom tents, as well as those who put in the effort to prepare for the dancing. One cannot understate Narcissa's effect in her robes, of course: the Gloriana Regina indeed, and deserving every accolade and token she received.

Not sure, however, what some thought they were about, upsetting the refreshment stalls outside the tent. Nor the impromptu footrace through the midway. Heard from Scrimgeour that MLE are still processing several fines for disorderly conduct, including an attempted break-in to a closed patisserie. I suppose someone simply couldn't wait until morning for buns!


Draco, received your last and yes, I do believe that you are following a prudent course.

Oh, and Hooper: For to-morrow, kindly make sure that you have the front parlour cleared for the Committee. Realise is it unconventional to host in the St James' house and not in the Elysian but there are topics to discuss for which the house offers more privacy. Messrs Nott, Rookwood and Bode should arrive by half-eleven so also arrange for luncheon.

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.

Long discussion with Narcissa this evening, but she has agreed that it is better for the Prophet to assist in a controlled campaign to dispel the rumours than allow the gossip rags to run rampant with indiscriminate stories. I've booked in with Fudge to-morrow morning to brief him on approving your proposal. Let me know if Scrimgeour gives you any difficulty; heard from Hopkirk that she'll endorse whatever plan you devise. We can meet with Bole to-morrow afternoon or Wednesday - as your diary allows - to cover the permissible details.

Perhaps Travers ought to provide the Prophet with a selected analysis of the false tracts. Nothing too supportive to Black's originals, of course, but enough to reduce the matter to one of mockery and disdain - and naturally the passages that are least likely to emanate from one with his history or background. Bole can provide follow-up articles linking the sightings to Zuckerman's theories regarding Snape, which should further deflect the rumours and remind the public to report any suspicious encounters.

The whole business makes me wish for the days of Monitoring spells again. Pity it's completely unrealistic to put the topic into a Taboo, especially considering that the terms are so common. It was burdensome enough in those early months. Still, it's a comfort to think that anyone attempting to resurrect Black by attracting attention will eventually gain yours.

One favour, if you don't mind: She has said nothing to me directly, but I recognise in my wife the signs of ... let us say, optimism, at the implications of some of your team's reports. She may well take the notion that if this mysterious figure is in fact real, is alive and has enough similarities to Black to pass for him .... Should she come to you with any such ideation, I hope you will not encourage her. I think neither of us would care to see her return to the distress she suffered at either of Regulus' infamous disappearances. Dementors aside, by summer's end I had thought her much recovered; this newest development may set her back if she is allowed to run away with false hopes. To say nothing of the consequences (potentially from more than one source, if you take my meaning) were her belief to become known, especially after the job we had explaining his instabilities. I am sure I can rely on your discretion to handle her with care should she impose upon your sympathies with any outlandish thought that Regulus might have slipped his bonds a second time.

Let Crispin know when to have me at Bole's - no, on second thought, better tell us both; he missed my instruction to push back the appointment following your brief on Friday. Lucky it was only to the club for Mulciber. Well. I shall sort Fudge in the morning, and then my clerk, make no mistake.

WWN met on Monday and I know several at Hogwarts will take note that they did decide, over a few objecting voices, to add a second broadcast on a trial basis. The second frequency will operate for twenty hours per week for the next three months, beginning October. Programming to be determined.

Our reclamation project has progressed as well, with three sites undergoing plans for extensive remodel for sport (including a new Quidditch pitch and possibly an addition to the league) and additional industry.

Tuesday, as promised, Ari and Pandora had several friends round to commemorate their youngest child's magic manifesting. Quite a pleasant affair, though Malcolm sullenly pointed out his brother was unable to attend as he is at school - to which Pandora replied by producing a letter Ptolemy sent to congratulate his baby sister.

We had no sooner returned, however, when we were inundated with requests for statements regarding this Urquhart matter. Narcissa knows Gertrude rather better than I know Seyton, though of course we have been acquainted many years. For the record, we are of the opinion that such matters are best kept private. We can only imagine the family's distress at the manner in which their personal business has been made a speculative topic across the country. The apparent corruption of the journals for such an insignificant purpose, however, is of more concern. The Prophet have called for an inquiry as to how this information - not apropos to any criminal act or investigation - came to be public knowledge. Confident the Ministry will determine to public satisfaction the source of this abuse of the private message function. It can in no way atone for the invasion into the Urquhart's personal affairs but it may in some fashion assure that no similar breach of confidentiality occurs in future.

It shall be one of many topics in my meeting with the Minister, as well as allocation of additional resources in the hunts for Macnair and Snape. Understand that the recent reports from the Blackburn sighting have provided new evidence and encouragement in the pursuit.