Lucius S Malfoy

Milland has been located.

The real Milland, that is.

He does not appear to be in dire need of medical assistance but it would be prudent to have him checked by a professional. Madam Pomfrey, if you could join us at your earliest convenience. Tosha, we may use your office again?

Will be most interested to hear what he can tell us.

Aspiring to a place in Our Lord's circle is, simply, the highest goal any witch or wizard may hope to achieve. All else pales in comparison to serving Him personally. Certainly, it is a day Mrs Malfoy and I have anticipated for our son since his birth. That he, and all the others of you, are being offered the opportunity to prove yourselves so early in life is honour indeed.

The last time Our Lord initiated new members of the Council while they were in school (or so close to completing it), it was wartime. Recruits were sorely needed. Perhaps it is in a fitting tribute to those days that Our Lord was inspired to devise this crucible wherein you will be tested. Be assured that not only your sponsors, but the whole of the Council will be watching the proceedings closely, ready to welcome whomever rises to the top, and making note of others along the way whose potential may not yet be tempered to perfection.

Good luck to one and all.



Draco: Anything we have needed to say has been said. Make us proud.

Hydra: You have been singled out among your class but there can be no question of your right to compete at the same level as your elders. Your aunt wished me to convey her fond hopes for your success.

Miss Parkinson: Best of luck, my dear. Remember your heritage and the traditions to which you are also heir.


Harry: Your task is no less important. Your Father has given you a solemn responsibility. Of course you will not wish to disappoint. My best advice is to trust your instincts, knowing as you do your Father's mind (as much as any of us may presume to do that!). Do not hesitate to consult those around you, should you need it, for guidance, however.


Razzer: It seems you are to be entertained first-hand. Enjoy the display and bring your customary sobering influence to the proceedings, for surely there will be a need to maintain discipline in the face of the contests ahead.


Minerva: You are no stranger to the imposition of chaos into the school. Trust you are aware of your duty both to Our Lord and to the Governors to balance the necessities of the challenges posed to the candidates against the need to provide a meaningful education to those not participating. Should you find yourself in a quandary, however, the Governors are prepared to forge a clearer path for you.


Antonin Nikolaevich: I should have thought it obvious what Our Lord's decision signifies. Out of deference to our long friendship, shall trouble you no more on the subject. Should you wish to reconsider your words, you know where I am. Thank you, as always, for your kind advice.

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?

Received a thank-you from Harry for his playbook. Which he tells me arrived at supper this evening.

It was meant to arrive on the heels of Horace's news that he'd been conferred Captain. Thought I'd made that clear when I gave you the item last week.

If you've slipped this deadline, Merlin only knows what else you've chosen to ignore in favour of your domestic situation.

A wise wizard would be prepared to explain himself - fully - in the morning.

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

Good to see you both this after-noon. Must admit the social hour before and following did put our other tasks behind, a bit, and returning from those, naturally, found the day's correspondence grown to mountainous proportion. Still have a personal note or two if to-morrow is not to begin already behind.


Trust you both found to-day's (yesterday's, one should say!) educational presentation edifying. Harry looked a bit tense, during the bout. Draco, is he all right? Glad to see you appreciated the display for all it was, and led the others in a properly jovial, but respectful, light.

Antonin Nikolaevich tells me you are both showing great promise, already. Not surprising, but good to hear his professional assessment, nonetheless.

He has his eye on a few others, as well, who were much more ... unexpected. But that is his way.

Be careful, however: He is incorrigible. If you let him he shall ply you with all manner of temptations, suited to your particular interests, in order to bend you to his will. No doubt soon enough he shall supplant even your favourite professors as your tutor of choice.


Speaking of favourites, did not have much of a chance to speak to either of you privately. Wished to ask you: How has the CCF programme been thus far, under Madam Umbridge? (Be honest, both of you; should expect you both might feel any positive comments are disloyal to its previous mentor. Have no fear of your opinions generating unwanted repercussions.)


Well. It is late. Though you shall doubtless not see this before morning, should observe brevity and proceed through my other notes, in order to sleep, as well.

Too many for private messages.

• Hogwarts: Minerva, since you have been incapable of bringing to the Board of Governors an acceptable candidate to undertake instruction in Dark Arts, Our Lord has seen fit to resolve the vacancy on your behalf. Understand that he shall present his credentials and portfolio to you this week; note that there are other changes to the timetable which Our Lord deems appropriate (and half the Governors have already concurred), which must be accommodated before start of term. Trust you will see to the letters and revised book lists for the students.



• NRBC: Cumulus, have reviewed the statement of accounts from Monday's meeting and find it unfathomable that additional savings cannot be achieved. Presume this is down to your commitment to avoid staff cuts; advise you and your brother to re-evaluate said position.



• Weasley: There are three manuscripts from Charles here. Two of them irrelevant; third can be taken to the address affixed. Suspect the recipient will welcome the chance to review the material and provide his notes on the subject. Would appreciate if you delivered it to-night or to-morrow, if you please. Also note the addendum to Monday's schedule regarding the inspection of the Battersea Park project. Finally, require the revisions to the Commerce Committee's minutes before end of day. MacMillan's clerk was supposed to send them over. Kindly track them down, will you; I'd like to sign off before leaving.



• LB: Expect an owl from me. Sending you some reading for your time at Gloss. Trust it will make the days pass more pleasantly.



• Narcissa: Trust you are settled? Did not hear from you this morning. Did hear from Yvaine, hoping to find you. Told her 'holiday' meant you were likely not tied to your journal. (Seem to recall something about not carrying them everywhere this holiday; that was the plan, was it not?) Heard from a few others as well, all hoping for your opinion about something. You might wish to contact Miss Poddington as it seems she received a handful of messages as well.

Oh, and Weasley, come in when you have a moment; there are some other matters to attend arising from Court, which cannot be entrusted to the journal.

There's a book on my blotter entitled Parchment Perfect. Is this someone's idea of a belated April Fool's jape?

Also, yes, you may take Thursday per your request. And since Narcissa and I must present ourselves at that viper's wedding reception and supper, Friday after noon ought not to present a problem.

Tell my sister I may see her Thursday next when they return to New London. If she cannot wait then I suggest she plan to come here. I cannot go rushing about the countryside to keep up with their movements.

I've an owl to Minerva that requires copying before it's sent - one for the record here, one for Dominic and a third copy for Our Lord. And yes, I'll lunch with Stephen prior to the Wireless Advisory meeting. Tell him to expect me in 10 minutes at White's.

Ah, I knew there was one other thing: Did you say that Madam Hooch called while I was out? Hm. Not to-day or to-morrow but see if you can find a spare half-hour for her on Wednesday, if you please.

I shall return shortly after two o'clock.

Found the castle bearing the strain of the extra students well enough. Though Minerva, wish to stress again the importance of not inducing the elves to expend half the years' supply of spices and other supplies on unauthorised menus. Quite agree with Peakes that there is no provision in the budget to replenish the stores when they have been used precipitously.


Igor, I do see your concern but seems that you have the matter well in hand. If you should need to speak further, suggest you come down at a week-end and present your evidence - and your intention - where it will have a greater impact. Or you might simply bring it up on Monday when we return for the triple celebrations of Our Lord's birthday, Halloween and the naming of the Champions.


Draco, Pansy: Good to see you both and to hear your reaction to Nolan's news. You'll be pleased to know Ari has seen copies of the contracts and finds them satisfactory, as do I. Now, take care you don't concentrate so hard on writing songs that you neglect your studies! (Also, I would caution you not to expect too much from the offer.)

And son, about that other matter: Yes, I think you've the right idea. Shame. Suppose the effect of isolation had something to do with a lack of proper understanding; entirely appropriate to set the matter straight. Just mind that you go about it carefully, though from what you have said, you are doing so. Do keep me informed, particularly about any of the signs we discussed.


Harry, surprised to hear you say you had not yet made your move. You understand your Father's wishes, do you not? You are running out of time.

Weasley, just realised talking with Selwyn that to-morrow's Hogwarts Board of Governors' meeting is at Hogwarts. Did Peakes give a particular reason? Seems unnecessary given that the Headmistress and half the Board are in New London. See if you can change it, particularly as the Prophet is directly prior.

Also - Bagman again. Cornered me in the corridors outside Fudge's office. Next week, if you please, half an hour to discuss Top Box seating.

Presume you are still awaiting the packet for Presto? Have not seen it yet.



Barty, I've news you may be interested to hear. Have Ned tell me when you can next meet for drinks.


Draco, received your letter. Glad Mr Zabini has made the place so hospitable for you, Harry and the others. Cannot see why we may not arrange a private run through the Elysian's or Ouroboros' course - however, the timing may be problematic. Remember that Freedom Day celebrations shall occupy much of the week-end. Your mother asks me to tell you that she did agree with your idea for Harry's birthday (and no, Harry, I am not going to spoil the surprise) and that everything is well in hand for the gift you wish to present.