Lucius S Malfoy

There are far too many baskets and boxes littering the front parlour. Take what you like - only see to it that the elf removes to the pantry anything you do not claim.

Have been meaning to ask if you intend to take any time away this holiday, particularly this coming Friday and Saturday. Recognise that the days may have greater significance this year.

Naturally, if you wish to spend the day in your own way, would not think of stopping you. However, should you have no other plans, might have an invitation which could interest you.

Besides this week-end, there are a number of other parties which Mrs Malfoy and I simply cannot attend and, as with Crabbe's, we ought to send some representation. Come in when you have a moment and we may look through the list.

Preparation for Freedom Day has consumed most of the week and anticipate will dominate next week's agenda as well.

The celebrations this year ought to call to mind those of the Protectorate's fifth anniversary, including a showcase of concerts in the Protector's Park and a series of demonstrations of skill - under controlled conditions only - highlighting the accomplishments of Our Lord's glorious realm. A final concert on the eve of the 31^st will culminate in Our Lord's presentation to the winners of an essay contest from the village schools, and of course the traditional fireworks.

Once those duties have been discharged, our private holiday arrangements have also been made and we shall proceed for a much-needed rest of our own, before Draco and Harry leave for their CCF programme in August.

Summer is, as always, a somewhat slower time with so many taking holidays but we can take comfort in the knowledge that the newest Director of Protectorate Affairs recognises no such boundary: The necessary business of the nation takes precedence over all other considerations for him!

I've already spoken to Draco this after-noon but do not think me unaware of the measures you both took yesterday to make our guests comfortable.

Narcissa and I both appreciate your efforts. In a party the size of our holiday gathering, it is quite impossible for us to be in all places at once.

Your attention on our behalf is particularly notable given that you have a personal connexion to the Weasley family. Thus your ability to set that sorrow aside in favour of playing hostess (and graciously, from all accounts), does you great credit.

Doubtless we shall see you to-morrow at the funeral. Arthur and I had our ... differences, over the years, but it cannot be denied that he sacrificed himself for the good of the Protectorate (and do not mean only the manner of his untimely demise). Suspect my clerk too proud to reveal to me the true extent of the family's destitution without their provider but - should you hear through your friendships of ways in which Mrs Malfoy or I might assist them, quietly, do let me know.

As for you, no doubt your friends' loss accentuates your own. (Confess it even brought back memories of my own father's death, and natural that it should do.) As ever, if you have need of me for your own behalf, am always at your disposal.

Am ... exceedingly proud of the woman you are becoming, Little Bit. Considering the distance you have covered since your initial term at Hogwarts, the difference of four years is somewhat astonishing - yet simultaneously, no less than I should have expected. Confident that you shall continue to grow into a witch of the finest calibre. To that end, I look forward to the result and remain, always,

Your loving godfather,

Lucius

Kindly make sure that the draft of the Minister's address is on my desk first-thing in the morning. I shall want to read it over again before meeting with him. Also, compare the numbers from the MBL committee report to the pertinent section in his speech and note any disagreement.

Also confirm Monday's arrangements - the flowers, the table at Portico and of course the concert. Make sure Hatton Garden have set the bracelet properly and know to deliver to the Witch Weekly office.

Third, guest list for the 26th. Hold off on sending that; Mrs Malfoy is up to something, I think. She hasn't told me what. Continue to have the Wolsley hold their function room until further notice.

Next I still need the galleys from Charles, so follow-up on that if you would.

Next I have several records which may be filed - some of them require a duplication spell and the copy owled to the appropriate office at the Ministry. I left them on the corner of the desk this evening.

Also, if you please, obtain a copy of the progress report on the Macnair sighting of last week.

Finally, the diary shows a fitting for Saturday's fancy dress ball on Friday morning. I shall need to move that to after-noon. Switch Clarriker to mid-week next week. Under no circumstances tell him why.

I should be in no later than half-eight to-morrow.

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

Our rainy day is progressing well enough, if one can set aside our youngest member's fussing. Not surprisingly, Bella won the last round of Hexagonal - though there was a dead heat among three of us for at least thirty minutes prior to two repetitions in quick succession to give her the win. Quite impressed with how quickly Draco has absorbed his new textbooks and the suggested lists of spells at the back. Harry held his own for a good portion of the game as well.

Barty, we've decided to take tea - and Razzer, Rodolphus and I have decided to take something more medicinal to keep off the chill, if you're interested. (Have no fear of the toddler: Bella grew impatient and summoned the child's nurse to take him next door for a lie-down over an hour ago.)


Minerva, Horace, I can only surmise that you received a copy of the same request Peakes and I did. I shall leave it to you to answer. Crispin, you might check with Peakes' clerk to make sure his office is sending the response - if not, you'll need to send Form 3A to Ginevra Weasley. I believe the family are causing mayhem at Stornoway currently but given the exchange we've all just seen, they may return home sooner than scheduled.


We've been invited to the Moot Hall to-morrow evening for a small reception and, we're told, a local traditional dance. Suspect the boys would rather decline, though Narcissa seems interested and Hydra has already asked if she might wear some of the robes her Aunt helped her pick out over the summer, before they must be packed away in favour of school uniforms. Much depends on the weather, I think, and whether we all feel the need to escape the confines of the cottages by to-morrow.

Have been discussing Narcissa's continued quest for a holiday late this month. Shall need to be sure we have all Draco's books and such prior to the trip as there will not be time between returning and his departure for his third year (impossible as it seems to credit that he will begin third year!). I understand that she, Barty and the Razzer made great use of their four hours yesterday to evaluate three of their remaining possible sites. Had hoped to have a decision by the end of the week; doubt this will be possible given that none of the three of them were able to break away to-day for any other visits. Still. The list has been gleaned, and likely will again, before we must simply choose among the best of the bunch.


First of the month accounts have been settled; Wizarding Wireless board met on Monday with no particular news of moment. Except perhaps that there is a proposal to create a second signal with varied programming. It is felt that this will create jobs and satisfy the growing demand for additional (wider) range of programmes. Lively discussion: I do not think old Glendower has stirred himself to such animation in perhaps twenty years! Appreciate the desire to increase the market for jobs, particularly with the numbers of halfbloods who have been unable to return to work and subsequently lost their previous positions; not convinced that expanding the WWN is an appropriate response.


Received post from Amanda: back from the honeymoon and busy settling into their new home, closer to Beauxbatons. She enclosed a photograph taken at the Jiaohe Ruins near Turpan and promises Narcissa a length of silk, a ginger jar and a tea set in bone and silver, as well as carved bone haircombs 'as soon as ever they can be unearthed from the packages' and sent through the post. She does sound as though they spent a lovely time, and notes that 'Etienne collected some near-perfect early Tang scrolls which he hopes to incorporate into his lessons very soon.' Reading between the lines, it seems Mother has apparently already begun to wonder how soon she will be a grandmother again. (No need to rush, my dear sister!)


Narcissa informs me that this autumn will be as busy a season as the summer: We have received invitations to no fewer than four weddings, three engagement parties, three coming-of-age presentations, five birthday celebrations and eight anniversaries before Halloween! Clearly we shall have some difficult decisions to make as they cannot all be satisfied.


Minerva, I hear that congratulations are in order to you, as well, having made your selection of a home in town. Though perhaps 'in town' is a misnomer. Chiswick, really? And you are leaving it open to touring hours? I shouldn't wonder if you need to hire in a hit-wizard to guard your doorstep against petitioning parents wishing to bring their complaints in person. Nonetheless, I look forward to seeing you in residence from time to time. I do hope you have received the figures we discussed at the last Board of Governors' meeting. As it is the summer holiday, I should expect that the staff have had no pressing demands and have been able to fulfill the Board's request.

Having promised Narcissa I would return home to-night, am gratified to be able to state that this week has seen significant strides in addressing the scandalous claims in Saturday's Prophet.

Between numerous meetings at the Ministry, went several times to Bole and his senior editors to backtrack the allegations to their sources. Most particularly, the 'informant' in league with the traitorous Black.

Crispin has been fairly encamped at the St James' house, as indeed have I the last few nights; it has been easier to return there as a base of operation close to Buckingham and the Ministry. There have been numerous jaunts to camps and a good deal more interviews conducted in the relative ... comfort ... of London.

The entire Council are shocked by the apparent extent of deception required to conceal such a large problem, if indeed it is the case that the chattels are under threat from an unknown virus. Moreover it has been most unsatisfactory and egregiously damaging to allow our previous efforts to proceed, knowing or suspecting that the underlying problem was an altogether different issue.

Of less clarity is the negligence, incompetence or complicity on the part of the Ministry personnel who ought to have caught wind of these events - if indeed, they are confirmed - long before the risks grew to such proportions. The Council are committed to any measures necessary to bring to justice all who have played a rôle in this deplorable situation.


Draco, I hope you passed a pleasant holiday, despite your separation from home. Do not think I have no appreciation for the gifts, although I thought you indicated they would not arrive in time? Perhaps you underestimated the speed of the owls you selected.

The clasp is particularly appropriate for your mother, since your cousin also gave her a new cloak. It is almost as if you consulted - though of course, that is unlikely! She shall make quite the entrance at the gala to-morrow.

It has been a whirlwind of meetings, sight-seeing, receptions and appearances, but this morning offers a quiet chance to catch up on the journals and provide a brief accounting of our progress.


We have taken a second property for the month in order to house the entire entourage, which includes all the Ministry personnel, Crispin of course, Draco’s tutors, Narcissa’s Witch Weekly staff and a photographer and reporter from the Prophet who were allowed to accompany us.

The Floo network here is not quite as efficient as ours, which has made co-ordination between the two households rather more challenging than planned. Then, too, the French Ministry has stationed Aurors for additional protection; as some at home will know, our presence in Paris has not met universal approval. After our first delegation meeting at the Ministerial offices it was agreed that the precautions would be wisest. We are perfectly well and safe, of course, but there are a small, vocal number of mudbloods here who protest any measure that might reassert true wizarding values across the board. I gather that one of Draco's tutors was accosted on his way in a few days ago and Crispin reports that they have determined to travel in pairs whenever possible to avoid being inconvenienced by the curious or the belligerent.

Regarding the delegations themselves, naturally, one cannot reveal privileged discussions before the respective governments have authorised any statements. However, the address to L'Assemblée européenne d'Illuminati drew quite a positive response, if I am any judge. It bodes well for the address to the Companie D’Aristocrats.


This week, Draco’s art lessons commence as well as his usual tutoring; then there are the ball Tuesday evening at the Austrian Embassy; luncheon at the Ministry with the delegation from South Africa; and the first of the emigration candidate interviews (at the staff residence). Narcissa has been invited on visits to Marseilles and Florac to tour the headquarters and millworks for Julie Jourdin’s studios. Ostensibly the inspection is to gather information on Mme Jourdin’s new robe fashions; I shall be astonished if she does not return with at least three ‘samples’ to bring home.

Also received an owl from a former acquaintance, requesting an opportunity to meet. Reassuring to know that not all our ties have been broken by the long absence of contact.


Amanda has suggested that we also visit Beauxbatons over the holiday. When I asked why ever we would, she answered that perhaps we might adopt some measures in place there in order to better remedy the disturbing trends at Hogwarts. I am not certain this is her only motive, however; she had that look about her she used to acquire when she wanted something she knew would meet objection. (It has been remarkable to see her with Draco, incidentally. I think she has been thoroughly enjoying having him there. If nothing else, she remarked last night that it is as if she were now the elder sibling to a younger version of myself! I cannot dispute Draco's resemblance, although I would have to say that she and I never whispered or colluded to nearly the same extent I have observed of aunt and nephew this week.)


It is my understanding that the end-of-term marks are being forwarded this week. Suspect it will take an extra day or so for Draco's reports to arrive - but we may be surprised.

Since Monday, Draco has been quite infatuated with his new broom – and while satisfying to see, it is perhaps not so healthy for him to obsess to the exclusion of all other interests. Luckily it has not been as cold this week as last. Yet despite the inclement weather, he and Harry have barely come inside from flying all week. Twice I had to insist that Heddy dose them with Pepper-Up and draw them hot baths to keep them from catching cold.

Each time, they asked to drink chocolate to clear away the taste of Pepper-Up. Frankly I don’t know which is worse: The blatant appeal for chocolate or the recklessness leading to the need for it in the first place.

In fact I became a little concerned that he might suffer separation disorder when he had to leave it home to-day. But I needn't have feared; he's more sensible than that.

I was surprised, however, when Narcissa came into my rooms last night, quite melancholic over having to put him on the train back to Hogwarts. I know precisely how she feels - having him and Harry in the house has filled it with noise and bustle of a good sort - but their education must come before sentimental notions of keeping the lad home indefinitely.

At any rate, we managed to collect them, their baggage (sans broom!) and go round for Pansy as well, and deposit them at King's Cross before the final whistle. I proposed that Narcissa and I take tea in town and perhaps to accompany her on a few errands to cheer her up.

One more evening of repose and then the year shall begin in earnest.