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.

Are you still in New London?

If you're unable to return, we'll follow. There are matters one could attend more easily back in Town.

Was the situation resolved?

Have either of you been glancing through the children's journals?

Well played, bratishka. Believe the effect you desired has been achieved. In spades.


Raz, forgive the intrusion, but must point out: It may not have occurred to Rodolphus yet but I did see the look on your face when our brother here so-casually mentioned the relationship budding between our niece and Stephen's defector. Confess myself as surprised as you or Rod that our Tosha sees so much in the lad - but then, know better than to doubt his instinct, which has so often led us to valuable compatriots in the past. Good luck, when Rod realises that you've known and not told him before. (And for some time, if I am not mistaken?)

Then again, at least you've reminded him that you are far from an easy target.

(Not that it matters much to me, one way or the other. Particularly if Toshenka believes he can bring the boy under his wing.)


Still chuckling over that remark of - which of your students, Toshenka? A seventh-year by the look of him - that he'd never thought of duels lasting so long. And how we all said almost at once, 'Usually, they don't.' Hope he's not in your NEWTs (and if so, then you are entirely correct that your work has been made manifest. Let it never be said we underestimate your ability to fashion miracles!


Do you think Dominic has quite got over his own shock at the breadth of your casting? Must remember to invite him into one of our sessions at the Elysian. Suspect he's itching now to find out just how he'd stand up in a proper contest of skill.

Almost jealous of you both for seizing the chance to make clear your prowess; but thinking how exhausted you both were, and seeing how much was waiting for my attention on my return, perhaps it was as well to leave you both to the exertion. (Do not take that as either challenge, or the fear of one, however!)

Blast, but it is late. Expect you both to be sleeping the sleep of the just. Ought to follow your example in that, as in other things.

My thanks again, gentlemen, for a highly amusing day.

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