Lucius S Malfoy

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

Mrs Malfoy and I extend our deepest gratitude to all who have either made donations this season or sent us their personal tokens of esteem. Know that we appreciate every gesture made to express the feelings of loyalty, dedication and industry that permeate Our Lord's citizenry.


Our congratulations, of course, go to Mr and Mrs Campbell on their new arrival. Unfortunately with the New Year's celebrations at Buckingham, it is unlikely we shall be able to accept your kind invitation to his naming ceremony. Rest assured our gift is on its way, however.


Have had a day or two to catch our breath among all the whirl of social obligations and for once, am fairly relieved that the week betwixt Christmas and New Year's is generally quiet. Have needed it after the surprises this holiday brought! (Had not planned, for example, to spend part of Christmas Day in firechat with the Minister of Magic for France. Nor to be comforting my sister on the sudden - but necessary - departure of her husband on Christmas Eve.)


Mr Finch-Fletchley, trust you are recovering well. On behalf of the Governors, allow me to extend our sincere regrets that you met with calamity on Hogwarts' grounds, even if, as it now appears, no Hogwarts students were implicated in your misfortune.


Was pulled into a meeting to-day regarding a feared reduction in the interest rates offered by Gringott's on certain types of vaults. Reminded how long it has been since I have negotiated with goblins. Necessitated another international correspondence, this time with Egypt, scheduled later this week.


Draco, good to talk to you as always. We missed you and your cousins at Blackmoor Park this year. And to you and Pansy, again: Congratulations. Nolan tells me Tintagel is doing very well with the song and it is already much-requested on the wireless.


Weasley, have a few notes for you for to-morrow's business at Court. Kindly attend to it first thing, if you please.

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.

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.