Lucius S Malfoy

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.

We've heard some interesting rumours today.

As well as some interesting facts.

Our Lord, you'll be happy to know, was not much affected by the news. Still, MLE were dispatched to Lincoln and found Carrow at the foot of the wall. Quite in pieces.

As to what happened to Alecto, Minerva, you surely have a better idea than anyone at Court. At least, as far as her final moments. Her deterioration, however, I am given to understand we owe to entirely different sources.

Unfortunately there's no sign of the mudblood. He might have been able to offer some account of how Carrow came to fall and was unable to Apparate to safety.

Curious, don't you agree?