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.

Dearest Sister,

Hard to know where to begin. You should know that since our last communication, there has been a breach of security at the Ministry. The journal archives, which were our only means of monitoring private messages, were destroyed. The Ministry are working as quickly as possible to re-build the spells over the existing network but it is ... unclear how long that may take, or if Ned's department will determine the only way to restore oversight is to force an exchange of journals again. But for the moment, we may speak freely.

No doubt - no doubt, you have seen enough through the public entries in journals to understand that Draco disappeared from Hogwarts just after his birthday, under suspicious circumstances. The unfortunate truth is that he stands accused of miscegenation and aiding in the magical education of legal nonpersons. It is impossible to say whether the allegations have any legitimacy but the case against him grows stronger with every day he does not return to explain himself. Early on, it appeared he had been taken prisoner by enemies of the state; whether or not that is actually the case, it is impossible to believe they will arrange a ransom within Our Lord's deadline.

You know the extents to which I will go to protect our family. Could not bear to see you destroy yourself, so many years ago, when you found your situation similarly precarious; cannot now bear to think Draco might perish due to a youthful misstep. Have agreed to stand punishment in his stead, a guarantee against his safe return, whether under his own power or at the hands of his captors (if, indeed, he is a captive).

Naturally, there can be no guarantees as to what may follow after. Am taking any and all necessary steps to protect the family interests, so much as possible. There is one absolutely essential component to the plan which, should it succeed, will require your co-operation. Let us say, for now, only that you may be able to introduce my wife to her nephew, after all.

One cannot help but ... reflect ... on those things one will leave unfinished. Unresolved. Perhaps it is ironic that the same flaw which drove us apart for so long has been visited again in my own son. That after so long promising he should not lose his father, it seems likely, and at the same age I was when we lost Father. That - that the wizard whose vision I have sworn to serve will be the instrument of my downfall.

But not my family's.

Things may move quickly, from here. I've barely a week to make all the necessary arrangements and it must be done carefully, without a hint, lest others derive the impression that I mean to run, rather than merely assure Narcissa's safety. If I can deliver her outside the wards and buy for Draco any measure of clemency, then I will consider the bargain well-struck at whatever price. But as there might not be time later for anything more than an urgent message regarding her expected arrival, this, my dear sister, may be farewell. Tell Mother - tell her, I have done all I can to preserve our legacy.

Take care, Amanda. I pray you remain happy, and safe and healthy.

All my love,

Scip

Draco,

We have been in conference for some hours now with Cadmus Mulciber and Theo Nott, Sr. They have quite a tale to tell concerning your relations with that mudblood servant of Harry's.

Son, there is no reason to stay away. You may fear repercussions for having run but if you return immediately, we can sort this out. It is clear that this is a vicious attempt to discredit you for having out-performed Nott's son so roundly in Our Lord's service.

As for the incidents that occurred as you fled, we will of course co-operate with MLE and resolve them. It is no secret that Teddy Nott harassed your friends; it will be no great difficulty to produce witnesses to corroborate that testimony and prove that, however Theo Nott believes himself wronged, his son provoked you and you acted in self-defence.

If there is any truth in their story, it is only that the mudblood clearly has been colluding with a traitor to Our Lord's realm for some time and likely has attempted to ensnare you into her plans. Naturally, it would be shameful to admit any temptation but you would not be the first wizard to find himself so tempted. We know that you could never have committed any such depraved acts as Nott and Mulciber have concocted. Come back, Draco, and set the record straight.

The longer you stay away, the more guilty you appear to be. We know you may be frightened but please, trust your Mother and Father, who only want what is best for you and who will do everything in their power to protect your life and clear your good name.

Do not let your uncle's sacrifice on your behalf go in vain. Come home, now, and we will settle this matter together.

Father and Mother

Celebration seems in order.

Everyone is, for the moment, all right.

Minor injuries to a few of our number - no one seriously harmed - and heavy damage to the camp, its chattel and its surrounding area.

Bella believes she saw Longbottom among the opposition - if that band of traitors is at the head of this mess, it would explain the unanticipated level of organisation among the insurgents. Nonetheless our biggest concern has been keeping the fire from spreading - literally and figuratively - and confining the fight to a manageable radius. (Also suppressing the news but that's an entirely different battle.)

Also combatting an higher than anticipated level of chaos among our own. Confusion and indecision. Infuriating.

Should be finished here by the end of the day, however. Daylight ought to enable us to put things to rest.

Dearest, trust you and Hydra can attend tonight's performance on your own; unfortunately some matters require attendance. Have decided to dine here and work straight through; will likely be unavailable until well into the third act.

Nothing to trouble you: Just correspondence that must be completed before week's end.

It is a singular curiosity that although they have no current obligations to the Young Protectors' League or (as yet) the Cadet Force, we see almost less of Draco and Harry this summer than years past. All to be expected: Given a summer to fly free, as it were, what young men would not indulge their social predilections?

Nonetheless, it is a pleasure to enjoy pursuits together, such as running the course at the Elysian and the Ouroboros and taking refreshment afterward. It is most gratifying to see them interact with witches and wizards on equal footing, now they are nearly grown. One cannot help be proud of the way in which they conduct themselves and the company they attract.

We have been particularly glad that the weather is so fine - or so they tell us, when they explain that their long-distance flights are a clever method to escape this heat!

The air of Town, however, wants changing this time of year, so we do plan a holiday, if we can manage it. Narcissa favours the west again, perhaps Cornwall. We still have the brigantine which wants a sea holiday, so that is well-suited to her wishes. We may teach the boys a thing or two about sailing.


That is, assuming that the Ministry and affairs of state permit any time at all out of Town. Have no wish to send them alone but that may become necessary, given days like this one.

Commerce committee ran over-long; this business of the black markets getting out of hand. Unsure what, if anything, Yaxley is even doing to control the rise of prices or the disappearance of particular delicacies. The lack of certain products even disrupted our niece's birthday supper. Most intolerable.

Luncheon with Crispin, as well - and discussion of his options at the Ministry. Naturally his well-deserved induction into Our Lord's Council provides him any number of choices; he has merely to determine where his interests lie.

Once back, was detained by an interminable matter at Rookwood's behest. Tosha, will call on you to-morrow if you are at home, to discuss that trifling business! Should interest you to no end.

Speaking of seeing you, Toshenka, Narcissa hopes you and Barty will join us at the week-end at the Manor.

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

Anything yet?

He's away, though His last comment was that He plans to summon us all once the scene here has been contained.

Narcissa has helpfully assembled the spouses and they are handing round tea. Kindle, Haley, Sanditon and their lot are beginning the interviews as quickly as possible.

Dominic's with the Healers but someone ought to be dispatched to St Mungo's with the family, perhaps. The ones who are here, that is.

Rowle's already rounded up the work detail (and another work detail besides) for Swift Retribution.

And I need to speak to Stephen as soon as possible, if you see him.

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