Lucius S Malfoy

What have we said about not interrupting when I am in Court?

Luckily, had a moment when I could step away - only to find there were also urgent messages from Crispin, Ned and Ptolemy.

What the hell's going on?

Your message's timing could not have been better. Cannot abide Madama Butterfly but it's one of Narcissa's favourites (though will say it is diverting to see the interpretation of a muggleborn Butterfly). Perfect excuse to step outside to the bar.

Yes, see no reason to cancel lunch on the 15^th (my apologies, again, for last month). But in advance of our meeting, would be most grateful if you could look into the deed history and provenance on several addresses obtained from Miss Blishwick - she continues to be an excellent source of information, if nothing yet has led to concrete evidence against Maule. Am forwarding an owl with the pertinent locations.

Regarding Saturday's invitation from Fleet, unfortunately, have had additional conflict arise and must decline. Do your best to assure him it is as much business as pleasure. Could send Weasley if you think some representation necessary, however, trust you to provide much better account of my absence than his presence would bring about.

Speaking of Weasley, you may wish to counsel him on his current ... domestic arrangement. He has been somewhat distracted by it of late. Confess that I had my doubts, for all that I supported his removal from that hovel his parents call a home. New London agrees with him; his particular living arrangements, I fear, may not. Have not wished to pry, as you know I pride myself on allowing him, as you, freedom to make decisions fitting an adult who needs no one to tell him what is best. However, the question of balance is, always, one we must wrestle at all times.

Pleased you found the introduction to Glozeman useful. He is a particular friend of Glendower's (the elder); see if you can parlay the one to bring you near the other. While the son is an utter fool, the father has ... protections ... which may prove valuable in time. (And of course, anything they can be brought to say about Strangeweale or Caldwell - particularly as it relates to whatever Dolores' plans are - would be most appreciated.)

By the way. Heard from Ned that you have been by his desk more than once to see if Barty has given him extra tickets to Puddlemere that he can't use; don't know if I mentioned that Cuthbert continues to send tickets on a regular basis and Weasley has little interest. Feel free to contact him if you're of a mind to go and Ned is not forthcoming.

As for Antonin Nikolaevich, rest assured, when the opportunity arises, shall arrange introduction. His time in New London is currently extremely limited, but even if there is no prior engagement which affords the occasion, he'll naturally attend our Christmas party, so it will come about, sooner or later.

Trust otherwise you are keeping well and look forward to seeing you, particularly since last month's meeting was irretrievably jostled.

Heard from Mafalda you have had a change in fortunes. Was it some mishap in extraction or a deliberate calculation? Or ought you to take better care of your toys?

Nonetheless, this replacement may play to your advantage even if, as I understand, your circumstances are a bit harder to bear in the short-term. Particularly if it offers you greater excuse to travel? Have heard rumblings from Level 13 and ... elsewhere. Runcorn, Maule, Fulton - it would seem we have new domestic disturbances to provide us with intrigue.

If you can see your way to the Frost Faire on any evening, let me know. Or if other occasions afford you the opportunity to meet: You will wish to keep abreast of the developments. Have a meeting with Avery and Rookwood later; should know more after that. Have instructed Weasley to make time for you, Dominic, Gaude, Mulciber or Rowle should any of you contact him with a request. Understand, however, should your present guise require a less conspicuous form of contact.

Might amuse you to know that Ned's vigilance on your behalf has grown, if possible, more ferocious in the last week or two, in the face of all the activities within the Ministry. Do yourself a favour and warn him if you intend to pop into your own office; suspect the lad will take to sleeping on your camp bed any day now. Perhaps it's a more acceptable alternative to him than attempting to wrest attention from his fiancée. (She continues to emulate Bellatrix in her dedication to the craft - a fine Auror she'll be, too, if she can manage to refrain from treating her betters with a supercilious look. And Bella, of course, has been smiling like a cat with a particularly fat pigeon in its grasp. No one wants to ask what she's about - though it is not hard to guess.)

Go careful.

Ned,

Sure that you are seeing to all manner of items at present but surprised that you had left your station in such disarray. Think you had best get back to Barty's office and make sure no one other than Bella, Claudius or myself can access anything he was working on.

Have already encountered Croaker and Massopust nosing about your desk; have taken liberty of locking his door with a spell to ensure nothing is disturbed pending our further inquiry.

If you know of anything causing particular threat, you might wish to volunteer that information to me at your first opportunity. Or anything else of potential importance, especially with any impact to Our Lord.