Lucius S Malfoy

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

Weasley, meet me in the office in two hours.

Much to explain but in brief:

-As you know, the Ministry's archive of Private Messages was destroyed; thus we have, for the time being at least, total privacy from any who might try to interfere.

-Evidence against Draco strongly suggests there is more to the accusation than libel. Still attempting to clear his name but it is now apparent that he will need to present himself to do so.

-Convinced Our Lord to offer a temporary reprieve, if Draco does return. However, it is still possible that he is being held against his will and will not be able to return within the window extended by Our Lord's beneficence.

-Am drafting notice for the Prophet to offer reward for information leading to Draco's release or return. Weasley, you will need assistance screening replies. Hire someone.

-Cancel after-noon appointments to-mor -

Oh, blast. Will cancel after-noon myself.

Ms Lamont,

As you no doubt saw, I was just speaking with Auror Crouch, on the matter of ... personnel turnover at the Ministry. He suggested I talk to MEU and naturally, you came to mind.

The Minister is concerned regarding a potential morale deficit with all the departures of the last year or so. He asked Administration to run a check and it seems that our friend Corax Mulciber's department, Protectorate Affairs - the department where you have been assigned oversight - has overtaken MLE as the department with the greatest turnover, including some quite high-profile positions. There was that fellow Cook who was exposed in the papers last week for his potions addiction and, oh, a few other prominent figures, along with several clerks and lower-level posts.

With Gauge's permission, should like to meet with you to-morrow to go over the files. Would you be free at teatime, perchance?

Shall we say Blaison at four o'clock?

Yours in anticipation,

Lucius S. Malfoy

Arrived Durness, about two and a half hours ago. Bode insistent we go straight to the site while he ran tests on the stone. Nothing conclusive as yet.

Likely heading to St David's in the morning before returning to New London. Our Lord will wish an update at Court.


(Interesting to note that when things go wrong, many who might otherwise have sneered default to their previous wont - looking for someone to hide behind, doubtless, but nonetheless amusing to watch.)


Now to the apparently impossible task of finding a decent meal in this wasteland.

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.

Message received.

Curious that they're unable to contain things themselves. Shall be at the rally point in ... ten minutes.

Need all available information on Hamilton House. Or Hamilton Building. Cross-streets are Mabledon Place, Bidborough and Hastings Streets.

Current owners; number of tenants; current or pending leases; everything.

Crispin, still on for lunch Monday? Sorry to have had to put it off the week. If you can bring what you've found then, would be ... most grateful.

Weasley. Get Rosa Campbell here as soon as possible. Come to my study when you've reached her.

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.

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

Dearest, have arrived safely. Bella, Barty, Dominic and other friends all well and quite invigorated by the country air. Cannot remember the last time boxty was served at breakfast; quite the variation to energise and fortify. Not clear at present when we shall have another opportunity to write.


Draco, good luck and swift flight to-day. Am most disappointed that I shall not be able to attend. Hope that your mother shall go on her own, in order to see you and to explain further. Suffice to say that we - that is to say, many of the Council - have been called to action to protect the realm from a group apparently larger than the DogStar but far less effective.


Nothing to worry about, either of you. Pray tell Pansy only that it is unavoidable business which prevents my travel to Hogwarts. Narcissa, shall try to arrange a fire chat sometime in the next day or two, if security measures will allow.


Until our next meeting, dear ones, can only leave you with all my love and I remain,

Yours