Lucius S Malfoy

Need meeting with Reginald Helpmann, here or at Manor or Kensington, not at Ministry, at his earliest convenience. Tell him the topic is assembling a delegation for French Morocco. Must include witches and wizards fluent in French and Arabic.

Contact Gringott's. Will have a number of instructions for the goblins regarding access to the vaults and transfer of certain sums to Gringott's France.

Wizarding Wireless Network and Daily Prophet - will need meetings with Peale and Cuffe next week or week after next.

Boniface Caldecott should have current copy of my will. Have him look it over and make certain there is no way for the assets to be seized by the Protectorate. If that is impossible, have him transfer all deeds, titles, ownership, rights, etc. to Mrs Malfoy. Need meeting with him to review/revise current bequests and, if necessary, sign parchment for above transfer.

Contact Osiris Sinclair. Arrange private appointment for myself and Mrs Malfoy to decide on post-mortem options. Private, Weasley, meaning his parlour will be closed whilst we make our selections.

Shall be working from the Manor this after-noon.

SR sent awaited signal. Send packet no. two to Prophet via anon. post owl.

Also. Had news from CF which plays into plans. Take packet no. three from blotter to his ofc. tomorrow. See that RR sees you deliver same but do not give it directly to her, use one of the other girls.

Oh, and see if you can find out AB's schedule for month.

And. W/in week, invite UA to lunch. Will provide alternate stationery for same.

That's all for now, except to let me know to-morrow when you next plan to meet your brother. May have information for you to slip into conversation; from there, trust he will carry to CM2.

Ned, if you please, see if you can coax Barty to eat. There's a lad.

Weasley, go and find Hieronymus Bole as well as Barnabas Cuffe. Cannot be done via Private Message; Floo is fine so long as it does not generate too many inquiries. Require them at MLE headquarters at their earliest convenience, with full lists of the Prophet staff during both their tenures (Yes, aware this will take Hieronymus a while).

Also, last month's inspection tour of Bawsey. There was a witch on the team telling us about the fortifications to the waterfronts in King's Lynn. Blishwick, I think? Well, whatever the name: She had details of the piers and mentioned similar projects using camp personnel in Southampton, Hull and Birkenhead. Should like her to bring the elevations and the list of all labourers assigned to any of the work, particularly anything to do with shoring the foundations or work under-water on pilings and such. As soon as possible, please.

Last: Have copious pages of notes from interrogations beginning around 5:00 AM. See if you can pull them into coherence in time for Court. Shall need Yaxley and Hopkirk to read over before presenting.

Have seen Narcissa home. Thank you again for notifying me so we could come in for the briefing. Max, shall be back in an hour or two to revisit the remainder of the ... testimony.

Shall inform Caesar that his protection detail can move on as of the week-end. For now they've been told to keep themselves to the guest quarters unless she is going out of the house. Know that Narcissa would rather discharge them immediately but think it best to wait until the news has broken to-morrow.

Speaking of which, presume Selwyn has the conversation with Bole well in hand.

Get up. Need you in office immediately. Throw out to-morrow's - make that to-day's - schedule.

Keep Fudge but must meet 1st thing, before nine o'clock. Seven would do.

Travers next - Mordant, that is. Barty as well; see Ned for his calendar. Hopkirk and Scrimgeour may wish to add their instructions.

Next. Bole.

No. Bole before Travers & Crouch. But Hopkirk before Bole. NOT at Ministry.

Blast. Selwyn as well - put him in after Fudge. He may have already been notified but in case not, tell him it concerns Whitesnake.

Broome has a special session of Council on the agenda for one o'clock - must work 'round that and imperative to have met with Bole before then. No notice to the Prophet, if you please, that Council will convene.

Oh - & send something to Mrs Malfoy for breaking to-night's promise. Two dz sufficient. Inform her I shall likely remain at Bkhm most of evening, as to-night.

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.

Returned home Tuesday evening to find that Narcissa had kept to her apartments all day. Supper was set for one; the elf said that other than her potions, Narcissa had refused everything on offer, except that she managed to drink a simple consommé around teatime. She complained of chills and a low fever when I looked in briefly, saying that she desired rest and solitude more than anything else. Left her to her recuperation, with an agreement that if she were not feeling much improved by yester-evening, despite her own restoratives, we should fetch in Fletcher to give a professional diagnosis.

Fortunately, by last night, she felt able to take a light supper in her rooms and this morning came down to breakfast, pronouncing herself quite fit again, apart from a lingering fatigue that shall surely improve with another day's relaxation and medicine. Took a half-dose myself as a preventative measure, though have not experienced any early symptoms. But then, Narcissa shook a good many more hands and was, I daresay, thrown in closer with more people at the reception than I. In any event, flu continues to travel about the Ministry; thus precautions are warranted.


Otherwise, have been quite occupied catching up with review copies and manuscripts for Obscurus, a meeting at the WWN to discuss future programming in the new year and preparing for today's Prophet Advisory Board meeting. Have a deal to say about the behaviour of several of Bole's reporters, particularly this Doyle chap. Skeeter has petitioned to be reassigned back to the paper full-time. Gather that she and Lovegood argue monthly over the organisation of The Quibbler - most amusing, really. Though if it comes to that, there's no saying for certain how much longer The Quibbler shall persist. Recent data indicate subscriptions have fallen to less than half that of Seeker Weekly and barely one-third of Proper Warlock. Unsure that the market for quirky, conspiracy-theory laden periodicals is what it once was under Bagnold's incompetent administration.


Speaking of Ministers, this morning's meeting with Dolores, following directly on her staff meeting as it does, presented a number of minor annoyances to be delegated within MLE and to the Unspeakables. Dolores remains wholly convinced that Bonfire Night shall see a wide-scale revolt in the camps, which is clearly paranoia on her part. Still, knowing that I am scheduled to see Rowle to-morrow, she implored me to mention to him again her hope that his comprehensive coverage of public gatherings is fully prepared for next week, and to review with him his plans for increased presence among the camp Enforcers.


Draco, expect Valerian to-morrow with a parcel for you. Do not open it until you are alone in your dormitory. It replaces the item I gave you at the end of last term; I should like the original back when we see you next week-end.

It took nearly five drafts for the Prophet editors to produce an article on the camp escape worth reading. Juggling my time among their offices, Derbyshire, the Ministry and Buckingham this week-end has been exhausting.

Thirteen escaped - and only one fatality after nearly twenty hours of searching. Poor Bellatrix was livid (as was I), so much so that I feared the stress might make her ill. Jonathan Pucey nearly had his head handed to him, and no wonder. We discovered around dusk that the escape had actually occurred the night before - and the MLE had not been called in for several hours after the dictated protocol required!

Yaxley was burnt, it's true, but he is back on the trail and among the searchers. It's ridiculous that they should evade us for so long, but it strengthens my suspicion that they have outside help. How Black manages to enchant anyone else to his cause is beyond me. Yaxley swears he recognised one of the wizards helping them to Portkey away - chap who used to work for the MLE, if it can be believed! Unfortunately he couldn't confirm the sighting, though it wouldn't surprise me, if it were who he thought it was.

The Prophet's details are also enlightening. The night of the 19th, indeed! And where were the Enforcers? Waiting for a memo that was 'misplaced' - the clerical error to which the article alludes. Some delinquent, irresponsible clerk either neglected to deliver it or simply didn't think to make sure it reached the proper hands. Needless to say, there is a full inquiry in progress, along with decidedly unfortunate consequences for the individual or individuals who (deliberately or otherwise) blundered so egregiously.

As for this:
The Prophet has reason to believe that efforts to recover the escaping detainees were slowed by the capture of Quirinus Quirrell, former Hogwarts professor who had been discharged for sedition and was wanted on suspicion of conspiracy to murder the Lord Protector's son, Harry Marvolo, now a first-year student at Hogwarts.

Well. The capture of Quirrell occurred quite co-incidentally to the escape and had nothing whatsoever to do with the 'delay' in bringing in additional Aurors and Enforcers to recover the chattel. Misplaced the memo - completely unacceptable dereliction of duty! I know Bellatrix was positively incensed when we learnt of that little ... triviality. Wants a change in procedure, if they have any sense.


This evening saw me back up to Hogwarts to meet with the Headmistress concerning the full extent of corrective action required for the mudblood girl, our two mischief-makers and of course, Professor Macnair. Believe we have reached an accord that will be acceptable to the Lord Protector (in the case of young Marvolo) and to the Board of Governors (re: Macnair).

On the whole, however, I am extraordinarily relieved that I have a clear calendar to-morrow to recuperate. Pucey had better redouble his efforts if he expects to be able to recover ... at all.

Consulted with Rosa's Healer early this morning to confirm that we may visit this evening. She is still prone to anxiety and increased pulse rate, but the Healers believe that the worst is past. She is much more orientated even than last night, which is a good sign. He instructed best to keep the visit brief, however, which suits me perfectly. To-morrow the child may spend more time and Rosa should feel much more agreeable.

Also consulted Caldecott yesterday regarding the papers she had him file back in September. All in order; as I recalled from the terms, there should be no impediment to assuming direct responsibility given her condition. He has drawn up a letter of confirmation just in case it's needed.

Narcissa and I have spoken extensively this week and struck upon a course of action that will, I hope, resolve these outbursts definitively. Consequently, plans for the week-end are coming together with adequate results.


Oh, yes. Skeeter. The quarter-hour I saw fit to allow her to complain about assignments on The Quibbler quickly transformed into an attempt to write an investigatory article on Tony. Put the quash on that nonsense straight off. I am sure she imagines that an exposée of some kind will be retribution for forcing her to work directly with Lovegood. There are obvious flaws in that particular plan, not least of which is that there is nothing to expose. Bringing more attention to his unfortunate widow is neither news nor worthy (to say nothing of the impact her muckraking would have on her hope of returning full-time to The Prophet). I am not sure what she thinks she would gain by earning my further disdain, but her new working relationship will, I am sure, remain a source of much entertainment in the months to come.

Magical Commerce met Monday; provided report on the status of the Laszlo account via the Dover agent. Still no satisfaction from the petitioner; looking more like they were a front after all. Most disappointing, but no sense in dwelling on the circumstances. Discussed additional protection measures to avoid any further fraudulent applications and increasing the inspection rates, as well as some needed staff turnover, based on my recent visit to the warehouses. Revati Patil tells me her daughter has struck up acquaintance with Draco. Apparently the girl sent an owl home in which she gushed rather ebulliently over her recent (brief) conversations with my son. I think Revati may have been concerned that the girl is overstepping herself and worried I might take offence. Have not perused the journals closely per my promise not to pry overmuch, and frankly, I have been much more preoccupied with the Parkinsons. Can't imagine Draco has any interest of designing nature nor that Patil has any forward intentions as yet - they are, after all, only eleven!


Tuesday and Wednesday per usual, with the exception of course of the activity surrounding Miss Parkinson and her mother. Tea on Tuesday with Ari, who reports that Pandora is expecting again. Combined with his eldest boy (by Serena), that makes five, so he'll qualify for the reallocation programme as of the next calendar year. He has already put in for Kenwood, which he has long had his eye on. Promised to write a letter of support to the appropriations committee.

Wednesday met with the Lord Protector, the Minister and the council for briefings on the camps, the Muggleborn Labour efforts and the Wizengamot appeals pending the Lord Protector's final arbitration. Followed with luncheon for several council members, the Lord Protector going on to confer with the Chief Warlock and then address the Wizengamot. (Miss Robins made up for her employer's supercilious sympathy by offering to engage a table for luncheon in her name, which she could then transfer to my party so as not to draw further attention. Thanked her kindly, but explained that there was really no need for such theatrics. If she wished an invitation to dine with us after the morning's meeting, she had but to say so.)

Of Tuesday night, of course, I have already remarked at length. Thursday largely lost in consulting with Healers, Caldecott, and making arrangements for both this week-end and the holidays. Rookwood wanted an hour in the afternoon but had Crispin put him off until next week.

And to-day. Morning meeting at Obscurus Books to confirm release schedules for next quarter's publications and for the Public Information division to present its plans for the rationing campaign. Tea with Ari to fortify me for the evening. Crispin will receive Pansy via her Portkey whilst I am at the Ministry for a Labour Services presentation. He will bring her to meet me at St Mungo's for a brief glimpse of Rosa, and then back to the St James' house for supper. They can have a more proper visit to-morrow when Rosa is feeling more up to visitation.

... At least, as these things go.

Wednesday evening's audience with the Lord Protector extended into supper. Our Lord sets an excellent table. We spoke on a variety of topics, and I was flattered that My Lord solicited my opinion on a number of matters, small and large.

In addition to concerns of the Protectorate, He made known to me His desire to celebrate His birthday at Hogwarts, where Harry and the other students may partake of the festivities directly. It is a traditional day of solemnity, of course, with the usual toasts and holiday trappings, but doubtless the Prophet will be able to make much of Our Lord's devotion to His son in observing His anniversary thus.

Thursday's Board meeting went much as expected. Circulation increased with the seizure of The Quibbler and news that its subscriptions will be suspended through the year-end. The rest of the Board approved my proposal on that score, with a few friendly amendments, which left me prepared for Friday's discussion with Lovegood.

As to that, the man was ... understandably distraught, but nonetheless he presented a rather more desperate plea than I had anticipated. Really there is nothing so distasteful as a man who thinks he can insult power and then beg his way out of his own predicament. I confess it made my wand hand twitch.

Still, I had my own direction and that of the Prophet to consider, so I made Lovegood an offer. He balked at first, particularly our staffing suggestions, but I believe I convinced him that if he were willing to cede some minor points, I could likely arrange for ... lenience ... on aspects of the Ministry's penalty. Of course, I shan't know until to-morrow whether Dolores will accept, but I am certain Scrimgeour will seize upon the fairness of the terms, as he had argued in favour of clemency in the first place.

Narcissa has been wearing herself to the bone looking after Regulus - and thus by definition, Walburga. I provided her a diversion on Saturday evening in the form of inviting the Baddocks to share our box for the performance of Tosca at Covent Garden. One of Narcissa's old school friends, Athena Belby, was singing the role, so we invited her and a few of the other principals to supper with the four of us afterward.

To-day Narcissa went back to Grimmauld Place for luncheon and to bring Reg more essence of dittany, but I have spent a quiet day at home, catching up on the markets. Carpet sales are up since last quarter, but it seems cauldrons are, as ever, highly erratic, reflecting irregular standards. Should have divested last year after the Brewers' Guild was dissolved owing to a lack of qualified Journeymen being elevated to Master status. At least pewter ingots themselves are holding steady. The other stocks appear in reasonable order.

Ah, and I see, Bella, that Scrimgeour and Thicknesse have relented to reason at last! You are quite right; this is excellent news.

What is not excellent news is that the grounds of Hogwarts are being stalked by a former professor. I'd give three guesses who, except I doubt three tries should be necessary. Crispin can verify the reports this week.

First things first, however: I must meet Minister Umbridge early to-morrow to obtain her assent on Lovegood's mitigation.