Lucius S Malfoy

Thank you both for arranging for Draco to join us this afternoon. If he could be ready by half eleven, that would be preferrable. The service and reception for Walburga ought to conclude by five-thirty; however, Narcissa would like to keep him for supper if that is acceptable. We shall return him before curfew goes into effect.


Yaxley, Crispin informed me that you refused to accept his assessment of my agenda. One wonders exactly what the use is of having a clerk to address scheduling when his answer is met with accusations of inventing conflicts in my timetable - I might remind you that we have experienced rather a jolt to the whole family in the past week; there is much to do at the best of times, and this is far from that. Nonetheless, he is quite correct, whether you believe or no: If you wish me to accompany you this week, Wednesday prior to court is the only option. Crispin will expect your decision by day's end so that he may re-arrange as needed, pending your confirmation. Next week presents a much wider range of choices, though I do appreciate the time-sensitive nature of the visits. If it is that urgent, however, then I suggest you do what must be done and provide a memory of it later. Or take Mulciber if you prefer. It makes no possible difference to me, either way.


Pansy, Narcissa asked me to tell you that she was touched by your letter. She does intend to reply, but this week will be very trying for her, so please do not think the delay an indication that your words were not received with gratitude. Regarding your question about Regulus' memorial, that is difficult to answer at present. I am sure you will have seen her tell Mr Crouch as much. Since there is no need for an immediate burial, I believe we may simply wait and hold a more private gathering over the summer.

To-day has been more full than it had a right to be. Though much of that was due to sitting up most of the night with Narcissa and Barty, awaiting updates from the Healers as they stabilised Regulus and repaired the damage he did himself. Barty and I took it in turns to sit with her so that we could each monitor our various other responsibilities, since we neither of us expected to be able to leave soon. Finally convinced Narcissa to retire, though she would not leave the ward, but Healer MacCowan was kind enough to allow her a private room adjacent to his, for what remained of the night.

Early in the morning, however, Regulus awakened, in great distress despite the preparations the Healers had given him. Healer MacCowan explained that it was undoubtedly a temporary effect of the spells they had cast to reverse the amputation. Similar to re-growing bones, apparently.

No sooner had we settled him, and I hoped to take the necessary few minutes to fulfill my promise to young Miss Parkinson, when we were interrupted by the arrival of Narcissa's aunt. It seems that when Narcissa sent the elf back to Grimmauld Place (as indeed, became necessary when the creature would obey neither threat nor sound advice from either myself or Barty), he awakened his mistress and informed her of the situation. She, in turn, responded by choosing this, of all times, to make a supportive showing.

I think it was Walburga's appearance, more than Regulus' prognosis, that persuaded Narcissa she could leave the bedside herself. She has for the time being returned to Kensington, which she had ordered opened for us shortly after Flooing to St Mungo's yester-evening.

Barty also chose that moment to return to the Ministry, while I conveyed Narcissa to Kensington and there took a short rest before my weekly meeting with the Minister. By luncheon, Narcissa had returned to the ward as well - after visiting her niece, who is to be released soon. I think she wanted to speak to Healer Page about her post-hospital care, but learned from the medi-witch that Nymphadora's employer has already made provision for it. Interpret that to be a mark of a surplus in business owing to Laszlo's ability to maintain its trade during the worst of the epidemic, such that he feels he can support a shop clerk who is only partially able to perform her duties. However, should far rather she convalesce in her own home than at the Manor.

Returned to the St James' house, but the briefest attempt at correspondence was preempted by a summons to Windsor - and instruction to collect Narcissa and bring her along. Our Lord wished to know what had befallen His retainer and to be assured of Regulus' timely salvation. The Healers had told us this morning that Regulus might be discharged within a day, depending on whether his hand function is restored as quickly as they anticipate. Here Our Lord voiced His express wish that Regulus be brought direct to Windsor, that He might personally oversee his recuperation. Know this disappointed Narcissa in some ways, as she surely hoped to bring him to the country once more, but cannot conceive of more solicitous care on Our Lord's behalf, all the same.

We have only achieved the Manor ourselves. Neither of us took tea, nor are we in a frame of mind to wait for supper. Suspect we shall order a simple repast and each make an early night of it.

The lack of owl-born communication does sometimes force conversations into a public forum against one's will. However, certain things must be said and cannot wait for the restrictions to lift. Therefore:

'Forget' is far too strong a word, Regulus. In no way do I advocate that you should desist all contact with the child. That, I am certain, would cause as much damage as the consequences of becoming too enthralled.

I merely ask that you respect the fragility of her position. With the loss of the father so early and last year's near miss concerning Rosalind, I fear her constitution may suffer terribly at any sort of disappointment.

Kindly recall that I have flown this course before, many times - with Mother and Amanda, with Narcissa twice in '79 and of course after your disappearance, and with Miss Parkinson herself - and it is I who must console our witchfolk in the wake of similar bereavements, be they real or imagined.


Pansy, Narcissa tells me I must apologise if my words last night upset you (and she feels certain they must have done). That was not the intent, I am sure you realise. In no way do I wish to sever the bond you have forged with Regulus. Perhaps I am overly pessimistic in anticipating the shattering of your ideals. Or else I have over-estimated the extent to which you have glorified your correspondent as a hero of the Protectorate. In either case, be assured that I have no desire to see you suffer a trauma even remotely similar to those you have already survived. I merely caution you, for I know how easily you extend your affection and how completely you commit that esteem once given (even despite evidence that your judgement in character can be somewhat misplaced).

Let us suffice to say that Regulus is and always has been a droll fellow, and thus it is understandable that you are drawn together. But he bears significant limitations in his ability to follow-through on his intentions, regardless of how sincere they are when he states them. Pray do not set too much store by his promises.


On an unrelated note, received word of an incident in Catterside on the full moon. Nothing too serious, but it has been a few months since a power struggle disrupted any of the enclaves, much less involving a mated pair. Both killed, it seems. Scrimgeour wants to send an Auror to speak to the camp Enforcers and the acknowledged alpha, but believe it would be a better expenditure of resources to provide additional support to the over-crowded camps.

It seems there were a few incidents there as well. Unruly muggles: a sure sign that they are recovering their strength. But as more of them regain their capacity, they expect to resume their quarters. Many of these were re-occupied with the newly conditioned replacement labour force. Have recommended that the administrators set the idle to clearing out suitable living space for themselves, which ought to keep them occupied and provide them basic amenities to settle unrest.

Home from the Baddocks' - Pandora is still a trifle vexed that she was wrong several weeks ago and little Natalie has not yet exhibited her magic. Narcissa assured her that it will come in due course. Malcolm grows taller every time we see him and Lucy and Antonia seem well over their shy stage. Ari has been working with all three of them; we were treated to a short display of wand work before going in to supper.


Everyone is talking about this Londinarium periodical that debuted to-day. I daresay that leaving The Prophet was the best thing young Bobolis ever did. To say nothing of his flare for the dramatic - imagine pulling such a stunt merely to secure the interview in the first place. Well, the Witches' Institute certainly thanks him, and from what I hear, he has reason to thank them in return! If the next issue matches this one it promises a most ... interesting future for him. (In fact, Ari has a mind to let him photograph Kenwood, now that it is fully appointed.)

Regulus, wherever did he get those photographs? There are at least three Narcissa and I had never before seen. We had a long chuckle over that ludicrous shot of the traitor - quite a find on Bobolis' part, I must say.


Otherwise, lost track of the number of times I was drawn into conversations on some pretext or other, only to find that the assembly wished in reality to inquire about the state of the labour crews and the retraining progress. Do I strike them as a camp administrator? The training will progress as quickly as possible. As for the defective labour details, it is not surprising, although I must agree it is distressing. The Council have reviewed the reports and find that this season's flu epidemic has debilitated much more of the population of mudbloods and muggles than anticipated. The situation is in hand, however, and I am sure the Council will devise an appropriate solution before the holiday season reaches its peak. Nonetheless, it bears a mention to MacMillan so that the Labour Committee can once again assess the demand and supply of ready workers.


On a brighter note, saw Rookwood this week at the Ministry and he believes he has made something of a breakthrough in his research. If all goes well, it should alter the course not only of the labour shortage but the quality of that labour, once the industrial rates can again be increased.


Spoke to Clarriker this week as well, chiefly regarding the items Narcissa reported seeing at Laszlo's of London. Never fear, Regulus, we shall not deprive you of your local source. On the other hand, it would be mad not to ensure that other outlets may grasp at the same luxuries as can be found in the opulence of Doughty Conduit. Though you might wish to find another 'little gem' for a while anyway; if the article generates the sort of interest I suspect it shall, you may not be able to walk out your door without legions of admirers dogging your steps.

While on the subjects of contagions, cures and importations, Minerva, have you reviewed the consumption rates of your hospital wing this year? I hope that, despite the increased infectiousness of this year's colds and flu, we do not face another winter like last year, with dire predictions of mortality lest the Governors act expeditiously.


Looking ahead to the school holidays, have arranged with Walburga (and Rosalind) to accompany Miss Parkinson to her tea. (Must remember to gauge her reaction to the Londinarium since surely she will have seen it by now. Overall, expect her to be pleased with the light it puts on Reg and Orion, but of course, there are some distressing inclusions.) Deuced inconvenient, since Muggleborn Labour may go overlong, but then it also serves as a good reason to keep the meeting short. Pansy, you will be happy to know our strategy worked admirably well, just as I predicted. Your mother believes I am doing her the favour, rather than the other way round. Well done, my dear.

On the other hand, she has not grown so grateful as to defer her requests on her own behalf. Consented to allow her and her Mr Campbell to accompany Narcissa and myself to the release party for Solstice Night's new album. Apparently Mr Campbell fancies himself in the recording industry, among other things.


Finally, noted the incident at Hogwarts yesterday. Mr Marvolo, I am sure your esteemed Father has already assured you that you need feel neither remorse nor apprehension at displaying your abilities to good effect before your classmates. In a duel, such tactics are not only expected but often necessary. Your conduct was in no way unseemly, particularly not if provoked by events such as have been described. Think nothing of it.

Crispin will be back to-morrow, thank Merlin. I had not had to Cruciate anyone for at least six months prior to this week.

Note to aspiring clerks: Given the choice between a routine day of light appointments and a request from the Chair of the Committee for Muggle-Born Labour Services to represent the Committee on an urgent and delicate matter, one might lead with the latter.

By now the Prophet has already reported the unfortunate incident of the fire at Ayr. Lycus Silverlock, the Ayr Alpha, sustained a serious wound and several burns in the fracas, but he was nevertheless able to conduct his negotiations with myself and the representative from the Werewolf Support Office. His alpha female, Freya, was in critical condition after saving several of the pack. Their Healers expect her to recover.

The article has the right of it: the clan had been presented with a valuable piece of property with the Lord Protector's complements. On the night in question, a rogue wolf from a rival clan broke in and attempted to steal the item. Silverlock's clan intervened, though not before the wolf's companions spirited him away - along with the property.

In the end, we agreed to provide a replacement item, since it is unlikely the first one will be recovered. If Freya's condition does not improve, however, we may have to offer additional concessions. Nothing to worry about right now, at any rate.

The Werewolf Registry representative and I then met with the administrator of the Muggle camp in nearby Dalrymple in order to requisition some of the supplies needed in the Ayr enclave. The rival clan will be dealt with, but for now, at any rate, the Werewolf Support Office is withholding the identity of the rogue.

Returned to find an owl post from Crispin apologising for Witter and promising to be back to work on Tuesday. He had already taken my books back as of Friday to restore them to a semblance of order. I expect things should be back on schedule by mid-week. Spent the day reviewing last week's markets and conferring with the brokerage. Now catching up with the journals.


Draco wished to know when his mother and I shall be able to take tea again. (One hopes this is at least as much due to actually missing us as because he hasn't had pheasant sausage since our last visit.) As it happens, I know that Broome needs to go up to Hogwarts sometime in the next fortnight to oversee the arrangements for the Lord Protector's celebration. I shall have Crispin co-ordinate so that I am free to accompany him.

Narcissa suggested Regulus go with her to see Draco if I could not; on the contrary, I see no reason for him not to come along in any event. It seems that might be a suitable outing for him, if he'd like to make it. Meanwhile, I had offered him full use of the broom stable should he wish to get the feel of flying again. I haven't asked yet whether he availed himself, although the weather this weekend was more pleasant for flying than last.

Also had an owl from Pansy. At least she seems to be making some friends apart from Harry and Draco. I can't imagine why Charms should be giving her such trouble, however. But I think I've a text in the library that might provide assistance.

... 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.

I've been neglecting these updates as the last few days have been most hectic.

On Thursday I took a meeting with Pius Thicknesse and Rufus Scrimgeour regarding the simple necessity of allowing the Aurors authority to force confessions via Legilimency.

Veritaserum, of course, is growing steadily more impractical. There are too few qualified Potions Master-brewers to keep the Department in supply. Ever since the Minister ratified our proposal for tighter controls on importation - which were absolutely warranted, given the trouble ensuring qualified products and no undesirable additives - many brewers have focused on potions with less arduous processing requirements. (Only four Master Brewers are active at the moment, including Horace, who is far too occupied with his pupils.) The price and trouble involved in bringing moke kidneys and demiguise eyes into the country in sufficient quantity to provide every Auror with serum is extraordinary, at any rate. And of course, there's the problematic matter of contraband, which is so often associated with the potions trade.

But I see no reason at all why qualified Legilimens should not be allowed to practise in their discretion. It would save time and expense if the Ministry authorise Legilimency in the field. This business of conducting all Legilimency inquiries only with a Wizengamot representative present is an inane exercise at best and a deliberate attempt to limit the mandate of the Aurors. The Wizengamot ought to be supporting the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, not controlling it.

Scrimgeour had some rumbling to do about the role of the Wizengamot as an independent and neutral branch of government; I reminded him (and Thicknesse) that the Lord Protector, as the ultimate head of both the judiciary and the constabulary, has every right to expect that both branches will do what is necessary to create a seamless organisation and to ensure harmonious co-ordination between the departments. The Wizengamot is not an oversight committee. It is an arbiter of evidentiary support for guilt and of appropriate punishment for infractions against the Protectorate.

I believe I made my point clearly. Expect that within the week, Thicknesse will loosen the Wizengamot's strangle-hold on the MLE and allow our Legilimens-certified Aurors to get on with a little less red tape.

Thursday evening I arrived back at the Manor to find that Narcissa's luncheon meeting for the planning of the St. Mungo's benefit next month had run overlong. I try to stay out of the way of these sessions, if only because I am, I confess, useless when it comes to choosing china patterns, table linens, menus, or other such elements. Invariably, if I am unlucky enough to encounter the group, I am asked my opinion on some detail and I'm utterly unable to give any sort of intelligent answer. Economies I understand; orchids are altogether out of my experience.

I think next time Mrs Brown shall think twice about whether she really wants my input on floral arrangements. I had no idea before Thursday last how many colours and breeds there are of Anthemideae, and I wish I still didn't.

We received our weekly owl from Draco and there is the usual amount of schoolboy shenanigans. Not surprised he and the Longbottom boy are at odds; Frank Longbottom was always a bit of a fool, and from what Amanda used to say, it seems he gets a stubborn, mulish streak from Alice. I recall that in her second year, Maurice Thomas kept trying to partner her at Herbology. She quite sensibly told him that she didn't want any quarter-blooded wizard for a partner. I heard about it when Amanda wrote to me complaining that Alice had chased her into Myrtle's toilet every day for a week over the incident. The cheek! It was a private matter between Amanda and Thomas, yet Alice (Cadwallader as she was then) put her wand in where no one asked it to go. (Amanda eventually took my advice and hexed her soundly to make her stop. Even if I had still been at school and Head Boy to boot, I should have told her the same. Running to the Prefects over a bully is a surefire way to prove weakness.) The Weasley boy appears to be beyond help, but between Harry and Draco and his own brother, perhaps he can be made to see reason. He is, after all, still very young, unduly influenced by those parents of his.

At any rate, Draco seems to have run through his care package rather more quickly than Narcissa anticipated. Advised her to supply him again, of course, but with a reminder that he must learn to restrain his appetites and apportion his treats more prudently.

Pansy is experiencing some pangs as well, it appears. Rosalind asked Crispin for time in my books to discuss the child's homesickness, but I assured her via Floo that Pansy will adjust quickly enough. (I sent her a little something to help that along, too.)

It had to be Floo, and not a personal appointment, owing to an urgent alert from the Prophet that the latest edition of The Quibbler has arrived at the central owl office to be distributed to subscribers. Xenophilius has apparently filled his newest edition with outlandish ravings about Black's recent denunciation of the Lord Protector. I shall not dignify this ... publication ... with a quote, but suffice to say that the articles ranged from a point-by-point analysis of Black's broadcast to an investigation of Black's suspected whereabouts, to an 'exposé' of Black's history, including unfounded allegations that his family are still supportive of his 'resistance efforts.' Unless Alphard's ghost has come back to give Lovegood an interview, it's simply ridiculous - tantamout to slander.

I told the owl office that by no means were they to release the owls until I had reviewed the edition. Then, of course, I had to have Dolores issue an injunction against it and order the copies destroyed. I felt it only right to inform Walburga, which resulted in a number of visits on Friday to appease her nerves. All she kept asking was when Regulus would turn up. Thought of loaning her one of our elves, as hers seems ... less than up to the task of attending her, but she insisted that no one but myself, Narcissa, or Bella was to visit, unless Regulus should suddenly wish to honour his previous promise that he would return soon.

... And miraculously, he has done exactly that. He arrived sometime over the week-end, and only moments ago called for his cousin. So I daresay that Walburga is, if anything, even more at her limit than over the attention levied upon her disowned eldest.

As for The Quibbler, as I said, the libelous copies have been ordered held in a Ministry warehouse awaiting destruction. Scrimgeour appealed to Minister Umbridge against arresting Lovegood, arguing instead that a fine should suffice and would, in addition, provide the Department with some additional discretionary funds. Seems to be an appropriate penalty ... provided it remains an isolated incident.

Might instruct the Prophet Board tomorrow to consider purchasing The Quibbler outright and overhauling it to fit in between Witch Weekly and Proper Warlock. Perhaps as a vehicle for Skeeter; get her off the pages of the respectable paper and into the gossip columns where she belongs.

Meanwhile, am most anxious that Narcissa heeds Regulus's call to help him calm Walburga's considerable anxiety at his sudden reappearance in Grimmauld Place. I shall offer to call upon her tomorrow as well, to see what I may do to smooth ... and soothe ... her frayed constitution.