Lucius S Malfoy

That parcel you left on my desk this morning. Have no use for it. Cannot return to Garrard's; perhaps you can think of a suitable destination. In any event, come and get rid of it - discreetly, if you please.

Also have several letters to be copied out and addressed when you have a moment. And find the file on Branstone; if I am to suffer through a parade of Gallerinas such as Selma Hawkins is likely to invite, may as well attend to a matter or two of business.

Hooper,

Saw that you've added the camp inspection to-morrow. Change it. There's been a change of plans.

First thing, contact Fairchild and arrange delivery: Two dozen roses (red) and white orchids. Have her find Mrs Malfoy at St Mungo's; not sure she will be fulfilling her regular volunteer shift but she will likely be on the curse damage ward. Will leave sealed note to accompany arrangement on your blotter. Trust it has been cleared per this morning's discussion.

Also have Sainsbury's send luncheon for two to the ward: Baked sole if they have it. Salad, etc. To be ready at precisely half-twelve.


And book me in at Garrard's in late afternoon.

Shall be out of pocket remainder of evening.

Heard that the queue for Black's remains has been over two hours long since Monday. Expect that it will slacken after the week-end but increase again once the students return from Hogsmeade. However, meanwhile, increase lead time by fifteen minutes for any trip to Buckingham - some show of beneficence must be made whenever passing through the entrance hall. It does put one off schedule.

Shall need the reports on birth rates in the camps prior to meeting with Fudge this morning - in general, going forward, I shall need any materials pertinent to meetings at least one hour before if you can manage it. Obviously on days when there are back-to-back meetings I shall need everything in advance as well. There is nothing so tedious as to be asked to meetings where no-one has prepared! The time is wasted merely summarising the background material.

Also, contact Dewhurst in Ludgate Hill and tell him either the blue or the green. Or both - doesn't matter. To be delivered by 24th, of course. He has the address.

Oh, and the next time you have the chance, kindly go through the coming year's calendar and clear some time - a three hour block twice a week if you can find it - for writing. These manuscripts are piling up maddeningly. I've only been able to give Charles three forewords this quarter. You may need to move something around; perhaps Muggle-born Labour or Commerce might change its time, or try one of the boards. Reese's term is coming up on Labour - that might give you the opportunity to suggest the change.

When is Mrs Parkinson booked in? I thought I told you to schedule her in the week or so following Campbell's visitation. I don't see her in the diary.

Finally, on the matter of Mrs Austin's request, the answer is No. We are flattered by their decision to name the child Lucius but send regrets for the ceremony.

Interminable meeting with the Minister to-day. At least Miss Robins' tea continues to compensate, a little, for Dolores' usual waffle.

(I must tell you, Regulus, that she remains quite put out over the outcome of the auction. I cannot think what she might have been like had she won, but by the third sidelong mention I made it clear that the matter interested me not in the slightest and you even less, I suspect.)

Was treated then to a litany of matters requiring the Council's and Lord Protector's input. Noted with some surprise that nearly forty per cent of the muggles dispatched to fulfill work orders have been returned as 'defective,' by which, further inquiry discovered, they mean ill. Must determine whether their susceptibility is a side-effect of having been kept dormant so long or whether this strain of flu is somehow more virulent than previously suspected.

Also pointed out the MLE's efforts to locate certain persons suspected of providing inflammatory and false reports to the traitor Black. Authorised the Minister to offer rewards for information leading to a successful arrest of anyone colluding or conspiring with the traitor or his guerillas, and advised her, per meeting with Scrimgeour on Monday, that the MLE are considering as a suspect any person who in the course of work has contact inside the camps and subsequently falls missing. (Also recommended they review the department attendance records throughout the Ministry and camps for additional intelligence.) It is also possible that Black's men are kidnapping those whom they believe may be coerced into giving up details which Black may then misconstrue in order to continue the public panic.

Endured her requests for additional funds for various projects and departments; ignored her simpering over the boys' return to their Quidditch side and the state of her Christmas shopping. Had to return her to the agenda more than usual, which again, I think, attests to her disappointment of the week-end.


Discussed Draco's Christmas request with Ari over tea, and later with Narcissa. Believe we have reached an accord on the matter. Ari's advice was quite sound and valued, given that his eldest is a few years ahead of Draco, giving him a perspective beyond that of our recollection of our own youth.


Holiday season is already in full bloom. Narcissa has scheduled the winter garden preparations early next week; we are considering whether to open Kensington during the week between Christmas and New Year's, though I doubt there should be the need. Crispin surprised me by having the elves lay in toddy and punch early and he has already finished compiling the invitations from last year (acceptances, declines) so that Narcissa may finalise her batch to-day. (Unsure whether to think he is in such a merry frame of mind because he has renewed his attention to his work, or because he has found a new distraction from it.)


Pansy: Received your owl. In light of the decision rendered by the courts, I see no reason we should not be able to spend some time together. In fact, where a month ago it might have been necessary for you to approach your mother with the request first, these days, it seems she is very interested in my friendship again. I think we both know the reason why. But let us not dismiss our opportunities when they present themselves. I have been thinking I might go with you to Mrs Black, which would accomplish two of your goals together, wouldn't it? Still, likely the prudent thing will be for you to express your wishes to her directly, but of course I shall consent.

Regarding your other topics: Your father used to use the Tintinnabulum hex quite effectively (it causes a ringing in one's opponent's ears) and I recall a half-year when we were all very fond of Heliovox, which although it is in no way debilitating, used to provide hours of amusement, particularly if aimed at sixth- and seventh-year boys. You might also try Nebulosus Visio, which blurs the vision of the opponent and was another of your father's favourites. Though that is a little more advanced than second-year work. It is also never too soon to practise casting silently - the really accomplished duellists never disadvantage themselves by announcing their intentions.

We shall be able to discuss other matters in more detail when we see each other.

My first meeting on the board of Presto Records was held this morning. I invited Draco to accompany me - not to sit in on the meeting itself, but I thought he might like to see the studio - but it seems he is still enjoying his new-found freedom (not to mention the end of all those detentions) and would rather lie in and then later take his broom out. Then again, perhaps it's not so surprising as the weather is fine to-day and he has not ridden since going back to school in January.

In any event, the meeting concentrated largely on the release schedule for the summer. I can see why Nolan wanted someone on the board with ties to the WWN; much of the conversation centred on arrangements and contract relationships with the Network to obtain play and thus drive sales. Still, the production and promotion of recordings (and the musicians who create them) is outside my realm of experience; I can appreciate that there shall be a curve before I am quite as useful to them as Nolan hopes. Nonetheless, it is interesting.


Crispin requested an early departure to-day. I don't believe he observes; I rather got the impression it has to do with something else entirely. Since his Valentine's holiday, he has been, ah, eying the clock a little more than I am accustomed to see. I suspect it is due to the young lady with whom he struck up acquaintance that week-end. I have not pried overmuch but I gather that she is of a suitable family with reasonable prospects. He has mentioned that she works at the Ministry, though not which department. I've no idea whether the affair is serious, nor is it my business, so long as he maintains the high standard I have come to expect. (Though if it comes to that, I hope he will find occasion to at least introduce me to whomever has captured his interest!) It is of course to be anticipated - indeed, it is both auspicious and proper - that a young man his age should seek company. It is, however, inconvenient at times, particularly when I suspect his attention is elsewhere in consequence.


Glad to see that Amycus and Augustus are finding their research to be of mutual benefit. Must visit the Epping camp next week to see how they are getting on.


Ari says that Pandora shall be moved to St Gerard's to-morrow and the Healers there are going to bring things along, if nothing starts on its own. (Apparently with all four children home, and now several weeks overdue, Pandora is exceedingly uncomfortable.) This intelligence made something else on my agenda a little easier to accomplish:

Pansy, my conference with Caldecott was less than satisfactory, I am sorry to say. He believes it prudent to appear to comply with your mother's expressed wishes, for the time being. However, that is not to say that no outing can occur; only that you may not accompany me solus. To that end, I have asked Crispin to arrange a Floo connexion for you next Tuesday to come to St James'; Mr Baddock and his older children will go with us, which will give Mrs Baddock time alone with the new baby. He has a number of items to acquire for Kenwood in any event; and he apparently promised Malcolm a familiar as well (as a sop, I think, on obtaining yet another baby sister!), so it is not a particular imposition to him.


Our Lord continues to shun His council members, preferring to be alone with His son and His work. I have been meeting with the Minister rather more of late to help determine those matters which must come to His direct attention and those which can be resolved without disturbing Him; the Wizengamot session will go forward, I believe, since there are a number of cases (including Llewellyn-Davis' official sentencing) that must be concluded before the 10-year celebration.

{That, by the bye, is coming along well according to Miss Robins. She thanked me earlier this week for my recommendation to Dolores that Miss Robins be permitted to take on most of the planning; apparently she has been corresponding with Warrington about using Muggle-born Labour in the preparations and thought to have his team document the work as part of the placement efforts. Marvellous! Old Nott believes it could be the 'boost' the programme needs. Warned Miss Robins that if she keeps on as she has been, she'll find herself promoted and away from the place where she seems to be doing the most good. (To which she replied that she is confident she can work miracles no matter what her posting. Who am I to doubt it?)}

But I bring up the council because I met several other members for drinks earlier this week. Travers, Avery, Barty, Regulus and the Razzer. Toasted Bellatrix and Rodolphus's impending arrival, of course; but much conversation revolved around His current project and His reasons for keeping His own counsel on the proceedings. Reminded our less confident brethren that it is for Our Lord to decide what we ought to know of His private affairs, and that as He has always done in the past, He shall make our role in His plans known when it suits Him to do so. Until that time, it is our solemn duty to ensure the smooth operation of the Protectorate, to His greater glory.

In reverse order:

Bella, kindly help me assure your sister that you are taking care of yourself quite adequately under the circumstances. She seems to be certain otherwise since your penultimate entry - and the last did nothing to assuage her. Something about being outside too much in the cold and ... what was it? Ah - accepting tea from strangers. (Gentlemen, whenever addressing one's spouse, remember that as a male of the species, you are allowed no opinion on issues of female health, not even to point out that as mistress of her own form a level-headed witch can surely be trusted not to jeopardise herself.)


Perhaps some of Narcissa's ill-temper of late has another source: The Minister of Magic, I understand, contacted her last week in a bold-faced ploy to engage her in the planning committee for the anniversary celebrations to come in late spring. Dolores's timing is, as ever, exquisitely atrocious. Given Narcissa's harrowing experience herding cats to pull off the St Mungo's benefit, I should consider it miraculous if she ever agreed to plan so much as a dinner party again. The idea that she might devote the next four months or so to planning a solemnity that will involve half of Britain is as flattering as it is preposterous. To make matters worse, Dolores had not even the courtesy to ask on her own behalf, but left it to Miss Robins. And while Miss Robins has every ounce of discretion and decorum that her employer is lacking, even she cannot be expected to coax blood from a stone, as it were. No: It was exceedingly bad form on Dolores's part. (To show there were no hard feelings levelled upon Miss Robins, however, I invited her to tea earlier this week and brought along Narcissa's apologies for her stern reaction to the request.)


Last month I met with Warrington and Nott to discuss the plan I hit upon for placing Mudblood servants with more success. Nott found it amusing and worth pursuit; Warrington I think may have wished he had thought of it first, but no matter. He volunteered to begin a pilot programme within the first quarter of the year. This week we sat down again to review progress. Sad to say Warrington has not come along as we had hoped. He wishes to appoint a task force to 'dig deeper' and actually asked to borrow Crispin to clerk for the project. Absolutely not! I've only just got things back where they ought to be following his irresponsible illness and all the bustle of the holiday season. Let the man find his own clerk, if that's what it takes for him to get anything done. Told him he might spend a night or two re-organising that disaster of an office of his, before he attempts to organise anything more complicated than an inter-office memorandum.


Fourth, but certainly not least, the new edition of The Quibbler came out this week. That's also nothing short of a miracle, judging from the way Skeeter has been carrying on about her 'rights' and what is 'owed her' by the Prophet. Ridiculous, as if the publication doesn't already pay her a living wage and provide her more than enough gossip for her rumour-mongering pea-brain. At least if she and Lovegood do murder each other it will be entertaining. And she's not about to risk her position with the Prophet by refusing her assignments to The Quibbler - unlike Bobolis who has already quit, I'm told. Summerby would rather die, I think, than let Lovegood defeat her, and I've no doubt that Laverty will not stand for any of Lovegood's usual nonsense.

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.

For reasons which have yet to be adequately explained, the elf proved incapable of keeping the bath at the proper temperature. Left him to scald himself as penalty. Consequently I was already cross when I arrived for breakfast.

Despite my mood, Narcissa and I spent a pleasant forty-five minutes discussing the boys and their inventiveness (or lack thereof) at maintaining their proper position within the student rankings.

Also discussed the Tonks girl and the ... marketability ... of her skills. Promised at Narcissa's urging to inquire after Crouch's efforts to help. After all, it does no good to anyone if the Half-blood Placements fail to produce favourable results. The whole point is to provide them with a method to become useful members of society. Instructed Crispin to find time in Crouch's books today, if possible.

He did, but not until afternoon. In the morning, I had a scheduled update from the Department of Mysteries regarding each of the Unspeakables' projects and requests for the coming year. Rookwood, of course, had already tried to bend my ear about the subjects he needs; this was passed on to the Department of Muggle Domestication for approval and allocation of suitable candidates. Croaker and Bode had modest requests for testing, but insufficient documentation to support their funding requisition. Umbridge was understandably less than impressed with their presentations, as was I. And of course, Morlock repeated his request of the last three years for additional staff, which was summarily denied.

The meeting concluded, Umbridge invited half the budget review board to luncheon, where the ever-pleasant Miss Robins was on hand to assist the Minister with notes on the discussion from earlier. Should put us quite ahead on the recommendations for the departments for the coming year. Really, hiring this young lady is quite the best decision Umbridge has made in some time. In fact, recalling my conversation with Narcissa from the morning, Miss Tonks might have a much easier time of it were she half as charming or efficient.

At any event, that brought me back to the disagreeable errand of the afternoon. Lucky I had tea with Ari to look forward to; addressing Bartemius Crouch is always tiresome and vexing. He of course had a host of excuses, each one more dubious than the last, as to why he could be of no assistance at present. I do detest people who prevaricate. He claimed a meeting and rushed off. Spoke to his clerk, Weatherby, I think, regarding another time to readdress the matter. With Warrington along, if necessary. Or even Theodore Nott.

Speaking of which, I've had a thought, but I shall wait to discuss it with Warrington until after tea on Friday with Draco, Harry, and Pansy. Oh - must remember to make sure Crispin has made the arrangements for us to go up at end of week.

Tea with Ari, as mentioned before. Crispin has provided me with the agenda for the next week's Board meetings (NRBC, Hogwarts) and the new business plan for The Quibbler to approve and forward to Lovegood.

Repaired to the office after supper to review the same, and the journals.

As of early this morning, the situation regarding the Quibbler has been resolved. The Minister has levied a fine of 200Γ against Xenophilius Lovegood for his scurrilous attempt to sensationalise Black and his so-called 'resistance.' Quite apart from my recommendations to her, Dolores has further proscribed Lovegood from issuing his rag through the rest of the quarter. It seems she took exception to his characterisation of the Ministry (hardly surprising. I only skimmed it, but I do recall the words 'toadies' and 'head bullfrog' bandied about).

Crispin has made me an appointment with Lovegood this Friday to discuss the future of the Quibbler. This is conveniently following my meeting of the Prophet Board of Directors tomorrow afternoon.

Otherwise, the day has had one highlight thus far: Dolores has a new Junior Assistant. Lovely creature. At least it makes being made to wait more palatable.

Off to tea with Ari and then I am invited to an audience with the Lord Protector. I only hope it stops raining before then. Beastly weather for that walk from the edge of the anti-Apparition barrier. Ah, well. It's but a trifling price to pay in order to serve Him.