Lucius S Malfoy

Anything yet?

He's away, though His last comment was that He plans to summon us all once the scene here has been contained.

Narcissa has helpfully assembled the spouses and they are handing round tea. Kindle, Haley, Sanditon and their lot are beginning the interviews as quickly as possible.

Dominic's with the Healers but someone ought to be dispatched to St Mungo's with the family, perhaps. The ones who are here, that is.

Rowle's already rounded up the work detail (and another work detail besides) for Swift Retribution.

And I need to speak to Stephen as soon as possible, if you see him.

Weasley! If you can get to St James’ square in ten minutes’ time, suitably attired and otherwise presentable, I’ve an immediate opening. We may discuss terms after you arrive.

Your first order of business shall be assisting Mr Hooper to dislodge his indolent and alarmingly fat arse from your new office.

There‘ll be a bonus for you if you do not allow him to Floo to St Mungo’s.

There is something about spending significant time visiting the infirm that makes even the most stalwart of witches at times a watering pot.

Barty, thank you for seeing Narcissa home last night. As it happened, I was at Windsor rather later than I'd expected - an honour, to be sure, but not one I had anticipated - and arrived back at the Manor to find she had fallen asleep before the elf could serve her supper. Exhausted, no doubt, by the events of the last few days. (And I gathered that Walburga has not been making her visits any easier.)

She went again today, though found no real change in the patient. The St Mungo's staff have spoken to her about keeping him on for 'further evaluation' - though there seems to be little merit to the exercise. His arm, according to Narcissa, needed no change of dressing to-day, and when she spoke to Healer MacCowan, he indicated that Regulus had excellent range of motion and his small motor control ought to be as good as ever in another day or two. One presumes, therefore, that he could continue any physical therapy required by means of regular visits, rather than remaining in care. Suspect someone in the administration hopes to impress Walburga with the institute's dedication to the degree that she may opt to fund an improvement of some kind; equally suspect the office know her not at all well, if this is indeed the justification for lavishing unnecessary attention on her remaining son.

Pansy, I did receive the letter you wrote; however, after hearing Narcissa's report of his condition, and most particularly his frame of mind, we believe it might be best to wait before delivering it. I'm sure he will appreciate what you have to say to him - only, not just now. From what your 'Aunt' tells me, he has quite disengaged himself for the time being; even your jokes would fall on deaf ears at the moment. It is too soon for all that. But I am glad to hear you are tolerating your visits to Madam Pomfrey and not neglecting your school work. I have begun an answer to your owl at least thrice in the past week. Unfortunately, cannot seem to manage two paragraphs without either an interruption of family crisis; or learning that you, Draco, Harry and your good friend Weasley flouted school rules and placed yourselves in mortal peril; or being called away from my quill on state business. I hope that this week, I may be able to respond to you with a proper balance of paternalistic aid and sympathy untaxed by further cause for shock and stern disappointment. For the moment, suffice to say that I am relieved beyond measure that the foolhardiness all of you displayed was rewarded with equally implausible luck.


Spent much of to-day working through the impressive backlog of requests to be reviewed at Muggle-born Labour on Tuesday, now that the camps are fully operational once more. The camps have prepared their final casualty reports, which will be presented to the Committee by a representative from Muggle Domestication.


Must have Crispin co-ordinate a few minutes' time with Selwyn over this UWP business.

This afternoon's WWN coverage of our press conference has generated an outpouring of support for our family. On behalf of my wife and her relations, we humbly thank the citizens of the Protectorate.

As we said in our original statement, Miss Tonks was given a dose of the experimental cure on Tuesday morning in a location which remains undisclosed at this time for her own safety. We were told that the Healers estimated it might take as much as one day for every week in which she had been comatose before we would see any results. We are extremely grateful to report that they were correct: Miss Tonks awakened early this morning. She is disorientated and very weak, but there is every reason to believe that the worst is over. I refer you to the St Mungo's press release in to-night's Evening Prophet and to-morrow's regular edition for more details on her condition and that of the other patients.

To our address of this afternoon, and that of the St Mungo's staff, we can only add that while it is true the early signs of our niece's recovery have shown promise, she has a long road to travel yet. We know that the Healers there have her in the very best care, as they extend to all the victims of Black's Paralysis. They will continue to monitor her progress and we know they will take swift action to care for her throughout the next phases of her recuperation. We are fortunate that hers was a mild case and that she resisted losing unconsciousness for some time after falling ill. Her Healers believe that this stands her in good stead for her rehabilitation, but it is rest now that she needs, more than well-wishing. We appreciate and are grateful for your good intentions but ask you to understand that for everyone's safety, gifts and cards must remain at a minimum. Any parcels arriving at St Mungo's, as Healer Acton made quite clear, will be fully screened before they are passed to their intended recipients. Visitors must observe the proper quarantine procedures and may not be admitted subject to the Healers' discretion.

And once again, Narcissa and I cannot over-emphasise the gratitude and relief we feel at the apparent success of Augustus Rookwood and his joint team from the Ministry and St Mungo's. Their tireless and dedicated service has been instrumental in contravening the effects of Black's indiscriminate attacks upon our people. We continue to provide them every convenience in the pursuit of restoring our society to its fullest health.

The situation in the camps, we are told, improves daily. Unfortunately, the number of cases of half-bloods and purebloods continues to climb. The form of these cases is particularly concerning, as the disfigurement of the victims is itself a source of potential infection. The pamphlets which have been produced by St Mungo's and distributed by the Ministry in the last two weeks - most distressingly - accurately portray the early signs, but moreover represent the means of its communicability. The need for isolation has never been more apparent.

The effect of these precautions on various committees, boards and societies has been palpable. The bright spot, however, is that our industry is well on its way to restoration.

Regarding the cure, Rookwood and his St Mungo's team report progress, though still no sure success. Of course, they are working round the clock and a few hours besides, but at Court we hear the feeble excuses of the experimental researcher: perfection cannot be rushed; without certainty we risk worsening the problem; these things take time. Needless to say, while we understand the need for diligence, the demands of public health dictate that their pace never slacken until they find the solution.


Moving on to more pleasant topics, Narcissa remarked over the week-end that she ought to begin planning Draco's birthday party. Though she was distracted yesterday by her cousin's poor health, but that seems to be a simple enough thing to remedy.

Draco, as I recall, you had a deal of activities you desired. Since owls are currently still under restriction, perhaps you might use the school holiday to give your mother an idea of what you would like to include at the celebrations.


Thursday will be the first of the month - inconceivable, but at least the weather has improved vastly in London over the last two weeks. Raining to-day, naturally.

It is dizzying to reflect that Minister Fudge has been in office for a full three weeks already.

Not all of the transitional activities are concluded, but thus far it seems he has made some progress, particularly in the direction of the investigation into the security breaches that enabled Black and his spies to exacerbate the medical crisis.

(Dominic, you may have heard by now but I'm pleased to tell you that you were spot-on regarding Miss Robins; Cornelius has re-arranged his personal staff somewhat and recognised her ambitions with a promotion much more suited to her at this time. I believe the young lady will go far - but this ought to appease her as an interim step!)


The travel restrictions have made several meetings difficult. At Nimbus and Presto, there have been no need for changes to the procedure but Muggleborn Labour and Magical Commerce each have a member or two who happen to be halfbloods. Consequently the boards have made allowance for their absence by means of providing the agendas early so that they may register their opinions and recommendations via owl. Tedious, but it gives them their fair say without requiring them to violate the terms of the edict. The Daily Prophet has simply replaced those Board members who cannot attend in order to ensure quorum. The Hogwarts Governors, of course, cannot meet at the school owing to the quarantine, but have communicated directly to Peakes who shall extend the decisions to the Headmistress.

Despite the increased limitations and precautions, we have continued to enjoy a pleasant winter between home and London. Last week-end, of course, we went to the theatre with Barty; mid-week there was a reception at the Dulwich to unveil the newest exhibit on early Reformation portraiture; last night we attended Lady Percy's annual winter ball. To-day we shall be celebrating young Rigel's six-month anniversary with Bella and Rodolphus and the rest of the family.


Narcissa had a commitment arise that prevents her from her St Mungo's volunteer activities. Not sure when she will return to the Auxiliary, though it seems at least not for the next several weeks. Some sort of course she agreed to lead for the Witches' Institute, I believe, conflicting with her ordinary St Mungo's time - and of course it is impossible for her to switch with someone else indefinitely. So for the time being, we continue our support for the dedicated Healers of that fine institution through our regular donations and other means.


Rookwood insisted I stop into the DoM to-morrow. Suspect I know what it regards. Although as this is the third time in as many months he has been 'convinced' he has achieved breakthrough, I remain skeptical.

The last of the guests have departed or been shown to their bedrooms for the night.

Rousing success, one of Narcissa's best triumphs. If I kept accurate count, the evening raised at least 10,000Γ for St Mungo's - before including the collections from the roulette and the additional funds from the dinner served this afternoon.

Young Rookwood should be able to give a full accounting to-morrow. However, we shall have a few people still here for breakfast and so it shall have to wait until they have been properly sent off. And we must sleep in order to host them adequately in the morning!

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.