Lucius S Malfoy

Fudge is running late. In future I expect to be told ahead to avoid wasting time in waiting.

However, under circumstances, cornered Bartemius regarding yesterday's decision at the Executive Session. Not sure why he's in a lather about it. He's had plenty of time to prepare. Understand from him that Barty has arranged a very private service for his mother (Sr seemed a bit perturbed that she'd been declared dead so quickly but otherwise too bewildered by the oncoming trial to give the matter much other thought); sure Narcissa will wish to attend so find out from Ned, if you please, when the ceremony is to be scheduled. Believe Crouch said Friday.

Meanwhile, those camp inspections: Have they been placed on the books yet? Preferably before the weather grows inhospitable.

Also, need to know immediately if Maule returns to Court. Talk to Mr Broome and make sure that you are on his short list for notifications. Without making a nuisance of yourself, naturally.

Finally: This afternoon's fire chat with Dideron and Froissart. Be sure that the reports of last month's arrests are handy as well as current roster of Dogstar suspects. Cannot at present recall name of MLE enforcer in charge of Cup security - get that and double-check the itinerary for the Cup's transport on Sunday. Have that ready for the call, if you would.

These restrictions placed by Fletcher are ridiculous. I'm fine. Though the business of writing all communication is damned inconvenient. Shall need you to attend meetings along with me for next week; possibly two if I allow Fletcher his caution.

Meanwhile, see no reason not to re-commence business as usual after the week-end. Only leave Monday afternoon open since Mrs Malfoy will be taking Draco back up to school and returning. (Need to be back at the Manor before her Witch Weekly commitment has been met for the day.)


So. First things first: Have you contacted Rousseau's office since the Cup? Shall need to ensure that nothing about the incident has affected plans for Hogwarts. Suspect Selwyn has thought of it already but sure he has not had time to address it with Pontner; can only hope that Pontner exhibited some intuition regarding the need for action. Would be advantageous to take the initiative there as soon as possible. Same for the Bulgarians, though Pontner has been taking the lead there all along, so presumably he has already assuaged any misgivings they might have in light of the incident.

On that note, Bartley and Runcorn can wait. Push them out to mid-month.

Instead need Cuffe - first thing Monday. And bring the report on the casualties from the Harrogate camp reprisals (are they calling that the 29^th or was it 30^th by the time the demonstrators left the arena? No-one has told me). Want him here before MLE's press gaggle at ten o'clock.

Also Clarriker: Have the books ready. Wish to instruct him to increase the percentage of imports tithed to Buckingham by 10% - half of which ought to come from his portion, of course. He'll object; we shall impress upon him the importance of Our Lord's continued good favour; he'll capitulate. Tuesday would be acceptable if he cannot come Monday morning.


Blast. Reminds me: Thursday was first of the month. Need to go over the accounts to-morrow, then. Come to the Manor ... after tea will do. Should take no more than an hour or two.


Mrs Malfoy mentioned you had to answer for one or two rather insistent (and inventive) would-be visitors who slipped through our outer protections before someone discovered their presence. Kindly provide a list of the names. Trust that neither Hooper parent was among the invasive ones; of course, were there any of a suspicious nature, it would be prudent to inform Zuckerman immediately.

Speaking of which, understand that the younger Runge presented him-self to Our Lord at yesterday's Court. No need to guess why. Contact him but not before Wednesday noon and arrange tea at the Elysian or the Ouroboros sometime in the next week month.


Finally, seem to recall that we had agreed to host a supper at Ouroboros for new members. Check the diary. Think it may have been 17^th September. See if Yaxley will take it on; if not him (though it would be wise for him with MLE's upcoming announcement), then try Avery or barring him, Mulciber. Any of them ought to be attending, at any rate. Merely a matter of acting as master of ceremonies.

Sure there will be more by to-morrow. Already forgetting something.

Ah, yes. Mme Froissart's accommodations. Munroe's written to say he's had a change of heart and he'll vacate Mellerstain. However. In light of recent events, my sister feels it makes no sense to return to France in the interim. (Some plot she and Mrs Malfoy have concocted, I assume, to plague me with nursemaids over the next three weeks.) As a result, she would like to take residence at the end of September instead of the end of October. Have drafted an agreement for him to consider which you may deliver after we're done here in the afternoon.

Hooper, did you manage to accomplish anything in the last week or have you, as I suspect, taken the opportunity simply to sleep in, empty the larder and leave after luncheon? The point was to cover for my being out of the country - not to make it clear to all and sundry by your behaviour that I have been away. Should not have to impress upon you the delicacy of both sets of negotiations with countries, schools and leagues involved in these endeavours. Even Bagman's people understood the need for absolute secrecy until such time as all parties agree to the terms. How is it possible that you have failed where they succeeded?

Moreover, explain to me the dereliction of your duties that occurred whilst I was gone. You led me to believe all was in control. I specifically left documents to be completed and forwarded to Scrimgeour prior to my return. I've just seen him and he claims not to have received the parchments. What have you done with them?

I trust the parcels for Hogwarts, at least, were delivered as requested.

Make yourself useful, if you can, and kindly see if Cornelius and Dominic have ten minutes before day's end - before four o'clock, if you please. To-day of all days I have no intention of leaving Mrs Malfoy to dine alone. Under no circumstances interpret that to mean you may also pack in before you have completed your tasks.

Speaking of which, I came across your request for time away over the summer. Presume this means you intend to acquire coverage in your absence. Perhaps if, in future, you intend to bring all the business of my office to a halt when I am not present, it would be better to assure that your holidays co-incide with mine. As for the current request, out of the question. Shall need you at the very least to be on-call during the event, should anything untoward occur. With so many visitors and dignitaries on all sides it would be disastrous. You will be afforded an excellent seat for the match itself, never fear. Provided you can fit into it.

Bagman ought to be invited to meeting next week. The one on Tuesday. See to that, as well, before you take your luncheon. And kindly contact Clarriker to replace anything you have consumed these last days - garnish your wages to settle the account, if you please.

If you've the reports on Bradford and Llanfyllin, bring them to me at your convenience.