Lucius S Malfoy

Dominic,

Apropos of our conversation last week, re: New Blood. Was just leaving Elysian and was waylaid by Glendower the Younger, who (among other uninteresting news) tells me that Higgs has been bragging he's to go to Court this after-noon, for a presentation Yaxley intends regarding 'Protectorate Defence.' Apparently Julius Avery had something to do with it as well. (Those two are not known to work together often, as you know.)

Ari and I are both intrigued. Do you know anything? We could easily forego tea this after-noon to attend instead if you think it would be worth the time.

Let us know.

New London has cloaked itself, it would seem, in a holiday spirit. Noticed the fairy lights through the trees that line Pall Mall this morning, before it lightened enough to dim their twinkle.

It is all the more refreshing to be back in the light of Our Lord's grace, as well. Though sadly, not all of us returned, nor could be in Court to receive His rewards for our work across the sea. (Went to see Yaxley this after-noon, briefly: He is recovering but still struggles with aphasia and simple function.)

But, useless to dwell on such morbidity. Our efforts have restored peace to the region and prove, beyond shadow of doubt, that subduing the muggle threat is the only way to maintain that peace.

Moreover, as contentious as the last two weeks have been, it was a delight to see my fellow Councilwizards back in the thick of work they were born to do. Minerva, Tosha, Raz: particularly good to have your talents on our side in the field. (And as a Governor, I hope we did not keep you from scholastic duty so long that your students have suffered overmuch.)

As for Ireland, anticipate that the Minister's tour will find our allies eager to co-operate and show him every courtesy.


Unfortunately, the affair has put one far behind on other matters; to-day was spent nearly entirely in reviewing the journals, owls, messages and other backlog of correspondence which could not be addressed in my absence. To-morrow shall be a day full of old business, as well, apart from confirming the interim head of MLE (Bella has threatened disembowelment if she is required to manage the minutiae a day longer). Next week, perhaps, we may proceed properly to new business.

Have already given report directly to Our Lord via the Mark.

Jerome Scarlett is dead. And he ought to consider himself lucky he was killed by the blast in Galway, because had he by some miracle survived the engagement, rest assured, Mafalda, I would have flayed him within a fucking inch of his life, sealed his sodding skin and then presented him to Our Lord's kitchen elves for use as a cutting board.

Is this what you call controlling the Irish muggle population? My fucking CLERK could have been more organised! If either of you could get off your fat arses you might have come over once in a while to see for yourselves.

Have already terminated 350 Muggles in reprisal just in Galway; anticipate at least that many again before moving on to cover the ground already claimed this after-noon. (Incidentally, all MLE and consultants in the field shall need retro-active authorisation for the executions. Expect that resolved before end of day.)


We are gaining the upper hand again, though it has been tedious at best and chaotic at worst. Yaxley's gone to Killarney to investigate rumours of an upset in the camp there. Bella may have already reported directly but she, Barty, others in their element containing the outbreaks of fighting in Belfast.


Cornelius, suggest you mobilise the local Watches so that we may pull more Aurors off peaceful regions in southern England and Scotland to reassign them here. Even if this is the worst, there are still hours of cleanup to accomplish. Not confident we have broken the insurrection, however.

Two more unexploded devices were recovered, in case you had not heard: a mediwizardry facility in Knocknagree and a brewery in Donegal. More evidence of Scarlett's incompetence.


Once this is fully contained, Cornelius, will have to have Stephen orchestrate a Ministerial tour to prove without doubt the region has been reclaimed.

Have no sympathy for you, either, for the journey in store: Have single-handedly seen enough of the Irish countryside over the last three days, and to-day in particular, to last a fucking lifetime.

Am setting this aside while the field office cobbles together what passes for a supper in this forsaken isle. Expect reinforcement within four hours or you'll explain why - personally.

Soon as you can, come to my location: Sixmilebridge outside Limerick.

One of Yaxley's found another device.

In a village school.

MLE have evacuated the area but need assistance canvassing. Specialist on way to disable the mechanism.

Between meetings and realised have not seen February's accounting. Recall asking for it Friday as well.

Exactly what seems to be the problem providing it in a timely manner?


Also. Understand delivery of flowers to Miss Robins may have ... encouraged a familiarity to which she is no longer not entitled. Cannot imagine what over-sentimental note you might have enclosed. Specified that of an acquaintance. Should she request time or anything similarly foolish, she is to be turned away. Also alert me immediately should she re-commence any of her childish nonsense of interfering with the business of my diary or other affairs of state.


Now. Kindly double-check arrangements for Wednesday evening; in Razzer's absence we must endeavour to show Rod a memorable birthday.


Rosier ought to be in touch if he has not already with the dates of upcoming camp inspections. Trust you will exercise restraint per our conversations last week; although your brother is now his aide, that gives neither of you licence to discuss sensitive matters that do not directly intersect with Rosier's office or mine.


Two changes for next week: Shift Crispin to 12^th in order to accommodate Rookwood's presentation on 19^th and add meeting with Yaxley and Hopkirk. Believe Friday was the agreed date, prior to afternoon Court.


Finally: Realise that the past week has been difficult. Good to see you have not let it hinder your efforts (February accounts excepted). Should you find you need time or additional counsel, you have but to say so.


Ah, the WWN Board have assembled. Should be back at St James' square no later than half-two.