(no subject)

[alt_narcissa]

To all who attended the memorial, our thanks. We're so grateful for your consideration. We especially appreciate the efforts of the Ministry and the St Mungo's staff of Healers, as well as Victarus Runge, who served as our officiate. And of course, we cannot forget the unfailing support of Our Lord Protector, whose sympathies we are most gratified to receive.

As the Prophet announcement stated, Mrs Prewett's wish was that donations be made to the Daughters of the Protectorate and the Witches' Institute in lieu of flowers or cards.

You may imagine that the family are overwhelmed by the events of yesterday, public and private. I personally am quite convinced that we were wise to set our public reception for tomorrow instead of yesterday or today.

I'm sure we will not be able, despite our best efforts, to personally speak to everyone who may wish during the reception. However, I assure you that all the family are always humbled by the outpouring of respect and regard of our fellow witches and wizards. Thank you and may the Protectorate endure.

Comments

[alt_regulus]

Is that the 'all clear' signal? I thought once or twice yesterday that we might give Runge more work than he'd planned for.

[alt_lucius]

It is far from settled, but I am confident no blood need be spilt. I have already contacted Caldecott to review the legal implications and disposition of the contested items.

[alt_narcissa]

There's still a deal of arrangements to make for Kensington tomorrow. I simply could not begin to address every owl or comment individually.

As a rule, you know I prefer to let my husband provide the public face for the family. But in this case, since it seems that Aunt Lucretia entrusted me with the dutiful division of her goods, it was only fitting that I be the one for this particular public statement.

Have you decided to keep the elf? Doubtless she could help you much more than even having Fifi once per week.

[alt_regulus]

I can't decide about the elf. It's hard to imagine having a strange elf around all the time. I mean, it's one thing to have Fifi making meals for me, that's been lovely, but it's my own elf I I still have Kreacher to do tasks when he can be spared at Buckingham, although.

And, then, it's not as though I have a large house or really need domestics for any other reason. Like as not I'll be back to travelling in a week or two, and then I'd have no need of the new elf at all. Of course, Mother would never take her: her elves are a breed unto themselves. Wouldn't she be useful to you? I won't see her cast out; if it comes to that, I'd certainly find something to do with her.

[alt_narcissa]

We could certainly use her, if there is no one else, particularly as Lucius sent his to Buckingham when we left for France. He has been perfectly happy with Heddy, but she was his father's, after all, and can't live forever.

Lucretia was your aunt, however, not mine, and I think it only proper to give you the right of refusal.

[alt_regulus]

Take her, then, cousin. Surely you know that my circumstances are, well, to say they are uncertain would be putting it kindly.

If the elf can be useful for you, then, by all means, take her. With my compliments to Lucius.

[alt_molly]

Despite the sad occasion, I was grateful for the opportunity to renew ties with a number of family members I haven't seen for a number of years. Do thank Walburga for hostessing again.

[alt_narcissa]

It was certainly intriguing to hear what you have been doing with your life, moreso than we see in your periodic journal postings on canning and such.

Your efforts are a credit to the Protectorate, I'm sure.

Order Only

[alt_molly]

I'm too sick to think of a proper dueling response to such a sweetly condescending put-down.

Re: Order Only

[alt_arthur]

Quite right, Molly dear. Pick your battles.

How are you feeling today?

Re: Order Only

[alt_molly]

Oh, quite miserable, but I'm resigned to it. Bill's back on his feet at least and back at work.

What about you, dear? No sickness at all?

Re: Order Only

[alt_arthur]

No, none. It won't be long before you're back at the Burrow where you belong.

Order Only

[alt_molly]

It was really all quite dreadful. The mystery of the request for my presence was uncovered when the will was read. I was named in a single bequest, a holdover from my uncle Ignatius' estate. As the last of the Prewetts, I am now the distinctly-less-than-proud owner of a goblin-made dagger, with a gem-encrusted scabbard. A wound made by this dagger, I am reliably informed, no matter how slight, will never heal. I almost choked on my tea when the nasty thing, scabbard and all, was laid in my lap.

I would have immediately refused it, except that it was perfectly clear that Bellatrix Lestrange desperately wanted it, and, what's more, is absolutely furious that this marvelous object has ended up in my blood traitorous hands. So I took custody of it, I'll admit, for a less than admirable reason: just to spite her.

I don't know what to do with the wretched thing. Of course I can't keep it around the Burrow. The magnetic fascination an object like this would have upon reckless teenage boys makes me positively shudder. I thought of putting it in our vault at Gringotts, but it's been given to me as the last of the Prewetts, and Bill tells me that if it were placed in the Weasley family vault, the goblins would immediately confiscate it since, technically, it would be considered out of Prewett custody. Bill has tried again and again to explain to me the goblins' concept of ownership, but it's just mysteriously baffling to me. So Bill has taken charge of it for now, placing it under protective wards that he learned at Gringotts in his flat here in New London. He'll have it if the Order ever needs a cursed object like that. I certainly hope we never do.

My only consolation is that I seem to have come down with Bill's flu today. I hope that I managed to infect every single one of them.

Sirius, you were remembered in the will, too, as was your cousin, Nymphadora Tonks. Judging from the furious whispered arguments I overheard in the kitchen, this was due to Lucretia's wits going wandering a bit in her last years. She apparently never revised the will as she promised Walburga she would do. Sirius, your bequest amounts to a 1/6 of the estate, including your great-grandfather Sirius' signet ring and a pair of antique dueling wands. Rodolphus Lestrange quelled the uproar by assuring everyone that of course that codicil will be overturned, since Sirius has been declared an enemy of the Protectorate. That did not please everyone, however, as Narcissa tartly informed us all that this means that Sirius' portion of the estate will automatically become the property of the Protectorate. I gather that young Master Draco Malfoy had rather fancied having those duelling wands to have for his very own. Perhaps the Malfoys can then purchase them from the Lord Protector, but that would take money, of course. Lucius and Narcissa were obviously not pleased, despite their own 1/6 share, that Lucretia had the gall to bequeath those coveted objects to Sirius, rather than handing them over to them on a silver platter.

Re: Order Only

[alt_sirius]

You're fooling, Molly, surely. She hadn't changed her will in all that time? That's ... astounding.

They're right, of course; I'll never see a knut of it. Not that that matters in the slightest. Nor do I care about the bloody ring or the wands, though it's surprising Reg didn't want them himself. So happens I remember both those and the dagger you mention.

I don't suppose you could sell the gems and come out the richer? Actually, I'm surprised the goblins haven't come to call on you already. You might want to give the blade back, after all - it's a dark curse on that thing.

And I'm sorry to hear you've come down with the flu. I hope you're right. My cousins' looks would improve with a red nose and a severe case of the chills.

How was Reg

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[alt_molly]

Bill advised against it, trying to sell the gems on the scabbard, I mean. Best not to draw the goblins' attention, he says.

I worried about the curse, but Bill is quite confident his wards have it safely contained. If the goblins do come calling for it, I will be very tempted to let them have it back, I must admit. It would certainly solve the whole problem.

I can't tell you much about Regulus, I'm afraid, as I didn't exchange a single word with him. I did speak with Nymphadora, though. What a nice young woman. Credit to your family, although it's clear that the rest of them don't think so. I can see why Arthur likes her so much.

(And now I'm off to make some tea with honey and a bit of Bill's precious firewhiskey for my throat. Arthur, Bill said he'll pop round the Burrow to deal with the chickens and goats before and after work. I'm afraid I don't plan on getting too far away from my bed anytime soon.)

Re: Order Only

[alt_poppy]

I'm very sorry to hear that you're ill, Molly. Is there anything you need that I could provide?

With respect to this goblin artefact: as I understand such things, they cannot have it back as long as you (and, thus, the original Prewett owner) have blood descendants to inherit the thing. I should think the goblins would look at your brood and calculate that their chances are slim of repatriating that dagger any time in the next century or two. Under those circumstances, they might well be willing to strike a lucrative bargain if Bill feels able to match their (reputedly quite shrewd) negotiating skills. I can't think of anyone better equipped to negotiate with them than Bill, though perhaps his experience will lead him to conclude that they are simply too slippery to deal with.