(no subject)

It always astonishes me when a holiday season draws to a close and we have managed yet again to avoid incident. I think we put the quaffle through the goal on several gifts this year, in fact, though it was decidedly gloomy not to have our Harry with us for most of the holiday. (I understand that his visit, while brief, was very memorable for all concerned.)

And now our Draco returns to school early, so the two of them can spend some time together before the rest of their schoolmates join them for the winter term. All told, while it's difficult to release him before necessary, his father and I could not be happier at the diplomatic solution which he himself proposed. I daresay our young man is growing into quite the devoted servant to the Protectorate.

Our jolly party continued through this evening's supper, where Draco and Pansy both went over in minute detail Mr Tenebridge's every word, gesture and eyebrow twitch during their interview at Presto Records this morning. I even offered to let them revisit the episode in the pensieve, but they declined. Presumably one would prefer the memories when coloured by the excitement and emotion of the moment. Still, it was good to hear that Nolan's comments were largely encouraging.

Tomorrow of course we'll see Draco back to school and then Lucius and I are taking Pansy to lunch to celebrate her inheritance. (I was going to suggest Monteith to her, but then it occurs she has probably had more than enough Scots food.) I do believe our conversation will give me a perfect topic for a column. There are always worthy causes which are frequently overlooked by philanthropists.

And Friday - New Year's Eve at Buckingham, of course. Can it really be the end of the year so soon? Impossible.