(no subject)

[alt_narcissa]

It seems there are too many owls being employed at the expense of the misprint in this morning's Prophet. Really, there's no need to panic at all. I've already heard from Mr Bole and the editor of the social pages.

There was a simple, if grievous, typesetting error. The article was meant to read, 'Nympadora Tonks, niece to celebrated Auror Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy, announces her marriage to Junius Ponds, Jr., and informs us that she is expecting in May.' Clearly everything prior to my name was accidentally omitted.

Mr Bole assures me the correction will appear in both the Evening edition today and tomorrow's paper. But please, everyone, there's no need to send any further word of alarm.

We are all having a laugh at it, I assure you. There is no cause for concern whatever.

Comments

Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

Did Bole contact you or were you forced to summon him? Truncheon's got him in the conference room now, along with the incompetent sod who edited the page. (Gives new meaning to the term 'wet', that one.)

Bole has offered to take an oath that no disparagement was intended. Also offers to let us use Veritaserum or Pensieve or Legilimency on the editorial staffer. Soon to be ex-staffer, I'd think.

We're letting them stew at the moment, so there's time if you'd care to make a request.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_lucius]

Bole's was the very first owl, as it happens. I imagine the scene at his breakfast table must have been its own two-act tragedy.

I'm quite certain Hieronymous had no involvement - he's far too aware of the potential consequences to the paper should he allow it to become a breeding ground for satire. His fault was in neglecting to conduct as conscientious a review of the copy as usual.

As for the others - let us not lose perspective. It's possible that it was a mere oversight. If Truncheon is satisfied as to that, then her dismissal without referral should serve as a more than adequate lesson.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

I'm certain Bole will be most appreciative of your good word on his behalf.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_lucius]

Just as he shall be of your solicitousness on ours.

Though by all means, if you think he needs reminding, feel free to impress upon him the unique position he occupies - and all our trust in how he safeguards our public faces. It leaves Narcissa and myself to play the magnanimous, self-effacing couple.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

Pleased to oblige.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_narcissa]

Yes, as Lucius says, Mr Bole immediately contacted us and promised to find out what happened himself.

I trust he came willingly with you to the Ministry? You've made clear, I hope, that this is a cursory exam to verify that this was an isolated and unfortunate event and not, as you say, a symptom of a larger conspiracy.

Now as for the chit who could not even be bothered to consider how ridiculous the article was before it ran ... well, I second Lucius' assumption she'll be given the sack. Perhaps she would like to experience first-hand a taste of the humiliation she caused?

I leave it to you, Barty, and Truncheon's expertise.

Re: Private Message to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_crouch_jr]

Of course, Bole came in willingly. The reluctance was entirely on the part of the one he had by the ear.

Order Only

[alt_nymphadora]

I bet 1000 galleons they're not laughing half as hard as me. What a thought! Remus was horrified. He's still looking a bit peaky from the shock.

Re: Order Only

[alt_sirius]

I hope you can hear me laughing from Stevenage as well.

Though I'll match your bet that someone at the Prophet will be out of a job by tomorrow morning.

Re: Order Only

[alt_molly]

Well, tell Remus that we would vastly prefer acting as honorary uncle and auntie to your child rather than Narcissa Malfoy's!

[alt_crouch_jr]

Wanted you to know that our enquiry has confirmed Mr Bole's assertion that his only fault was insufficient attention to the latter pages of this edition. Presumably the Prophet will run a tighter operation in future.

The sub-editor charged with the society page is another matter altogether, and that interview has opened a matter of rather more serious lack of oversight on the part of management.

When we looked into her background file, it proved to have been stuffed with misrepresentations and what the young woman asserts are merely 'orthographical errors'--surely such nonsense is utterly inexplicable in the file of a would-be editor.

Least surprising untruth of the lot: she claims full purity, and yet a cursory look into her line reveals that at best she can claim to be quarter-blooded.

Mendacity on hiring parchments is not to be condoned. I trust that the sequel to this episode will underscore that crucial message.

Order Only

[alt_molly]

Oh, of course, her blood wasn't pure enough. That explains everything.