Preparations

[alt_narcissa]

It's not easy to prepare a household to go abroad for nearly a month.

One cannot take the elves, of course, but Margaret has servants to see to us. Still there is so much to do to make sure that all is in readiness. I am using the trip as rather an excuse to do some spring cleaning, as well. There are items we are setting aside for Bella when the new baby is ready for them; the rest will go to the Witches' Aid Society for the benefit of the needy. I've just promised our smaller tent for Draco to take on the Young Protectors' League trip, as well, which (thankfully!) will not be until after we return, but it's been a few years since we used it and it wants airing.

I've got some columns lined up already for Witch Weekly but one must find time to write them. And as I'm sure I've said, I'll be supplementing them from Paris with all the latest Do's and Don't's - so ladies, look forward to new influences! I assure you I shall not let any trend worth adopting pass us by!


Yesterday Lucius asked his attaché if he should like to accompany us; it will be much easier than relying on either journal communication or the services of an unknown French clerk. Surprisingly, Crispin asked for a few days to mull the opportunity (imagine anyone considering whether or not to go to Paris!), so that is an open question for the moment.

(I think it has put Lucius in a bit of a Mood, however. He found his eggs too hard this morning when mine were perfectly acceptable. I hope Crispin realises the singular nature of what Lucius is offering, though I suspect his reluctance has much more to do with leaving Miss Kirke.)


Draco, darling, please tell Mother your exam timetable as soon as you have it. I think we may come to visit on your birthday if you will be all done with your assignments by then. It will be a miserable wrench to have to wait a week to celebrate properly, especially with the furor over our final packing and preparations. I'd much rather your father and I come up to Hogsmeade than risk his schedule becoming crammed in the last few days before we leave.

Comments

[alt_draco]

I think the exams start on the first of June, Mother. I'm glad that going to France won't mean missing the camping trip. I really wont see much of Malfoy Manor at all, will I?

[alt_narcissa]

Yes, dear, but when you know whether you have anything scheduled for Friday itself, do tell me. I'm sure your Father will be able to occupy his time with Governors' affairs should we come up earlier than necessary, but if you have an exam that morning or afternoon, we may wait until later in the day.

We're not leaving straight away after you come home and there will be at least a week between our return from the continent and your trip. And of course, following the trip you'll have the rest of August, sweetheart, all at home.

[alt_lucius]

I am most certainly not in a 'Mood' - not over Crispin's hesitation, at any rate. It is understandable he should wish to assure that his absence shall not disrupt his family or other obligations.

My concerns are over entirely different matters, as you know.

Do you wish me to take up the matter of bringing Draco home early with Minerva next week? It would simplify our travel to have him home instead of at Hogwarts awaiting his exam results.