(no subject)

[alt_narcissa]

Simonetta, I'm so glad you came to luncheon today. It was lovely to catch up. And I'm sure Monday will go splendidly. I'm pleased you thought to have me look over your remarks, truly. It's kind of you to ask my opinion.

Now, Diana, don't worry about Maghnus - he'll find his way. It's perfectly acceptable to take a few months to decide what he wants to do. Let him go hiking if he wishes to go hiking. I'm sure it shall be good for him in the long run. There's no rush.

As for me, I'm quite undecided about our family holiday. We hoped to take the boys to Snowdonia but that's impossible now. Perhaps Galloway or Keswick will be a better choice. After Freedom Day, of course, when they return from their CCF responsibilities.

Speaking of Freedom Day, Yvaine, I know you were asking and yes: I'm so glad you are interested in the committee. Of course, you were waiting to check with Charles and that's only right, now that he's the man of the family. We've a meeting on Wednesday so do come along to Nicola's studio and we may talk about what would be most effective.

Comments

[alt_crouch_jr]

Had supper this past week as Araminta Croft's plus one at Pontner's--Jugsons were guests of honour, showing off the defector. (Not entirely impressed.)

AC went on all evening about Burdett-Coutts and your Fr Day committee's plans for Faerie revels. She was full of particulars about transformations to Our Lord's parks. And heated debates over slogans and themes. Not sure how you have time for anything else.

[alt_narcissa]

When it is important business for the realm, one finds the time. I'm sure you know the feeling, even if your business is more in the way of defending Our Lord's peace, while mine is ensuring that we take the appropriate opportunities to show Him our gratitude.

I only met young Mr ... is it Finch-Fletchley? such a tongue-tying name .... Well, only the once. At the Yule Ball when he escorted our Hydra. But he seemed benign enough, indeed one might even say bland.

Or was it the Jugsons who did not impress you, dear? One hears they'll be at the Hedigans' on Tuesday evening. Fergus told me Amara tried inviting them to her salon on Thursday as well but they declined on the grounds that they've tickets to the theatre that night.

Oh, but as for the theme: You're right, Nicola's rather too taken with it and simply must have her way. I do think it's brilliant, mind - but finding a slogan has been ... challenging.

On the other hand, I can't wait to show you your costume for the fancy dress!

[alt_crouch_jr]

. . .

Not another fancy dress event.

Private Message to Narcissa

[alt_lucius]

Snowdonia's impossible, is it? Are you sure that's wise? I realise you're still upset with Maebh, dearest, but you need not shift your support away publicly.

Draco mentioned that he'd prefer a family holiday this year be just the family, and Harry. Quite agree. Believe I can convince Razzer that no additional security is necessary. Believe Our Lord shall not be bothered if arrangements were made to minimise the size of the party, either.

And does your last mean that Yvaine's seeing sense? Have been thinking it might be good to invite Charles to the club. It could help him to realise that Lycus' sacrifice has opened doors for him, in its way. But you know Yvaine better than I, my love. Would she prefer such an overture come through you to her, or direct to Charles?

My apologies again for being required in the country on a Saturday. Should be home soon. We're just concluding the sweep of Easton Wood. There's only the observation of the re-fortifications and then will be free to return.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa

[alt_narcissa]

I don't see why it should trouble anyone, husband. I merely said it's impossible - not why I'll not set foot in her lodge. Let people conclude what they will. If it hurts Maebh's business I shan't lose a moment's sleep, true, but she ought to have thought of that before crossing me. Besides, I could have done a great deal worse.

Draco said as much to me, too. It would be quite pleasant to see you both spending more time together, without any other distractions. I don't suppose I could convince you not to work at all while we're away, though. I'll settle for requiring you to leave the journal closed for at least four hours each day. And if we go on any outings. Have I your word?

Yvaine. She's much more worried about the younger one, Darius, than Charles. She seems to think Charles - understands, in his way, since Lycus was always candid at home about his patriotism and devotion to Our Lord. But Darius is at a difficult age to lose a father. I think I'll have them for supper one evening when Draco's back from his counselling. I'm sure he'll have a good influence on the lad. There's the Cadet Force, as well. She was so relieved that he was accepted. I rather think we need to treat her and the boy with some delicacy. But that's not to say that taking Charles in hand would not be a service to her, darling. I'm sure she'd be very grateful.

So the suspicions were true? Easton Wood was infested with free Muggles? Really, I don't know why you must still go on routs like that, as if it were still wartime. At times I think 'Consultant' to MLE must translate to simply an unsalaried Auror's position. But so long as you're unhurt and coming home soon, I shall rest easy.

Re: Private Message to Narcissa

[alt_lucius]

It's not Maebh's business that concerns me, my dear, it's that she has begun to acquire certain allies who could make all our lives exceedingly tedious. Including Barty's, and I'm not sure she would not choose some action directed to him in particular just to spite you both.

Some of the same connexions, I might add, which require me to answer these equally inconvenient calls to assist when I would otherwise prefer to take my leisure. At present it will not do to appear anything less than enthusiastic. More's the pity.

But yes, I am quite unhurt, though the muggles could not say the same. And on the way home presently.