(no subject)

[alt_narcissa]

We're so looking forward to today's concluding CCF exercises. I'm told that the location is part of the challenge, so you'll not hear from me where it's to occur, students! But I have seen a thing or two about the prizes to be given and I'm sure you'll all feel quite pleased and proud of yourselves with the results - and rightly so.

Professor Sinistra and her entire committee have clearly spent great efforts and put not inconsiderable time into the success of the YPL programme and thus far, Mr Malfoy and I have not been disappointed. We sincerely hope that the same spirit of leadership, collaboration and excellence seen during the last two years shall continue into what is sure to be a glorious future.

I'm struck, as always, by how quickly summers fly by, particularly when the boys are away for so much of it. But I've managed to find a location for our family holiday, so we may at least have a few days all together before seeing Draco and Harry back onto the train to Hogwarts. I can hardly believe they are about to commence their O.W.L. studies! It seems just yesterday we were carting them about in prams.

Speaking of prams, my nephew has seen fit to utterly reject his lately. Razzer, I think that toy broom you gave him is a sign of things to come. He rides it everywhere, or so I've observed when we saw him for his birthday party. Unless I miss my guess, we may have another future professional Quidditch player in our midst.

Celia, I did want to mention that we'll be going to Diagon Alley after returning from holiday; there is simply not enough time before we go. If you want to bring Vivian for her robe fittings and such (they do grow in that first year, don't they?), I can send you an owl about meeting for lunch. I hope I can convince Bella to let us take care of Hydra as well. Perhaps she and Vivian could be fitted at the same time together and get to know one another better?

Well, there's still much to do before we attend today's festivities. Best of luck to the Cadets!

Comments

Private Message to Bellatrix and Rodolphus

[alt_narcissa]

I'm quite serious in my offer, dears: I'd be happy to bring Hydra along on our shopping expedition and see that she's got her school robes and such. Also, I hope you will consider coming to Pembroke at the weekend, with the children or without. It was so lovely when we were all together last summer. Or send them along and stay home; we'll have plenty of space. The sea air will be good for them but I think a bit of a getaway might do for you both as well.

I'm considering inviting Raz and Aurora for a little of the time. Not that I expect they'll have much freedom with school coming up so quickly but I do think it would be good to see how they're coping with all that's happened in the last two weeks. We could at least get some of the preliminaries out of the way, as well: the date, ideas for the venue, deciding on the size of the affair, etc.

And I thought ... well, Rodolphus, dear, I know you don't know the Professor very well but she's a good sort. She's certainly had a steadying effect on our Raz, from what I've been able to observe. So I thought, perhaps in a less formal setting, you might be able to get to know your future sister-in-law a bit better, and allow her to see you in a different light as well.

Naturally, whatever you decide will be fine with us. I believe I have almost convinced Lucius that he needs the respite. He's been driving himself quite relentlessly for some time. I believe he's been working harder than you, Bella, dear - though I know you will object at the thought that anyone could do!

Shall we see you this afternoon?

Private Message to Draco

[alt_narcissa]

You probably shan't see this until after today's activity, dear, but I did want to let you know that Mother took your request quite seriously. We've kept the arrangements quite secret so that Harry need have as little supervision as possible and we can keep our party small.

I do hope you don't object, however, if we invite members of our extended family to visit for a day or two while we are away. You are welcome to go out flying or foresting, or swimming or fishing or whatever you like, if you don't wish to pay your respects to your cousins, uncles, aunts, or whomever else may come to call. I promise it shall only be those with close connection, at least. And a minimum of MLE protection.

Well, we can talk about it once you're home this evening, if you can keep awake after all the last weeks' hard work. I know your Father is anxious to speak with you as well; he shan't say it outright, of course, but I can tell he has been concerned since your post of the 8th. So have I So I hope we can sort that all out, as well.

I wasn't going to say anything That is, I hope that it was just a measure of your excitement for the day's events, and nothing more worrisome.

Mother loves you so very much, dear. Now I'm going to stop before I embarrass either of us.

Re: Private Message to Draco

[alt_draco]

I think I've had enough of foresting about for a while, but flying and swimming are always good.

And I'll be ready to speak with both you and Father tonight. As much as I can, at least.

Private Message to Aurora Sinistra and Rabastan Lestrange

[alt_narcissa]

Well, I hope that puts a bee in Dolores' bonnet. Aurora, dear, I'm so sorry the programme has been wrested from you. Particularly as it's been put into the hands of a simpering prude such as Madam Umbridge. Whatever 'direction' the Committee wished to see, it's certain she's not going to manage the thing with as much sensitivity as you have done. Poor Darius. Yvaine is so distraught. Do you know I was three hours with her on Monday after she collected him and brought him home? I can only imagine how she must wish Lycus back among them - for dozens of reasons.

But I was writing to speak of more pleasant topics: Our holiday in Pembroke. Razzer, I know you volunteered to chaperon Harry but Lucius and I have arranged things carefully enough that he thinks it shan't be necessary for you to spend the whole week with us - unless you wish to do, of course. But Aurora, I thought it would be lovely if you had any time to spare, if you came and joined us for a day or three. Perhaps at the weekend? I've invited Bella and Rod, though I don't know if they'll accept. But whether they do or not, we would love to see you both. You've no idea how hard it has been to sit on my hands this week and say nothing to anyone! I can only guess that it's been twice as hard for you, too.

Do think about it and let me know. And if not, then we shall have to arrange to meet some weekend soon after the start of school, to officially celebrate your good fortune.

Re: Private Message to Aurora Sinistra and Rabastan Lestrange

[alt_sinistra]

Oh! Let me take this in order, while I've a break finally today. I'm so sorry to hear about Yvaine: it was truly a miserable situation, all round. I'm so glad you were able to be of some help.

And you're quite right about Dolores' lack of sensitivity: I'm shuddering to think how she's going to manage the rather delicate egos and preferences of many of those I've dealt with in the past years. But I'm resigned: getting the news when I did has helped. I'm even finally satisfied with my draft of the formal announcement to post later this afternoon after the ceremonies.

As to a holiday: honestly, the one good part about losing the YPL work is that I do have more free time on my calendar than I'd expected. I've a few final reports to turn in, and some preparation for classes (and a little personal research in the Astronomy guild library). But we've two weeks between now and start of school, and there is plenty of time for other pleasures besides astronomy. (Raz, if you are free, perhaps we could take a day or two just for ourselves, as well?)

I'd certainly love to visit. And of course, there is planning on my mind, and things I'd love to ask your advice on at some point. We've finally decided to be terribly modern about the engagement announcement (rather than imply my parents are hosting), and it should be coming out in tomorrow's Prophet. And we've talked enough to my parents now to have an idea which of the family traditions they feel strongly about or actively encourage, and which they don't.

It is finally starting to feel real. And if the announcement goes out tomorrow, it can die down a little before we're back to school, which is no bad thing.

I'll look forward to seeing you and your husband not too long from now. Draco really has done wonderfully this session, (so have Harry and Pansy) and I'm sure you'll have more than the usual to be proud of.

Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr.

[alt_narcissa]

I hope the spell works this way as well as the other; it ought to do, I know. You needn't assure me. But I didn't dare use the codes after all the CCF have been learning how to spot them! I don't know what Wright was thinking, inviting them to look for irregularities and then post their codices. It's highly inconvenient.

Are you all right? (And don't say you're 'fine' - I think MLE really ought to change that particular code word! The whole country would be daft not to realise it means the just opposite to you all. Or rather, it indicates, 'No, I'm quite about to fly apart but let's just ignore that for the moment, shall we?' A skill which you, Bella, Lucius and apparently my son have all mastered, I might add.)

But what I mean is: Razzer's petition. I know you're happy for him but I'm sure there's a bitter taste to it, as well. You have my sympathy, you know.

We're for Pembroke on Tuesday. All very quiet so that we can avoid the MLE circus of last holiday and still be assured of Harry's security. But you're welcome to drop in if you like. Whenever you like. I'll send you the name of the house we'll be letting.

I've been ... thinking of you. I was watching you the day of Ned's wedding. You looked .... Well. As if you'd insist that you were 'fine' if anyone asked.

It's all right to feel sad on one's own behalf, when the situation warrants it, you know. That's not 'wallowing' and it's not 'weakness': It's grieving, darling. And that's warranted, too.

Forgive me, I don't know why I'm so sentimental today. All I meant to say is that - well. Freedom Day was too brief an opportunity to see you. Come to Pembroke when you can.

Re: Private Message to Barty Crouch, Jr.

[alt_crouch_jr]

Yes. I'm quite all right, but thanks for asking.

Rather busier than I'd hoped this month. Weddings are a nuisance.

Pembroke, this year? I'll see what I can do. Last I was there, we were tracking someone along the coastal paths: the chase ended with a rather dramatic duel on the cliffs above Solva. You wouldn't like that story a bit: we were all fine when it was over. Only required a night or two in hospital after.

I miss you, too.