Narcissa Malfoy

Have you reached a place in all your reports where you can take lunches again?

We ought to meet. That is, I'd like to see you. To talk. Perhaps to satisfy myself that your prolonged service left no lasting trauma.

I've just made arrangements for tomorrow, but - Wednesday? Tulips? (Not our usual fare, I know, but we should know no one there.)

Or.

I suppose it doesn't matter where. It might be wiser to go somewhere familiar.

From the sound of things here in the Witch Weekly office, dutiful children all over the Protectorate remembered Mothering Day in all sorts of creative and clever ways. I am most happy with Lucius' gift - a set of gold cuffs I had admired not too long ago - and as always a romantic supper in some previously undiscovered corner of the realm. This time it was Winsford and the externally unremarkable Salamander's Nest, which turned out to feature a truly cosy interior and a perfectly superiour rack of lamb. (They've a charming sort of farm as well, which we toured, and saw the darling little creatures awaiting their first shearing - not for another few weeks, I'm told!)

It has been just the sort of restorative we both needed, now that the Faire's vestiges have been cleared away fully and New London's streets are no longer clogged with peddlar's booths of every shape and description. Even returning to the Manor has done little to please me these last few weeks; the grounds have been as grey as Merlin's beard and thoroughly drenched. We shall be glad for it when the gardens flower but for now all one can do is stare out the window into a dreary sort of fog. Winsford's weather was hardly an improvement but at least the scenery was new.

I've been asked to assist with the St Mungo's Jr Auxiliary luncheon but I understand that its project is to be combined with the third and final Tri-Wizard task and that Miss Kendra Carmichael is to provide her expertise on their fundraiser. I can't wait to hear more about it at the luncheon. Or perhaps at the planning committee on Wednesday I might be able to tease some intelligence from the ladies.

But I must say that I quite look forward to the school holidays and time with Draco and Hydra, and Harry, we hope. I daresay this year was preferrable to previous ones in that we were at least able to see them over the Christmas holidays but I do think 7 months is too long to go without spending time together. One grows apart.

Oh, Barty, before I forget: We were so pleased to run into you last week at Hatchard's. Such a surprise, but it was an excellent opportunity to confirm that you'll be at the unveiling. Now, are you still considering Mrs Lindorm's invitation to the wedding? I really think you ought to go, dear; Amata always holds marvellous parties. It's been years since we attended one of her weddings. And just think, you even know the groom again.

Speaking of which, I understand Ned has asked you to stand up for him at his approaching nuptials. It's touching how devoted he's grown to you. So far from his ambition of a few years ago. I daresay MLE is much more exciting than the import and export trade, however.

Aurora, it was a delightful surprise to run into you in New London yesterday. Your mother is enchanting; I'm so glad to have met her at last.

Now, I am certain that Raz plans for the two of you to stay at Spencer but we've decided to open Kensington for the whole of the Faire, so if either of you feel that it's too much to prepare the place just for a night or two, do feel free to stay with us instead. It would be such fun. For one thing, I know Mother's dying to know some deliciously improper things about our Razzer but is far too sensible to expect a truthful answer from him! You mustn't think it shall all be the third degree, either; I'm sure you've had more than enough interrogation for the time being. No, we shall all be quite cozy, I think: Amanda's coming down for a nice, long visit as well and I daresay we shall see Étienne at least once or twice, as well as Igor, so you shall even have the benefit of other academicians for conversation.

We plan to settle ourselves at the weekend.

Dominic, Chloe: Lucius was just saying last night that it's been ages since we've had you over for supper. Well, if you've a mind, as I said, we shall both be in town for the next two weeks and you're welcome to come - Tuesday or Thursday, I think, would be the best nights - or if you prefer to use our invitation as an excuse to get to the country, then I'm afraid that after the 27^th is the best I can offer.

But we do plan to have friends in on Monday - just drinks, and then going on to stroll the avenue down to where the agora is being installed - and of course, we look forward to seeing you both there. Barty, that goes for you as well! You've been working much too hard, dear boy; it's time to leave that study you've turned into your office-away-from-the-office and get some fresh air.

Rod, it's no trouble to bring Rigel along, I'll love having him while you're attending to other matters. And you know Mother adores her grandson! She'll have every stall along the northern bank giving him sweets and treats, from Battersea all the way to Waterloo!

And I suppose you've been lying to me, as well.

How long have you known? Is that your secret mission, then? Finding where he's hidden himself?

Well, we've done that for you, if you're still looking. Not that it will do you much good, now.

Oh, I could murder us all for not keeping a closer eye on Grimmauld Place! I'd given it up for lost - but any of you could have changed that with a word. A single word. If only we'd been ten minutes earlier.

Just so you know, Barty, next time you and Bella and Lucius have a very great secret, kindly do not try to protect me from it 'for my own good.' That sort of nonsense only gets us into the sort of fix we're in now.

And now it is lost, at least for the time being. Though I hope not for long.

Rodolphus, I've time for tea tomorrow, if you're still looking for a chance to show off Rigel's new trick.

I've had to re-arrange things a bit for today, though, as it's one of the rare times when our third-weekly card party conflicts with my usual self-pamper at the start of the month. Amanda, you'll have to represent the family without me, I'm afraid. (And tell me everything you heard, later - omit no detail!)

Now that the furor has subsided a bit, I think we may all look forward to the healthy competition of four Champions, though I understand it has required some adjustment on the part of the organisers. Still, I cannot imagine anyone questioning either of Hogwarts' young heroes' eligibility, if as is clearly the case, the Cup could not choose between them. To Mr Diggory: Well done and best of luck, young man. It's not often Hufflepuff has an opportunity to show its mettle. You can be very proud to have been named worthy of such distinction.

Harry, dear, I'm sure you'll perform admirably. You do always seem to find your way out of tight situations and to everyone's benefit, in the bargain. Why, I for one still remember that our poor Hydra might have died had you and Draco not saved her. Anyone who can effect such a rescue at twelve years of age certainly stands an even chance of success in the challenges ahead, even only two years later. More importantly, your illustrious Father deems it proper and right that you represent your House and school in this contest. And that alone ought to be enough reason for anyone to proceed.

Barty: Yes, I am going to Portsmouth tomorrow morning. I've got to start the annual search for suitable dishes for our party, after all. Did you still wish for me to pick up more fish paste for your larder, if they have it? I'll have them send it round to your elves.

Oh, and Rosa, again, the shower was too precious. I cannot believe that in your condition you managed all those mobiles over the tables. Now, I trust that St Gerard's is taking proper care of you? After all, forgive me, but... older expecting mothers are one of their specialties. Do be sure to ask for Healer Moritz by name if you're not getting the full treatment. And again, we're so proud of Draco and Pansy, of course. By the time her little brother arrives, she'll be quite the known name in the Protectorate!