Narcissa Malfoy

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 20:39:30 GMT

NARCISSA MALFOY remains in close contact with Hydra and Draco, including coming up to Dijon to visit Hydra and meet Charlotte when they are on tour in the summer of 1999. Draco and Hermione accompany Hydra, which gives Narcissa the opportunity to invite them down to the Riviera to continue their holiday. They do; with Lucius on best behavior, they all survive the brief visit. She almost cheerfully takes Hermione out shopping and driving in her Bugatti Veyron while Lucius and Draco fish and talk politics. An odd but satisfying tradition is birthed.

In between their visits, she and Lucius travel extensively, both for pleasure and for contracts Lucius undertakes with various International wizarding political organisations. In time, they take care of their granddaughter on summer holidays and bring her along wherever they are bound. Years later when it is time, she is allowed to return to England for her mother’s funeral.

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Private Message to Hydra

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 02:39:01 GMT

How have you been, today, tonight, amid the frivolity?

(If you find a way to tell Draco: I saw what was happening and hid Lucius' journal for the night. He's doing his best, but he is still only a man, and--it was our home. It was where he grew up. He'll cope with the commentary much more easily when it's a few days removed.)

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Private Message to Hydra and Draco

Sun, 30 Aug 2015 05:41:04 GMT

So.

It's finished?

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Private Message to Amanda Froissart

Fri, 29 May 2015 16:34:07 GMT

Amanda, I'm so glad you received my owl. I must warn you I'm taking a chance even to write this via the journals. While messages are no longer monitored, our friends in England, as well as our enemies, can still see the headings. While I have taken other precautions and I am reasonably certain you will not encounter any difficulties, I can't entirely rule it out, either. At the least, I am sure this will bring Margaret bearing down on you, and for that, I am sorry. Please tell her we are well.

We've been staying at the Château des Clerques in Nord-pas-de-Calais since the day after our arrival. I'd quite forgotten how crowded and hectic the world outside the Protectorate can be; it became necessary to remove Lucius into the country where there would be less bustling about. The Château is removed and quiet, with only a small wizarding village nearby. It's as close to home as I can manage at present. Of course, there are still aeroplanes and the constant hum of automobiles on the motorways but it's better than the cities. His manner is quite subdued, though he has glimmers of good spirits. I intend to take him into Paris today, even if it's only for the hour it will take to obtain a new wand. I hope that will restore him - indeed, I can think of little else that might make as much of a difference. I haven't made other arrangements yet but I think Orléans (or just outside it, there's a lovely carriage house for let in L'Havre de Ruisseaux, if it's still there) would not be too arduous after that outing. There's no reason to return here, certainly.

From there, I plan to work our way south and take lodging somewhere on the coast, between Marseilles and Toulon. I've contacted an agent who is preparing a dossier. There are some affordable and cosy homes in La Ciotat, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer and Sanary-sur-Mer, all of which are equipped with Muggle-repelling charms, but of course until one has seen them, it's impossible to make a decision. I want to take him somewhere warm, at least, and the view of the sea on that part of the coastline is impeccable. As it's summer, perhaps you, Étienne and little Roland-Guilbert will find time to visit. I believe it would do us both a world of good to see you.

As for news and the tale of what has happened since I wrote you last - There's much to tell, Amanda. Too much for letters or even this parchment. I'm not sure how to explain it all, myself. I've been holding on to his journal until he feels more himself. I'm certain his impulse will be to write to Antonin or to Barty, and while that is not, strictly speaking, outside the terms of our release, I do believe it would be inadvisable. Instead, I have been reading to him in small doses, and letting him read certain entries in my journal, to help fill in the gaps in his knowledge.

You asked about the effects of Azkaban. I believe he is fully recovered (as fully as one ever is) from his stay there, but his accommodations in the hands of my horrible cousin's deplorable people were just as traumatic for him, in their way, if immeasurably more comfortable. It will take time for him to regain his vigour. Then, too, we are both weary and … grieving, for everything we had to leave behind. Our position, possessions, the Manor itself - it's as if we were starting over completely, but in a life overhung by ghosts of the past. We've done as well as may be expected, under the circumstances, I suppose. Hollow victory, when one had to leave everything of real value behind. Everything, including our son.

Although Draco is, in fact, alive, he is as lost to us as he ever was when we claimed he was dead. We were disappointed to learn that he wasn't coming to say goodbye. He's made choices, as you know, that we can't condone, but one would have liked to see him, nonetheless. I think it's that, and the reality of how exactly Draco and Harry succeeded in killing Riddle, that has been the worst for Lucius to absorb.

Perhaps it's simply too much change to take in all at once, for all that we've both been living a half-life for more than a year. It seemed a nightmare at times, and France a dream, until the reality of the tunnel to Calais closed in around us. To have the world again, and yet not our home, not our family … you can imagine how injurious it seems. We must remind ourselves that it could have been much, much worse.

We're alive, we're together and we're free. For now, that will have to be enough.

I'll send word when we've found a suitable cottage. In the meantime, you can talk to Étienne about making arrangements. I hope we see you soon, my dear.

Narcissa

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Private Message to Barty

Sun, 10 May 2015 21:42:43 GMT

We're a pair, aren't we, my dear. You've lost your bride to one grave, and I've apparently gained back my son from another, and there can be no happiness in either circumstance.

I wish I could say I had no foreboding about the match but I hope you do know that I hate to think of you in distress or pain. Have there been any further unpleasant repercussions?

Tell me what could comfort you, darling. Besides the one thing I wish I could give.

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Private Message to Tosha and Barty

Wed, 29 Apr 2015 14:47:05 GMT

Antonin, I'm sorry to have kept Hydra overnight. She was understandably distraught, so I gave her a sleeping potion, poor thing, and I hadn't the heart to ennervate her to come back to school in the wee hours.

You should both know, Bellatrix has utterly lost her mind. Barty, I'm quite afraid she means to harm Hydra. If you've any choice in the matter, I beg you to let her remain at school, where she has Tosha to look after her.

No, no, I know, not that she can't protect herself - but there's protecting oneself against a normal threat and protecting oneself against Bella. And currently Bella seems to be completely unbalanced. I'm not sure she's entirely in her right mind.

Please, do what you can to keep Hydra safe. I have already taken measures to protect myself and my mother but it's anyone's guess how long it will take before Bella's rage burns itself out.

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Private Message to Minister Rowle, Director Mulciber, Ned Pennifold

Wed, 29 Apr 2015 14:01:31 GMT

I am writing to you gentlemen to alert you to a situation that occurred last night. Cadmus, your people may have already noticed that my home and that of my mother have both been brought under the protection of the Fidelius.

I do not wish anyone to form misguided ideas about the reasons for this necessary measure. Our loyalty remains unshaken but as you are no doubt aware, my sister has experienced a loss of judgement which I can only describe as dangerously homicidal. In addition to Chief Hopkirk, Bellatrix brutally murdered my mother's longstanding paramour yesterday. Both of them, I am sure, were entirely innocent and without blame in any crime other than Bellatrix's raving delusions.

She threatened me; she threatened my niece, Hydra. Thankfully, Hydra is safe at Hogwarts and, as a Councilwitch, she has resources against her own mother that set her apart, but my mother and I believed that drastic precautions were warranted.

Ned, I intend to write a public statement to this effect very shortly, but I wanted to apprise you three of my action before you read about it along with the rest of the realm. I hope I still remember my courtesies, even under these trying circumstances!

Meanwhile, Cadmus, I urge you to do whatever is necessary to bring Bella back into control of herself. I've never known her so unstable. She insists everything is perfectly fine, but of course it is anything but.

Rest assured, however, I am as always at Our Lord's disposal. He has but to command my presence and I shall be happy to appear before Him, as ever, and offer whatever assistance He may require.

Yours in shared service to Our Lord's glorious realm,

Narcissa C.B. Malfoy

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Private Message to Tosha and Hydra

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 18:23:18 GMT

Toshenka, I understand felicitations are in order. Congratulations to you, father-of-the-groom. Miss Greengrass will make a welcome addition to the family, I'm sure. It's clear she thinks the world of Barty and has for some time.

I do hope you'll forgive the intrusion, but I rather need to borrow my niece, if she can be spared for an afternoon. Today, if possible. I shall open the Manor Floo for her. I do apologise for the short notice but there has been - a death in the family. Hydra, I'm sorry to upset you in so impersonal a forum as your journals but it's Pascoal. Your Nanella needs you, dear.

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Private Message to Barty

Sun, 12 Apr 2015 14:08:34 GMT

Fear not, darling, my congratulatory owl has flown to your hostess as is proper. It was a triumphant debut, to be sure.

Forgive me not staying longer. One does one's duty but there's no need to revel in how fossilised one has become. I considered leaving you to your fun altogether, right up until the day. But I wanted to see for myself how you two got on.

I suppose it was inevitable that your head would be turned by someone appropriately vivacious and fresh. She's clearly keen to impress, as well, which is to the good. I'm happy for you.

She's so terribly young, Barty. Are you certain of her so soon? There's something I can't quite put my finger on. You'll say it's jealousy talking but no, when has that ever been a concern? No. It's.... Probably nothing.

It's clear Toshenka approves, at least. If nothing else, I'm glad to see Amishi's jewels getting some exercise.

I'm afraid I simply must stop or you'll have reason to call me a perfect cat - and that's not my intention, dearest. Believe that. She's a lovely girl.

She's still a girl, though, and you'd do well to remember that she can still be wounded terribly if you're not gentle in your attention - whatever she might say or do to indicate she is open to larger possibilities. Or perhaps what troubles me is merely that you might underestimate her ability to wound you. Turned your head might be, but be careful you do not altogether lose it, hm?

Meanwhile, I wish you every happiness.

Always with love,

N

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Private Message to Barty Crouch

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 03:17:42 GMT

Lunch, soon? I feel just about ready to face the world again so we needn't meet at Cottesmore if you are craving daylight, or I can arrange to have it delivered there if you still need rest.

I promise to tell you all about a visit I had from Ursula Avery, if you promise to tell me all about the clearly fascinating Hogwarts Head Girl. Really, dear, it's none too subtle.

Or are you still cross with me for ignoring you at Christmastime?

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Private Message to Antonin and Barty

Mon, 29 Dec 2014 07:04:21 GMT

If you're not asleep now, my dears, you should be.

You both were most excellent today. It made one quite proud to claim to know you.

I'm sorry I've not been myself of late; I shall endeavour to remedy that before the New Year.

All my love,

Narcissa

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Private Message to Auror Lamont

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 04:09:09 GMT

Forgive the message at such a late hour; today was my sister's birthday. I've just returned from supper with her and my mother.

I did wish to thank you for calling on me during my convalescence. It was quite kind of you. Since last we met, I had the opportunity to do a little shopping and found the present you were looking for. I took the liberty of purchasing it on your behalf as I didn't like to think the shop might run out before you had the time for the errand. Consequently, you may call again any day this week to collect it in time for Christmas giving.

-NCB Malfoy

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Private Message to Barty

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 20:00:56 GMT

I've just been hearing about the Erewash incident - the unvarnished account, one might say - and found it curious that you've not been in touch to assure me you're all right. You are, I trust? Surely someone would have told me otherwise.

Then again, it seems the only times I hear from anyone lately are when my loved ones issue dire warnings not to approach Our Lord under any circumstances. Ptolemy invited me to dine with him and Karo at the weekend and I was treated to quite the lecture. Really, as if I needed the telling, given His obvious mood at His birthday remembrance and - other events of late. Nonetheless, it can't go on much longer, if Lucius is to be expected to put right everything going horribly wrong in New London. I fear the Minister can't make many more excuses, or so I hear.

In any event, promise me you shan't lecture if you join me for supper? Friday?

It's terribly dull here, you know, now the leaves are down but before a proper snow. Do say you'll come and liven things up.

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Private Message to Headmaster Dolohov

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 19:55:03 GMT

Tosha,

In your office, there ought to be a portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black. I'm not entirely certain but I believe it just might be connected to a matching portrait in my aunt's house.

If I'm right we just might be able to gain a window into the place.

Has Barty told you of last night's business?

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Private Message to Barty Crouch and Rodolphus Lestrange

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 23:52:27 GMT

Nic Broome just came in person to see me. He delivered a summons. I'm to come to Court tomorrow.

Given what greeted all of you on Monday, I know I ought not dare to hope. But - perhaps Our Lord's recent stance on fighting among your numbers has also brought about a reconsideration in certain other quarters?

In either case, I feel the need of moral support. Would you be willing to escort me into Our Lord's presence? Perhaps He wishes to discuss the matter further, and be convinced, in which case additional voices to plead for clemency, to remind Him of Lucius' past service, would be of great use.

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Private Message to Barty

Sat, 19 Jul 2014 23:41:19 GMT

I don't suppose you've woken up from your overnight exertions?

I've just had the most curious conversation with your former foster-sister. She's coming here tomorrow, to visit.

I can't say I don't welcome the variety - that's no personal reflection on you or Toshenka, dearest, merely an observation that the edges of my circle have drawn in rather dramatically over the last month - but I am most interested to know why she wants to see me.

Unfortunately, I am certain that having you or Tosha present might not put her much at ease, and may defeat her purpose in coming. Particularly you, I imagine. Though I would greatly appreciate the moral support, more's the pity.

Well. I suppose I shall have to monitor her closely for any sign that she's looking to sell my story to the papers.

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Private Message to Barty

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:27:55 GMT

And I suppose you knew something of his scheme to pack me off without so much as a by-your-leave?

If either of you think for a MOMENT that I would abandon them, especially now, you are out of your minds.

Tosha, too, if he'd had anything to do with it.

Why does Our Lord surround Himself with such - children? No, worse than children. You are all little boys.

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Private Message to Draco

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 15:16:33 GMT

Do you realise what you've done? What has happened because of this foolishness?

We're about to bury your uncle and your Father has agreed to follow him into the grave if you don't come home.

We've one chance to repair this - this disaster. Come home, Draco. If you really left on your own then COME HOME. Right this instant. Tell us everything, anything that will help your auntie and we can all be together again as a family.

Darling, Mother's heard all about the things that horrid little monster did to you, corrupting you, turning you to sympathise with her. It's not your fault, dearest. You're young and impressionable and it's not the first time something like this has happened.

But to run away under these circumstances is treason, Draco. Haven't we taught you better than that?

Please. Darling, I can't lose you and your Father both. Not like this. You've got to be strong, my son, and fight whatever it is that she's done to - to enthrall you. If Snape's told you lies, don't believe them.

Just come home. Lie to them if you have to, to let you go, or make your escape, and come back to us and then all will be forgiven.

Mother loves you so much.

You can't allow your Father to die, Draco, you simply - can't. No son of mine would do that.

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Private Message to Rodolphus Lestrange

Tue, 10 Jun 2014 02:30:37 GMT

Are you sure you're all right for the evening? You're welcome to come here if you're looking for company.

Lucius has been working to resolve the outstanding questions surrounding the events of Saturday. And now there was an incident at the Ministry this morning, or so he's said, and he might go there tomorrow to see if he can find out whether it had any relation to the other matters.

I cannot believe any of the accusations have even the barest basis in truth. But we've heard nothing else from his kidnappers and -

I'm sorry. I don't mean to burden you. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Perhaps you're wisest to retreat to your workshop, dear. Only, I do worry about you all alone there, when you surface. Please do come to the Manor anytime. I do not plan on leaving for a while, except to come to Le'Strange Hill for the interment, of course.

But if there is anything else you need, please say the word.

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Happy Birthday, Draco!

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 13:48:52 GMT

To our dearest of all, we could not be more proud.

You should have received our present already but the finest presents are yet to come. I don't see how it's possible for you to be of age but here we are. Manhood becomes you, my son. As does the regard in which all others hold you.

See you soon.

All our love,

Mother and Father

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Private Message to Lucius and Barty

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 14:05:01 GMT

Have either of you spoken with Ursula recently?

I'm sorry, she's here and she's quite out of sorts and I just haven't time to write to you separately. You may feel free to ignore each other's responses if that is still your preference.

I've only a moment to ask. Something about Julius taking the Mark and - I'm sure I don't know. I hope I shan't be quite so distraught when Draco becomes one of Our Lord's chosen.

If either of you have any idea what might have upset her please let me know. It might be some time before she can be coherent. Or Barty, if you've spoken to Toshenka and he's mentioned her lately, that might be helpful as well.

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Private Message to Hydra

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 16:52:17 GMT

My dearest girl,

Well, it seems it's been a trying week for you! You can imagine my surprise when I saw you announce the end of your attachment, after you fought so hard to obtain it.

I've been to see your parents - yes, both of them - and had their side of what happened. One can read between the lines, of course, but I rather suspect there is more to it, particularly as they were as surprised (though pleased) to see your news as I was.

I had hoped we might spend a few days together when you returned for the holidays but your mother apparently has different plans. Since I am not to be allowed to see you in private, and she cannot confiscate your journal while you are at school, I'm afraid we must communicate thus for the time being. (No, I am not certain she will do any such thing but you know your mother as well as I do and it is far from an impossibility.)

Hydra, I am certain that your heart must be breaking into splinters and I am so sorry to think of you in that sort of pain. It is the worst agony anyone can know, when love betrays us. It seems cruelly unfair that a hurt which has no physical basis can be so absolute but there is no power on earth so potent as love, and therefore no pain deeper than its ruin.

But I for one believe your decision is the most sensible you've taken since you began to fancy the young man so desperately. And while I am sure that it hurts now, perhaps more than any of the insults you have suffered before, I hope that in time, you will understand why you have made the best choice possible under the circumstances.

In all honesty, I was surprised most by your father's opinion on the matter. Oh, I heard that you violated his terms absolutely - yet I believed when he set them that even he knew they would never hold. I was sure your inseparable bond with him would win him over even in the face of your defiance - indeed, knowing your father, I would have thought him happy to see you showing a spark of belligerence, even if it was to him. But I'm afraid there we both misguessed him completely. Naturally he had his reasons .... Oh, and in a way, I suppose, he did indulge you one last time by not storming up and killing Mr Finch-Fletchley immediately.

Your mother, of course, sees the situation differently. She is far less worried about your reputation as a flirt than she is about your focus on your studies and your future. I am not sure she even noted your lover's name - except that your mother is, after all, your mother, and notes everything whether she lets on or not.

In either case, sweet child, you were very lucky to have escaped a worse calamity. Though surely you do not see it that way at present, and I wish, more than anything, that I could help you to heal. Alas, time and distance are the only things that can mend your ailment. (Though I trust a day together when you could pour your heart out in safety would not have gone amiss!)

You deserve every happiness, Hydra darling, and I pray that now you are past the first passion of youthful lust, you will eventually find a more lasting, deeper love, with one who is worthy of you. It was brave and quite mature of you to give him up, to accept what was inevitable and to look forward to a brighter future on the horizon, without someone like him to drag you down.

I know it seems impossible now, but you will be better and stronger in the long run for taking this step. I'm proud of you and in time, your parents will see that you've learned, perhaps not without heartache, but all the more deeply for that, what it is to grow up.

Your ever-caring,

Aunt Narcissa

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Private Message to Hydra and Draco

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 02:23:36 GMT

How are you both holding up?

I've been so tempted to send you both hampers like I used to do when you were younger but I suspect I shall be told you're too mature for that sort of thing, and particularly with the additional scrutiny on you both at present.

But if there's anything you should need or want, I hardly think an aunt or a mother could be accused of interfering with due process.

Everything here has been perfectly uninteresting of late; it seems everyone else is hibernating through worst of winter this year and simply waiting for either Valentine's or the first breath of spring. Oh, and of course last night was the Ministry 'holiday party,' which one could not quite decline to attend but which was just as dreary as one could possibly imagine. I shouldn't be surprised if there had been no one left in the banquet hall by half-ten! As it was, we left after only 45 minutes and believe me, if we could have departed earlier, we would have done.

Oh, and Hydra, Rigel wanted me to tell you that he hopes you will 'beat everyone' (though presumably not everyone including you, Draco, dear) and that he's very proud of his big sister.

All my love to you both.

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Private Message to Bellatrix

Sat, 04 Jan 2014 01:55:02 GMT

Well, if your daughter does not now have sufficient underclothes to see her through her O.W.L.s, I cannot be responsible. We had a lovely day, on the whole. And yes, we found a few things for her Hogsmeade weekends and such.

Though you might have told me she's acquired your talent for Legilimency. I do not mind providing her with practise but I should have appreciated the warning. If you are still sincere about testing her capabilities at the Ministry, you ought to consider apprenticing her to Penderyn over the summer. Of course, we are perfectly happy to have her at the Manor if you prefer.

I've two other reasons to write, including my duty as an Aunt to pamper your other child. When shall you be replacing Mrs Baylock with a proper governess, dear? I'm sure the woman has been the best nurse a boy could want but it seems to me she's far too indulgent. And it's likely time to begin proper magic instruction, given the evidence he's more than ready for it. I'm sure Draco's and Harry's tutors can make themselves available whenever you decide to engage them. But in the meantime, he was asking for a trip to the pantos this weekend and I can think of no better reason to attend them.

Now, the other topic that warrants discussion: Have your people made any progress on those curious holiday cards we all received? Barty mentioned he'd been collecting them from any Councilwizards who got one. They were all the same; we had occasion to ask round at the New Year's celebrations. I really do think it's time we stopped pretending, at least among ourselves, that it's any sort of impostor. Surely you recognised the handwriting as well as I did. I wouldn't say anything except that it does make the others' jobs that much harder to capture him when you will insist on terrifying anyone who dares suggest that he's still alive, despite your coming so close.

I'm not suggesting you should make a statement to the Prophet or any nonsense like that. But perhaps if you could at least stop glaring so fiercely at your fellows in MLE, they could focus on finding the treacherous upstart instead of looking over their shoulders in fear you'll hit them with the same curse you were sure would kill him in the first place? Do think about it, dear sister.

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Private Message to Hydra Lestrange

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 02:30:17 GMT

Hydra,

I'm so sorry it's been ages since I wrote. Your last letter seemed to indicate you were working so hard at revising that you didn't need any other distractions.

However, I'm fairly certain there's one distraction you did not resist. Now, don't try to deny it: I know from Celia Harkiss that you received a special, advance copy of that new Pure Starvation nonsense. I was actually thinking of including a copy in your Christmas stocking but Celia told me I needn't bother: She'd got a copy for the magazine to read and review and she decided to give it to her own little one. There was a list of the other recipients enclosed for her, in case she wanted to obtain quotes for the review, and I saw your name.

Now, I'm sure you've simply devoured the little page-turner but my dear, you must send it to your mother immediately. The publisher is about to be indicted for sedition and the book has been summarily denied publication by Protectorate Affairs.

I know your mother probably hasn't thought to warn you herself, so unfortunately there's nothing one can do about the fact that you've already read it. But I'm sure you only ever thought of it as a forbidden, guilty pleasure and not at all as a deeper statement of any kind. Perhaps you ought to write to your parents to set the record straight, as well. Of course, we know that the first two really were harmless fantasy. But I'm told that this third one lays out a bald statement which ought never have been allowed in print.

Only do tell me you've already returned your copy, or better still, thought to send it to your mother at MLE your own self.

Oh, and if you've any ideas of what you'd like for Christmas, do send them along.

Your loving,

Aunt Narcissa

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