Narcissa Malfoy

Aurora,

Do forgive me for writing so late in the day; it has been rather a long one.

I wanted to thank you for your efforts yesterday - you and Razzer. Believe me, I appreciate your subtle attempts to fill in where I could not. Friday was a very long (and trying) night.

Which, I understand, you learned in a rather rude way. I'm so sorry, on behalf of Mrs Selwyn. I heard she was much the worse for the wine, so please, don't believe her bluntness in any way characteristic. She'd suffered a terrible fright - though that does not excuse her behaviour, of course.

Tosha says that he and Razzer saw to you in the aftermath. I'm just so dreadfully embarrassed that it happened under my roof.

If I know Chloe at all, she bitterly regretted her intemperance by light of day (and recovery of wits). Please, don't hold her harsh words against her. She's really a lovely person - normally.

And thank you again, for your ample assistance throughout the evening. I hope we can spend another day together soon, under less stressful circumstances.

-Narcissa

There's a sudden bite to the air today, already.

It's as well that our card party meets at yours on Wednesday, Diana; I'm expecting Mr Cooper tomorrow afternoon to check his installation before the rains start in earnest. I'm sure we'll only have another scant week or 2 of pleasant weather and then it will be time to bed the summer gardens for the winter ones.

Speaking of cards, in a way, Aurora, I ran across the names of two engravers whose work might interest you. I'll send them along. (As for the other kind, my dear, I'm sure by next summer we'll have you playing Spite and Malice with the best of us. It does take practice for the strategy to become second-nature.)

Antosha, love, I've taken the liberty of helping you keep current. Since we can't meet for a regular chat to catch up on all the happenings of the world outside Hogwarts, you can look forward to a weekly dose from other sources. (It's only fair, since you doubtless were the one to blame for Barty's addiction. I'm surprised you hadn't already taken care of the matter yourself, Toshenka dear.) Expect the first owls within the week. And no, this is not an early birthday present.

Draco, we received your letter. I think Prefecture agrees with you, son, since you've already remembered to write twice! Don't worry. I shan't take it amiss if your Prefect and YPL duties, classes and Quidditch schedule mean that this early attention to your correspondence crosses from an overabundance to a deficit as the term continues.

Our own social calendar has quite overrun itself and once again, we shall likely see no more than a handful of weekends without some gathering or other. I've a flurry of owls to send with our acceptances - and our regrets, of course. And a few notes below.

'Talking,' is it?

Dear, it might have occurred to you that I had reasons for inviting Aurora to the spa with me and not simply for the company. Though I would have liked her to spend more time getting to know Amanda, as well.

Really, though. If you must keep her home with you for a rough-and-tumble, kindly do not ruin her for the rest of the week? No one needs either of you to become a central story in the papers again - for any imaginable reason.

But beyond that .... Well, it would have been a perfect opportunity to assist her in looking her very best for Amara's wedding - or any other appearances you two might have in mind this weekend. Now, I know you're no stylist but you're no slouch, dear. At least try to encourage her to wear something a bit more ... let's say daring than her usual. She looked so radiant at the Yule Ball; it's a shame she can't put in the effort more often.

Oh, Mordred, that sounds much harsher than I intended. I don't mean to suggest that she's neglectful of her own presentation. Not at all. I have certainly never seen her looking anything less than acceptable. But then I don't see her every day, either, and I have seen enough to know that she values convenience and comfort over a host of other considerations.

She's a wonderful young woman, Razzer, and I really am quite happy for you both. But you know as well as I what sort of people she'll be among this Friday - and without the relative protection of Hogwarts at her disposal. I would not want to see her brought low by some unthinking, insensitive lout. Not even if you're there to remove the brute's mouth for speaking out of turn.

And pardon me but she has seemed ... fragile, lately. In her own journal posts, and if I'm not mistaken, in some of her replies to others. I hope you're being more of a help than a hindrance in that category? Morgana knows, I've tried to offer her a sisterly ear (and I know, she has enough sisters of her own) but I can't help feeling rebuffed at every overture. Not that she has ever said anything ru - well, let us say that she has never offended me, either by word or omission. She has been scrupulously polite, always. But one can't dismiss the vague sense that she remains ... unprepared, let us say, for the sort of public life she is bound to encounter if you two continue your close association.

Gracious. I've rather gone on more than I meant to do. I hope you take it in the spirit in which it's offered, Raz dear. I do wish you both the best. I'm only ... unsure how to help either of you with the range of navigation that society will expect of her. Of you both.

Look, I've got the masseuse coming in so I shall have to go. As if Aurora's cancellation were not enough, Amara's chosen today of all days to bring in her hens for her own pre-wedding party! One shall now have to attempt to relax and remain en garde all at once! how vexing. It completely defeats the purpose. Ah, well, at least I've Amanda along to talk to.