Narcissa Malfoy

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.

No doubt you both have heard of Lucius' falling out with Ari Baddock. (Tosha, I'd be surprised if you had not got the whole story from him last Thursday when he came to Hogwarts for the Governors' meeting.)

It's been over a week and I think that's quite long enough for their tempers to rule them. The two of them are both behaving like children over the sordid business and neither will see reason. Personally, while I agree that Ari should have been more vigilant against Miss Parkinson's deviousness, I don't see that it's grounds for Lucius to call to an end a friendship spanning thirty years. And then to compound it by blocking Ari's appointment to the Governors, at the last moment - well, it's no wonder Ari has also been fuming over the last few days. Pandora and I met for tea yesterday, unbeknownst to either of our husbands, and she told me that Lucius' fury is matched only by Ari's indignation.

So far neither of us have been able to make a dent in their attitudes. But I was hoping, perhaps, you might have more success with Lucius, at least. I don't think I need to tell you that Ari's support has always been something Lucius valued at Court as well as in all personal matters. And this rift - I had the most disturbing conversation with Isadora Rowle this afternoon. I'm not sure what to make of it but I fear it might signal that others will interpret this rift between them as a ... an indication that Lucius' control is slipping.

He would never tell me such a thing, you understand. But perhaps you can appeal to him in ways that he would not appreciate coming from me.

If he should ask, I'm writing to make sure you both received invitations from the DoP for our speaker series this year.

Husband,

I received your message. It's all right. I told you it would not matter; we'll simply go another time.

You saw Dolores' latest? I cannot pretend I am anything but relieved to have the SiW taken off my hands (well, you know I was not best pleased to be involved in the first place, nor ever quite sure what I was meant to be doing) but for Merlin's sake. Graceless does not begin to describe the woman.

How you managed all those years, darling, and not end her, I shall never know. To be honest, it gives me new appreciation for your patience, which you know is not your strongest suit.

But nevermind all that: You are well? And Bella, Rod, Raz, Toshenka? Barty? Saw that Ari is back already, along with Augustus, Xerxes and several others. Does that signify progress, I hope?

How is Claudius? The papers have been careful not to make it seem as if he's terribly injured but one can tell there has been a - shift, I suppose. Bella's not too intolerable, I trust. She does so detest managing all the small details.

Everything here is fine, don't worry. Only that I miss you and worry you are taking care of yourself. Is there anything else I can do on this end?

Your waiting,

Narcissa