Narcissa Malfoy

The Amersham Faire and Festival has become one of our favourite haunts for fine crafts and a pleasant day's diversions.

Lana, Ned, it was delightful to see you there! And to make the acquaintance of your charming friend. I'm so glad you decided to take in the event.

Now, do you plan to attend the Thames festival next weekend? I have it on good authority that the arts exhibits will be second to none. Fergus Cooper has been working on what promises to be an utterly impressive work that is part of the official show - if I understand him correctly, the pieces are all to be installed directly into the river route. If he has any competition at all, the works on display will offer an unparalleled look at the state of artistic endeavour within the realm.

Sarah, I do hope you're planning an entry or two? The show would not be complete without one of your studies. Or have you a gallery opening? I hear from Selma Hawkins that nearly every gallery along the Southbank is changing installations this week.

Of course, Lana, if your duties as an Auror prevent you enjoying the weekend in anything other than an official capacity, Ned, do join us. We'll have a viewing stand for the races and we've arranged for supper on one of the gondolas. There's room for a few very good friends.


Meanwhile, we've some plans afoot for St Mungo's Christmas charity. Or rather, Selma's had a splendid idea and I think the Committee will be pleased to adopt it.


Oh, Diana, Mariah: I'm so sorry, dears, but I've completely lost track of who's hosting our card party on Wednesday. Is it mine? Only I've a run across a note that must be old and says we needed to change to Thursday this week. I'm sure that's not correct.

There is nothing quite like a ride in pre-dawn when there's a hint of frost in the air. The countryside is pristine, save the hoof-prints of one's horse; the rising sun suddenly hits the dew and a thousand crystals burst into light. The Manor in early morning has a dignity of which I never tire.

But this is the last morning for a while when I shall be able to avail myself of the view. We're opening Kensington this afternoon and shall stay through Our Lord's birthday celebrations at month's end. The autumn festival season does have a way of blurring indiscriminately into the holiday season and already both the WI and the St Mungo's Auxiliary are looking for their gala committees. I've a thought or two but I haven't yet worked out whether they'll serve better for our own Christmas party or for something more philanthropic.

Since we shall be in New London for the better part of 3 weeks, though, have at least decided to take advantage of the proximity to begin (or complete) Christmas shopping, robe design and selection for several upcoming events, redo the private wing at Kensington and of course, manage our social calendar for the season. (And Mr Cooper, yes, please, if you wish to come and fuss over the gardens, next week will do nicely.)

Toshenka, remind me of your next New London foray? If all goes well, we plan to come up for Draco and Harry's Quidditch match in early November but I believe you'll be here before then? Let us know what you've a mood to do and I shall make sure we are free.

Ned, we would be happy to accept your invitation for supper. It would be lovely to spend more time with you and Lana, particularly before the crush of the holidays.

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.

Barty, so glad you could join us last night. Really, a little quiet supper at home is just what is needed once in a while, especially with the holiday party season rushing upon us at broom-pace. Not that one does not eagerly anticipate all the festivities but they do wear on one's endurance. And one's wardrobe!

A few quick responses, if you'll all indulge me: Maisie, yes, certainly. Wouldn't dream of missing it. And Athena, you may be sure we already have our box reserved and look forward to your reception afterward. As for your kind invitation, Marisa, I regret I am not sure yet whether we shall be - involved - in activities at Hogwarts that night as part of my responsibility to the Sisters in Witchcraft. But if not, then I believe we may drop by for a time. Oh, and Mr Cooper: Yes, we received your note. It's kind of you to think of us. Of course, we shall do our best to attend.

Now, before I go further I need hardly mention that as always, Mr Malfoy and I cannot possibly respond to every invitation we receive. Nor are gifts necessary - please, we appreciate every gesture, truly, but of late we have been overflowing with the bounty of the Protectorate. Thus it is our wish this year that any token you might think to send to our little family go instead to the St Mungo's Auxiliary and the Vale of Health, in recognition of the continued suffering of those tragic victims of Black's Paralysis. We think it only fitting that the tireless efforts of the Healers, Junior Healers and Mediwizards who provide their care should be rewarded, at this time of year especially.

On a related note, I have been fortunate enough to be named to the Nominating Committee of the WI's 'Career Witch of the Year' award. Each year the WI chooses one recipient who exemplifies all those qualities of business acumen, diligence, dedication and effectiveness within the workplace, to which any witch may aspire. I've some ideas, of course, already about whom to include on the ballot. It's gratifying to know so many successful and ambitious women and to have a wealth of possible choices!


Oh, and Rod, I have been giving some thought to that project you mentioned the other day. I've some possible solutions. Shall I find you at St James' Palace if I were to come through this afternoon?