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

About to turn in, as we've just returned from dinner with Yvaine Warrington and her latest interest. But I did want to let you know, Tosha, that I mentioned the pysanky and the music box to Euphemia Evan this morning at St M's and she's delighted by the prospect, simply can't wait to see the items in person.

Barty, any other thoughts about your own contribution? I'm free Thursday and Friday morning (the tree-lighting is Friday, so must be on-hand for that, of course!) - are you and Mordant running the security detail? Don't wish to trouble you, if you're busy this week. We could easily touch base for Sunday tea if that's more convenient, only Euphemia does want the majority of items appraised before the event. She's frightfully behind, poor thing, but then we all are, after this November's happenings. Then there's the ... complication ... of someone new taking on the job and wishing to reinvent the potion.

Oh, speaking of that, Toshenka, Lucius asked me to remind you that you've a seat in our box for the Revels concert on the 28^th and we're having a small party in for drinks prior at Jermyn's. Barty, you'll come as well, I hope?

How are your little protégés, by the way, Toshenka?

(And Barty - yours as well: Has married life destroyed S-P's zeal completely?)

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.

We're so looking forward to today's concluding CCF exercises. I'm told that the location is part of the challenge, so you'll not hear from me where it's to occur, students! But I have seen a thing or two about the prizes to be given and I'm sure you'll all feel quite pleased and proud of yourselves with the results - and rightly so.

Professor Sinistra and her entire committee have clearly spent great efforts and put not inconsiderable time into the success of the YPL programme and thus far, Mr Malfoy and I have not been disappointed. We sincerely hope that the same spirit of leadership, collaboration and excellence seen during the last two years shall continue into what is sure to be a glorious future.

I'm struck, as always, by how quickly summers fly by, particularly when the boys are away for so much of it. But I've managed to find a location for our family holiday, so we may at least have a few days all together before seeing Draco and Harry back onto the train to Hogwarts. I can hardly believe they are about to commence their O.W.L. studies! It seems just yesterday we were carting them about in prams.

Speaking of prams, my nephew has seen fit to utterly reject his lately. Razzer, I think that toy broom you gave him is a sign of things to come. He rides it everywhere, or so I've observed when we saw him for his birthday party. Unless I miss my guess, we may have another future professional Quidditch player in our midst.

Celia, I did want to mention that we'll be going to Diagon Alley after returning from holiday; there is simply not enough time before we go. If you want to bring Vivian for her robe fittings and such (they do grow in that first year, don't they?), I can send you an owl about meeting for lunch. I hope I can convince Bella to let us take care of Hydra as well. Perhaps she and Vivian could be fitted at the same time together and get to know one another better?

Well, there's still much to do before we attend today's festivities. Best of luck to the Cadets!

Simonetta, I'm so glad you came to luncheon today. It was lovely to catch up. And I'm sure Monday will go splendidly. I'm pleased you thought to have me look over your remarks, truly. It's kind of you to ask my opinion.

Now, Diana, don't worry about Maghnus - he'll find his way. It's perfectly acceptable to take a few months to decide what he wants to do. Let him go hiking if he wishes to go hiking. I'm sure it shall be good for him in the long run. There's no rush.

As for me, I'm quite undecided about our family holiday. We hoped to take the boys to Snowdonia but that's impossible now. Perhaps Galloway or Keswick will be a better choice. After Freedom Day, of course, when they return from their CCF responsibilities.

Speaking of Freedom Day, Yvaine, I know you were asking and yes: I'm so glad you are interested in the committee. Of course, you were waiting to check with Charles and that's only right, now that he's the man of the family. We've a meeting on Wednesday so do come along to Nicola's studio and we may talk about what would be most effective.

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.