Narcissa Malfoy

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.

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!

Rodolphus, I've time for tea tomorrow, if you're still looking for a chance to show off Rigel's new trick.

I've had to re-arrange things a bit for today, though, as it's one of the rare times when our third-weekly card party conflicts with my usual self-pamper at the start of the month. Amanda, you'll have to represent the family without me, I'm afraid. (And tell me everything you heard, later - omit no detail!)

Now that the furor has subsided a bit, I think we may all look forward to the healthy competition of four Champions, though I understand it has required some adjustment on the part of the organisers. Still, I cannot imagine anyone questioning either of Hogwarts' young heroes' eligibility, if as is clearly the case, the Cup could not choose between them. To Mr Diggory: Well done and best of luck, young man. It's not often Hufflepuff has an opportunity to show its mettle. You can be very proud to have been named worthy of such distinction.

Harry, dear, I'm sure you'll perform admirably. You do always seem to find your way out of tight situations and to everyone's benefit, in the bargain. Why, I for one still remember that our poor Hydra might have died had you and Draco not saved her. Anyone who can effect such a rescue at twelve years of age certainly stands an even chance of success in the challenges ahead, even only two years later. More importantly, your illustrious Father deems it proper and right that you represent your House and school in this contest. And that alone ought to be enough reason for anyone to proceed.

Barty: Yes, I am going to Portsmouth tomorrow morning. I've got to start the annual search for suitable dishes for our party, after all. Did you still wish for me to pick up more fish paste for your larder, if they have it? I'll have them send it round to your elves.

Oh, and Rosa, again, the shower was too precious. I cannot believe that in your condition you managed all those mobiles over the tables. Now, I trust that St Gerard's is taking proper care of you? After all, forgive me, but... older expecting mothers are one of their specialties. Do be sure to ask for Healer Moritz by name if you're not getting the full treatment. And again, we're so proud of Draco and Pansy, of course. By the time her little brother arrives, she'll be quite the known name in the Protectorate!