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.

Tosha, любимец,

Just how eager are you to quash the rumours about you and Barty? It's not that anything has appeared, just yet (though who knows what Whirl will take into its head next), but dear one, if you wish them to speculate wildly, you have only to write to one of your teenaged, female students at almost two o'clock in the morning!

I'm quite certain you've a perfectly innocent explanation - those of us who know you of course understand that anything else would be preposterous. You've asked me to remind you of these things from time to time, dear. So here is a little reminder: Itinerant practitioners of the Ars Noble may write to whomever they please, whenever they take a notion. Professors need to display a bit more discretion.

How are you recovering? Lucius has naturally thrown himself back into the routine with relish, and no little bit of complaint at how long it has taken to catch himself up. But he has seemed a bit squidgy round the edges so I do hope he can clear things in time for the holidays. He'd had a weekend away planned for us, did you know? I think it bothers me more that he had to postpone what was going to be a respite in favour of a week-long bloodbath. (Though that brings its own exhilaration, of course, but you know he is at heart not as thirsty for the fight as he is for the peace its success affords.)

Now, you and Barty each asked about St Mungo's and I have not forgotten. It's going to be simple this year but truly memorable. And in light of recent events, the proceeds shall also be split with a new auxiliary facility in Belfast, to aid the recovery efforts there, so very worthwhile. You'll be down next week, is that right? We can meet at yours and discuss what items might do best for the auction; mostly the committee are focused on pre-Protectorate artefacts so Cottesmore likely presents more temptation than they could resist. If I've the date wrong then I may have to send one of our elves to your Berry - not ideal, I know, but there shan't be another opportunity beforehand.

I've a number of ideas about the season, as well, but there, too, I'd like to get an idea from you as to what sort of events you believe you'll be available to attend, before I decide with whom to pair you. Knowing your standards, I do so wish to provide those who will enjoy your company but shall not pin their hopes, either.

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.