Private message to Mr Lucius Malfoy

[alt_percy]

I have sorted through all the piles and extracted the pending correspondence which I deem most pressing for your review. Unfortunately, there are several invitations past their RSVP date which I doubt have been brought to your attention (they have not been marked down in your calendar, nor is there any record of regrets being sent out in the correspondence log). I also discovered a rather malicious cantrip, a slicing hex rigged in the top drawer of the mahogany credenza under the north window, which I have defused. After Mr Hooper had been escorted to the street so I could not extract a proper retribution, unfortunately, but I wanted to make you aware of it. To the best of my knowledge, there is not anything else in my work space, but I do not know if there is anything else he managed to rig in yours before I arrived.

I will be here tomorrow at 7:30 sharp. Thank you very much for the opportunity, Mr Malfoy. I will endeavour to do my very best to assist you in your important work.

Comments

[alt_lucius]

There are always too many invitations for Mrs Malfoy and myself to possibly accept; don't trouble about that. Merely review; if any are from Council members or particular persons of importance then double-check with Mariposa Poddington at Witch Weekly. You may recall she keeps Mrs Malfoy's calendar and often knows of events to which she has committed us but that I have not added. As well as the occasional event that we need not both attend.

As for Hooper's parting gift to you: Good catch! Did you think to look for traps or find it the hard way? My private study is safe, however. I sealed the door before leaving for my appointment with Fudge. Had the day been less hectic I should have preferred not to leave him any time alone after having discharged him but no matter.

I've appointments at ten and one to-morrow as well as Court at three. Suggest you take an extended luncheon to-morrow and get to Twilfit's to spend that bonus where it will make the most impact. Three additional sets of robes ought to give you the bare minimum for acceptability. Shoes as well, I daresay.

I've no doubt you shall perform to the best of your abilities, Weasley. Do not disappoint me.

Oh, and spoke to Pontner via Floo this evening, regarding your sudden change of fortune. Explained that I had been distracted by Hooper's rapidly declining performance and ... missed that you had found a situation. Pontner extends his compliments on your swift opportunism. Have no fear of repercussions there.

In fact, your experience at International Co-Operation, brief as it may have been, may well come in handy. We shall be working closely with them in the coming months on two separate projects sure to bring quite a measure of glory to Our Lord's land.

Get some sleep. Half-seven comes cursed early when you've been up more than half the night celebrating.

[alt_percy]

I did think to look for traps, yes, and I was certainly glad I did. Well, he did give me a hint, with all of his bluster about 'I'd be sorry!' As abysmal as Mr Hooper was at filing parchment work, he was apparently no slouch at setting up hexes. It might have removed one of my fingers.

I will visit Twilfit's, as you suggest, and thank you for the bonus that makes that possible. And for speaking with Mr Pontner. I do sincerely appreciate it.