Private message to Mr Lucius Malfoy

[alt_percy]

I am not sure whether you intended to come back to your offices here in between your appointments today, but I just wanted to warn you that if you do, best to avoid the front entrance. Mrs Hooper is back again, and she seems determined to wait, although I trust that after an hour or two of boredom, I'll be able to persuade her to leave.

Comments

[alt_lucius]

We've just risen from the negotiation table (running behind, which should be no surprise to anyone who has spent more than ten minutes with Propopov) and I've less than 20 minutes before the next engagement, so no, I do not anticipate returning. In fact, may need you to come here to take my seat if, as I suspect, the meeting at half-three is pushed to four. I've got to be in Dover at quarter-past, as you know, to meet the Froissarts and their charge. (Confirm Narcissa is to meet me there as well, and Draco.)

Nonetheless, it's not necessary to make her wait. Tell her I have asked you to hear what she has to say; be polite and understanding but firm; impress upon her that her concerns are the product of a grieving heart and nothing more. The man most likely responsible for her son's demise is, to our great misfortune, currently beyond anyone's grasp. Assure her - again - that if Maule were to return from whatever obscurity in which he has managed to cloak himself, I should be willing to stand alongside her and hers to force him to answer for the abuse they have suffered. &c.

Remind her that it was in part his erratic behaviour that led to his dismissal, which, in hindsight, may be evidence that Maule was already tampering with him prior to his final departure from St James' Square.

If necessary, promise that you will discuss with me again the matter of compensation to the family for releasing him 'precipitously' and offer to put her in the books for sometime after 15 September. Do not make this offer if she will leave without it. However, should you need to arrange it, also contact Ms Poddington so that Mrs Malfoy may be present on Mrs Hooper's return.

[alt_percy]

I managed to convince her to leave without committing you to a future meeting. I wouldn't swear to it that she won't be back, however.

Yes, Mrs Malfoy informs me that she will be there this afternoon, with Draco.

[alt_lucius]

Good. On both counts.

I shall need you to come after all.

How many times is Dimitri going to try to squeeze additional students into the agreement?

Apparently, at least once more.

Consequently the half-three meeting has, in fact, been set back.


Merlin.

You'll sit. You'll say nothing. Do not nod your head too often or Dimitri is like to take it for agreement. Simply listen whilst Pontner explains, once more, in monosyllabic words, why fifty is the absolute most Hogwarts can support for almost a full academic year.

You do know how to find Pontner's office?

[alt_percy]

Yes, sir. I do know the way to the office, and I shall be there as requested.