Private message to Lucius Malfoy

[alt_rachel]

Sorry to bother you on holiday, but I think you ought to know about this.

Apparently Director Yaxley sent a message to Marlogosia Starling today and requested a count of the people Draco sends PMs to, along with a summary of topics. Starling turned him down (not surprisingly) and he was furious. Was going to see Hopkirk about it.

Hopkirk's no intention of changing her instructions to Starling, obviously. But I wanted you to know, when you heard about the fight -- it was information about Draco that Yaxley was after.

Comments

[alt_rachel]

Also, I went down to MLE to see if anything new was going on. Yaxley is in Hopkirk's office, and the door is smoking.

[alt_lucius]

Mafalda can handle herself. It's Yaxley who concerns me.

Blast.

[alt_lucius]

No, it's no bother; in fact, was about to send you an owl. Am returning with Draco and Harry to the Manor this after-noon. Will be able to meet Thursday - or earlier, if you've time.

That is, provided this business does not supplant all else. What prompted Claudius to make such an unnecessary request?

Is Barty in to-day?

[alt_rachel]

I'm not sure why Yaxley wanted this. My best guess is that he was looking for a pretext to request full access -- though what precisely he thinks he'd find in your son's private messages, I have no idea.

As for Auror Crouch, yes, he's here.

[alt_lucius]

That much is obvious; and as for what he hopes to find, it could be anything from details about family business to some kernel of indiscretion he could then turn into a scandal. Miss Parkinson, for example, or that Greengrass girl.

Well, with Barty on hand it's unlikely Claudius will get far.

It's just as well we've cut things short.

How well do you know Yaxley's clerk? Could you find out if he's taken more meetings lately with Nott or Mulciber or the Rowles?

[alt_rachel]

I don't know his clerk all that well, but I could try to find out.

[alt_rachel]

Right.

Yes, he's had dealings with Nott recently. Apparently Nott cancels on him rather often, and that makes him cross (and gives Lee endless headaches).

[alt_lucius]

I see.

Very well. Well, Bella and Barty can sort out the issue; enough time to deal with the rest to-morrow.

Now, on to more pleasant topics: Have you plans this evening?

[alt_rachel]

As it happens -- no. And I just got off work.

Do you have any suggestions?

[alt_lucius]

I suggest you get some supper and meet me in ... two hours?

[alt_rachel]

I look forward to it.

[alt_lucius]

Going to be a little late.

Something's come up.

Wait there.

[alt_rachel]

I'm here, I've made myself comfortable, and I brought a book. If you're greatly delayed and I'm asleep when you arrive, you can feel free to wake me up.

[alt_lucius]

Everything all right in your area this morning?

Suspect Corax is beside himself with joy. Once Cadmus settles they'll surely make another play for centralising control of all internal affairs. Make sure Gauge has your back.

[alt_rachel]

Trust me, I'm doing everything I can to make sure of that.