[Warded to Regulus Black]

I trust you have an explanation for your absence.

[Warded to Inner Circle]

Outside of the loss of a dear friend we have also lost a colleague this month. It strikes me that, pending the Dark Lord's approval, the movement of some of the more experienced and devoted of our outer circle might benefit us all at this time.

Young Rodolphus Lestrange is now the head of his family. His wife is a talented and forceful woman, and he will be taking his father's place in other areas as well. I suspect he would prove a beneficial member of our Inner Circle. Other names that have come to my mind are those of Augustus and Lucius. Both have proven themselves capable of gathering information and of leadership during these past difficult months.

I do not necessarily foresee all of them moving into the Inner Circle, and the Dark Lord will no doubt have thoughts on the matter as well, but Caracatus has reminded us that even with our experience those we fight may get lucky upon occasion. I do not wish for us to leave those talented among the next generation struggling should something happen to one or more of us.

After we settle this matter with the Dark Lord, I would suspect we will need to rearrange our mentoring system a bit as well.

Thoughts?

[Warded to Lestranges]

My wife has sent our condolences, but I wish to personally provide my own. He was a good man, strong in our cause, and I counted it a privilege to work beside him. He will be greatly missed.

The spring of the year is frequently my favourite of the seasons, but it is difficult to truly enjoy the beauty when one is surrounded by the loss of friends. And yet, my daughters seem to manage to find moments, and through their enjoyment I find some as well.

[Warded to the Inner Circle]

A few days ago I set Lucius on the task of completing some of the work that he and Augustus have begun. He reported back to me today, and during tonight's training session brought forward all of the information that he has been able to gather. There is enough that I believe we could begin taking further actions.

We have the address of Emily Prewett's parents. They live in a semi-detatched home, so it would need to be done with care, but I am wondering if they might not have further information regarding their daughter that they could give to us.

If we are in agreement, I believe we should move through the rest of these aurors as swiftly as possible. They have too long continued to live with the notion that their actions and defiance against the Dark Lord go unnoticed.

[Warded Private]

Tristan Rosier.

Laelia Rosier.

It has not a half-bad sound to it. I should prefer it if he were one of the Dark Lord's devoted servants, but there is perhaps yet time for that. And even without it, the name and the blood alone speak highly of him. I should speak with Julian.

Prisca has determined that she needs a second pony because she would like to have 'baby ponies'. Outside of being a bit amused that she has suddenly developed a desire to become a breeder of fine ponies, I'm not quite certain what to make of this. Generally I like to indulge my daughter's intellectual curiosities when appropriate to do so, and there is far worse to be interested in than a study of fine animals. Which, I believe in the course of this paragraph I have determined the next course of action. I do not suppose that anyone knows of any horse shows where she could introduced to the concept in a more mature context than ponies?

( Warded to Mina )

( Warded Private )

( Warded to the Inner Circle )

Violence seems to be the trend of the new year and it is something that saddens me deeply; thus I wish to extend my deepest condolences to those who have been effected by its far reaching hands, and encourage them to strive for a world that holds far less of that violence.

And yet, I feel that as a scholar of history I must remind everyone that each time has its own difficulties. Time tends to colour our vision - to give us a sense that our own time is worse than every time past - and yet, a trip through the old issues of the Daily Prophet at Brookstanton reminds us that there have frequently been halfbre werewolf attacks, that at times it has been disagreements between the Muggle and the Magical, at other times disagreements between magical and magical, or between other creatures and Wizards -- Professor Binn's essays on the Goblin Rebellion almost certainly spring to mind -- and many are old enough to remember the war with Grindlewald; Our headlines are not so unique as it is easy to think that they are.

In my studies abroad I also became aware that such things are not unique to Britain. It was when I was in Morocco studying the local history from a historical master of the region that I think I first became truly aware of this. Situations and conflicts that I had always thought of as unique to our country were peppered throughout the history of theirs leading me to a greater understanding that the issues facing of those of Magical bir ability are not so very different after all.

What does this mean for those of us who live today? I do not think it lessens the impact of the attacks or the violence, but perhaps there are lessons to be drawn from the past: Perhaps that past might guide our future.


Or perhaps, I spend too much time with my nose in my books.

The violence of the past few days has had a sobering effect. My greatest sympathies to the Watkins family, as well as to those who have been injured in the attacks on Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

( Warded to Rabastan Lestrange, Regulus Black, Persephone Jugson, & Lucius Malfoy )

[Warded Private]

Names.

And dates. And anything that has been discussed outside of Inner Circle wards.

I suppose it is time to ensure that every alibi is air tight.

[Inner Circle]

We have the potential for a serious problem. The largest of which is that Barty is aware of names. I should like to think that the young man is serious in his devotion to the Dark Lod and his cause, and I have, I confess, never been given reason to suspect otherwise, but I believe if we are to be safe, we must assume that he may be cracked.

Outside of names, he knows that we were monitoring the senior Aurors and DMLE - and of course anything that has been spoken of outside of Inner Circle wards.

I believe Caracatus is correct that we can do little more than monitor the situation, but I wonder if we ought not say something to the ranks as Augustus warded to them all. I should hate to see one of them do something stupid, out of fear or uncertainty.

In the meantime, I suggest that we tighten how we give orders to our Outer Circle. In other words, they know only what they need to know - we trust our own devotion to the dark Lord, yes, but there are some among our outer ranks that I would not trust so willingly. If the know only what they are involved with, they can share less, should it come to it.

I also, more than ever, should like to see Bones brought to his knees. And perhaps Longbottom too, while we are at it.

I should like to encourage the implementation of these neighbourhood watch groups. With the unfortunate attack in Diagon Alley last night, it seems that such a group is timely and well needed. We are stronger together than separate.

This is very likely the last entry that I will write in this book during the year 1979. While I have not lived as long as some on these journals have done, a thorough study of history shows that while one may believe a particular year has held more distress or delight than another - in truth these are frequently personal reflections. A year that is remembered in the history books as dreadful may have been a year that was very good in a personal way and of course a year remembered in the history books for good, may well have been the most challenging year an individual has faced.

For me 1979 has brought very good things, and it has also brought sorrows. In a greater or lesser extent, I suppose each year provides the same.

( Warded Private )

( Warded to Lucia )

( Warded to Mina )

( Warded to Death Eaters )

Christmas holiday is always one of my favourite times of the year - perhaps because of how many traditions are associated with the time. Despite the losses that many of us have felt this year - members of our family that will not be able to be with us - it is still time to be grateful for those things we do have in our lives. I look forward to the parties and gatherings of both family and friends.

( Warded to Inner Circle )

( Warded to Lucia )

( Warded to Mina )

( Warded to First Impressions )

( Warded to Lucia )

( Warded to Mina )

The de facto topic of choice seems to be Christmas shopping. I have done some of mine, but I confess not nearly all. I shall attempt to finish that up this week, I think.

( Warded Private )

( Warded to the Inner Circle )

( Warded to Lucia )

Last night's events are most certainly a tragedy and my sincerest sympathies are with those who are involved one way or another. I hope that support will be given to the families of the victims so that circumstances like those surrounding the Hale family may be avoided. I can only begin to imagine, and as a father it is certainly not something I would ever wish to endure.

( Warded Private )

[Warded to Mina]

Luncheon on Wednesday? Would you be free?

[Warded to Laelia]

It was good to see you Friday, Laelia. Give my greetings to mother, if you will.

[Warded to the Inner Circle]

In truth, I think women are at least equally a curse as they are a blessing.

It is always a delight to turn on the wireless and note a bit of history being shared. Mrs Vaisey, I do wish to thank you for that tidbit. And while I am certain you looked at it, I would encourage anyone who is further interested in our first witch Minister of Magic, to check out Skeenspell's biography from Brookstanton. It is an entertaining and enlightening read.

( Warded Private )

[Warded to Mina]

May I turn your prettily decorated ear on a topic of less romantic value and of a more intellectual nature?

[Warded to Lucia]

How are you feeling ma cherie? Is there anything that you need?

I will be away again this coming Saturday night. I have managed to procure an interview with an individual who had provided an Oral History to the Museum of Quidditch. I will likely be a bit later on Sunday as I will spend as much time with them as I can. As I will need to portkey to Paris for this, if there is anything you would like for me to bring back for you or for our daughters, please let me know as soon as possible.

It seems as if Christmas is the current fad to discuss in the journals and I confess that I am curious. What Christmas traditions do you celebrate with your family? What small thing do you look forward to every year around Christmastide?

[Warded Private]

I cannot allow myself too much hope. Five months is absolutely nothing compared to what we have endured before. But she is pregnant. And if she is pregnant, perhaps a son - Truly there is nothing I would not do to make it so. Unfortunately there is little I can do but allow time.

She must rest, and have the proper food, healers, potions - I must see that she is taken care of these next few months and that there is no activity that is too strenuous. We will not lose this child.

[Warded to Lucia]

I know that Prisca and Tullia enjoyed the theatre tremendously. Thank you for arranging it.

How frequently are you having the healer come in? I want you to rest and keep your activity and chores to a minimum the next few weeks. I know there is the school project, but much of that you should be able to do from home. I want nothing to keep you or our child from health in the next few weeks. And you are to have anything the Healer recommends - do not worry about inconvenience or cost. I realise that this may count as a production, but I do not wish anything to happen to you ma cherie.

There has been much chatter about the choices made on the new ID cards, and I have yet to determine precisely why the focus is on one insignificant object over another. In truth, if the purpose of the ID is to have a photo and a name, to essentially identify an individual so that there is no incident such as the one earlier in the month, one must wonder why any of the items outside of name and photo and possibly current residence are necessary. I think if we quibble over what is essential and what is not, we open up a debate that may go on indefinitely and in the meantime, the problem at hand is not solved.

The Wizengamot needed to make a decision in a timely fashion and they have made one. Does that mean we must all agree with every element? Certainly not. But I do believe that the action itself - the ID card - will improve efficiency for our Aurors and our hitwizards, as well as others in the government who work with large numbers of our population and for that I am grateful. These men and women work tirelessly to serve our country and if this will make their jobs a bit easier I believe it is a good thing.

I confess I miss this study area when we are at Nott Manor during the summer. The Woodlands seem to almost breathe words onto my parchment without struggle. Or perhaps it is merely that I inked most of my first book here in this study that I have a preference for it. Such preferences are emotional and not rational, but I suppose such is likely.

( Warded to Lucius Malfoy, Persephone Jugson, Regulus Black, & Rabastan Lestrange )

I returned some titles this afternoon to the library and found that it is good to see so much work being done there. It was at the very least somewhat disturbing to see a hole in the wall, and equally pleasing to see that the hole at least has been repaired. In some ways this is no doubt the easiest part of the work that must be done, but I can see that many are hard at work to return the Reference & Special Collections to their original glory as much as is physically possible to do so.

[Warded to Barty Crouch Jr]

What can you tell me about the DMLE's activities on the night of the Masquerade?

[Warded Private]

There are six of us. We must each be willing to take on the Outer Circle at this point in time. Each one of them should have an Inner Circle mentor that they are responsible to. In most cases these decisions are clear cut - the person who brought them into the fold is likely the person they would begin with, but there may be some cases where that is not the most beneficial to his plan.

I will begin with who has brought them in and then the Inner Circle will meet and we will make final selections. Hopefully by the end of the week we can announce the pairings to the Outer Circle.

I know I would like for any under my care to train thoroughly for the rest of the month if we are to be fighting at the Masquerade.

[Warded to Mina Alderton]

Are you free this coming Friday evening?

My deepest sympathies to the Avery family. I hope the DMLE will be able to find their daughter and son-in-law. I have two daughters of my own and know that if either of them were missing I would leave no stone unturned in pursuit of their safe return.

The entire situation is disturbing. Considering Mr Avery's dedication to the Ministry, I am certain that the DMLE must have had incontrovertible evidence his son was a confirmed Death Eater although the article listed none. It is certainly a terrible situation for all involved and the family is in my thoughts.

( Warded to Regulus )

( Warded Private )

( Warded Private )

I cannot put my feelings on the tragedy at the library any better than Miss Sullivan has already done. If you think nothing of value has been lost I suggest you need to rethink your values.

It is worth while to note that whether or not you agree with the particular action being taken, the Ministry is aware of problems with werewolves and is seeking a solution.

Although considering the placement within the Prophet, they were either hoping the average reader would not notice the article, or the suggestion of action is all the further the action will go. I trust that if the legislation does come to floor that the Wizengamot will educate themselves on the details and make the best decision for the entirety of the Wizarding World.

( Warded Private )

( Warded to Sarah Cornfoot )

I wish to follow Miss Sullivan's announcement to recommend the Brookstanton Memorial Library's "Moor and Fen, Valley and Glen: The Founders" exhibit. It is no secret to most people that I am a scholar of the history of Wizarding Britain, and so I have a natural disposition towards enjoying such events, however the exhibit is very well done and I will be taking my daughters to the exhibit in order that they may better appreciate the history of Hogwarts when they attend.

It is clear when one reads the paper that these are difficult times. Far from being unimportant or frivolous, a scholar of history knows that history can prove a navigational tool as we chart new and untested waters. Our history defines us as a people: It is who we are and why we are the way we are.

This exhibit is only one piece of our history, but for many of us whether we read Punnet's extraordinary detailed and well footnoted Hogwarts: A history or simply attended during our school, Hogwarts remains central to who we are. Friends made, connections forged, lessons learned, all of these pieces help to define our individual choices and decisions and thus define the the people as well as the individual. I encourage you to attend and to learn more about four individuals whose friendships and connections have so deeply impacted Wizarding Britain.

( Warded to Death Eaters )

Unity in these troubled times is certainly important and I applaud the Ministry for having the foresight to see such and encourage it.

( Warded Private )

( Warded to Death Eaters )