I trust you have an explanation for your absence.

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?

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.

I need the two of you at my home in the Woodlands directly.

Evan Rosier was killed by an Auror earlier this evening. The Auror was captured and revenge dealt by our lord. After discussion with his father, we have come to the conclusion that this death, although a severe blow to each of us, may be used to further the Dark Lord's goals.

You will both select a pub that Muggleborns are likely to frequent. Regulus, you will use polyjuice, which Severus will provide you with, to ensure that Evan is seen at the pub in question. Lucius you will use the imperius to ensure that a Muggleborn is seen bothering Evan.

Evan's body will be left in a place near-by and the Muggleborn will be imperiused to confess to the death. Are there any questions?

So far as any of our number are concerned this is the way that he died. Is that understood?

Evan Rosier is dead. He died at the hands of a Muggle loving Auror, as a soldier to the Dark Lord's cause and his father has every right to be proud of him.

In addition, we captured Dorcas Meadowes. The Dark Lord tortured her, and questioned her. And we now have a full list of vigilantes.

( Cut for Length )

Join me at my home tonight at six forty-five.

Bring your mask.

Edgar Bones.

I wish to know where that man goes, what cases he is on, who his friends are, what his strengths and weaknesses are, what his favourite colour is - in other words I want to know everything there possibly is to know or be discovered about this auror.

Report back to the Inner Circle in a day or two.

This week I should like you to take a look at your Father's library and bring with you any pertinent books on wards, both building and breaking.

Congratulations, Regulus. Celeste Lestrange is a lovely and intelligent woman and it is an excellent match. However, I hope you will not allow yourself to be distracted from your work for the Dark Lord with wedding plans.

This coming week I would like for us to spend a bit more time on duelling. Thus, we will be doubling up during the week as well as during the weekend. Regulus and Persephone if I can see the two of you on Thursday. Rabastan and Lucius, on Tuesday. We will resume individual training the following week.

Questions?

Ma cherie, how are you feeling today? I trust that you would let me know if there was anything amiss, but I worry about you and our so child. I would like to take some wine in the study, but I could have the elves make you some cocoa if you would care to join me?