Private Message to Narcissa Malfoy

[alt_nymphadora]

Aunt, I'm sorry to bother you in what must be a very busy week, but I need to ask your advice. We've been a bit flummoxed by our invitation to the Quidditch Cup, Junius and I.

We were both excited to hear that it's being held in the Protectorate and were very happy to have the tickets, but then we began to think how truly difficult it would be to manage a three-month old in the temporary accommodations there, not to mention the long hours out of doors in whatever weather the match day brings. (Too much sun would be as bad for her as a chilly or rainy day.)

We do realise how important it is that loyal families support this event so that the Protectorate will make a good showing as the host country, but do you think it would be terribly bad form if only one of us were to attend? Or failing that, do you think there's any use in applying to whichever Department is handling the matter (Magical Transportation? Magical Sport? International Relations?) to see if we could change our travel time to the day of the match? I know those departments must all be snowed under with similar requests.

We're at a loss what to do, but I told Junius I was certain you'd have good advice.

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

Nymphadora. Goodness, I hadn't even had opportunity to glance in my journal before just now.

Well.

Surely, dear, you realise that Our Lord's generosity is perfect but that He understands not all will be able to attend. Naturally, one would not expect trade to be brisk with most everyone at the Cup, so I'm sure you have no hesitation on account of your husband's shop. But of course, even without the concern of keeping your doors open, no one would expect you to bring an infant to such a lengthy event, even one as - photogenic - as Albia is, I'm sure.

Moreover, you must also understand that the tickets and the Portkey orders were distributed according to an exhaustive effort on behalf of multiple Ministry departments. I could not begin to imagine how to prevail upon them, nor even upon whom such a request might best be directed. And unfortunately, at present, your uncle and I are both extremely preoccupied with matters of state, pertaining to the important visitors whose support was so instrumental in aiding Our Lord's entreaty to host the Cup.

I suppose the best advice I have for you is to decide between you and your husband which of either of you would most like to attend, or whether you would both prefer to remain. If you both do elect to pass up this opportunity, however, you might consider providing some service that would explain your absence without any chance of incurring the disapproval of your neighbours. Offering to aid your former foster-brother, for example, might afford both him and you a measure of peace of mind.

I am sorry, Dora, that I have no better counsel, nor much in the way of time to give it.

[alt_nymphadora]

Thank you, aunt. I'm sorry to have pestered you with our concerns this week. I know you must be very busy.