Mrs. Abraxas Malfoy

Oh my word. I just read about the awful fire in Diagon Alley last night. Though there's not much loss in those women, who were daft anyhow. And to have such loss of life! My sympathies are with the families of all involved, and with those who lost homes and business yesterday.

I do wonder what the DMLE is doing to look into what happened. Do we know if it was an accident or purposefully set? The Prophet didn't say much about that, only that the DMLE was 'investigating'. I can't help but be curious if they'll have more luck with this investigation than they did with the Trotter one.

And speaking of, have they discovered anything about that one's murder yet? I haven't seen hide nor hair of any developments in that case, either.

Just what is the DMLE doing with itself these days?

In other news, I hope that the recent unpleasantness won't keep people away from the end of the month festivities, benefiting St. Mungo's. In such a time, I would hope that everyone would want to support such a noble institution that keeps us all healthy.

Also, I --

Oh, dear Merlin. The wireless just announced that there was another attack in Diagon on the Jiggers' apothecary. Oh, how absolutely tragic. I do hope that both Mr. and Mrs. Jigger are safe and unhurt as the WWN report didn't mention injuries or deaths.

I feel that I must reiterate my question - what is the DMLE doing with itself these days?

Well, I for one can say that I'm glad someone was bright enough to track down that murderer and put him out of his mangy, flea-infested misery. If the Department of Magical Law Enforcement couldn't do it, it heartens me to know that someone out there can protect us. So thank you, to whomever you are. I'm hardly one to encourage lawlessness, but there are times when the Ministry is clearly incapable of doing what is so obviously necessary. This was one of them.

I don't know why the DMLE did not find the animal first, however. I must admit that concerns me. I would think that the DMLE would be the best at something like that, and it disheartens me that my supposition was incorrect.

I only hope that this helps us all sleep a little better on the nights of the full moon. Merlin knows that I will.

I am horrified at the news I heard on the wireless today. I do hope that awful awful Trotter is captured and quickly. The wireless didn't say it was him, but I think it's perfectly obvious. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies are with the Smith family.

Well, I'm quite sure that everyone has seen the posters around Diagon Alley and the announcement in the Daily Prophet. However, if you haven't, let me be the first to inform you about the St. Mungo's Building Charity Ball. It's fancy dress, of course, and the proceeds will go toward the St. Mungo's Building fund. Quite a worthy cause, I think most would agree. St. Mungo's is in need of another wing. I am sure anyone who's been treated at the hospital lately will attest to that! It can get a bit crowded and while our wonderful healers do their best, I am positive the patients and healers both would be happier with a bit more elbow room.

Tickets will be for sale at the welcome desk at St. Mungo's until the thirtieth of October. Don't wait around to get them, though! We have been known to sell out in the past and it's always great fun.

So, who is planning on coming? Abraxas and I will be in attendance, of course, but I am curious who has already quilled us into their schedules.

Should you be unable to attend, donations are always accepted and are tax deductible, since they go to a charity.

Do consider donating!

Warded to Abraxas

Abraxas, love, did you see the invitation I left on your desk?

Also, have we checked the wards lately? I'd hate to think of that Trotter beast prancing around the estate and harming the peafowl.

Did anyone else catch the rubbish the Prophet printed today? Honestly, why would house-elves want a weekend? What would they do with it, if they had it? I don't know that Belton woman, but I've run into Lovejoy and Langstrom a time or two, and they're both absolutely batty. I dislike saying such things about people in such a public forum, but sometimes it's necessary, especially when one is seeking to do something that would disrupt wizarding society. House-elves are quite important in many house-holds - why, I don't know what we'd do without ours, for instance. And they wouldn't know what to do without us, either, I think. Our relationship with house-elves is symbiotic, not predatory nor victimizing. They enjoy the work.

Our Dingy goes to pieces when I set foot in the kitchen! She thought I was trying to criticize her efforts, which was the furthest thing from my mind, let me assure you. What would she do if I suggested she go to Mt. Olympus for a jolly good weekend of butterbeer and gambling? Why, I suspect she'd run off and try to iron a body part in sadness!

Well, I don't usually comment on politics and such, but I feel I can't bite my tongue another minute. While I empathize with the Ministry and the hardship they went through this past week with the SAC protest (and what a dreadful acronym that is), I do not think having visitors to the Ministry have their wands checked is necessarily going to fix the problem. It only inhibits those of us who make trips to the Ministry for various reasons - it does not deter those ruffians who insist on getting in the way of the government.

While I have no problem with signing in, as in an emergency knowing the exact number of occupants would be beneficial, I don't see the point of checking wands. This will only cause delays - not to mention it will increase the operating budget of the Ministry. It also violates a wizard or witch's property, to have our wands checked like common criminals.

A better defense would be to check the wands of those who look suspicious. I have it on good authority that a number of the protesters this past week were in Muggle attire. I, for one, do not think that so-called Muggle clothing (and I use that term loosely for the things I have seen Muggles and their ilk wear) is appropriate when one is going to the Ministry of Magic. It's called the Ministry of Magic for a reason, isn't it? Perhaps the Ministry would use it's time and galleons better if they installed Sneakoscopes in the Atrium, so that the guards can detain those who are up to no good immediately and escort them out.

This seems like a punishment for the entire wizarding world when a few confused souls were the perpetrators.

Oh, I am so saddened to hear about poor Dr. Ubbly. He was such a kind man and a great benefactor to the hospital and will be greatly missed by all. And his darling crups, I'm sure, are quite devastated as well. He was seldom without them when I saw him. I remember he even brought them to St. Mungo's a time or two, not that the healers were terribly pleased, but it did so distress him to be without them.

I do hope that his passing wasn't anything too worrisome. The article really didn't say and I refuse to speculate. It's awful to think that something untoward might have occurred to such a gracious man. Nor does it say who's getting the other half of his fortune. And honestly, half of it going to the mangy crups?

Bother, there I go getting too upset and spilling my ink. I do think I'm going to have a cuppa to calm down.

( Mrs. Abraxas Malfoy )