Rodolphus Lestrange

I've just received news that I sincerely hope is not true, brother.

If it is, I've a very special plaque with Dolores' name on it. Just say when and where you want it hanged.

- Interesting range of notifications in the owl post today. Invitation to a private auction in Grimsby this Friday. Historians have long debated the existence of a Grimsby Castle (or Grimesbi, as it is noted on 12th century maps), some claiming that one was planned but never actually built, others holding that the castle was built but promptly destroyed by rampaging muggle armies. Neither party was correct. The castle was in fact hidden for all these long centuries, first using a series of Fidelius charms. As the secret-keepers apparently thinned out, or failed to keep the secret, the castle stewards switched over to using disillusionment charms. In these last five years, the castle's last remaining steward, a man by the name of Bradley, either became forgetful or incompetent at charm-casting. On moon-lit nights the castle would appear on the hillside as an ominous, craggy hulk, then be vanished by morning. The superstitious Grimbarians began to suspect that the castle was itself a type of Grim, a ghostly ill-omen from Odin himself.* Rather than venturing closer to the castle to explore, they kept their distance. At least until this weekend, when Mr Bradley succumbed to death at the age of 154, leaving the castle exposed for all to see. The property title reverted to the town, who foolishly want nothing to do with it. Thus, an auction for the castle itself, as well as all the treasures contained within.

- Mrs Baylock on leave to visit her sister in Cumbria, which leaves Rigel in the company of elves and myself. Mrs Baylock always visits her sister at her birthday, but appeared loathe to take leave of her small charge last night. It is heartening to know that she and Rigel are so thoroughly bonded, but had to become rather insistent that the woman take her holiday as planned. Rigel fussed a great deal but has since forgotten, attention back on his toys.

- Speaking of. - Narcissa, it's been some time since you saw your young nephew. Can I tempt you over for supper tonight at St. James?




* I should note here that the Grimbarians are of Danish descent, and that in Norse mythology the word "Grim," meaning mask, is a name adopted by the deity Odin [Woden].

Barty - The most peculiar tales have reached my ear of late. Wondering if you, in all your investigatory glory, can verify. (Would ask the Missus, would she be bothered to answer.) Word has it that those spas who are helping women watch their waistlines are also skimming off with various bodily fluids and effluvium, then turning them over to the back door for a pretty profit. Can't imagine the goods are going to the brothels, but such things do have other uses...

As you know, my growing collection brings me to more than a few back doors. Met more than my fair share of scrap dealers, too, but in recent years they've become less common, not more so. There's not some kind of new movement afoot, is there?

Forgive me for not getting in touch yesterday. I left the school at dawn, but had a deluge of meetings and an unbearable amount of paperwork to contend with that kept me up until this morn's breakfast. I have now had some sleep and would like to meet with you to discuss your findings re: the pieces from Craddock. At your leisure, of course.

When you are able to come in, I've left something for you at the work station you've been using. Just something I found in Hogsmeade that made me think of you - as a woman who could use such a thing.

I know we decided on after, but If you're able to make it in just before lunch, all the better. I'll have the elves fetch up something light (concern for alertness and nothing more) for us before we get to work. Bring a new pair of gloves if you are able; if not, I have several extra pairs laying about, one of which may fit you.

- Today worked on Item #677, sent in by Joseph Hegarty of Alderley Edge, Cheshire. The specimen is a wrist cuff (12 cm circumference, 1 cm thickness) of pewter, set with four stones of mineraloid gel (colloquially know as opal). Water content of mineraloid is 15 percent, rather high, and the colour is variable, verging on reds and magentas. Hegarty received the cuff as a gift for his 50th birthday and claims to have experienced severe gout ever since. Folklore still holds a suspicious eye to opals, but I detect more anomalies in the pewter. Hegarty doesn't want the item back, so it goes into the personal collection. Not sure if it's worth further study.

- Breakfast with the Missus, who reminded this one of book and quill, seemingly untouched until this moment. Have in fact been reading with what one might call fervour. So many fascinating observations to make, were one so inclined. Clearly a good medium for social chit-chat, too, if one fancies such a thing. I myself do not, generally, but the distance between self and small daughter inspires a more proactive approach. Owls have their uses, but ours are so overworked as is.

- Son, even smaller than aforementioned daughter, is doing well, but runs the house ragged with his new sleeping schedule. May need to hire Mrs Baylock an assistant of her own, should it continue.

- Been pissing rain off and on all day. Afternoon tea was a wash. No matter as now I've the mood for something stronger.