Rodolphus Lestrange

- Of late I've had a number of owls, and so I am compelled to remind those reading that I am currently unavailable for private appraisals and customisations. My regrets, but work for MLE and other priority projects must come first. Look for me to write here when I have a lull.

- Malfoys: have heard much buzz about the theme of upcoming Christmas bash. Looking forward to, as always. Do let us know if you need help with preparations.

- Ministry party tonight. I and the Missus shall be in attendance, though being near mid-week, it is likely she will be called away before evening draws to a close.

Working on that report for Hopkirk et al, already logged the details of items #O-428 and #O-431 along with theorised use. Details of items #O-427, #O-429, #O-430, and #O-432 also logged, but left theorised use blank.

But then, as I was shaving a bit ago I did note that my own straight razor (belonged to my father, a charmed piece in the family for years) was much like item #O-429, lacking only the mother-of-pearl inlay. Did any of the above items (excluding #O-428 and #O-431) remind you of things you've used within your own home? Or perhaps your Father's shop?

Now on a less business-as-usual note...

Lana - Good morning.

As I have received a number of Private Messages on the matter, I feel it best to make a brief public announcement about the state of my brother and daughter.

Rabastan is convalescing in Hogwarts hospital wing; we see no reason to transfer him to St. Mungos at this time, as to do so will undoubtedly cause him pain and may worsen his condition. With proper care he should make a full recovery with no long-term curse damage, though it will take a some time for the paralysis to retreat and for his vision to return.

My daughter has been treated for minor injuries, but is otherwise fine. She has already been questioned by MLE about her role in the incident.

Gentlemen,

Still in the process of finalising the official report, making sure nothing new emerges, but wanted to give you the details at once. Know you've been waiting.

Without preamble, then: Several multi-directional anti-transport hexes layered together over two runes, raiðo and tiwaz, all sealed with a blood ritual. My assistant and I theorise that one of the makers severed his or her hand in order to transform it into a dismemberment device specific to Narcissa.

Finally, it was capped off by an Ogham character, nGéadal. Its old Irish meaning is "killing," or, less elegantly: "slays."

As a professional, I find it excessive; it does, however, make clear the degree of intent.

Forgive me for leaving it to you, Lucius, to think of how to best present this news to your wife. Meanwhile - and I'm sure Barty will agree with me - I suggest an immediate security upgrade.

- Quite the rabble. First curious news is that of Amycus Carrow's arrest. News is incomplete on my end, since the Missus has been indisposed of late - on missions of which I dare not breathe a word - but if I am understanding, the thought here is that Carrow went so far as to render his own mudblood, and others', as completely un-usable? I do find that logic hard to follow. Say what you will, but the man has dedicated much time to discovering an array of uses for that end of the populace.

- Head Girl Sandoval: I have completed my analysis of Item #702, also known as your earrings. With Owls back in the air I will have the official report off soon, but as it's very official indeed, allow me to translate by telling you here that your earrings were adorned by a male who injested polyjuice potion in order to transform himself into a female: into you, specifically. I shall leave it to you to speculate on who would want to do such a thing, and why. The earrings are now perfectly safe to wear, however, and very pretty baubles they are.

- Duckie, you should have got an Owl by now. Make sure that the surprise I tucked into the envelope lasts a few days, but know that there's more where that came from. As soon as we're allowed to send parcels you'll get a load of sweets to rival that of the hamper your Auntie Narcissa sends to Draco. That way, he won't have to worry about you nicking all the nicest things to satisfy your sugar tooth.

- Boys still get up to as much trouble as ever, I see. Is this what I have to look forward to when my youngest is near to thirteen? I suppose so. Best to have a stiff drink now.