Narcissa Malfoy's Post "Half-Blood Prince" Christmas Letter

To all the Malfoy family's friends and admirers on this most traditional festal day, greetings!

This year has had its share of ups and downs, but I am proud (though may I say not surprised) to say that to a man (and woman!) we in the family Malfoy approached it all in a proper Pureblood spirit. And I flatter myself that it was not without its rewards!

As some of you may be aware, my dear sister Bellatrix returned last year with her husband after an extended trip abroad, and is still living with us here at Malfoy Manor. The climate overseas really did not agree at all well with poor Bella, and one of the greatest pleasures of this year has been to see the animation return to her dear face as the roses returned to her cheeks. What a joy it is to be able to commune with one's own flesh and blood after a long separation - and to have a friend and confidante whose antecedents one can really be sure about!

Now Bella is feeling a bit more up to scratch, we have had such entrancing visits from some of her old friends - some of them really rather distinguished - but hush! I am sworn to secrecy! It quite feels like old times here at the Manor！

Our hopes for the Best Kept Garden Cup in the Exclusive Wiltshire Pureblood Garden Competition were sadly dashed due to multiple invasions of tradesmen, busybodies and even worse people, whose random and quite unnecessary excavations on the most spurious of excuses played havoc with the lawns, turned the maze into a most vulgar floral clock, put a kink in the lime walk and left the Vivacious Border in need of counseling. Luckily for us, the Chief Judge (a delightful little man named Horatius Malfworthy) was able to recognize true potential, and awarded us the Golden Fudge Special Prize for Effort.

The Pureblood Ladies' Coalition Against Foul Language continues to go from strength to strength. This year we achieved our greatest triumph - no less than four members of the Ministry have been disciplined in front of the Wizengamot for gratuitous references to Muggle inventions in official Ministry memoranda! We expect even greater things for next year.

As some of you may already know, Lucius has for many years been devoting himself tirelessly to the political campaigns that are so close to his heart. Sadly, these have been putting an increasing strain on him in recent years, and in the end it was agreed that he really had no option but to take a long sabbatical somewhere where he could find quantities of sea air and plentiful space for self-reflection. We all miss him, but we are confidently looking forward to a reunion in the not-too-distant future!

Draco remains our pride and joy - he is growing up to be such a strapping young fellow - the spitting image of both his father and his mother! However, the poor dear boy has had a very trying year at school. Really, that place has gone straight to the dogs ever since poor Lucius gave up the Governors as a bad job! Draco had the most frightful year, and in the end we really felt we had no option but to withdraw him from school and educate him at home, where he could finally give full play to his many talents. And really we have been very fortunate - by a great stroke of luck we managed to "head-hunt" Hogwarts' most reliable teacher, who will be able to provide dear Draco with the really first class education that is his birthright, in a location where he can really concentrate on his studies without interruption. Our Learned Professor sends us regular reports from Kamchatka, where he is delighted with Draco's progress.

Next year, no doubt, will bring other challenges and diversions in its wake. Until then, thanking every one of you for your loyalty and support in the past year,

Blessings,

Narcissa F.B.T.T.F.F.O.B. Malfoy