Lucia Nott

[Private]

I can't keep it from him forever, and I can't in good conscience make Lucius privy to the situation without talking to Patrice first. Oh, I just...

I wish it would go away. I wish I knew what to do.

[End]



[Patrice]

I need to speak with you. As soon as possible. Please find me as soon as you get home.

[End]

[Private]

Impossible. She must be lying. There is absolutely no other explanation.

Regardless, I shall not take it to Patrice yet. I must... decide what to do. I will not allow my family to be affected, and I will certainly not allow it to reach my daughters.

[End]


[Lucius]

Firstly, congratulations to you and Narcissa. It seems she and I are due around the same time. Of course, I understand your reluctance to announce it. There has hardly been a good time, what with all of the family she has lost recently. And of course there was so much press over that dreadful quidditch tragedy the last time I am glad you did, however. You should find something to celebrate, even in the midst of so many tragedies, and what better to celebrate than new life?

There is a secondly. I have a question I would like to ask you, and perhaps a favour following, but I wish to keep it all in absolute confidence. Though you have indulged my request for privacy in the past, I don't wish to assume you will do so again without your explicit promise. If you are uncomfortable with that, I will understand. I shall await your response before proceeding.

[End]

[Beatrice and Sloane]

My mind needs a brief break from preparations for the school, which is nearing it's opening far faster than I had expected, and as the girls are with the tutor, I find myself turning my mind to certain curiosities. For example, and I hope it isn't too soon after Caracatus Lestrange's death to comment on it, but I can't help but wonder why Regulus Black wasn't with his fiance at her father's burial? It was certainly a conspicuous absence, and that no one addressed it made it clear it was purposeful.

Do you suppose things have ended? Or perhaps he was simply... called away. I cannot possibly fathom where he may have had to be that was more important, though.

Even if it has only recently become official, in all honesty, the second Black/Lestrange union has been an inevitability since they were both born. It must have taken something significant to derail it. If, of course, that is the case.

What do you think, ladies?

[End]

[Private]
How strange, that even when good blood dies, the world goes on. Evan Rosier was a charming boy. Young, perhaps, but certainly would have made a wonderful match for someone. Perhaps even for Laelia. The Rosiers are such a good family, after all. It's a terrible loss.

The service was nice. Sad, of course. They always are. Tristan looked devastated, of course. I couldn't imagine what one would feel at the loss of one's sibling. I think of Portia and Adair and I can't even fathom it.
[End]


[Patrice]
I am on a brief break from assisting with the interviews for the Headmaster or Headmistress position and I find myself craving very dark chocolate. Might you perhaps have access to some that you may send me, beau? Or at the very least, procure some so that I may enjoy it when I return home?

Oh, and Prisca fell off the pony for the first time this morning. She is unhurt, and I am proud to say after a moment or two of sniffling, she got right back on again.
[End]

[Private to Laelia]

Laelia, I feel it has been too long since we've really connected. I know I see you daily, but there always seems to be so much going on that we never really get the chance to just talk.

How are you enjoying living with us so far? The girls have really taken to you. I hope you feel settled now, and that everything is to your liking here.

I wonder, I know Patrice is looking to the future for you, but I wish to know what you have in mind for yourself. Are there any suitable men that have caught your eye? And more importantly, how do you feel about the idea of marriage?

[End Private]

[Private]

I had the loveliest morning. There is nothing quite like waking late to my girls climbing into bed with me. It is one of the best things about not rising with Patrice when he gets up to go. I know he wouldn't approve of cuddling in bed with the two of them, and certainly not of making a tent with the blankets and eating breakfast beneath it, but I had no inclination to say no and he was already gone. Besides, the girls are very disciplined. I am allowed to be silly with them sometimes. Seeing them laugh and smile and play makes my heart soar, and that sort of happiness can only be good for the baby.

And they are growing excited now by my growing stomach. It's quite clearly visible now, and they have developed the most adorable habit of pressing their ears to my stomach and speaking to their new baby brother. They sang to him this morning.

It was so sweet I could have cried. I am so glad for the girls, and I will be very sad to sent Tullia off to Hogwarts in September. Things are still... more or less wonderful with Patrice right now, but even when they weren't, Tullia and Prisca always have and always will remind me how exceptional my life is. How can I regret anything when I look at my perfect children?

I am sure, too, that Theodore will be just as perfect. How could he be anything but?

[End]


[Patrice]
Healer Edgelow has apologized to me, so whatever you said to him evidently reminded him properly of the role we pay him to fulfill. And he has said that Theodore looks remarkably healthy. Can you believe we are already past the five month mark, darling?

The girls are getting so excited to have a little brother. Today while they were practicing their French, they spoke at length of all the things they will do to help him and teach him once he is here.
[End]

Doesn't time just seem to fly by? It's hard to believe we're nearly into March already. It feels like it was barely 1980 just yesterday.

It has been a while since I've spoken of First Impressions in the journals, hasn't it, so I suppose it is about time for an update outside of the official press.

We have found a simply lovely location for the school which happens to be just outside of Godric's Hollow and has a wonderful greenhoue and grounds. It is quite large, and perhaps at first it may not quite be filled by students eager to learn of their culture and of all the necessary skills they will need to see a successful Hogwarts education and grow into productive members of society. It is my hope that such a wonderful project will grow and flourish and soon we will be welcoming so many bright young minds that we may have to consider looking at expansion.

That does, however, mean we will be beginning fundraising in earnest very shortly. There will be many costs coming up such as staffing, supplying, redecorating, and acquiring all sorts of licences and permits, and as we are currently still classified as a private institution, we must rely on private funds at this time. While the initial donations and extreme generosity have gone to much use and we would like to once again extend our most gracious appreciation, we will still be accepting any donations via owl and will very soon be happy to inform the public of any upcoming functions put in place to supplement our current treasury of funds.


( Warded to all First Impressions Committee Members )


( Private to Patrice )

[Private to Self]
Thank Salazar the baby is all right. I nearly lost my temper and hit Healer Edgelow. Even now, two days later, it angers me to remember it.

Some minor discomfort is normal, Mrs. Nott.

Minor discomfort! As though I was exaggerating, or as though it is not his job to ensure the successful delivery of this baby. As though I was unreasonable to call him out of bed, as though it was merely an inconvenience, a formality. How unreasonable is it to gind a new healer, I wonder? I was not being any more dramatic than was justified in the situation. I can not and will not lose this baby, and if that means calling the healer out of bed, then so be it. Then it is necessary, and I will not be made to feel a fool.

I wonder if Patrice would object to firing him. I don't think Patrice had returned home yet when Healer Edgelow made that comment. He was working.

Working. At nearly midnight. Oh, I understand that his loyalties require him to be available at all times, but--

I shouldn't think that way. I should be glad that he was permitted to return. And I am, of course. So glad that I almost don't have to wonder where it was he had gone to in the first place.
[End]

[Patrice]
I found Healer Edgelow's behaviour before you returned to be... unsatisfactory. Would you object to allowing me to find a new healer?
[End]


It is nice to see some musings about love still lingering in the journals. I must admit I have enjoyed reading the quotes.

Valentine's day is coming up quickly, I suppose.

It is nice to have something to focus on. Christmas and New Years are already past, of course, and there is little else until Spring. I admit that I tire of winter once the holidays are over, but it seems I am even more impatient than usual for the seasons to change.

Oh, I just--

Patrice, where


[Private to Patrice] - charmed belatedly to chime
Where are you? Why aren't you here?

Journal entry posted January 4th around 3:00pm


( Private to Patrice )


I hope that, despite the terrible hardships, everyone managed to enjoy their holidays. My sympathies are, of course, with everyone who was affected, especially by the most recent attack. In light of such an atrocity, however, it only brings to light the need to find a better solution than what we currently have in place.

I am being summoned. It seems the girls wish to play a game now that their tutor has left for the day.

( Private )


[Private to Patrice]
Beau, guess what December 25th is? Other than Christmas, of course.
[End Private]


[Private to Portia]
How many donations have we received so far?
[End Private]


I have been so busy with preparations for First Impressions. It is a very involved committee, but I feel it's progressing well. I'm very excited to expand it and get the first fundraiser started.

I can't believe it's nearly December already. Time is just passing so fast these days. My daugters especially are growing up so fast. To think, this is the last year I will have them both all to myself before Tullia goes off to Hogwarts.

( Private )


( Private to Patrice )

( Private to Portia )

[Private]
I have made him so angry with me. How could I have spoken to him the way that I did? Regardless of my own opinions on his actions, I should never have said the things that I did. I don't know what came over me.

Oh, he just makes me so upset sometimes.

Of course, I can't fault him for not lo--

I am ridiculous. I am nearly thirty one and I am still completely... ridiculous! I just hope he accepts my apology.
[End]

[Private to Portia]
As I am relatively sure now that everyone who matters is all right, my worry has eased greatly. You, however, have not yet made any contact with me. Tell me you are all right, little sister, else I shall be forced to drop in despite the late hour and check for myself.

Assuming you are okay, because I am sure I would have heard if you weren't, I must confess something that Patrice would absolutely kill me for saying.

He has been cursed with boils. Oh, you will never guess where.
[End Private]


Edgar, are you all right? I saw you get injured, and you were bleeding so much. I can't help but be worried and I haven't seen anything from you in the journals. Are you well, cousin?

( Private )


First Impressions

First Impressions is a new charitable committee devoted to establishing and funding a school to teach the youth of our generation about magical history and culture before they are old enough to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Beauxbatons Academy, or Durmstrang Institute. The school will be an inclusive environment for all magical children to learn about the society of which they are a part.

Committee Chair: Lucia Nott
Co-Chair: Beatrice Greengrass
Secretary: Narcissa Malfoy
Treasurer: volunteer needed Portia Parkinson
General Members: Sloane Vaisey, Olivia Wilkes, Deidre Rookwood Sarah Cornfoot
Associated Volunteers: Iona Cornfoot, Amala Patil, Emmeline Vance, Calypso Bones, Laelia Nott
Event Co-Ordinator: Deidre Rookwood

That is where we are currently with the committee. I expect more names to be added over time as well, as we will always accept volunteers. At least I feel like everything is in progress. The process has begun. There is so much yet to do, of course, but everything must start somewhere.

( Notice to to Amelia Bones, Calypso Bones, Sarah Cornfoot, Iona Cornfoot, Beatrice Greengrass, Persephone Jugson, Bellatrix Lestrange, Celeste Lestrange, Alice Longbottom, Narcissa Malfoy, Laelia Nott, Portia Parkinson, Amala Patil, Diedre Rookwood, Sloane Vaisey, Emmeline Vance, and Olivia Wilkes, charmed to alert them of the following message. )

[Private to Laelia]

My darling husband is worried your mother may be trying to force you into a costume not suited to a woman of your incredible beauty.

Have you made suitable arrangements? If not, I would be happy to help you plan something, and our tailor is available to ensure it is ready on time.

[End Private]


[Private to Portia, added a few moments later]

It's true. I am with child.

Oh, Portia. I pray it's a boy. I know that's... oh, I know it's silly to hope either way because what will be will be. But Patrice wants it so much, and of course so do I, and--

You can't tell him. You can't tell anyone, of course, but not him in particular. I want to wait, until I'm sure it won't... Just a few weeks. Twelve, at most.

Oh, I'm all aflutter. I've only just found out. I'm sure I'm not making any sense.

Come over? Just... leave the children, or if you can't, bring them here and our governess can watch them. Patrice has been working late lately, and even if he is home on time, there is no reason you can't be over for a visit. Tell me you're free.

[End Private]

( Charme Private )


( Private to Portia )

Patrice has had the most wonderful idea to implement a school for magical children, and he has invited me to help. I am excited to become involved in what is really is a novel project which I believe could do incredible things for the youth of our society. There is so much to be gained by offering our children an early childhood education steeped in magic and culture. Patrice is right when he says it will create a sense of community by welcoming all children into the magical world rather than setting them up to be outcasts in muggle society. It is true that by putting one’s magical children into muggle schools there are certain dangers both for the child’s mental state and feelings of acceptance as well as in regards to exposure of the Wizarding World. Tutors are wonderful, of course, but unfortunately, not all magical families can feasibly or practically provide this for their children, and should all children not have the same opportunity as others? Should we not teach them from a young age who and what they are, and what they are capable of? Should we not educate them in the incredible history of the Wizarding World so they may fully understand the majesty of what they have been so lucky to be born into?

This is just such a worthy project, and I do hope I may convince others of its importance as well. If anyone would like to volunteer with beginning such a venture, please feel free, and I will be contacting some of you soon to speak about both donations and assistance by other means. There is much organizing ahead of us if we wish to create an educational establishment the grandeur quality the children of the Wizarding World deserve.


[Warded to Portia]

Honestly, I will never send our children to a public school, never, and if a family cannot afford tutors, what do they matter? They clearly aren’t the sort we ought to be catering to anyway.

Obviously this was all Patrice’s idea. You will help of course, won’t you? He expects me to canvass the pureblood women and earn their favour, and it all sounds delightfully dull, regardless of the merits of such a project. I require company on such a quest, and I’m sure Phineas would enjoy spending more time with the girls. I know they adore him.

[End Ward]


[Warded to Patrice]

Thank you for the necklace. It is stunning, of course. Is there anything in particular I have done to deserve such a beautiful gift?

Also, I hope that what I wrote above about the school project is acceptable. You must only say the word and I will make any necessary changes.

[End Ward]

( Bio )