ORDER ONLY: Quibbler again

[alt_arthur]

Xeno is crestfallen, but mostly resigned. It has not gone as badly as we initially feared. You all probably saw Malfoy's journal entry. Here are the conditions the Ministry is demanding:

1) Fine of 75Γ. Much better than the 200Γ we initially feared, and it gets under your 100Γ limit, Minerva.

2) The Prophet publishing group (which is 35% owned by that wretched blighter, Lucius Malfoy) is assigned a 51% stake in The Quibbler.

3) Xeno will take on two Prophet staff writers. One of them is that meddlesome Rita Skeeter. The other one hasn't been determined yet. Xeno will have to pay 20% of their salaries, as they'll still be working on the Prophet.

4) Publication will not resume until after January 1, and then only with a new design and editorial, introducing 'the new, improved Quibbler' as being under new management.

5) The last condition is the simplest but perhaps the most painful. Xeno is required to personally apologise to the Minister of Magic, or as he rather crudely puts it, "I have to kneel down and kiss that toad's bum." Molly has been using her best artful wiles to make him screw his courage to the sticking point.

I foresee the end of my supply of Firewhiskey. Minerva, I sincerely hope you have some more. I think Molly and I will need some for ourselves before this is all over.

Comments

[alt_mcgonagall]

I've got plenty, Arthur. I don't want to risk Owl post - I'm fairly sure my Floo connection is unmonitored. Shall I send the Galleons and Firewhiskey that way? Or is it worth using one of the safe-drops?

[alt_arthur]

Safe drop, I think.

Fortunately, Malfoy seems entirely incurious about the source of the money Xeno will use to pay the fine (as is Xeno, for that matter; he takes it for granted that of COURSE his adoring public wants him to stay in business).

[alt_mcgonagall]

I shall put the package in the Little Whinging drop, then.

[alt_arthur]

Sirius says he will pay 1/3, so just forward the 50Γ. That will keep you from cutting into the Sanctuary's budget too badly for the month.

(And send the Firewhiskey on, too, for the love of Merlin.)

[alt_sirius]

Arthur, I'll put up a third of that. Give me a day or two to arrange a confidential transfer from the Paris Gringotts branch.

When is the fine due?

[alt_arthur]

Bless your heart, thank you. The monies are due thirty days from the initial seizure, which was September 28, so that would make it October 28.