Percy Weasley

Holidays are through. Had a delightful New Year's Eve celebration, from which I haven't fully recovered. However, it's back to the office.

I have little desire to go out an celebrate on New Year's Eve. A quiet evening at home sounds more desirable, thank you.

Somebody brought Christmas cookies to the office and somebody made the observation that 'gingerbread man' rhymes with 'ginger head man'.

I do wish people would stop calling me that.

Friday will be the last day of work before the Minister's office will be taking a break for the holidays. It's not as though people are actually going to do work, though. Office parties are being planned throughout every Department, I am told.

Merlin help us if anything goes awry.

I'm afraid to say that my Christmas spirit is at an all time low.

Minister of Magic Thicknesse has been interviewing individuals to fill some of the recently vacated positions in the Ministry, and I've sent in my CV to the proper offices.

( Private to Headmaster Dumbledore and Deputy Headmistress McGonagall )

( Private to Oakden Hobday )

This morning I came to the office and found myself faced not only with a promotion but a raise in salary. I am now Junior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, Pius Thicknesse and I couldn't me more pleased.

The Minister has called for a meeting this afternoon.

At least I was able to get some things done this morning.

( Private to Oakden )

[Private to Family and Friends]

I've just returned home a few short hours ago, relaxed and well rested. My bags still need to be unpacked, which is what I'm going to do, now. Which reminds me, I've brought back presents.

It's good to be back home, however Greece was utterly amazing.

Athens is utterly amazing. The first day was simply spent relaxing in the hotel, by the pool. But today, I have ventured out to explore the city. I'm taking photographs with my new camera - when I return I'll have the negatives magically developed. Until then, here is an example of the view.

( Under the cut )

[Private to Family and Friends]

I don't know what to say - somebody has owl'd me an all expense paid trip to Athens. I'm absolutely flummoxed. I don't know who could've done this, except perhaps somebody at work or here on the journals, since these are the only places I've mentioned wanting to go to Greece. If you are indeed reading this, then words can't express my gratitude. I just... it's far too generous. Thank you.

[Private to Family and Friends]

I've looked at my budget and realistically, that holiday to Greece that I'd been looking at won't be happening this year, I'm afraid. But I have an alternative destination. Not precisely what I had hoped for, but even so

Charlie, I shall be needing to speak with you regarding that Portkey?

If all goes well, I shall be leaving on the 16th.

For all those who were concerned, I'm feeling much better. Still a bit weak, but well enough to return to work.

Ambassador Togoga has signed the trade treaties and has finally announced that he's returning to his home country on the 14th. He's also conceeded to stay at a hotel instead of my flat. I have my life back!

I've put in my request for a vacation.

Thank you to those who helped when I was ill.

( Private to Riona )

( Private to Audrey )

Somebody put up an indecent photograph on the journals this weekend, and a flurry of complaints came to the Ministry to complain. At least it's not my Department - I have more than enough on my plate. However, one can't help but hearing the Howlers from across the room. There has been talk about setting standards for what may or may not be posted publicly on the journals, and I can't say that I disapprove of such measures.

So far, Ambassador Togoga has been enjoying his stay in Britain. Lectures continue at St Mungo's, where he has been observing our own Healing techniques. Said lectures are closed to the public, but if there are enough interest in the subject of Native Healing Potions and Spells of Papua New Guinea, then additional dates and times shall be scheduled.

So it would seem that Ambassador Togoga will be staying with me at my flat for the duration of his stay in England.

It's just come to my attention that you sent out a letter to the employees at St Mungo's without my authorization. That was very presumptuous of you and I don't appreciate you going over my head in these matters. If this behavior continues, I shall have to report you to the Minister.

Thank you to my colleagues for their birthday wishes.

As much as I appreciate it, I don't know how I'm supposed to work with all these

Sorry. It's these balloons charmed to my desk.

( Private to Self )
( Private to Penelope Clearwater )

The Animagi classes begin next month, and while I initially wanted to do a bit of reading on the subject beforehand, I find there is a dearth of information at Flourish and Blott's. I seem to recall during one of my old Transfiguration classes, some quotes out of a book, but I don't have those notes anymore.

I wish I had more time.

I'm happy to say that one week after the unfortunate explosions at the Minister's office, repairs are completed and those who needed medical attention are perfectly healed, thanks to the skilled staff at St Mungo's Hospital. We're running as smoothly as before, with new Owl Post Policies. Every package and letter that comes into the Ministry goes through a scanning process before its delivered to its destination, making sure that no suspicious spells have been placed upon them. This has opened up several new jobs, and as a result, the Ministry's mail office is now hiring employees. Prospective applicants may inquire at main desk in the Atrium.

Speaking of the Ministry, the office of the Animagi Registry is offering classes on how to become an Animagi. It is a year long commitment, the course is rigorous and enrollment is limited. In fact, there is only one more seat available. I mention this because I have enrolled both myself and Penny Clearwater in the program. It begins the third week in August, and I'm quite looking forward to it.

The debate over trade relations continues with Turkey. They continue to rail against our prohibition against importing their flying carpets, maintaining that Britain is being unfair for the Registry of Proscribed Charmable Objects to continue defining them as Muggle Artifacts. The broomstick lobbyists are putting pressure contacting my Department, insisting that the importation of foreign magical transportation will result in a loss of revenue and jobs, here in our country. A happy medium needs to be reached, and to that end, I shall be traveling to Turkey on Friday, to meet with Turkey's Trade Commission. Miss Lisa Turpin shall be accompanying me as my translator and assistant. We should return in in time for George's birthday before Thursday.

Frankly speaking, I'm quite enlivened. I haven't been to the Middle East, well... since our family visited Egypt in 1993.

Representatives from the broomstick industry have scheduled an appointment with me today, in additions to delegates from the Swedish Ministry.