Mrs. Petunia Dursley,
My apologies, you are correct in that I and my partners should have directly consulted you on the matter of Harry's magical guardianship. It was just we were together and Tiberius and Lady Augusta were there and either of them would be an unassailable guardian even for Dumbledore and Tiberius suggested it and we were all willing. This way has some definite advantages for you. As physical guardian what you say goes unless all of us agree that whatever you want is improper. Harry seemed fine with the idea when it was mentioned to him, and you are correct when you say those of us that are magical don't usually bother to consult non magicals. Again our apologies.
Good news. Per your recommendations to gain access/control of the media for future benefit of Harry, we have worked closely with the goblins at Gringott's. Unlike most wizarding solicitors we believe a working relationship with the quiet economic power of our world is a good thing. With their help we have acquired interest in the Wizarding Times, the Daily Prophet, and Wizarding Wireless Network. Only a small percentages at this time, but as more shares become available it will increase.
The publishers of the series of children's books about your nephew have agreed to settle out of court for thirty percent ownership of the company. At first they were reluctant to do so until as per your suggestion we presented them with the facts and figures of how their line of books about Harry was sixty percent of their book sales for the last nine years. And how damaging to their reputation it would be being seen as war profiteers, in addition to the fact that the books are completely libelous. Forcing us to go to court would likely result in us gaining complete ownership.
But what makes this really good news is the fact this publishing house also publishes Witch Weekly. Harry could use this publication to increase both his own profits and build a solid reputation. As second majority owner, (The original owner holds forty percent of the company.) he will have great influence over what gets printed if he wishes. We do plan on acquiring additional shares of this concern as well. It would be such a shame if Harry's ownership were to increase. In addition to the ownership percentage they are reclassifying the books as fiction and will publish a one eighth page notice that the stories are fictional in Witch Weekly.
I know you wished especially to, how did you phrase it? "I want to have that woman's guts for garters." with regards to Rita Skeeter. I don't blame you, however Ms. Skeeter is an exceedingly popular journalist with a strong tendency to scoop her competitors that writes for the main newspaper of the magical world the Daily Prophet. Instead of pursuing a libel suit. I recommend gathering even more evidence on her less savory aspects. I have an investigator digging for as much dirt on her as I can collect. My intention is to hold it as leverage over her head so she'll print what we want, when we want. Having a hold over such a viperous reporter could only benefit Harry.
The custody court date is the day following Harry's return, and the other trials are spread over the next three days. The injunctions Marchbanks, Doge, Diggle and Trent have been trying to bury us in, have failed to garner them support and will run out by that date. So it would probably be wise for you to plan to stay in London a few days. Unfortunately many of the charges leveled won't stick very well to the Chief Warlock he's been clever enough to put a few scapegoats between himself and the mess this will cause. The one we won't have trouble with is the obstruction of due process. If there are other things that we could use please let us know.
Sincerely, Stephen Corner
Mr. Corner,
I will make plans to stay in London per your recommendation. I would like for you to come to tea so we can discuss going to court next week Friday at 4:30 p.m. The goblins have assured me that the wards shouldn't present a problem. I live at #4 Privet Drive Little Whinging,Surrey. Please dress muggle so the neighbors don't notice.
Sincerely, Petunia Dursley
The invitation to tea to discuss the case couldn't have been timed worse. Stephen had back to back meetings, Horace was in court, and Perseus and Tabitha had taken a trip before Roger returned from Hogwarts. "Felicia, my love, what's your day like?"
"It's pretty open. Why?"
""I need you to go to Petunia Dursley's for tea and conversation. I was going to do trial prep with her, but my day turned hectic, and seems to want to get worse."
"Take a deep breath, I can do that if I have a list of questions."
At 4:30 that afternoon Felicia knocked on the door of #4 Privet Drive.
Petunia opened the door expecting to see someone obviously from the magical world and instead she found a woman dressed neatly in a dress that while slightly behind current fashion was still current enough to be unremarkable. "Can I help you?"
"Mrs Dursley? I'm Felicia Corner. Stephen Corner's wife, he sent me here in his stead to do some trial preparation and just to chat. I work for the firm as well and I'm on Harry's magical trustee board."
"Come in, I guess I was expecting someone more obviously magical."
"I'm what they call muggle born."
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