Final word

[alt_draco]

Well, that settles it.

Mother, I've decided that I only want a few select friends at my Birthday celebration. That should make it easier to plan something really fantastic, shouldn't it?

It's become obvious that if I invite the whole second year that there will be nothing but chaos. Frankly, I'm looking forward to not being surrounded by so many people for once.

Harry will be there, of course, but beyond that I really don't know who I want to invite. I'll have to give it some thought.

Comments

[alt_hydra]

Will I be there?

[alt_draco]

Of course. It's not as if you're ever any bother, Hydra.

[alt_narcissa]

Yes, of course. It's very sensible, dear.

We can talk about it later. Your Father thinks owls will be allowed again soon (it was discussed yesterday on the Board of Governors' fire chat) and as soon as Valerian can travel again you can send Mother a list of all the things you want and the people you wish to invite.

How does that sound?

[alt_draco]

Can I really invite whoever I want? Or is there that noblesse oblige thing to consider? I mean, they were all invited to your Christmas party, whether they chose to attend or not.

[alt_lucius]

Different occasions call for different protocols, son. We may wish to discuss your choices, but particularly as you've expressed a wish for an intimate affair, I see no reason you may not be as selective as you like.

Recall that the Christmas party is both a social occasion for your mother and myself and a society event - and I don't think we need review the circumstances in which your classmates came to be invited, but remember that your original intention was to be as inclusive as possible, a desire which we attempted to honour.

Compare the atmosphere of our past holiday parties during the afternoons and evenings, hm? There are times to open one's arms wide and welcome the masses, and times when one wishes to be surrounded only by one's closest friends.

I see no reason for your birthday celebrations to require an extensive guest list, though as I said, we will of course discuss it further via owl.

One piece of advice, though: it is far easier to add someone late in the process than to uninvite someone you have already included.

[alt_narcissa]

Well, dear, there are almost always a few people one really ought to invite, but as your Father says we can discuss it together. If you've someone in mind you really want, but are afraid to invite, I'm sure we'd be interested to hear why you think it's a good idea. And if there are people you'd rather not have, but we believe wise to include, I'm sure you'll listen to our reasoning, as well.

I meant to say yesterday, I'm so glad to see you in the journals again, my son. We have missed your letters so much, and hearing about all your lessons and all the little things I know you would be embarrassed to write here in such a public place.

But I do hope you and Harry have paid attention to your studies and that you feel yourself well-prepared for the end of the year. It's a little hard to tell from your entries and his, but do I understand that Harry has been allowing you to share his mudblood's services at running errands and keeping your room tidy, and your clothes and shoes cared for?

Don't worry, sweetheart. This wretched quarantine is almost over and Mother will be able to send you a lovely hamper just in time for your exams.

[alt_harry]

Yes Mrs Malfoy I have. It seems like it's silly for me to have a good servant and him none. And she likes it actually I think.

[alt_narcissa]

That's very generous of you, Harry, but you mustn't hesitate to make sure she does all your chores first. Draco will not mind and can get along well enough with the school elves. I know he would not be pleased to think you've deprived yourself in his favour.

[alt_lucius]

Yes, quite sensible, indeed.

And good job this morning, son. Well handled.

I'm glad to see you and Pansy speaking with a bit more civility as well. I do hope she'll be feeling better soon.

[alt_draco]

Thank you, Father.

It's not as if getting cross with that one really does much, does it? But I hope she will feel better soon as well.

[alt_lucius]

I think it's fair to say that the way she reacts when you are cross with her and the way she behaves when I am cross are very different. But I take your meaning. She does have a certain stubborn streak, it's true. It comes of being so self-directed, I believe.

But it has made her year perhaps more difficult than it needed to be. Still, you are keenly aware that the choices you and she and all your classmates make in these initial years will shape and affect your relations well into adulthood.

Not always to the bad: Your mother had a rival or two early on, who, by the time they sat their NEWTs, had become good friends. Sometimes the crucible forges a bond, once the petty disputes are resolved.