No thanks

[alt_draco]

Mother and Father, I'm writing here to let you know that I won't be owling your Christmas gifts off in time for Christmas Day.

I'll send them off later, at some point when it's a bit more convenient for me. Possibly this could be months from now. Sorry about that, I'd give more explanation but I have exams to think about right now. Let's just say that something's come up, yeah?

Your son,
Draco

Comments

[alt_draco]

The tone of my writing is quite calm, actually. I merely wanted to inform you of circumstances that have come up which prevent me from acknowledging you properly on this holiday. I'm sorry that you think the explanation that I've provided you with is foolish and not sufficient. I would have written privately, but seeing as you're so very busy I wasn't certain you'd have time to read it, you see.

[alt_lucius]

The tone of your writing in both your message and your reply is decidedly surly and do not think that prevaricating with me is in any way acceptable, my son.

Be assured that you need not fret over sending our gifts. That is the least of our concern. As for your claim that I am too preoccupied with business to read your letters, consider that this show of petulance taxes my time and my patience much more greatly than your usual letters.

[alt_narcissa]

Lucius, please. It's no use getting cross with him, anyone can understand he's upset.

Draco, he didn't mean it to sound as ... well, as dismissive as all that. Did you, my love?

We always value your letters home, son. And don't worry, dearest, we'll be sending you all you need for a jolly Christmas with Harry and your cousin Hydra. You'll barely miss being home.

Please you two, don't quarrel.

[alt_draco]

If you don't like it then why don't you just punish me, then. At least then I'll know I deserved it this time.

[alt_narcissa]

No one is punishing you, Draco. Neither you nor Harry have done anything wrong.

You've every right to be dismayed. Your father is just ... you know how he is.

[alt_lucius]

Narcissa, I'll thank you not to encourage our son's display of temper.

You are naturally correct that we none of us are pleased with this outcome, but Our Lord has expressed His will and that must be enough for us all. You need make no excuses for me or for yourself; it is for Draco to accept his parents' decisions on his behalf with grace and dignity.

Our confidence in the safety of Hogwarts can be demonstrated no better than by entrusting him to the care of the school. As for the 'other reasons' that is a matter of confidential deliberation at the Ministry, as yet, and he will learn of it when it is appropriate and not before.

[alt_narcissa]

Lucius, really. He's not out of bounds to be so disappointed. You two are just feeding off each other. Let him get it out of his system and he'll feel much better.

You can't expect him to accept things like an adult would, he's still a boy. He hasn't had to grow up quickly like you did, and thank Merlin for that.

Now, I thought I heard you say that you have a few letters to return. Why don't you put the journal down and let our son cool off before you revisit the topic?

[alt_harry]

Well if we haven't done anything wrong then why don't we have Christmas then?

I suppose I'm not allowed to send Father a howler. I'm not allowed to do anything. And he won't say anything to me here anyway. I bet he doesn't even write me. Sometimes he forgets. But you're meaner than him. You promised Draco!!

[alt_narcissa]

You shall most certainly have a Christmas, Harry, just not the one we any of us intended.

I don't much recommend sending Him a Howler, no.

As for our promises to Draco, dear, that is for us to address with him. I do appreciate your impulse to support him, of course. We have always been pleased that you two boys are such very good friends.

But to be quite honest, I thought you would be glad that he is staying with you. Weren't you unhappy when we went away last summer and you two could not spend time together? I thought you might prefer having him there at Hogwarts with you than think of him home with us, playing host to all your classmates without you there as well.

[alt_harry]

Well I don't think I like EITHER very much. Cause now it's my fault he doesn't get Christmas!!

[alt_narcissa]

Draco, really. I know you're upset but you hardly need to adopt such an attitude.

It's horribly unfair, of course. None of us is happy about it.