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_narcissa]

Oh, Draco.

I know you're upset, sweetheart, but really. Mother's going to send along all sorts of treats. It shan't be that bad.

You know we'd both prefer you come home as planned, but sometimes these things just happen.

[alt_lucius]

Draco, neither your mother nor I have time for this nonsense. It is understandable that you are disappointed, as are we. But I am most surprised to see you succumb to these outbursts of childish temperament.

You were provided an explanation that ought to have been sufficient. If you required more detail, you might have remained calm and written to us privately.

Now, I want no more of this foolishness.

[alt_hydra]

Don't you think we might make it a grand time, Draco?
You and me and Harry, we can look all around the castle, and it will be so much quieter than usual, with just us, and we can go anywhere.
We can go flying in the snow, if it snows.
Maybe there will be real hot cocoa to drink.

From,
Hydra

[alt_regulus]

You have the manticore by the wrong end, cousin. Your mother had no more notice than you did of this change of plans, and it is terrifically insensitive of you to rail at her when she herself is suffering disappointment. Your mother's only Christmas wish was to welcome you home.

There's more to it than that, however. It's time you learnt that we have a duty to serve in any way we are asked and at any time. I guarantee you my father and mother would have flayed me and sent my skin to the tanners had I reacted to instructions from them--let alone instructions from Our Lord--as you have done.

Our families, cousin, have always borne wizarding society on the backs of our dutiful service to the greater good, and in return for our unquestioning service, we enjoy great privileges. You behave as though it were the other way round: as if your privilege were your right before you've grown to an age where you can offer service of any note at all.

Luckily for you, your mother can't bear to have you disappointed. She and I spent the morning preparing a large array of parcels to equip you should you wish to host a holiday party of your own there at the school. You will want for nothing that the guests here will enjoy. You should expect to hear from the caretaker there this evening or tomorrow morning at the latest that a whole parliament of owls has arrived for you.

If I were you, I would begin now to rehearse an appropriate thank you for your mother.