Private Message to Draco Malfoy

[alt_pansy]

I just got my owl from Lucius.

Apparently, I am to pay for half a hippogriff. And if that's what half of it cost, hippogriffs are incredibly expensive.

If that's what I got for not stopping anything from happening, I can only imagine how angry he must've been with you.

Are you okay?

Comments

[alt_draco]

I was supposed to have a proper birthday celebration at home, and now that's been canceled. The money's going toward the hippogriff. I think Father's also selling the quidditch tickets he secured for the two of us.

So I suppose you might say I've been better.

[alt_pansy]

Oh, Draco.

I'm so sorry.

That sounds awful.

Perhaps when I'm in New London this summer, you and I can go out and do something special? I know it won't make up for what you've had to give up by half, but it would mean a lot to me if it would give you something to look forward to.

And next time Harry attempts anything so foolhardy, you and I can take turns sitting on him until he gets his senses back.

Which could take months.

[alt_draco]

Does it? I suppose it does, in a way. Not getting a party and quidditch doesn't bother me as much as it ought, because I can already tell Mother's planning ways to make it up to me.

What really bothers me is that Harry never listens to me. It's not just that he doesn't get punished and I do, it's that friends should listen to friends when they feel strongly about something. He doesn't. I think he sort of tries to, or thinks he tries to, but in the end he doesn't.

But then, when it comes right down to it I guess he's used to being able to have the final say.

[alt_pansy]

Yes, I can see how he would be used to getting his way.

Do you think part of it is not caring as much about himself as he ought? I mean, that he is more interested in whatever he's trying to save or find out more than keeping himself safe?

Although you'd think if he cared so much about saving people, part of that would include keeping you safe too.

And if he isn't punished for it at all, do you suppose he learns anything from it?

[alt_draco]

Don't get me wrong, he's not a pillock about it or anything, and he's not arrogant, either, but a part of him is still aware that he's Harry Marvolo. How could it not be?

I think he also thinks he'll just always be all right for the same reason. And that since I'm Harry Marvolo's best mate, I'll be all right, too. Every time I tell him we shouldn't be doing something, he says "don't be stupid."

Oh, ah, I didn't mean he's not punished. He is. Just...not the same way.

[alt_pansy]

Okay.

And of course he's not a pillock. He's Harry. I think he's sort of incapable.

That still sounds like it's very frustrating for you.

I know

Well, I'm not very good at taking advice all the time either. And it's not life or death sorts of things, or things that'll get you into trouble, really, but I can see why you were frustrated with me last term.

But for what it's worth, I can see that the advice you've given me was because you cared for me, and was meant to help me, and I appreciate that. And I promise that I might not agree with everything that you say, but I will always listen to you, and take what you say into consideration.

[alt_draco]

Right. He also wants to just be a normal kid, and do stupid things without feeling like it will make the Protectorate look bad. I think he gets annoyed with me because I'm always reminding him of who he is. Even though that little part of him always knows - like I said.

But sometimes I feel like that little part is me.

Sorry, not trying to whinge.

Thanks for that. Really. I know Father's always tried to give you advice, too, and I'm not trying to be like him, just so you know. I mean, I don't want to be like some big brother person, because...well, we're the same age, more or less. And not related.

Anyway, I hope that hippogriff is happy with itself, off somewhere eating a big fat supper of pheasant, or somesuch.

[alt_pansy]

It had better be happy!

Stupid hippogriff. Probably doesn't even realize it's still alive and all.

[alt_pansy]

And what do you say about New London? Not right away, obviously, but what about we plan a day out in two weeks or so?

[alt_draco]

Oh right, meant to answer about that.

Yeah, let's plan on it. What do you want to do?

[alt_pansy]

Whatever you want to do, of course!

Although part of it ought to include eating at a really marvellous restaurant.

We could check the papers to see which bands are playing in town that weekend, too.

[alt_draco]

In that case, I'll be sure to ask Mother what her current favourite is.

Sounds well snitch. Maybe if Father's feeling less cross with me he'll arrange for us to meet the band, too. Backstage, you know?

[alt_pansy]

Excellent!