ORDER ONLY: Private Message to Draco

[alt_alice]

I was not expecting to have our broom replaced in such a generous manner. I may need someone to provide flying lessons for the older children now that we have a sufficient number of stable brooms to have more than one or two untrained fliers up in the air at a time.

If there is to be any further demonstration of this particular set of skills in the future, however, I expect it'll be with proper backup and my full knowledge so that we can be prepared for the possibility that things may go pear shaped. I hope I'm absolutely clear on that point. One of the delights of working in a group is having to put up with a bit of fuss and oversight now and then.

That being said, the Harrod's hampers and toys were quite thoughtful and will be put to good use, as will the bath things. And ten wands, Draco? Ten?

How on earth did you manage it?

Mercy.

Comments

[alt_draco]

I was a bit of a fussy child myself, and couldn't stand the idea of people being able to rummage through my belongings. As a result, I'm familiar with almost every locking or security charm there is out there. Most of the shops--especially the posh ones--assume that no one would dare shoplift from them, let alone be familiar with any security charms they've applied to the stock. As such, most of it was easier than I anticipated, even.

I know you don't like it when I do things without telling you, but sometimes that's how I work best. This was one of those times.

Unless you really believe you would have given me permission to nick ten wands from Ollivander's?

Oh, and I did it all with Harry's invisibility cloak. It's the real thing--absolutely impenetrable. While I was out I looked for one for myself, in fact, and I couldn't find any that compared. Who knows where his real father got such a thing, but it's definitely one of a kind.

[alt_alice]

That's a good thing to keep in mind for the future.

To be fair, Draco, you're only just starting to sort out how you work best in your new role. I'd rather you work towards your strengths, but in a way that has some checks and balances. It's not a matter of trust -- having a second set of eyes look at what you're doing and why helps to reduce risk, point out things you may have missed, and keeps us all facing in a similar direction. And you don't have to even tell me everything, but if you're planning to do something, tell someone else about it, whether it's Severus, Harry, Hermione, Remus, or myself, let that someone else take a look at your plans, and don't feel as if you have to do things entirely on your own all the time.

This isn't the first time we've stolen from Ollivander's, and should the opportunity arise again, I wouldn't be adverse to letting you have another go. Spontaneity can also be an incredibly effective tool, and I value original viewpoints and ideas. I also know that you are not reckless. I'm just trying to set up a system we can both work within -- one where you can function with a certain degree of independence if that's how you work best, but where there's at least a passing nod to keeping communication open.

[alt_draco]

But if I'd told someone, no one would be surprised. And it wasn't really a plan, anyway - I'd only thought to get the brooms, but that was so easy I thought why stop there?

Which is to say: it was fun. And I can't remember the last time I had any of that.

[alt_alice]

Reality can be a difficult potion to swallow, Draco. Merlin knows these last few weeks have been difficult for you, and I can see how you'd want to toss it all over your shoulder for a little while.

But now you're back, and if you want to be treated with respect, that comes with a certain degree of responsibility, I'm afraid.

I'm glad you weren't caught. I'm relieved you're feeling more like yourself. We'll make full use of what you've given to us with our heartiest thanks, but going off without a plan or a care isn't going to serve you any favours, and I expect better from you in the future.

I also expect you'll be here first thing tomorrow for a full day's work, as it's high time you became well-versed in the Fidelius and we had a chance to see the extent of your current defensive and offensive training.

We can also talk further about how we can put those skills of yours to better use.

[alt_alice]

And Draco, just to give some food for thought, the Night Watch regularly breaks things at Laszlo's, and you're fully aware of the difficulties Mr Crispin has given Pansy and the twins.

Not everyone will see what you've done as having a bit of fun, as they might be thinking more of their own experiences as shop owners instead.