Private message to Blaise

[alt_daphne]

Lizzie and I have been trying to put together little care hampers for Darius and Charles, for when they get back. Mid-week, is what I've heard.

So far I've got gourmet biscuits from Fleet's Bakery in Chelsea, drinking chocolate from Harrod's, and a tin of tea and a small packet of scones from the Owlery tea room in Marylebone (I can't wait to attend one of their high teas - supposedly they're exquisite).

That's it, so far. Do you think it's enough? Too much? Barney offered a few phials of some dreamless sleep potion... not the stuff that Madam Pomfrey hands out. I don't know if I should include those, though, and not just because I've no idea where he got his hands on them...

It's just that I feel a bit uncertain about how they're feeling. Darius and Charles, I mean. I'm not sure regular etiquette for the death of a parent applies, considering the circumstances. Lizzie is in prefect mode and isn't really thinking about the nuances of the situation, I fear. I don't want to go about this the wrong way and show my own ignorance, or end up doing something entirely graceless.

What do you think?

Comments

[alt_blaise]

Ah.

No, I do see why you're concerned.

As for the things you've got together, I think you've hit on the right sort of things. And the tea is a far wiser choice than whatever Bole's potions might be.

Oh. Actually, I've two wrapped boxes of dried apricots that Mother sent--well, I've got several, but you only need the two--and I happen to know that Charles fancies them.

That doesn't answer the question, though, of whether we're meant to acknowledge what's happened or how. If you want, I could speak to Draco about it. He might have a different view.

[alt_daphne]

Oh, fruit is a good idea. But one never knows what another will prefer, do they? But if Charles fancies the apricots and Darius doesn't, well, Charles can go ahead and take Darius' for himself.

I thought about asking Draco, but when I think back to all the times that something has happened with his parents, he's always strongly preferred NOT to discuss it in any public capacity. Remember when his father and Miss Professor Carrow dueled? "My Father is absolutely fine," is what he kept insisting. Even though most of us knew it wasn't true. But I don't know if he acted that way because it's a kind of protocol for the family of the Lord's council members, or if it was because it's simply Draco's way.

And then... well, they were invited to watch their father duel. Do you suppose they think he's a hero, to be killed by the Lord's own wand? Or do they feel disgraced, seeing as he didn't put up any fight whatsoever?

In any case, surely a little care hamper, given with discretion, couldn't cause too much offence?

[alt_blaise]

You're right about Draco, and really, I'm as glad not to ask him. One never knows what will strike him the wrong way. I would have, though, for you.

And about the Warringtons... that's it exactly. Of course, one can't see what he could have done differently, and he chose a perfectly appropriate gesture for his final moment. Only, I wonder if Charles and Darius don't half expect all of us to be wondering if their father had done something to earn Our Lord's displeasure. They can't relish coming back to school with that question hanging over them.

So, in fact, a care hamper might help them a great deal, as a gesture. Given discreetly.

[alt_daphne]

That's very kind of you, Blaise. Draco usually responds to inquiries from me quite well, so if I decide that I absolutely must have his input, I've no qualms about asking him myself.

I'll see to it, then, that the hampers are waiting for them in their rooms when they arrive back at the castle. Let's see - I'll make Alfred plant Charles', and Corey Whitacre, I think, for Darius.

Until then, it's probably best to put the word out that we should watch them for cues on how to proceed, while making it clear that any talk on the matter should remain here in Slytherin house (which usually goes without saying, but you never know...)

I'll see to it that I'm in the common room after supper, if you want to give me the fruit then?

[alt_blaise]

Of course.