"Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike." – J.K. Rowling


Father and I sat across from each other in a psychologist's office. We were there on recommendation from Hogwarts because I had accumulated so many detentions.

"Draco, the things you've gotten detention for: talking during lectures, passing notes, inappropriate behavior in the hallways with girls, bullying other students… Is it possible that your behavior is a cry for attention?"

I awkwardly shifted in my chair. I really didn't like the sound of the word "cry."

"No," I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

"And you, Lucius? As Draco's Male Mentor, why do you believe Draco is behaving this way?"

Father's lips lifted ever so slightly into a grimace, though I'm sure only I noticed this. For a psychologist, you'd think the man would respect personal boundaries and address people by their proper titles.

"Mister Silvan, if you mean to imply that a lack of attention is Draco's motivation, then you are mistaken. Draco's every want and need is attended to."

From Mother, he meant, but I didn't correct him.

"The attention from a Male Mentor is a little different from the provisions from a Female Provider, Lucius. Draco may be feeling a lack of strong, masculine influence and is compensating with demonstrative male posturing. And please, call me Cepheus. Last names are so stuffy."

I raised my eyebrows slightly. "Posturing?"

Mister Silvan patiently smiled. "Yes. Demonstrative male posturing. Young wizards may feel the need to take the Alpha role in a pack. Or group, that is."

I couldn't help myself. "Brilliant. I'm an Alpha."

Father glanced at me, not amused. Mister Silvan's Quick Notes quill scurried across the parchment on his desk, taking hasty notes.

"No, no, Draco. See, your father and other good Male Mentors should be your Alphas."

Father looked about as impressed as I did.

I was asked about my interests at school and Father was asked about choosing Hogwarts rather than Beuxbatons as Mother had wished. Silvan asked about Father's job and Mother's hobbies, and then suddenly diverted us back to the attention issue, refusing to let a dead thing stay dead.

"Perhaps Draco needs more immediate interaction with his Male Mentor. What was the last activity the two of you did together?"

There was a long silence while Father and I tried to remember -or even invent- the last "activity." I could see Father was getting annoyed by the judgmental silence, and he spoke.

"Summer holidays, Christmas holidays, reviewing his grades, buying everything he ever asks for. He isn't neglected."

The psychologist nodded slowly, unruffled and contemplative.

"Draco, what would you like to do together? Something with just you and your father."

I uncrossed my arms and thought about it for a pause, seriously considering it.

"Shopping in Milan," I said at last.

Father immediately shook his head at me. "Your mother does that sort of thing with you," he said. Then, turning to Mister Silvan, he announced, "If my son actually wanted my attention, he'd choose something he knows I enjoy."

Father stood up, gesturing at the clock on the psychologist's desk. "Time's up."