Letter to Mother

Professor Slughorn has invited me to a Christmas soiree that he’s hosting right before the holidays. I am disappointed with the persons he deems worthy of what he calls the Slug Club. It seems to be full of nothing but Mudbloods, blood-traitors, and half-bloods. Still, as you’ve mentioned, he has a knack of determining the future leaders within our world. Didn’t you mention that Daddy Jason and Daddy August were in the Slug Club while attending Hogwarts?

I received your letter dated the twenty-third of November. It was good to hear that Aunt Isabella is improving. For a 112-year-old witch, she is in remarkable shape. I didn’t even know people still played Quidditch at that age. It’s comforting to know that longevity runs in the family—at least on your side.

I have to admit that I was rather disappointed to read that we will not be spending the Christmas hols alone, as you had promised me before term. I am glad you’ve found someone to keep you company, but I hope you aren't planning on taking another husband. If you tell me that he’s the man for you, then I will abide by your decision and honor him as I have honored the other men whom you have wed, but I won't like it.

It seems a shame to stop the lessons that began during the summer break. Although you’ve mentioned very little about him, most people are not “open-minded” enough to accept that particular type of teaching. It’s not the Dark Arts, but it’s not legal either, is it?

Still, you are an excellent teacher and I felt as if I was learning so much from you. Your patience and guidance in tutoring me was more useful than anything I will ever learn sitting in this drafty castle. I will have use of those lessons for the rest of my life. At the very least, I know my wives will love the techniques you have shown me thus far.

Mother, I miss being with you. I miss sharing your bed.

Sometimes at night, I wake from my sleep in the throes of passion from those lessons; the sheets are drenched and soiled from my youthful exertions. Afterward, I feel a tinge of guilt as I cast a wordless Scouring Charm to clean myself. My body aches to return to you. I have so much to learn, so many more techniques to master. I cannot say that I truly know how to please a woman if the lessons are not allowed to proceed.

If we cannot be alone throughout the holidays to continue with my lessons, then say we will be able to find time to review what I’ve learned thus far. If all goes well, it would be enjoyable for both of us.

I fear that without practice, Mother, I will become as awkward and as useless as a virgin. Since I plan to follow in your footsteps, only your prolonged guidance and encouragement will be the education I need for my future vocation.

Please consider it.

Your loving son,