ORDER ONLY: Private Message to Terry

[alt_frank]

how're you doing, son?

the missus was planning to make an announcement for sunday and we're making sure mum's ready for the ceremony, thought we'd check in to see if you still thought you'd be able to make it down.

remember, kiddo, if things change at the last minute, it's fine. you've got an important job, and it's just making things formal, which can wait if need be. the important part is already done.

Comments

[alt_terry]

I was so quiet when you first asked me that I worried afterward about what you'd think, even thought I said yes right away. Like you'd think that I didn't really want it, or that I was trying to figure out a way to turn you down while still being polite or something. But it's just that I was so surprised, really gobsmacked by the whole thing.

But I'm really, really happy, and unbelievably proud that you want to make me part of the family.

I've thought about it, like you told me to, and I've decided I want my name to be Terry Boot Longbottom. The git called me 'boot,' and I thought about getting rid of that name, but I finally figured out, no, it was only when I started calling myself 'Terry Boot' that I started to feel like a person. Like a wizard. And it's my last link with my birth parents. But I really want to take your name, too.

I'll be there on Sunday; I've already cleared it with my Lieutenant. And yes, I'd like to invite people. Whoever in the Order wants to come, and my Sherwood friends, too.

Thanks, Mr Dad.

[alt_frank]

sounds good to me.

your mum and me, we never wanted you to feel like we were replacing your birth parents. it's one reason why we took such a damn long time to sort things out on our end, even though you've been family for a good long while now.

having both our names seems like a good workaround.

[alt_terry]

Good, I'm glad you agree.

Hullo to everyone there for me, all right?

Oh...I forgot to ask. Is there anything I'm supposed to bring, traditionally, for the ceremony? Dunno what it would be, exactly, but thought I'd ask. Or if everyone expects me to give my new family members a gift or something, I'd like to know in advance. I don't know much about adoption bindings. Well, anything, really. And I wouldn't want people to be embarrassed because there's something I'm supposed to bring, and I didn't know.

[alt_frank]

having a token associated with the family grounds things. it helps to have something you can hold onto. so bringing your watch along would be useful.

it'd be good to bring a small gift for your gran, as she's the head of the family. no need for anything fancy, it's more about the gesture than the gift. if you'd like, evie and nev can pick up some flowers for you to give her.

[alt_terry]

I'd like to give her something myself.

I can give her something I've whittled. One of those puzzle boxes I know how to make. I remember Nev told me she really likes African violets, so I'll whittle some of those on the cover.

[alt_frank]

that'd be just the thing. she'd love it.