13th September 1981

Dear Lily,

I need to go. I'm sorry. I can't make up for what I did. You'll move on. You've got Harry, and James, and...

Please, do me one last favour. Don't tell Sirius. Maybe the best way is if he – and everyone else – thinks I'm forever gone.

I have to atone for what I've done. Until the guilt of Dorcas goes, I have to be away.

Don't try to find me. It'll be too much trouble.

Goodbye, Lils.

Tell Sirius... Well, tell him I will miss him forever.

Forever your friend,

Marlene