LETTERS TO THE DEAD

Dear Mum and Dad,

It's been sixteen years. And you've finally been avenged. All the deaths have. From the Riddles, all the way to the last person he tried to kill. Every man, woman, child. All avenged.

It's so hard to believe it's finally over. What am I supposed to do with my life now? It's stupid, writing to two dead people... but I miss you, even though I never really knew you. I miss you, even though I never really had the chance to speak to you.

Love, Harry

Dear Fred,

I see myself in the mirror every day. I see your sweaters hanging in our closet. I see the products at the store that YOU designed. I see Mum when she cries over the fireplace. I see Ginny trying to act tough for Harry. I see Ron looking shocked when you aren't just around the corner, in the backyard. I see Dad, working hard so that, for a while, he might forget you're dead.

Don't you know how much it hurts us? Please come back.

I guess you're the saint-like one now.

Georgey.

Dear Dora,

I can't believe you're gone. And Remus. Little Teddy is all I have left. And he looks so much like your father.

Never worry that I won't take care of him. Your son will always be happy here. When he's old enough, rest assured that he will know why you died, and how, and just how you met your end. Your son will know what justice is.

I ought to stop writing. I'll cry too hard and soil the pages.

As always, your loving mother, Andromeda Tonks

Dear Lavender,

I know I hurt you. I feel worse about it now than ever, since you're gone. I wish I'd had the chance to tell you I never really loved you like I said. I wish I'd had the chance to explain how immature I was, the fact that I thought you could replace Hermione.

You were a great girl. But you weren't for me. Everything that went wrong between us, it was all my fault. Because I was too much of a prat to know my own feelings, and what they meant. I wish we could have just been friends.

So sorry,

Ron.

Professor Snape,

I want to apologize for ever having believed you to be evil. After what Harry told me about you and Lily, I can't believe you would ever want to hurt Harry. All that time you only wanted to protect him, and avenge Lily's death. You truly are a Gryffindor at heart.

That isn't to excuse your bullying or smart remarks. Just know that my respect for you has grown tenfold.

Your favourite insufferable know it all,

Hermione.