Letters from Heaven
This idea has been in my head for a while after being inspired by "The Letter" from the musical version of Billy Elliot (which I recommend you listen to while reading this). Last week, one of my absolute best friends, Aragornevenstar4eva, died, and seeing as she was the biggest Harry Potter this is dedicated to and in memory of her. I miss you so so much dear!
For reference normal narrative in normal font, Lily Potter in italics, James Potter in bold italics.
I own nothing - that honour goes to J.K Rowling
31st July 1991, 11pm
Harry Potter couldn't sleep. This was by far the best and strangest day he had ever had – even more than when he set the python on Dudley at the zoo and when all those letters burst through the house. Today was his 11th birthday. In the last 24 hours, he had gone from a boy with not a hope in the world to a wizard – a WIZARD! The minute he turned 11, this half-giant had come into the hut, told him about magic, stood up to his aunt and uncle, gave his cousin a pig's tail and went; with Harry following eagerly behind. And to top it all off, Harry was told the truth about his parents. He finally knew what really happened, how Voldemort had gone into their house, murdered them and had tried to kill him too. To say that it shocked Harry would be an understatement.
At that moment, there came tap on his window. Harry reached out of bed for his glasses and walked over to the window. Standing on the windowsill was an owl – but it wasn't like any other owl Harry had seen before. It was white, but it wasn't like Hedwig, Harry's new owl that Hagrid gave him for his birthday. This owl didn't even seem real; if anything it seemed more like a ghost. Harry's eyes went from the bird's head to his beak. In its beak was a letter – addressed to him. Harry took the letter, and like that, the bird took off. Even though the bird didn't look real, the letter definitely was – it was solid the minute Harry touched it, it felt like paper, like someone from this Earth had written it. Harry opened it gingerly and a woman's voice came out of it. As he listened and read, he was close to crying, he had missed them so much. It hardly seemed real – that even if it was only for a short period in his life, he can get some contact from them:
Dear Harry,
We must seem a distant memory to you. Maybe you can't even remember us at all? It has been so hard on us since we left you, and leaving you was the hardest decision we ever had to make (though if it meant giving you a life in the first place, we were more than willing to sacrifice ours). Watching you grow up us has been so hard – especially watching you being treated so badly by your aunt and uncle. Your father would love to give them a piece of his mind when they get sent up here, let me tell you. When you were, shall we say, discovering magic, we both thought it was hilarious. From when you set that snake free, we just burst out laughing and couldn't stop! Your father would like me to tell you to tell Hagrid that giving your cousin a pig's tail was GENIUS!
I guess you must be wondering how this is even possible – getting a letter from your dead parents and all – well, today, we got a visit from a wizard who is an expert in the supernatural etc etc. To be perfectly honest, James (that's your father) and I weren't really paying attention to the ins and outs of this - all that mattered is that he heard about the sacrifice we made, and offered us an opportunity to communicate with you. We had to take the chance; and best of all, sweetheart is that these letters will be solid and will stay with you forever. We don't understand how or why, but don't lose them, ok.
Now, listen to me Harry, this is very important. We can't do this forever – we don't know for how long, but when we know, you will know. We also can only comment about the present and past – not give away things that'll affect the future. This really, shall we say, really annoyed James. There is so much we wish we can tell you about that we can't until you find out for yourself. Please don't be upset darling. One day, you will understand. Finally, because of some supernatural stuff James and I couldn't even try to understand, we can only do this twice a year: on July 31st (your birthday) and October 31st (the night we died). Do you understand sweetheart?
Your father and I are so happy that you are going to Hogwarts. It's where we met, where we fell in love, and where we had the best time of our lives. I hope and pray it'll be the same for you sweetheart. Stay with Hagrid; he will look after you well. I'm glad it was him who told you about how we died and not from someone blurting out in the corridors (although we would have also been happy with Dumbledore telling you – you'll grow to love him so much Harry). James and I were fuming when we saw your aunt and uncle lying to you – a car crash indeed!
We must leave you now. Remember Harry, you are so loved, so loved. I love you, Dad loves you too. Harry, be safe and be strong.
Happy birthday, we love you,
Mum and Dad
Thanks so much for reading, I appreciate it so much. I am planning the next chapter to be written by just James, but some of the later ones will probably have a mixture of both of them. From now on, it'll dive straight into the letters rather than setting the scene beforehand. As always, reviews and advice (constructive criticism) is welcome - I'm still a junior here.
God bless,
the-kermit-kid