Prologue: Letters
23rd July
Dear Harry,
I realise that you are most likely disinclined to read a letter from the likes of myself, but I must beg you to read this one, at least, in its entirety before disposing of it in whatever manner you see fit.
Let me first express my deepest sympathies for the loss of Albus Dumbledore. He truly was a great man, and a greater wizard.
I would like to make it clear to you that I never had any wish, nor intention, of becoming a servant to Voldemort. When he threatened the lives of my parents, however, I foolishly felt it was the only way to save them. I should have gone to Dumbledore for help, but my own foolish pride told me I could handle everything myself. I tried to appear as though I was helping the Death Eaters when in fact I did nothing.
They have, however, recently discovered my true intentions and I have been forced to flee my own home. After witnessing the murder of both of my parents there I am in no rush to see the place again.
I therefore am writing to beg your help, and your forgiveness. I realise that you must feel you have no reason to help me, so allow me to give you one.
I am prepared to help you and your cause in any way that I can, and in fleeing my home I managed to bring with me some of my father's old letters and notes. I have looked over these briefly and must say, with no embellishment, that you will find them quite useful.
Please think about this carefully, and send me an answer as soon as possible.
Yours, most sincerely,
Draco Malfoy
26th July
Dear Draco,
I have, as requested, carefully thought over your letter and have decided that you should meet with me and my colleagues. I can organise safe passage for you to the Leaky Cauldron in the afternoon of this coming Saturday. If, after this meeting, we feel that you are sincere in your offer, you will reside with us in a safe house until such time as our business is finished. Thank you for your condolences.
Sincerely,
Harry Potter
27th July
Dear Harry,
Thank you for your offer of safe passage, but I am quite capable of getting myself safely to the Leaky Cauldron on Saturday. I will see you there in the afternoon. Is two o'clock convenient for you?
Sincerely,
Draco.
27th July
Dear Draco,
I do beg your pardon. I was under the impression that you were in need of my help. By all means, show us your capability and get yourself there. I will see you at two o'clock on Saturday.
Harry.
28th July
Dear Harry,
I did not mean to offend you with my last letter. I was merely shocked that you would do such a thing for me and inadvertently allowed it to show in my writing. I must admit I was a little affronted that you think me incapable of getting myself around safely.
See you in a few days.
Draco.
29th July
Dear Draco,
No offence taken, I was just trying to get you stirred up. Trust you to rise to the occasion brilliantly. I must say though, I could get used to a polite Draco Malfoy.
Harry.
29th July
Harry,
I should have known you were joking. After all these years. Well, rest assured I can read you like a book in person. I just have to get used to this letter writing thing.
Until Saturday.
Draco.
30th July
Draco,
By all means, read away when I see you tomorrow. But you should know that as well as being able to read you on the surface, I am also quite an accomplished Leglimens. I have been training with Dumbledore himself. Scared?
Harry.
30th July
Harry,
Dream on, Potter.
Draco.
31st July
Draco,
What? No 'happy birthday'? I'm disappointed, Malfoy. See you this afternoon, ferret.
Harry.
31st July
Harry,
Happy Birthday, you arrogant prick.
Draco.