Author's Note: Though the initial tone of this story may seem tragic, all will be explained in the end. And may require a second reading to catch all the hints.
A non-descript owl flew in the window of the 7th year Hufflepuff girls' dormitory and landed in front of Susan Bones. She took the letter offered, and her eyes widened in surprise when she saw the letter was from her best friend Hannah Abbott, who had disappeared with no reasons given a couple days ago. She quickly read the letter, hoping to hear some good news. What she read shocked her to her core.
Dear Susan,
By the time you receive this letter, it will be too late to stop me. There was nothing you could have done in any case, but I couldn't let this go without telling you. For many years, I had wondered if this day would come. Wandering the halls of Hogwarts, feeling lost, dreaming of some impossible future, I thought many times of how I could end up here. What it would take to leave the life of near-solitude and uncertainty. And only now do I see that I was always on this path, that I was always meant to do this.
Tell the other 'Puffs that I'm sorry, but I had to do this alone. I can't imagine they'll react well after you give them the news, but what must be done must be done. Be brave for them, Susan, as they'll need you to be their rock now. I won't be returning from this, as there is nothing left for me at Hogwarts. It's hard to think I'll never see the Common Room again, nor enjoy a late night snack with you in the kitchens. After walking those halls for so many years, it seems so impossible that I'll never look upon them again.
Tell Neville that it isn't his fault. He's a good man, and he needs to know that now more than ever. Comfort him in any way you think you can, Suse. Be whatever he needs you to be. Make him happy, for me. In another life, I'd like to think we could have been much, much more than friends, but it isn't to be in the here and now.
My time is almost done here. They're calling for me, and I can't be late for this appointment. Give my best to everyone else, and tell them I'll think of them always. It's time for me to face my destiny. And, by Merlin, does it look heavenly. I'll make sure to send you pictures as soon as I can, or rather, as soon as I'm able to.
I've got to go. Lord Potter-Black doesn't like to be kept waiting, particularly on his wedding day.
Peace, love, and Hufflepuff,
(the soon to be) Hannah Abbott Potter-Black
PS: And as for that bet we made, Hedwig will gladly accept your 10 Galleons on my behalf.
Susan looked up from the letter, and realized the owl that had brought her the note was actually Hedwig under a glamour, which had apparently dropped as soon as the note was finished. "I can't believe that lucky witch is marrying Harry Potter," Susan grumbled under her breath as she dropped the money into Hedwig's pouch. The owl took off, leaving Susan to shake her head before going to spread the word.