These letter sections were originally something I started writing to help me keep track of things going on in the background of the story, but now they've become important for showing the parents and other minor but important characters, and for exposition that would otherwise be too boring in normal dialog and scenes that would just be slow and uninteresting.

I don't really consider these sections as separate chapters, so unless something has gone really wrong time-wise, they will always be posted along with a proper chapter.

Letters 1

Dear Mum, Dad, and Lily

I just got to the tower with Fred and Louis, and guess what? Al ended up in Hufflepuff. Hufflepuff! And I offered to help him get re-sorted, but he refused! His also become friends with that Malfoy kid we saw on the platform. I think Malfoy might be trying to turn him bad or something. He was also hanging out with this fat chick who was totally rude to us. No idea what her deal is.

I also don't know what happened between Al and Rose, but somehow his really upset her. She just went up to her Dormitory crying. Oh, Rosie got into Gryffindor.

Mum, I promise I won't get into too much trouble this year, and Dad... maybe I did borrow the Marauder's Map. I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist. And you gave the invisibility cloak to Al, so it seems fair to me. You take care Lily; I'll send you a Hogwarts souvenir soon, just like I promised.

Well I'm off to bed, I'll tell you how classes go on Monday.

Love,

James.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Dear Mum and Dad and Lily.

Hello everyone. It's me, Albus. James wouldn't let me borrow Nimbus so I had to use a School Owl to send this letter. Guess what? I'm in Hufflepuff!

I know it's not what you were expecting of me, but I really feel like I belong here, and everyone is really nice to me. I made two new friends on the train; Kiyomi Kanno is a Muggleborn girl, and she's really cool. She has a toad called Mr. Toad. She lost him last night on the way to the Sorting, but the Fat Friar and Professor Travers found him for her. And, I also made friends with Scorpius Malfoy. Mum, Dad, I know you two don't like Scorp's father, but Scorp is really cool, and really nice. His completely blind, but he doesn't let that slow him down at all. He plays guitar and has an owl called Geddy. He offered to let me borrow Geddy to send this letter, but I knew he'd want to write to his parents so I said no.

Oh, Kiyomi and Scorp are both in Hufflepuff too.

Anyway, since today is Saturday we didn't have any classes. We went to see Uncle Neville and he showed us a lot of cool plants. He said our first lesson with him will be on Tuesday. We also went to visit the Goyles. Mr. Goyle is Scorp's Godfather, and his the Groundskeeper. His wife Professor Goyle is the History of Magic Teacher and Head of Slytherin House. They're both nice, and they live at Hogwarts all year round with their daughters. The three eldest daughters are already Hogwarts students and in Slytherin, but the two younger ones haven't started Hogwarts classes yet. Hope will be starting next year, and she's pretty funny. And Lily I'll have to introduce you to Mercy at one point; you two are the same age and you both like the same things. I bet you'll both be good friends.

Well, so far everything is good. Except when we went to visit Hagrid Rose and her friends were there too, and they were kinda mean to us. I don't know why Rose doesn't like me anymore; all I did was go off on my own on the train. Do you think not being in Gryffindor made it worse?

Well, either way, Hogwarts is awesome and I can't wait for classes to start on Monday.

Love,

Albus.

PS. Dad, there is a girl in my House called Harriett Summerby. She says you're her hero.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Harry and Ginny Potter

Hello Harry and Ginny. You've probably heard by now that Albus has become friends with Draco Malfoy's son. Just want to let you know that there is nothing to worry about; Albus came to visit me today with his new friends and Scorpius seems absolutely nothing like his father. His a really nice boy and I think he and Albus will be good friends. Al's other little friend Kiyomi seems quite nice too, though I wouldn't want to be on her bad side. She was shy at first but she's pretty tough deep down.

Albus seems to be settling in well, and I'll let you know if there are any problems.

~ Neville

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Harry

Hello Harry, just want to let you know that I saw Albus and Rose today. Or rather, I had tea with Rose and her friends, and then Al came around for a few minutes with his friends, but things were a bit tense and they didn't stay long. Anyway, don't worry about Al being friends with that Malfoy boy; his a nice kid. Managed to keep his head even after that Elliott girl began giving him lip. It was really uncanny seeing Scorp so up close; he looks just like his father did at that age. Except for his eyes; I guess he got them off his mother.

Al's other friend Kiyomi seems nice. Though she and Elliott exchanged some harsh words. There's some real tension between the two groups; Cho's son said it started because Al left Rose on the Hogwarts express to hang out with Scorp and Kiyomi, but the way Rose and Elliott talk about it you'd think Albus committed the ultimate betrayal and his new friends are the next big thing in evil.

Just thought I'd better give you a heads-up in case this little quarrel blows up into something big. Oh, and congratulations on having a Hufflepuff son. Albus will be great in Hufflepuff... and don't worry, his going to have a lot of housemates looking out for him.

Give my love to Ginny and Lily,

~ Hagrid.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Mum, Dad, Maffy, and Paulie.

Hello everyone. Today was my first day at Hogwarts and it was awesome! I made two new friends on the train; Kiyomi Kanno; she's cool. She likes the same sort of music I do, and she knows of a lot of bands I've never heard of. Her parents are both really strict, but she has a Muggle friend who lets her listen to a lot of good music and stuff. Oh yeah, she's Muggleborn as well. I was a bit worried that she might not like me when she found out about our family history and all that, but she's cool with it.

I also met Albus Potter. He doesn't care that Dad and his dad were rivals at school, so everything is good. Oh it was so funny when we got sorted. Albus was sorted before me, and after I got sorted I went to the table, but couldn't find an empty seat. Sevy came up and tried to take me to where all the other First Years were, but he'd never led a blind person before and was faster than me, and we both tripped over.

Oh by the way, all three of us are in Hufflepuff together. Surprise!

Today was fun. We went to visit the Goyle's, and Albus took us to see Professor Longbottom. He is soooo cool, even if he is the Head of Gryffindor. We also went to see Hagrid, but Rose Weasley and her friends were there. She's even bossier than I remember, so don't worry Dad; she'll never be my girlfriend. She's in Gryffindor, and so is Albus's brother and all his other cousins. Some of his cousins seemed nice, but not all of them.

Oh, I met up with Kathryn Nott too. She's in my year, but in Gryffindor. She's going well.

I'll let you all know how lessons go on Monday. Oh Paulie, I missed what you said about the giant spiders, but Hagrid says the ones left at Hogwarts are harmless.

Love to everyone,

Scorp.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Dear Uncle Blaise

Hello Uncle Blaise; thanks for the Teacher Radar. I had a really good birthday and Hogwarts is really awesome.

You said to let you know as soon as I needed homing bracelet's for friends, and it looks like I need them straight away. I've made two new friends, their names are Kiyomi Kanno and Albus Potter. Their names are pronounced they way they're spelt. I'll tell you all about them in another letter; it's getting a bit late now and my throat is getting pretty dry from talking all day. Also, can I please get Albus's bracelet to answer to either Albus or Sevy? He prefers being called Albus or Al, but when I think of the name Albus I think of my other friend called Albus, so if I can get this Albus to agree to be called Sevy that would be a lot better. And finally, Professor Hagrid said he'd like a bracelet so I can find him. I haven't met my Head of House yet, but Hagrid said she'd probably want one too. Her name is Professor Llewellyn.

I'll write to you later Uncle Blaise. Thanks again for everything.

Love, Scorp.

PS. Guess what? I'm in Hufflepuff!

PPS. I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but Albus has an Invisibility Cloak. So don't worry about me getting caught with the Teacher Radar; even if we do wander around at night they won't see us.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Draco and Astoria Malfoy.

Draco, Astoria, you've probably heard by now that Scorp is friends with Harry Potter's son. I just want to reassure you both (well, let's be honest, mostly Draco) that everything is fine, and the Potter boy seems like a nice, understanding young man. It's a relief to see Scorp making new friends so quickly.

~ Selene

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Mum, Dad, and Motoko

Hello everyone. Sorry if this letter is a bit smudgy, I'm still getting used to writing with a quill and ink.

I got to Hogwarts fine, and made two friends along the way. You may have seen me with a blond boy on the train, his name is Scorpius Malfoy. His family have been Wizards and Witches for generations, and his Professor Goyle's Godson. His also blind; because I was so quiet he didn't know anyone was in that compartment and just walked in and started putting his stuff away. He was really embarrassed when he found out I was there, but we're friends now. I also met another boy named Albus Potter. Albus is actually a really common name amongst Wizard boys. His parents were both heroes during the war. The three of us are in Hufflepuff House.

But don't worry, I've made girl friends as well. We met Kathryn Nott and Esther Pucey; they're both in Gryffindor House, but they're friendly. Albus has a lot of cousins in Gryffindor who aren't, so it's nice to know there are nice people there. I also met all of Professor Goyle's daughters. They have a daughter called Hope who is a year younger than us. We spent a lot of time with her today, and she's really nice. She'll be starting Hogwarts next year, but since both her parents work here she lives here.

I've met a few of the teachers here too. Professor Goyle and her husband of course, and also Professor Hagrid the Deputy Headmaster and the Herbology teacher Professor Longbottom. They are both really close to Albus's parents. And The Charm's teacher Professor Travers is really nice too.

I'll let you all know how classes are on Monday. I miss you all already.

Yours Truly,

Kiyomi.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Mum, Dad, and Hugo

Hi everyone. I got to Hogwarts alright... but Albus turned into a big git. He left us and went off and started hanging out with the Malfoy kid and this girl called Kiyomi Kanno. Well they're all together in Hufflepuff now. So much for standing by me when we started Hogwarts.

Of course, I ended up in Gryffindor. So did Elliott and Tara. Birdie and Kurt went over to Ravenclaw though, but I guess we could see that coming. We've made a new friend too; her name is May Templeton, she's Muggleborn and we've been teaching her all about the Wizarding World. And she put these things called rollers in my hair last night, and when I woke up my hair was all nice and wavy rather than bushy. She says they don't use magic at all!

But not everyone in Gryffindor is so nice. There is this girl called Kathryn Nott - I think she must be a fanatical Pureblood, because she has some sort of inbred genetic thingy. As soon as Elliott and I started talking about Scorpius Malfoy she went off her head and called me a bitch. Sorry for swearing, but it's what she said.

The four of us went to see Hagrid today, but Albus and his friends came around, and then everything was weird. I can't believe he chose Scorpius Malfoy over me! Oh Mum, I gave your love to Uncle Neville, and he said thanks. We also met Mr. Ursing the Caretaker. He scared us at first, but it turns out his friendly enough. He used to be in Gryffindor, but during his Seventh Year he tried to illegally become an Animagus and got stuck as a Grizzly Bear. I told him about Mum's work with the House Elf rights, and he's going to take us all to the kitchen to meet the House Elves tomorrow.

Well Elliott wants to show me something, so I better get going. Love you all.

~ Rose

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Ron and Hermione

Hi guys. We got a letter from James yesterday, and now we've gotten another one from Albus. It seems there was some sort of incident between Rose and Albus, but Albus can't figure out what his done wrong. I know we agreed not to meddle with the children at school, but could you please let us know Rosie's take on events so we can help clear things up?

Oh, and guess what? Albus went out and made friends with Scorpius Malfoy. We're both dreading the inevitable invites over to Malfoy Manor. Harry especially. How did you two go when Scorpius and Rose played together as children? Any survival tips? Also, did you have to do anything special because of his blindness?

Hannah has offered to babysit Lily next weekend so we can go out. She said to tell you that you're invited to leave Hugo with her too. Anyone feel like a night out?

~ Harry and Ginny.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Harry and Ginny

(Ron:) Oh Ginny, do you remember how seven years ago your were teasing me about how Rose was going to be best friends with Scorpius Malfoy and I'd be stuck with Draco forever? Well looks like the joke is on you.

(Hermione:) Don't worry, Draco has changed a lot since our time at Hogwarts. I sometimes work with him and his mellowed a lot. Anyway, I don't remember having to make any special concessions when Scorpius used to visit. It was like having a regular four-year-old around the house, except that he needed just a bit more help finding things. Remember, his eleven now, so I'm sure he can get around by himself.

As for Rose and Albus, it seems that Rose is just upset that Albus left her on the Hogwarts Express. And I don't think she likes that Albus is friends with the Malfoy boy. It should all blow over soon.

(Ron:) Oh do you two want to hear a joke? Okay, here it is; Hufflepuff House.

(Hermione:) Have you two thought about how you're going to tell Grandpa and Grandma Weasley that they have a grandchild not in Gryffindor? Don't worry, we'll leave it to you two.

Tell Hannah thanks, we will take advantage of her baby-sitting services. I know this really good restaurant and cabaret show in London if anyone else is interested.

~ Ron and Hermione.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Ron

I showed Hannah the Hufflepuff joke you made, and she has retracted her offer to babysit.

Okay, just kidding. But if you give Albus any grief about being a Hufflepuff I will tell Hannah. Tell Hermione that the London show and dinner sounds great.

~ Ginny.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Dear James,

Thank you for the letter, but we both think you should be a bit more understanding with Al. There isn't anything wrong with Hufflepuff, and we've heard that his new friends are alright too. Also, the only reason we gave Al the Invisibility Cloak this year was because we didn't want you to pinch it as well. If you had just left the Map alone you would have gotten it next year.

Glad you got there alright, and we hope your classes go well. Enjoy your free weekend.

Love,

Mum and Dad.

PS. Thankyou James. can I plez get a Gryfender Ty?

Love you,

Lily.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Dear Albus,

We're so proud of you. Hufflepuff is a fine House, and don't let James or anyone else tell you any different. We're also glad you're making new friends, and don't worry - whatever goes on between us and Mr. Malfoy should have no effect on your friendship with Scorpius. He and Kiyomi sound like nice kids and we'll be glad to meet them.

Don't worry about Rose; she is a bit upset that you left her on the train, that's all. And James couldn't let you borrow Nimbus because he had already sent him out with a letter to us. You enjoy your lessons, and stay out of trouble.

Love,

Mum and Dad.

PS. Lily sends her love, and has also included a letter for Mercy.

o-o-o-o-o-o

To Mercy Goyle

Hello. My Bruther is Albus Potter and he said we shuld be freinds. Want to keep riting to me?

Love,

Lily Potter

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Neville Longbottom

Thanks Neville. I was really worrying about Al being with the Malfoy boy. Let me know how things go; please tell me straight away if I need to go hex Draco Malfoy.

Sorry in advance for any trouble the boys cause you this year.

~ Harry

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Selene Goyle

Thanks Selene. We both told Scorp to be nice to the Potter and Weasley kids, but Draco went into panic mode when he found out Scorp had become best friends with Albus Potter. Well, you know how Draco gets when it comes to Scorp. But I calmed him down, and your letter put his mind at ease. For now. If Draco sends you any letters asking you to spy on the kids or interfere with Scorp's social life, can you please just say something non-committal and ignore his requests?

Thanks Selene.

~ Astoria.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Scorp

Congratulations on being in Hufflepuff. You sure have surprised us, but it's a good surprise. We're both so happy that you're making new friends, and we look forward to meeting them.

How are you going with getting around the castle? Are your cane's Hogwarts navigation spells working? Write to Blaise straight away if anything starts playing up okay? And don't be afraid to ask for help.

Glad to hear Kathryn Nott is going good; she was such a nice girl. Hope she and her father are both doing better.

Paulie's spider comment was part of a warning to be careful of the Deputy Headmaster, but since you've already met Hagrid and he has a reputation as a kind good natured man, it seems a bit unnecessary.

We're all glad your liking Hogwarts. Pay attention to your classes, but remember to have fun too.

Love, Mum and Dad.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Scorpius

Glad everything is going well and you've made new friends. I am really proud of you being in Hufflepuff; your accepting nature is a blessing to the Malfoy family after centuries of Pure-Blood superiority. I have always admired your dedication, your protectiveness, and your loyalty, and have always envisioned Hufflepuff as being the House best suited to your most admirable traits. Thank you Scorp, for breaking all our family traditions. I believe that there are great things awaiting you in the future.

Love,

Maffy

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Gregory Goyle

Well, Scorp didn't end up in Slytherin, as you and Selene had predicted. Nor were his parents right about Ravenclaw, and as we all knew, Blaise was delusional for betting on Gryffindor. It seems that I was the only one who could see Hufflepuff coming, and therefore Greg, you owe me Fifty Galleons.

Kind Regards,

Lucius Malfoy.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Dear Kiyomi

We're glad you had a good trip, and it's nice to know that you're already making a good impression with the teachers. Even though we never would have dreamed this path for you, we are proud of you and want you to achieve all you can in the Magical World.

It's a good thing that you're making friends. Scorpius and Albus sound like nice boys, but don't forget to be friendly with the other girls as well. Let us know how things go with Hope, Kathryn and Esther.

Let us know how your classes turn out; and remember, if it's too hard being a witch you can come home and we can enroll you in a nice Muggle School.

We miss you too Kiyomi.

Love,

Your Parents.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Kiyomi

Hello little Chappatsu, glad to hear everything is going well at your magic school. I hope the classes are interesting. How's Mr. Toad going?

Scorpius looks pretty cute. Well, once you get passed how pale he is his pretty cute. It's nice that you found a cute blind boyfriend straight away. I was wondering how you'd manage when it came to dating. And you have another boy too. What does this Albus look like? Oh all these boys are going to be in trouble when you get older.

Anyway... Scorpius Malfoy, Albus, Hogwarts, Hufflepuff... is there a Witch language or do they just suck at naming things?

Good Luck,

Motoko

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

To Rose

We're both so proud of you baby. We've sent an owl to Grandpa and Grandma Weasley, and I'm sure they'll be overjoyed to have another Gryffindor in the family. It's a good thing you ended up with your friends, and it's a good thing you're making new friends too.

(Mum) It's a shame that Nott girl is causing you problems so soon. But still, what you said about her was very rude. It's not nice to call someone inbred and it certainly isn't alright to judge someone because they have a genetic defect.

(Dad) But it's perfectly alright to judge her and be mean to her for being a Pureblood fanatic.

(Mum) But try not to cause any trouble Rosie. She might just be lonely. Or maybe Scorpius Malfoy is her friend. I'm sure you'd say some pretty nasty things to anyone who insulted your friends.

Try and be patient with Albus. His allowed to make his own friends, and he probably didn't think that making new friends would upset you so much. He also can't help which House he belongs to, and his going to have a hard enough time explaining it to his grandparents without you and James making it harder for him.

You have fun with Mr. Ursing tomorrow. And if you see Winky say hello to her for us. Have fun when classes start and remember to try your best. Hugo misses you a lot.

Love,

Mum and Dad.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Dear Lily

Thankyou for the letter. I wuld love to be your penpal. I met Albus and he was relly nice and he said you like Dame Dora's Fantastic Fables. And I like Fantastic Fables too my favourit is Tiny Timmy's Big Banquet whats yours?

Love, Mercy

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o