The Letters


Dear James,

When replying, I suggest sending letters directly to me and not to my home address. Sending letters directly to my home won't yield results because I won't be there any longer.

No, you don't need to reread that sentence. You read it correctly: I've done what we've always talked about me doing - I've left home. I've run away from these foul people who claim to be my parents.

After twenty-three years of misery, I'm finally free. I write this from a tavern I stopped at for the night.

I'll come to you - I'll just take the long route. It's time I set about exploring caves and dungeons. It's time I explored and did what I always dreamed of doing. I have some gold with me, some supplies - weapons and armour, though basic. But I'll be okay. You know I can handle anything I come across - what can be worse than Mother?

I hope to hear from you soon, my dear friend.

Sirius Black.


Dear Sirius Black,

My name is Remus Lupin. I moved to town three days ago because there was an empty shop that was suitable for my family's wares. Your letter came to me instead of James and I must apologise that I read it not realising.

The messenger rushed in giving it to me. He was gone before I realised that the letter wasn't for me. The front didn't have a person's name, just the address of my shop and I assumed the letter was for me or my parents.

I've yet to meet anyone in town called James, but if I do, I'll make sure the letter gets passed on to him. I wish you safe travels and ask you to take care in dungeons and whilst exploring. It's not much, but I've attached a potion of my own creation. The potion will temporarily allow you to survive any injuries long enough to get back to town. I've been trying to make it stronger, but at least it'll help in the most dire cases - but hopefully it doesn't come to that.

I hope this is enough to earn my forgiveness in reading your letter. Good luck.

Remus Lupin.


Remus,

I wasn't angry that you read the letter. I should have made it clearer who it was for, by adding James' name to the front of the envelope so that was entirely my own fault. I did send it to the shop rather than James' home address because it's easier for the messengers to find the shop, plus James sometimes stays in the rooms above the shop when he's been working late.

I must admit that I enjoy getting letters since it's only my best friend who sends them, so it was a lovely surprise when I received one from you.

That potion sounds wonderful and do not worry. I am being overly careful, sticking to little quests that the tavern-owner has been asked to mention to travellers and adventurers. I think I'll stay here for a week or so. If I can earn enough gold here, I can get my armour upgraded, I can make sure I have enough supplies. You mix potions and have a shop - am I correct in assuming that you're an alchemist then?

Please find enclosed a blue mountain flower. I would have rather given you something a little less common, but I hadn't considered looking out for alchemy ingredients before now.

Though if I come across any, I'll be sure to send them your way.

Sirius.


Sirius,

How generous of you. I certainly didn't send that potion with an expectation of you sending me something in return. It's the thought that counts.

You're right, I am an Alchemist. I take a certain joy in making up potions. My mother tends to grow a lot of the ingredients for the store and my father works on the counter - I do the mixing. We used to live a few towns away - that was until another Alchemist by the name of Severus opened his own store facing ours. He had more knowledge of Alchemy than I do and we realised that if we didn't move, we'd quickly become poor. It was give up our jobs and do something else, or move.

When we realised that there was an empty shop that we could afford, we snapped it up quickly.

Your previous letter has been passed onto James. I hope it's the correct person - he seemed to know your name and was eager to have the letter, so you should be hearing back soon enough. It was nice to meet him - I haven't really had a chance to get to know anyone, but that's nothing new really.

Tell me about your adventures!

Remus


Remus,

Well, you haven't yet met me, but here's your chance to get to know me. I have a younger brother called Regulus and horrible parents. My real family is the Potters (James' family) who practically raised me until my parents moved us away when I was seventeen. I'm travelling back to see them but I'm a long way away. It would be weeks of travel if I came directly by carriage, but I plan to make my own way.

When I'm there, I'll certainly stop in to meet with you. We could go to the local tavern - you, me, James and Peter. My friends are good guys and I'm sure you'd get along splendidly.

It's a shame that you had to give up your home like that. There were many places Severus could have placed his business, yet he chose his location in order to put you and your family out of business which sounds horrible. You'll find the people of Godric's Hollow are more loyal to where they make their purchases. That place is amazing and the people are… well, you'll find out for yourself.

There haven't been many adventures. A tiger was attacking local farms, a child had wandered off from his parents, and a few deliveries and errands around town. That sort of thing really. It's small jobs, but each bit of gold helps, plus people know who I am and they'll keep me in mind for bigger jobs.

I found some toadstools outside of the tavern. I asked around and heard they are used in alchemy so I hope they are useful for you.

Sirius.


Sirius,

You're right, but this town seems much nicer than the town we came from. There are more plants growing and I'm enjoying my early morning walks where I collect a few plants. I'm going to invest in an Alchemy Satchel once we're more established - it cost a lot of money to pack up and move but we'll re-establish ourselves and things will hopefully fall into place.

They may not be the type of jobs you're hoping for, but think about those people on the farms that spend hours in the fields to earn a living, or the parents who were probably terrified that something had happened to their child. You're making a difference and those people will certainly remember what you've done for them. So those are the people who will be telling their friends and children about the great adventurer who helped them when no one else would.

I saw James again today. He was in for a couple of potions along with his mother. She was talking with mine for a short while and James was asking a few questions about Alchemy. He mentioned that when they had the shop, it sold jewellery that Mrs Potter made, but they needed a bigger shop as James wanted to move permanently into the property so they wanted somewhere with a larger home above. He mentioned he was going to tell you about it, so I assume you already know this. It's funny - he lives in the shop facing and I didn't realise until today!

He talked fondly of you and from the expression on his face, you matter a lot to him. He called you his brother and it must be nice to have such a connection with someone that you treat them as family.

Thank you for the toadstools, they were very useful. They are Fly Amanita and I used one to make you a potion (enclosed) which will regenerate your stamina quicker. If you get weary, drink it. Don't drink it close to bedtime though as it'll keep you up.

Remus


Remus,

James mentioned it in his last letter. It's got an extra bedroom. In fact, he moved so he had an extra room available for me if I ever wanted to stay. His timing is impeccable, isn't it?

I believe everything happens for a reason. I messaged to tell him that I've left home only to find out he's prepared for this. Yet when I send the message, it is opened by someone else. I like to think that you were supposed to get my message - that we were supposed to talk and become friends. Because one day I'll arrive in town and I'm already anticipating our first meeting.

I invested in a new sword today. It has a basic charm on it that does extra attack to frost creatures. This is handy since I keep getting asked to deal with frost-trolls. There's rumours of a nest of them - about five or six - which is why I chose this particular weapon. There's no shortage of frost-trolls causing trouble around here.

Thank you for the potion. I'll keep it with me for when I travel to that nest.

Sirius


Sirius,

So you'll be living directly facing me? Maybe you're right. I've never believed things happen for a reason before but I like to think this has. I must say when I see a messenger arriving, I get excited that I'm about to get a letter from you and I enjoy writing them to you. I may miss sending letters when you come to town.

I wanted to ask your thought on Lucius Malfoy? You used to live here so you would know the people here - and I feel safer asking you because though you're a stranger, you're also a friend. I just want to know if he's someone I should associate with?

I hope you're safe after taking on that nest. How many did you face?

Remus.


Remus, if you only heed one piece of advice from me - it's to stay away from Lucius. When you say 'associate' my mind makes me believe that you mean something else - I myself was romantically involved with Lucius. It was kept secret though I was willing to be in a relationship and allow the world to know - and in the meantime, he became betrothed to my cousin. He's still set to marry her, he's just looking for male companionship on the side and in secret.

Lucius Malfoy doesn't care about feelings - he just wants a warm body in his bed. I found that out the hard way and had my heart broken. I ended things and he tried to make my life difficult just because I wouldn't be his 'fling' whilst he was with my cousin.

After this, my parents never allowed me to visit with James again. They thought I was shaming the family just because I shared a bed with another man.

I barely know you, but I can tell by your words that you are a good person with a big heart and that you care about everyone - even strangers - and the last thing I want is for you to get hurt. You deserve better!

Sirius


Sirius,

I've turned him down and cut ties with him completely. James' cold behaviour in the Tavern last night suddenly makes sense now - I wouldn't ever want to even talk to someone who could so cruelly use you like that.

Is Godric's Hollow somewhere where you can admit to your feelings for another man? Where we came from, people weren't that open about their romantic relationships in that way. But now that I think about it, when we left, we did cross the border into another kingdom. I had never considered the different laws but maybe it's why my parents chose here to set up our new shop rather than one or two towns over?

As do you - you deserve someone who would never treat you that way - someone who doesn't hide the relationship as though they're ashamed. You've brightened my life and I can't even begin to imagine how someone could treat you anything less than perfect.

Remus


Remus,

I'm sorry about the delay in letters - I had to wait for a reply from my letter to James first. I asked James about you. I couldn't believe that you were real, but he assures me you are, though he won't tell me how you look.

Not that it matters of course, I was just trying to imagine you. I realise I forgot to tell you about that nest. There were nine trolls in there, but I managed to take out four outside without the others realising. Your potion came in handy as I was exhausted afterwards, but it helped me have the energy to get back to town.

You mentioned before about lack of friends and that's what baffles me. You're the amazing one, Remus. You're sweet and caring and oh so wonderful. How do people not just flock to you, seeking friendship and more? If I weren't travelling and I spoke to you without knowing you, I'd never stay away. I'd want to be around you always.

Sirius


Sirius,

I'm glad the potion came in handy. I've found some new patches for ingredients so I've made some stronger potions. They're all labelled of course. Each small vial is one dose, it makes it so I can send you more potions with the messenger - I hope this comes in useful.

I know this sounds stupid, but I can't help but feel worried about you every day. What if you got hurt? You could die and I'd never know. I'm sorry my thoughts turn morbid, but I constantly fear the worst.

I mean, I was fearful at first, but now it's so much more.

Remus


Remus

All of the potions are brilliant. The vials work so well because they are less bulky and I can take them rather than the big potions. Thank you, as always.

I took on an ogre today. It was attacking anyone travelling out of town and an advisor from the keep asked me to handle it myself. They offered to sell me a home and allow me to become the protector and I will admit that I considered it, but the thought of being so far away from James and my family made me choose to come back.

After all, if I stay here, how would I ever get to meet you? Writing your letters are fast becoming one of the most important tasks of my day and receiving them, the brightest moments.

I had a brief lover in town but it wasn't something that would last. I'm sorry.

Sirius.


Sirius,

Why are you sorry? If you're not involved with someone else, you're free to be in a relationship - as long as that person treats you right and makes you happy, that's what matters.

Clearly they weren't enough to keep you in town, but I can't hold it against you that you have needs and wants - everyone has those - there is nothing to hold against you. This won't affect this friendship we're building up, don't worry.

The letter arrived a day earlier than expected and I realise now that we've been writing for four months now. Though we've not exchanged a lot of letters because of the distance and time it takes for a letter to arrive and a letter to be returned, it feels like I've known you for more than this short amount of time.

Snow is beginning to fall here so I can only imagine how cold you are up there - even if you're travelling away from the last town you were in. I've sent a parcel - Mother invested in a new coat for me so I've sent my old one. It's nothing brilliant, but it's got countless warming charms on it and I've never suffered from the cold because of the charms. It still has life left in it. I'm just hoping you're not taller than me because otherwise you may find the sleeves short.

Keep safe and keep warm.

Remus.


Remus,

It fits - the sleeves are slightly long but not overly so, and it's really warm. I can't begin to tell you how thankful I am for the coat. I was hoarding money to get someone to charm my current one, but that money can be used elsewhere now.

I'm glad it doesn't affect us. I always get scared because I'm used to people disapproving of me in some way, that I worry that I'll do something that'll screw up this beautiful friendship that we've been building.

Four months? That's a long time but you're right - it feels like no time at all! I can barely remember what it's like before I got that first letter from you.

The town I'm in have heard of me from people who have travelled. Gossip mostly, but it's nice here. There's the Bard's College here and I've decided to stay with them for a while. I've always loved listening to Bards and wanted to learn to be one and this is the perfect opportunity.

I was given this bag. Usually I sell the stuff I get to the general wares shop, saving anything I need… but this was saved for you. It's an Apothecary Satchel but when I had it checked out, there were some charms on the bag which keeps the plants and ingredients as fresh as the moment they were picked.

Sirius


Sirius,

This bag is perfect, thank you. I usually have to leave some ingredients until last and rush back with them - those tend to be the ones near the swamp a mile away from town, but now I can take my time, taking a different path back and collecting even more ingredients.

Our shop is looking good. We've been mostly making potions to order because of limited supplies and jars and only stocking the more popular health potions, but we've got enough money now to stock up on the jars so we can make potions and store them. It helps because we were previously losing a bit of business as some people weren't patient to wait a few hours or a day.

This gives me more time to myself. I can mix the potions in slightly bigger batches and store everything

A Bard? What instrument are you hoping to play (if any)? I have no doubts you'll be amazing as a Bard. A monster-fighting Bard. You'll have to sing stories about yourself!

Remus


Remus,

Maybe when I get to town, I can take you on some adventures? James and Peter want to come along with me and you'll be a good addition to our team. Imagine what the four of us could do together?

I mean, you have the time since you're doing potions by the batch… I promise I'll keep you safe. I just feel like the four of us would have so much fun together. What do you think?"

I don't know yet. Lutes are more popular and would be easiest to learn. What do you think, Remus? What would I suit? What would you like to hear me do?

So I heard a song today about wolves raising boys - one was called Remus and it made me think of you. Are you named after that rhyme or something?

Sirius


Sirius,

I've been making you some more potions for you. I doubt you'll need as many as a Bard, but better safe than sorry. The light purple ones are for your throat. With all of the singing you'll be doing, it'll stop your throat from hurting or from you overdoing it. They'll help as you get used to the life of a Bard.

I've been thinking over your offer and I may take you up on that. I have responsibilities at home of course, but the idea of being at your side - adventuring at your side - is something I can't bring myself to pass up.

I asked my mother and she said that she loved to hear the tale growing up, and that when she married my father, with our surname 'Lupin', she believed that it was meant to be. If I had a brother, he was to be Romulus. I always hoped for a brother actually, but my parents only had me. My mother seemed sad when talking about the names so I never pushed to find out why she didn't have another child.

I think you should be happy with what you pick. Not wondering what I'd like. You're the one learning it - you're the one who'll be performing with it. Pick a sound that you know you would enjoy for a long time. You could always add a second instrument.

Also - I love all instruments. I'm certain that if it's you playing them, they'd be even more perfect.

Yours, Remus


Remus,

I think I met someone. Gilderoy Lockhart. He arrived a few months ago and we've been practicing together and he's very charming and I'm learning a lot from him. Those that run the college are amazed at his skills.

I'm going to make sure this goes right this time. I'm going to remember your words from before. I'm going to come away from here with great skills and play for you, James, Peter and James' parents and hopefully you'll enjoy it.

Also a lot of Bards know how to make poison. Is that normal?

Sirius


Sirius,

Please take care with your heart this time. I can't wait for you to return (if you do) and perform for us.

If you've found someone who makes you happy there, do you think you'll stay? If you do, maybe me, James and Peter can all travel to visit you because I'd love to meet you.

I keep telling myself to be patient. That you'll arrive when you're ready, but I sometimes feel anxious. If only to have a face to put with your name.

What do you look like?

Remus.


Sirius,

A reply from you would usually arrive weeks ago and yet I've not had one. I considered that a messenger could have gotten lost or delivered it to the wrong address.

Or something may have happened to you. Something I can't dare even consider.

Perhaps you are busy learning and have lost track of time.

Please respond. If only to tell me you're alright!

Remus


Sirius,

I don't know what I'd do if something has happened to you. I'm scared now. It's been two months. I should have had a letter weeks ago. James asked if I had heard from you.

Please be safe.

Remus.


James pounded his fist on the door. The shop had closed only minutes before and Remus assumed it was a customer who needed something. On the other side stood James, his mouth set into a firm line.

"I'm going to find him," James said. "Get your things."

"My… things?" Remus asked. "What things?"

"Anything. Supplies, potions. A weapon. We need to go quickly."

"Where?"

James looked at Remus strangely. "To get Sirius of course. Remus, the letters he sends to me are all about you - you can't tell me that he isn't important to you. I see your face light up when you get a letter. I see you eagerly watching for a messenger. If he matters even half as much as I suspect he does, you'll come with me."

"But… but the shop?"

"Honey, you need to go," Hope said from behind him. "It's about Dorea's boy, isn't it - the one that lives far away? The one she told us has been writing to you. I've never seen you so happy and if this is something you need to do, then do it. If something has happened and you never went, you'll never forgive yourself."

"Are you sure? Don't you need me here?"

"We have enough potions to get by," Hope insisted. "Your father has gone upstairs. He's searching for his old adventuring gear for you. Go and get your love."

"I'm going," Remus confirmed. "But Mum, he's not mine. When he comes, don't… don't say…"

"You're mad about him, my darling," Hope said softly. "It's plain for everyone to see. Subtlety is not your strong point, is it? Not when it comes to Sirius."

She turned her attention to James who was watching the exchange carefully. "You take care of my son."

"I will," James assured her. "I have a plan."

"Okay good, you be the leader and keep him safe." She glanced behind her as Lyall appeared with a crate of his old equipment.

...oOo...

It was a week's journey to the Bard's College. Longer really, but James had paid for a wagon to take them as far as he could before nightfall, and then when they had arrived, taken a walk and had something to eat, James paid the next wagon to take them as far as he could. The trio took turns sleeping and had managed to save a lot of time when they finally arrived in Knockturn Keep.

"I was thinking about your plan," Remus said as the place came into view. "I think we need to consider that he's still in the college. He mentioned that they know about poison. What else do they know?"

"Are you talking about the Bards?" the driver asked, glancing around. "I wouldn't trust that Bard's College. Some strange folk come from there."

Peter glanced at the man. "Assassins deal with poisons," he said.

"And Apothecaries," Remus pointed out. "But the more I think about it, the more I'm convinced he was there. We need to get in there."

James nodded. "We need someone who doesn't look threatening," he murmured. "Can either of you sing?"

Peter quickly shook his head. "Not in the slightest."

"Remus, I've heard you sing as you mix up your potions. You'll have to do," James said. "You go in, claim you want to be a Bard and you sneak us in."

"How?"

"You'll find a way. Meanwhile, Peter can get information on the Bards and I can go to the front door and ask for Sirius, see what information they are willing to part with. I can also keep guard and watch out for Sirius. I can try and find an alternative way in. How does that sound?"

Remus nodded reluctantly. He'd be useless on the inside - but James had told him about how Peter was good at overhearing things and would be best off listening to the criminals and James had the musical talent of a worm. Remus looked mild and the least like a threat - despite the scar that ran down his face.

"If you think this is the best way to get Sirius, I'll do what it takes."

James nodded. "This is going to be risky. Are you willing to take risks? If you have doubts, tell me now."

Remus took a moment to consider what to do. Could he sit back and hope the others managed? "I think I'm in love with him," he admitted softly. "I'll do whatever it takes to save him."

"Can you fight if needed?" James asked.

Remus nodded. "I know how to defend myself. Father taught me to fight. Mostly for self-defence but…"

James glanced around as the wagon stopped. He passed a small pouch of coins to the driver. "Thank you."

...oOo...

"I've been interested in becoming a Bard for years," Remus said. "My parents work in an Apothecary but it never felt enough, you know. I felt like there was more to life."

"So you have potion making skills?" the woman asked, her long nails tapping against her desk. "You have a look about you, so you can stay. You'll have to start at the bottom. Run errands, keep the place tidy and so on. I know Gilderoy needs an assistant. His was… reassigned."

Remus merely nodded and the woman stood up. "I'm Rita," she said. "And you are…"

"Romulus," Remus offered softly. He followed Rita and looked around, trying to memorise the place as Rita began to lead him around. She waved her hand at each of the areas, telling Remus what was what, but Remus was only concerned about what doors she didn't point out.

Finally she stopped at a room. "This is the assigned room for Gilderoy's assistant," she said. "Your first job - clear it out."

"Clear it? I thought his last assistant was relocated?" Remus asked.

Rita chuckled. "Not throw it out. Clear it all into a crate. Find somewhere to store it until he returns."

She passed over a key and Remus unlocked the door. He quickly closed it behind him. He immediately spotted his old coat hanging over a chair. This was Sirius' stuff. Sirius had been here.

...oOo...

Remus,

I'm leaving here. It doesn't feel right with Gilderoy. I thought this attention was what I wanted, but it feels wrong. I'm terrified that I'm going to ruin our friendship by telling you this, but it feels wrong because it's not you.

I don't even know what you look like, but I feel like I'm betraying you. I'm going to end things with Gilderoy now and start home. Hopefully you get this by the time I return.

I love you, Remus.

Sirius.


Remus stared at the letter for a long time after coming across it. There were half-written letters to James and Peter too, but this one was complete.

Everything appeared to be well until the breakup with Gilderoy appeared. He stored the belongings carefully with his own things, making sure to slip the knives onto his person.

As the night grew late, Remus noticed a large amount of the Bards headed out to the local tavern. He took the chance to slip out himself, James and Peter finding him quickly.

"He's somewhere here. The breakup and his attempt to leave were a trigger. I have his job and his old room - all of his belongings were still there," Remus explained.

"Talk at the tavern is that someone valuable is being held here for a ransom," Peter said.

"Remus, can you get us in?" James asked. "Is there a back door where we won't be seen?"

...oOo...

Peter picked the lock on the fifth locked door as James kept a look out for anyone to come. They had already taken out two guards, forcing some of Remus' sleeping potions down their throats and dragging them into one of the rooms that Peter had opened.

But this one was down in the basement and Remus realised it would have to be where Sirius was.

The door swung open and Remus walked in, knife hidden in his sleeve. Before he could do anything, am arm wrapped around his neck.

"Let me out or I'll snap it," a man hissed darkly.

"My name is Remus," Remus said quickly. "Are you…"

"Remus?" the voice softened. "My Remus?"

"Remus Lupin. You're Sirius, right? You didn't write. We were worried. We…" the arm loosened as Remus spoke and he turned, coming face to face with the man he had fallen in love with over the months of writing letters.

"You came for me?" the smile was blinding.

"Of course I did. I love you and would never let anything bad happen to you," Remus said. His gaze moved over Sirius' face as he tried to memorise Sirius' features. Sirius Black was breathtaking. High cheekbones and soft looking lips. He was utterly perfect. "Ready to go home?"

"My stuff… I need to get—"

"I've already packed it up. Peter and James have gone to get everything. I think they were giving us some time alone."

Sirius took his hands. "You said you love me?"

"I did and I do love you, but let's save further discussion of my words until we're safely out of Knockturn Keep." Remus pulled one of the knives from his boots and passed it to Sirius. "You go first."

"Why?" Sirius asked.

"Think about it - you've experience in fighting, in sneaking around. You know the layout of the place. I'll be useless in getting us out of here. I'll fight at your side, but I don't want to get us lost."

Sirius nodded, looking determined. "I'll make sure we all get out of here safe," he said. "And just so you know - I love you too. I was ready to come home just because I wanted to be with you."

Remus smiled. "And now we can be together," he assured Sirius. "Let's go."


Written for:

Assignment 3 - Write a penpal AU

Serpent - "Subtlety is not your strong point, is it?"

Scavenger Hunt - Write a letter fic

Library Lovers - Shelf 1 - Lord of the Rings - (genre) fantasy, (genre) adventure, someone going on a quest

Lent - Use someone's name 40 times

Writing Club: Aladdin - Write about someone who has a huge personality

Book Club - (Word) Self-defence, (genre) adventure, (word) leader

Showtime - (Genre) friendship

Buttons - "Think about it."

Lyric Alley "It doesn't matter what is out there"

Cards - Write about fighting off a monster

365 - Medieval AU

1000 - Penpals

Resolutions - Write a crossover