Chapter 14: Correspondences
Dear Sirius,
How have you been? I must admit I've had my fair share of worries concerning your state since we last saw one another; You were whisked away by your Mother before I could even say goodbye…
I personally have been keeping quite busy; I think my parents may have gotten a little too encouraged by the whole OWLs thing- they've gotten the list of next year's textbooks early. Now I'm supposed to be "getting ahead".
Not that I don't appreciate it- I truly do. I just think they sometimes want to forget what I am. Unfortunately, I can't out-study my furry little problem. I wish it was that easy to make them proud permanently.
Why worry about that right now, though… I am only fifteen!
Have you seen James or Peter at all since term ended? I've been meaning to write to both of them.
Anyway, please write soon so I know that you're safe and accounted for.
Remus
P.S. When can I see you?
Dear Remus,
Yes, I am alive. The "well" part, I'm less sure of. But I'm doing fine, nothing to worry about.
"the whole OWLs thing"… yeah, right! You got the highest marks in our whole year, Remmie! Don't be so modest, some things are worth a little bit of pride.
Your letter reminded me to write to Jamesy and Pete- thanks!
I'm sorry it took me so long to write. To be honest with you, my parents have been trying to prevent it entirely. They haven't been happy, Rem. Don't tell James or Peter, they'd just make a big thing of it and it's not worth freaking out over.
How have you been, really? I know a Full's in two days. You had better be sure you write so I know you're alive and well.
Sirius
P.S. I know James was planning another party like last Summer, and now we know that certain days of the month are off of the table, so I had better see you there. I'll come there and bring you myself if I have to.
Dear Sirius,
I am most pleased to hear of your continued survival in Ye Olde Most Ancient and Snobbish House of Black (Did I write that correctly? Merlin, Walburga will have a fit if she intercepts this letter! I mean really, she'd have a fit even if she didn't see the letter, but still)
You will be absolutely amazed when you see some of the tricks I've mastered on the new broom. Picture Evan Clearwater, but better.
Remus wrote and said he found some book store nearby that his parents were actually willing to bring him to- I imagine this means any prospects of him getting out are now over. Sad.
See you soon!
James
Dear Sirius,
I only hope that is true- that you are fine, that is. I would hope that it goes without saying that if you were less fine than you had let on, I would probably be noticing it and here for you. (I am).
I appreciate your saying that, but I'm almost certain you could have bested my score had you actually studied as I had suggested…
Are you saying your parents are actually attempting to halt your communication with the outside world? Why Sirius, that simply cannot be allowed- I'm certain there must be some muggle or wizarding law against it. If you wanted I could talk to my dad, I know he knows a lot of people at the Ministry, if you needed help or some other way to get mail…
I am alright. I can't deny that it was a rough change… it's strange, it's seemed to consistently worsen when I'm home on holiday. But it wasn't this bad prior to going to Hogwarts…does that make sense? It seems like since I've been, being home is harder for the wolf now. Perhaps I'm just imagining things.
Sincerely,
Remus
P.S. It's your birthday so close to the party, we really should be celebrating you! Is there anything in particular you would like? It's your day, after all!
Dear Remus,
As much as I appreciate the offer, you seriously (no pun intended this time, honestly) cannot do that.
Believe me when I say that there's no one your father knows that my family hasn't already blackmailed in some form at the Ministry.
Not worth the trouble, and I'm almost certain the outcome would not be favourable for me.
It means quite a lot, though, Remus. It's hard for me to talk about these things but I can with you.
I hope you are as fine as you say (in regards to the moon). I'm so sorry they've been worse for you Remmie. If I could take on your condition for you, you know I would. In a heartbeat. Besides, I'm sure your wolfs-senses drive the ladies mad!
We'll all be reunited in just a few weeks, so if you can hang in there until then, I promise it will get better. And if not, at least I'll be there to give you chocolate.
Yours,
Sirius
P.S. Please don't worry about my birthday- it's no big deal. Your presence is my present! ;)