A/N: This takes place from chapters 32-51 of Show a Little Faith. Enjoy!
- Molly & Ethan -
January 8th, 2024
Dear Ethan,
The grounds are now absolutely covered in snow. We already had a bit before we came home for Christmas, but we seemed to have missed a snowstorm or two in our absence. It's absolutely beautiful, and I can't help but be reminded of Christmas Eve whenever I see students running around and playing in the snow once they're done with classes.
Speaking of classes, remember that Potions lesson where Professor Scott makes us come up with an antidote based off a poison? We just had that lesson today and I think I can safely say that my future doesn't lie in Potions. Not that I did horribly, but it's definitely not my strong suit. I'm still not sure what is.
Speaking of which, I haven't gotten to tell you about the day I spent at the Ministry with my parents! I went in with them a few days before having to come back to school. While I still don't know what I'd like to do, I definitely have a few ideas about what I definitely don't want to do. I toured both of my parents' departments, and while I haven't written off magical law, I really don't think I could work in trade like my mum. There are surprisingly more politics involved there than in the law department. While Mum is great at it, that's just not my cup of tea.
I guess that's a start. And I actually did like the sound of some of the possibilities involved with magical law. Particularly the opportunity to help people. It sort of hit me while we were there that whatever I end up doing, I want to be helping people. So that's something.
You probably weren't expecting to hear from me right away. We didn't exactly say how this was going to go. I tend to not put myself out there, but I wanted to write you, so I did. I've only been back at school for a few days and I already miss you.
Good luck with training this week. Hope to hear from you soon.
Molly
January 10th, 2024
Dear Molly,
Getting your letter my first day back after Christmas was just what I needed.
Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and I'm excited to be fully back into gear with training, but I already miss you too. To be honest, after the way we left things, I wasn't sure if I'd hear from you first. I know we didn't leave things poorly, but we brought a lot out in the open and it did make me a little nervous that things would be different. So it set me at ease to not only see that you'd written, but to read your letter as well.
Living in the city has deprived me of the beautiful winters we'd get at Hogwarts. I'm a bit jealous, actually. My last year, Eva and Dom and I built this massive fort one weekend, and I had to practically drag them inside when it got dark out and they were getting ideas about sleeping out there. Dom claimed that if Eskimo's could do it, so could she.
By the way, did you know she's sort of seeing Lysander? She says they're not together, but a bunch of us were having dinner at the Leaky Cauldron last night and they got caught snogging in the kitchen. James, Violet, Lorcan, and Roxanne didn't seem too surprised, so I gathered it wasn't the first time.
Anyway, I've been fully back to training for three days now, and it looks like we have some exciting things coming up. I'll fill you in more in my next letter.
Speaking of, I know our letters won't be as frequent as these first two, but I just couldn't not write back right away. I miss you.
Hope classes are going well. If you have any Potions related questions, let me know. We're studying poisons and antidotes now!
Ethan
January 19th, 2024
Dear Ethan,
I'll be sure to send any questions I have about Potions directly to you. Erin actually helped me out when I was working on my essay about antidotes the other night. She really has a knack for them.
She seems to be doing really well, by the way. Both of your sisters are. Alice was up for dinner the first Friday we were back, and she came back again on Wednesday like she normally does, but spent most of the time sitting with the new Muggle Studies professor. I think I remember them dancing together at the wedding too. Not to be gossipy, but they seem to be getting along rather well.
So, I know it never fit with your schedule last term, but what do your weekends look like this one? Any chance you'll make it up here during a Hogsmeade weekend? I know we have one in the middle of February, and then again in April and June. I know your sisters would love to see you. I wouldn't mind seeing you either.
Jill's got it in her head that she wants to go into politics, so hope that I remain sane as she runs her platform by me every time she makes a change to it. She was all about starting her own line of beauty products before Christmas, so no telling how long this career goal will last. Louis still wants to be a Healer, so at least someone's consistent, and Caleb's been acting odd. No other way to explain it, really. I can't really even put my finger on what's different.
That's about all. How's training? I enjoyed meeting Isaac and Zoey and Mason at the wedding. Still disappointed I wasn't able to meet your roommate. Logan, right? You mentioned learning more about poisons and antidotes. Is there anything else new that you're doing?
Lucy says hello.
Miss you,
Molly
February 1st, 2024
Dear Molly,
Yes! Way to go Alice! I actually got a letter from her this past week, and while she didn't get into the particulars, she's definitely happy. Teddy seems to have been clued into things as well, most likely through Victoire, and he only has good things to say about Bray. I hope it works out for them. He seems to be a really good bloke. I met him at the wedding, and I'm hoping to make it into Hogsmeade soon, so maybe I'll get to see more of him.
Speaking of which, I'm free the last weekend of this month, so that won't work. My weekend off in April is the first one, and I don't know about June yet. I don't have my schedule that far out. So far it's not looking good for our weekends to match up once again, unless you happen to go to Hogsmeade the first weekend in April.
I'm sorry I didn't write you back sooner. To start with, it almost feels like they're piling the work on. Have I talked at all about my instructors? Other Aurors sometimes guest lecture or come in to help with practicals, but two Aurors are full time trainers. Those two are honestly some of the most intimidating people I've ever met. It's sort of hard to put them into words, but I'll try.
First, there's Michelle Ferguson, whose peers and superiors call Fergie, but we've been told to call Auror Ferguson. To her face, at least. She teaches first aid, curse detection, and stealth and tracking. And she's brilliant at all of them. Apparently, she's got a really crazy backstory, but with all the rumors flying around, I'm not sure what to believe. I might have to ask your uncle about her sometime. She's younger than my parents but old enough that we never went to school together, and while she may be intimidating, I get the feeling that she's got our backs no matter what.
Then there's Sharkey. That's his last name. I've never been told his first, and no one calls him by it. I don't think he's much younger than Fergie, and he teaches all our other courses, which are hand-to-hand, defensive dueling, and protocols and regulations. He's rather mysterious, especially because he still seems fit for the field and would be really valuable doing actual Auror work, yet he'd rather train new recruits. I'm willing to bet he's got an interesting story too.
As far as physical training goes, we got paired into groups based on weight class at the beginning of training, and then put with a trainer. I'm in the same class as Isaac and Wilder, and we lucked out on having Teddy as our trainer.
I think I mentioned Wilder before but called him by his first name. He's the other Harry, and I quickly learned that just about no one calls him that. I feel sort of bad for the bloke. Most people assume he was named for your uncle, but he's Muggle-born.
That was a lot of information and I don't expect you to remember all of it, but I also can't help wanting to tell you everything about my life and what I'm doing. I wish you were a part of it. You are, in a way, but not the everyday stuff. I'm looking forward to a day when that's no longer true. I hope that day comes.
That's another reason it took me so long to write this letter. It's been a month since I've seen you, and every time I sat down to write to you, everything I'm feeling wanted to come pouring out, but I know a lot of what I would say shouldn't be said yet. I really truly hope that one day I can be that open and honest with you, but until then, I'll continue to distract both of us from everything neither of us are saying by talking about much more dull things, like the people I work with.
Hope everything's good with you and your friends. Tell Jill that if she can get Fortescue's to carry their mango pineapple flavor for more than just the summer, she's got my vote.
Missing you every day,
Ethan
February 14th, 2024
Dear Ethan,
Wednesdays are challenging. They're equally as far away from the weekend in both directions. Louis has always hated Wednesdays because of this very reason, so maybe he's starting to rub off on me.
Actually, he's been around a bit more lately. Not like we didn't spend a lot of time together before, but I almost feel like he's with me and Jill more than Caleb lately. Usually when we're together, it's all four of us, so it's been a bit odd. I'd blame Quidditch, but that doesn't make sense since Lou is on the team too. It's a mystery that I have yet to solve, but hopefully whatever is going on with Caleb is a good thing. Maybe he's tutoring someone and that person doesn't want us to know. Or he's doing extra Quidditch training, but I don't see why Louis wouldn't know about that, and he seems clueless too.
Anyway, back to Wednesdays. I've never been the type of person to gripe about how all I want is to not have any work to do or to just wait each day for the time when I'm free to do nothing, but I do enjoy the occasional break, and Wednesdays just remind me how long it's been since I've had one and how far away another one is. Goodness, I sound like Lou.
Wednesdays also come with double Herbology, which means I normally come back for lunch rather dirty, which isn't exactly my cup of tea. Especially combined with a trudge through the snow. I'm just glad that Ruby's really good at cleaning charms. Did you ever meet Ruby? She's the same year as me and in my house so it's very likely you didn't. She spends most of her time with her boyfriend, who's also in our year but in Hufflepuff, and they've been together for ages. His name is Dean.
What else do I not like about Wednesdays? Well, for one thing, the way the word is spelled. It doesn't make sense compared to how it's pronounced. Like February. So not only is it a Wednesday, but it's a Wednesday in February. And it's also Valentine's day, so this particular Wednesday in February isn't my favorite.
Normally this wouldn't bother me or make much of a difference at all. But, seeing as this is the first Valentine's day where I'd actually like to be able tell someone how I feel, it's not that much fun to watch your fellow students all loved up and happy when you know you could have the chance to be too. If only your circumstances were different.
You were right, by the way. It's easier to focus on the dull things. Especially when you can't say everything you want to. Funny how all of that still somewhat manages to work it's way in there anyway. I'll just be spending my day trying not to be jealous of the girls who were showered with gifts, while also doing my best not to sulk or be bitter like some of the more lovelorn ones. It's a difficult balance to find.
Also, sorry to say that the first weekend in April falls during our Easter break, so it's very likely I won't be around for that. But we'll have to wait and see.
Your trainers sound terrifying, but I'm sure you're learning a lot from them. And I feel for Wilder. I've had to share a name my whole life and it's never been simple. I told Jill about the ice cream and she said she's on it. But I wouldn't expect much. It's not that I don't have faith in her to achieve her goals, but those goals change quite rapidly. I wouldn't trust them yet.
Trying not to miss you too terribly,
Molly
P.S. Thank you for the flowers. They showed up while I was in the owlery and just about to send this off. Kindly disregard anything I said about not liking this particular Wednesday in February.
February 22nd, 2024
Dear Molly,
Has anyone ever called you anything other than Molly? I don't think I've ever heard anyone do something like that, so I'd be a bit surprised. I suppose most people don't call your namesake by anything other than Nana Molly or Mum, so there's usually no confusion. Did you ever think about going by your middle name, though? You know, I'm not even sure I know what your middle name is. I'm sure I've heard it before, but I can't remember right now. You probably know mine, seeing as you're actually good at remembering stuff like that, but I'll include it in my signature at the end just in case.
I actually had an exciting trip into the field last week! I was partnered up with Cora, who's a second year trainee, so she's actually permanently assigned to a team, but still goes out on weekly calls as well. Anyway, we were put with the two Aurors that she's been assigned to, and they're working on a string of robberies that have been happening at wizarding homes but they haven't been able to find any links between yet, other than how the thieves gain access. I can't really go into any more detail, but it was amazing to get a glimpse into how a team operates on a larger scale rather than a single instance of domestic disturbance. I can't wait until next year when I'm assigned to a team and get to help with actual cases. It'll be brilliant.
I get what you mean about Wednesdays. That's the day we study protocols and regulations. There are parts that are interesting, but mostly it can grow rather dull, trying to remember dates and laws and rules and clauses. It's a nightmare trying to keep it all straight at times, but we could end up in a lot of trouble if we don't know how it all works, so at least there's a point to it.
I'm glad your day got better, though, and I'm especially glad I got to help make that happen. I wasn't sure if it was the best idea, and I took my time making up my mind to do it, which is why they were a little late in getting to you. It's a bit of a relief knowing how much you appreciated the flowers, even though I had no clue what I was doing or what kind you'd even like.
Keep me posted on your plans for Easter. Maybe we'll be able to work something out if you come home for the week. Until I hear otherwise, I'll remain hopeful. I'm hopeful for a lot of things, and every time I hear from you, I grow even more hopeful.
Can't wait to hear from you once again.
Ethan Frank Longbottom
March 3rd, 2024
Dear Ethan,
So there is good news and bad news. Good news is that Roxanne and Lorcan are engaged! You've probably heard already, but I'm so thrilled for them. They really deserve the best kind of happiness, and I know they're going to have it.
On the bad news side, I'm going with my parents to the family beach house in France for Easter. While this doesn't sound like bad news, it does mean that I won't be coming home during break, and I won't be at Hogwarts either. So I won't see you.
I knew this was a possibility, and I know we said it would be difficult no matter what, but I really didn't realize just how frustrating it would be. It'll be alright, though. Have you found out what weekend you are free in June?
France will be nice, though. Jill is coming with us, and Louis is being forced to visit his aunt and cousins so he will be around as well. Dom got out of it, seeing as she's of age and Uncle Bill knows only bad things come from making her do something she desperately doesn't want to do. As one of her best friends, you're probably very familiar with what I'm talking about.
Apparently, most of my other cousins are going to be spending half of break at the cabins we own in Ireland. I say "we", but I really mean my uncle George. He owns the house in France as well, but they're always open to whomever in the family wants to use them. As fun as it would be to spend the break with my cousins, I haven't been to the beach in ages either. And it'll be nice to have a little peace and quiet.
Yes, I did know your middle name, and I'm not surprised you don't know mine. I used to hate it when I was younger because I thought it was a boy's name, and Fred and James even teased me about it until their mothers set them straight, but it stung enough that I told my parents that no one was allowed to call me by my full name. They still don't, even though I really don't mind it now. I actually sort of like it. My mum explained to me that she named me after her grandmother, who happened to be named for a character from one of her favorite novels growing up. Consider yourself lucky, because you're the first person I've told in years. Jill doesn't even know what it is.
Take this as a sign that I basically trust you completely. Hope that doesn't terrify you.
Molly Jo Weasley
March 15th, 2024
Dear Molly Jo,
Has anyone ever told you that you have a beautiful name? Because you do. I absolutely love it. I promise not to call you by your full name if you'd rather I didn't, but know that I find it suits you perfectly.
I hope you have a wonderful time in France. As disappointed as I am that I won't be able to see you in a few weeks, I'm glad you're getting to go and spend time with your parents. I know you miss them. I'm insanely jealous of them. And I'm off the last weekend in June, so you'll be heading home from school that Saturday. Maybe that means I'll actually get to see you.
How've classes been? If I remember correctly, you're well into human transfiguration by now. Are you enjoying that as much as you thought you would? Training has mostly been the same, but Teddy pulled out our physical charts from when we started to compare them to where we are now, and I was surprised by the difference. I won't bore you with the details, but let's just say I'm stronger than I used to be. It's strange to think that there might be other ways I've changed that I haven't noticed yet.
I sat here for a solid ten minutes before plucking up the courage to say this. I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of this whole not saying what we're really thinking or feeling. It's getting to the point where that's one of the only things I want to talk about in my letters to you and it feels pointless to just fill up space with empty words that we both know are only there to keep me from saying what I'm actually dying to get off my chest.
I'm not saying we should stop waiting or really change the way things are, but all it would take on my end would be a word from you, and that door would open up just a little bit more. If you're up for it.
I know you might not get the chance to write me back before Easter, but I'll be waiting to hear from you.
Ethan
March 30th, 2024
Dear Ethan,
You are now the first person I've ever given permission to call me by my full name. Use your power wisely.
I just got home and we are heading to France bright and early tomorrow morning. I wish it was a longer stop over, but it can't be helped. We'll probably be gone by the time you get this. I thought about writing to you sooner, but I didn't want you trying to do anything rash like sneaking over here to see me. Not that I thought you would or that I would have expected you to, but if our places were switched, I know what I'd want to try and do.
I think this is getting dangerously close to the territory you were talking about, so take this as your go ahead to at least get some of the things you're thinking about off your chest. I'll even start. If I had any possible way of seeing you right now, I'd make it happen. I wish I knew where the Auror Academy housing was and I wish I was already seventeen and able Apparate to wherever you are, even though it's probably protected from things like people popping in unannounced. Even if it just meant I could see you for a moment. It would be worth it.
Classes are going well and I'm doing my best not to be overwhelmed. Human transfiguration is fascinating, and also more difficult than I thought it would be. Louis's been doing the best in the class, which bodes well for when he's a Healer. Never know what types of cases will walk through the door.
I'm looking forward to enjoying the sun and spending time with my family and diving into a good book, but I will sadly still have to get some homework done. At least I will be able to get it done by the ocean. I will definitely enjoy the change of scenery.
I hope to hear from you once I get back to school. Our train leaves at eleven o'clock next Sunday, and we're going straight there from the portkey office once we get back from France. I suggested we come back on Saturday, but once Dad has a plan and a schedule, it takes a very good reason for him to change it.
If there's one thing this whole thing is teaching me, it's patience.
I miss you very much,
Molly
P.S. Auror training has most definitely changed you. In a good way. I noticed.
April 8th, 2024
Dear Molly Jo,
I trust you're safe and sound and back at Hogwarts. It was painful to know that you were so close and I wasn't able to see you. It was probably a good thing I didn't, though. Then I would have said all that I'm about to in person, and I'm not sure that would have been the best idea.
My mind keeps going back to that moment when we were sitting together in the snow. Your hand was in mine and I remember your eyes as you looked up at me. They were so trusting yet also nervous. I don't know what I would have done if we hadn't been interrupted, but I like to think I would have been brave. Maybe told you then how I felt.
When I held you in my arms at the wedding, I never wanted to let you go. You fit so perfectly in them, and I don't think I could begin to describe how right it felt. I wanted to kiss you that day. I'm sort of disappointed I managed to talk myself out of it. I was all about waiting and doing what I could to not make things harder than they had to be. Maybe knowing what it's like to kiss you would make it more difficult to be apart, but the not knowing and desperately wanting to isn't easy either.
I keep thinking about what it will be like the next time I see you. I don't know when that will be, and it kills me to think that it might not be until you get home from school, but I fully intend on taking advantage of the summer. We get a bit of an extended break before the new recruits start in August. I'm not asking anything of you right now, but I hope we can at least see each other some.
I'm sorry if this is all a bit much for you. To be honest, it's a bit much for me too. But I can't be sorry about how I feel. I've never felt this way about anyone before, so I'm not quite sure what I'm doing. As much as I care for you, I'm still cautious. I probably said a bit too much already, but it's out there now. I suppose I could scrap this letter and write another one, but that would seem dishonest somehow. Especially after I asked if I could be honest and you gave me the go ahead. This is about as honest as I've ever been with anyone about this whole thing.
I could fill the rest of this letter with how things are going here or asking you about how things are there, but it doesn't feel right for some reason. By all means, tell me about your life and what you're up to. I'd love to hear about your trip. And don't feel the need to respond in any way that is similar to what I wrote. There's no pressure for you to do so. I just hope to hear from you at all each and every week.
Good luck with your last stretch of sixth year. I know you'll do brilliant.
Thinking of you always,
Ethan
April 16th, 2024
Dear Ethan,
Well, it has definitely been an eventful few weeks. First off, Rose and Scorpius are finally together! I mean, we all sort of knew it would happen eventually, right? They seem so very happy. Apparently things really started changing over Easter. Speaking of which. My trip was rather eventful as well.
I'd like to take a moment to say that my best friends are driving me mad. I think I've finally come to the conclusion that Louis has feelings for Jill that go a bit beyond friendship. We made friends with some siblings during our trip to France, and the brother took a fancy to Jill. She even went on a date with him. Louis didn't handle it very well. Jill, however, remains oblivious to what his problem could possibly be, even though I think it's a bit obvious. They keep getting into pointless spats, and I don't even have Caleb around as much to help me get through to my cousin when he's being a prat.
Oh! We finally know what was going on with Caleb! He and Lily were secretly dating! Others have known a bit longer, but I didn't find out until after Caleb told Louis when we were on the train ride back. That's another thing that Lou isn't handling particularly well.
Also, have you heard from Erin lately? I completely forgot to mention it when it happened, but there was a rather intense confrontation in the Great Hall on her birthday which led to her and Al finally figuring themselves out. So, your sister officially has a boyfriend, in case you weren't aware.
I think that's it as far new social developments go. It was actually quite a lot in the span of a few weeks. Sorry if any of that was boring Hogwarts drama, but I seem to recall you saying you wanted me to be a part of your everyday life, and I feel the same about you. So you get to hear all about the ups and downs of teenage romance.
I've probably made you wait long enough for this portion of the letter. Let me start by saying I reread your last letter more times than I could count, unable to get over how happy it made me to know that you feel the same way about me that I feel about you. I want all the same things you do and I think about it all the time. I can't wait for the summer and I'm so glad you get some time off. I'm all for taking advantage of that time.
As much fun as it is to see my friends and cousins sort out there romantic lives, I can't help but be a bit jealous of them as well. I don't know what the future will be like for us or when it will come, but I know I want it. It's not even that I see what others have and want that for myself. Because I know whatever it is that we have will be so much better because it will be us.
You're right about it being a bit much, but I suppose that's better than being too scared to be honest. I really like you, I really miss you, and I can't wait to see you again. How's that for honesty?
Molly
April 21nd, 2024
Dear Molly,
I'm all for your honesty. In fact, I think it's absolutely brilliant.
Merlin, these next two months are going to be torture. At least I have so much to keep me busy. I think I'd go mad if I had to sit around with nothing much to do with most of my time. As it is, training keeps me so busy that I only have a few hours out of my day where I actively miss you. I miss you always, but at least I have other things I can focus on so I don't go mad.
I'm happy for Rose and Scorpius. I know they've had a rough time of it, so it's about time they got things sorted. And Caleb and Lily is a bit surprising, especially all the secrecy. Though, I can see Lily wanting to keep the fact that she's dating from her male relatives. Her brothers in particular. I mean, I respect Al, but it's never easy to trust a bloke with your sister, so I can see him and James overreacting a bit.. And I did know about Al and Erin. She actually wrote and told me, believe it or not. We had a bit of a heart-to-heart about all of it over Christmas, so it wasn't completely out of the blue.
And don't worry. I don't think it's silly Hogwarts drama. You might be surprised to hear that stuff like that definitely carries into the post-Hogwarts years. It's even present amongst the trainees. In fact, there was a rather comical incident just this past week.
A little bit of backstory first. Mason, who you met at the wedding and is a second year, has had a thing for Cora since they started training. She had a boyfriend their whole first year and up until last month. So, naturally, Mason's been going mad since they broke up because they were together for a long time and he doesn't want to make a move too soon, but he's also afraid someone else is going to come along in the meantime and sweep her off her feet and he'll miss his opportunity.
His fears were almost realized the other day when we were eating lunch in the Ministry cafeteria like we normally do. There's this bloke who's an intern in Magical Law that Cora apparently worked with on a recent case the Auror team she's assigned to had. He sat down and started chatting her up, and it was obvious to everyone that he'd taken a fancy to her. He was probably moments away from asking her out when Mason's drink ended up in his lap. It successfully derailed the moment, much to everyone's amusement, save the bloke who looked like he'd wet his pants and Cora.
Who knows how all that's going to turn out, but it's been entertaining to watch. Cora was right annoyed with Mason for the rest of the day. I'm not sure she realizes what he's doing, but I don't think she's going to put up with him doing things like that for long.
Training is good. We had a really fun stealth practical last week. It was almost like an elaborate obstacle course where we had to improvise based on terrain. I still haven't done anything too interesting in the field. Most of the really exciting stuff like that doesn't start happening till second year anyway.
I miss you. I can't wait for you to be back for the summer. I'm excited for whatever it is that we'll have too. It makes me nervous to think about it sometimes, and I wonder if I've worked it all up in my head, but I really don't think that's the case. The few moments I got with you over Christmas proved that to me. I'm looking forward to many more of those.
Ethan
May 5th, 2024
Dear Ethan,
With all the homework I've had the past few weeks, this is the first chance I've had to sit down and write you back. We are getting closer to exams, and I've never looked more forward to the school year ending.
Jill has been trying to get me to have more fun, despite the extreme amount of work we have to do. She's a good student and does very well in classes, but we have different work ethics. I tend to keep a steady pace of revising, while she tends to cram at the last minute. I suppose it works for her, but I could never function like that.
There's a Quidditch match next weekend, Hufflepuff and Slytherin, so I'll take a break long enough to go to that at least. It'll be the last game for Al. And Scorpius as well. It's strange to think of them not being here anymore. Or Rose or Erin. Of course, I felt the same thinking about you leaving too. I'm still not used to that. I'd say I wish you were here, which part of me does, but I think I wish I was where you are more.
It's nice to know that things don't change too much after Hogwarts. Hopefully we won't have to deal with the things that Cora and Mason currently are, but it's nice to know that those type of things can still be complicated. I know life only gets harder as you grow older, but most of the time, I've thought of that in terms of money and work and the like, but it's true of relationships as well. I mean, what we're doing right now is one of the more difficult things I've had to go through, and the only thing we've really had to deal with is distance and timing.
Sorry. I'm not meaning to be a downer about everything. I just wish things could be different. Most of the time, I've got so much to be getting on with that I don't think too much of it. But whenever I have a moment of stillness or hear from you, it reminds me once again that I'm missing something. And I'm not even entirely sure what that is yet.
Nothing else that interesting is going on here. Louis is still being a bit of a prat, but it comes and goes. It's finally fully spring, so I've been able to spend time on the grounds which has been so refreshing. I can't wait to be back at the Burrow this summer and enjoy the beautiful hills and the pond and the orchard. Hopefully with you.
Molly
May 11th, 2024
Dear Molly,
First of all, I'm fine. I expect you've heard by now what happened, but I'll go ahead and tell you everything anyway. I know I'd want to know exactly what happened if our situations were reversed.
There was a report last night about a break in at a house just outside of London that belongs to a member of the Wizengamot, and it ended up being the call I went on this week. The family is out of the country, and the wards surrounding the house had just gone off. I went with two of the Aurors, McDonald and Carpenter, and Zoey was assigned to two others that came with us, Bright and Woo, so she came too. They were a bit skeptical about taking two first year trainees with them since it was likely whoever broke in was still there, and normally this would be something that the MLEP would take care of, but this isn't the first time something like this has happened lately, so they sent us instead. Only, by the time we got there, the place was on fire.
We quickly called for backup, but started working to put out the fire as best we could. And then we heard a scream from inside. We assumed it was whoever had broken in, and the fire was contained to one of the upstairs rooms, so Bright and Woo went in. It was when we saw flashes of spells from inside and heard a huge crash that things really took a turn. Zooey ran in without pause. I kept working with McDonald and Carpenter to keep the flames at bay, but then there was an explosion and another room upstairs burst into flame. A moment later, I heard Zoey scream.
I know what I did was probably a little stupid, but I don't regret it. Especially knowing how things turned out. It was just as our backup showed up, and they started helping McDonald and Carpenter put out the flames. We could still see flashes of spells inside the house as Woo came back out, dragging an unconscious wizard with him. He told us Zoey and Bright were trying to deal with one more wizard inside, when another room went up in flames and the spells stopped firing.
Nothing happened for a few moments and no one came out. We were calling for them but there were no answers. Carpenter went in, and I couldn't help following right after him. The house was full of smoke, but we made it upstairs. Bright was unconscious and so was Zoey, and there was no sign of the other wizard. We got them out of there as fast as we could, which turned out to be just in time, because another explosion went off just as we were going out the front door, this one from downstairs.
I got a bit of an earful for going in, but I technically didn't do anything against protocol. If we're in the field and have no choice but to act in order to protect or defend, we're supposed to do it. And I wasn't the only one who went in either.
Anyway, I ended up with a few burns and they always want to check you when you've inhaled that much smoke, so I'm at St. Mungo's now, and I have been since late last night. Most of my fellow trainees have stopped by to check in, especially since Zoey was unconscious most of the night. She just woke up a few hours ago. Mum and Dad are here now, and I'm going to ask Dad to bring this letter back to the school to give to you. Hope that's okay.
I know that's a lot of information, and it's probably difficult to fully understand exactly what things were like in the moment, but trust that I didn't take any unnecessary risks or do anything I shouldn't have. I would never do anything purposely careless, and I want you to be sure of that. I don't want you worrying more than you need to.
I debated whether or not I would tell you this, but today was supposed to be my free Saturday, and I was actually planning on coming to the Quidditch match so I could see you. I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I am that I wasn't able to be there. I really wanted to be able to see you. And I really don't want you to worry about me. I'm going to be perfectly fine. They're letting me go later today even. I'm not going to have to take any time away from training either, so that's good. A day of resting up and I should be good to go.
I really miss you. I wish I could have seen you today. I wish I could see you every day.
Ethan
May 12th, 2024
Dear Ethan,
Thank you so much for your letter. I didn't realize how much I needed to hear from you until your dad handed it to me. I nearly cried in relief, but I managed to keep it together in front of your dad, who seemed very curious as to why you felt the need to write to me. I think he saw how distressed I was, though, so he didn't ask questions.
I'm so glad you're okay. I know it could have been a lot worse, and I'm thankful it wasn't. I hope Zoey is alright and that she recovers quickly. Is this the first time anything like this has happened with your group of trainees?
I suppose my extremely speedy response was a bit surprising. I just didn't want you to think I was upset. Concerned, of course, but nothing else. I've grown to understand the risks that are involved with your line of work, and I realize there will be times when I'm worried sick, but I'm very proud of you and who you've chosen to be. I could never be upset with you for that.
The match was pretty exciting. Slytherin just managed to pull out a win after Scorpius got hurt. He's fine, though, from what I hear. It's a shame he had to miss so much of his last match. And as exciting as it all was, I had a difficult time enjoying it. I spent most of it thinking about you and wondering if you were alright.
I can't begin to tell you how much I would have loved to see you yesterday. I don't blame you for not being able to come, but it is a bit disappointing that the timing had to work out that way. Based on how things are going, I won't be able to see you until I'm back home. I know it's not long now, but it feels like forever.
I'm so glad you're okay. I miss you terribly.
Molly
May 20th, 2024
Dear Molly Jo,
Thirty-three days. That's how much longer it is before you're home for the summer.
Is it horribly sappy of me that I'm counting down the days? I'm really glad we decided on this whole honesty thing, because it's growing increasingly hard to hide my impatience and excitement. I know I might not see you right away, but I hope I can. At least within the first few days you're back. You wouldn't happen to know what your plans are already would you?
Save for some light scarring on my forearm, I've recovered completely. Usually, there shouldn't be any scarring when burns are treated as promptly and properly as mine were, but everyone who was burned during the fire has had some trouble healing. And based off of the state of the house, they think it was some sort of variation of Fiend Fire. Aurors are trained to recognize it, so since none of us did, they think it was some mutation, which is a bit concerning. They've questioned the thief we caught, but he's not speaking yet.
I can't really tell you anymore. Classified and all that. I might have even said too much already, but I know I can trust you. This whole thing will be easier when I can talk to you in person. They're not as uptight about stuff that's not written down.
We're all basically recovered. Zoey is still a little shaken up, especially because she can't really remember what happened after she went inside the house. There's actually quite a bit of mystery surrounding what happened, but once again, I can't go into details. I even know more than the other trainees, except Zoey, because we were actually on the scene. Normally we aren't involved in an investigation beyond going to a crime scene until we reach second year and are assigned to a team, but I actually got to look over a few case files the other day and help out with looking at some of the evidence from the fire.
It's crazy to think that it won't be long till I actually am a second year. This year has felt like the longest of my life, yet it's flown by in ways too. I'm ready for it to be over. So I can move into second year and so you can be home. At least for a few months.
You know what will be really nice about next year? You'll be a seventh year, which means much more frequent Hogsmeade weekends, which I'm definitely a fan of.
Ethan
June 2nd, 2024
Dear Ethan,
Exams are drawing closer and so is the summer. It's been beautiful here the past few days, and I'm currently enjoying a nice break from all the studying and classes by sitting out on the grounds. My favorite spot has always been just outside the courtyard. There's a bench there that is rarely used, and it's become a usual place for me to escape to if I need the time away from everything else.
I hadn't really thought about the fact that I'll have more opportunities to go into the village next year! Does your schedule change at all as a second year, or will it be the same?
Slytherin officially won the Quidditch cup! Gryffindor came close, but I'd say the biggest battle was what happened at the after party. It was horrible. I'm not even sure how it started, but before I knew it, Hugo and Lily were screaming at each other and so were Caleb and Louis. Jill ended up in the middle of it somehow too, and so did Bobby. I was talking to Ruby and didn't really notice what was going on until it was too late. I tried to help, but they weren't listening to anyone. It wasn't until Scorpius and Al stepped in with shield charms after Caleb pulled his wand on Hugo that things settled down.
Rose and Scorpius took all of them back to the prefect meeting room, and Jill told me after that it mostly all goes back to Caleb and Lily's relationship. Hugo and Louis haven't been handling it well, but then again, I see their point. I've never seen a couple more caught up in their relationship than the two of them.
Anyway, basically no one is talking. Louis and Hugo are alright with each other, but they won't talk to anyone else. And Caleb and Lily are pretty much sticking to each other. It's a mess and I feel like there's nothing I can do. Hopefully at least a few of them will see sense soon. It's going to be a long summer if they can't get their stuff together.
I'm trying not to let it all concern me too much. I have enough on my plate already with exams coming up. It's almost in my nature to want to help, though, so that's made it difficult. I've been able to at least be a sounding board for Jill, who apparently said some things that Louis didn't take well and she's trying to figure out how to fix it, which won't happen until she actually talks to him. Which I've told her many times over the past few days.
I'll try and focus on my studies. And the fact that I'll be home in twenty days. I can't wait to see you. I don't know what the plan is right now for when I get back, but my parents have typically taken Lucy and me out for dinner our first night home, and I don't see that changing. Will you have any free time the next day?
See you soon,
Molly
June 10th, 2024
Dear Molly,
Depending on when I hear back from you, this might be the last letter I write this term. Twelve days. Less than two weeks, and you'll be home.
I hope things have at least started to sort themselves out with your friends and cousins. What a horribly tough spot to be in. Cora actually got really mad at Mason just yesterday for once again embarrassing that bloke from the legal department. At this rate, she's likely to date him out of pity, which is the completely opposite of the outcome Mason was aiming for.
I actually wasn't sure when we started if dating amongst trainees was allowed, but they actually don't mind it. They say it can sometimes be difficult to find someone outside of the work to understand it, so sometimes it works best to be with someone who understands completely what it's like. I can see where they're coming from, but I've seen it work both ways. I don't think I could keep writing you in good conscious if I thought it would be an issue that you're not planning to be an Auror too.
Not that we're together. At least, I like to think there's definitely potential for that, but I wanted you to know that I'm definitely not just going ahead and assuming we are. We said we'd wait, and while we've sort of blurred the lines a bit, we've still been waiting. I know I've been holding back some, and I hope you have been too.
So, I actually will be getting every other Saturday off as a second year, so I'll have a bit more free time! Hopefully it lines up with the weekends you're able to go to Hogsmeade. It'll be a horrible year if we have to do this whole never seeing each other again.
Like I've said before, I have the Saturday you lot come back free, and I talked to my mum about everyone who wants to coming to the Leaky Cauldron for dinner that night. I plan on being at the station to meet Erin, so maybe I'll see you there? And if not, maybe the Leaky is where your parents decide to go for dinner?
If not, I'll come and see you on Sunday. In fact, I'll come see you on Sunday whether I see you Saturday or not.
Good luck with exams! You're brilliant and I know you'll do amazing.
Ethan
June 20th, 2024
Dear Ethan,
Exams are officially over! I had my last one yesterday, but I think the best part of the day was when Jill and Louis made up. Finally!
I think they more than made up, actually. I sort of interrupted them, and immediately felt bad for doing so. It seemed to be a rather intimate moment that I walked in on, if the way they both looked a bit startled and red when they saw me meant anything. I'm trying not to speculate, but I'm pretty sure Louis fancies Jill, so it makes me think all sorts of things.
I hope you know I'm not a gossip. You're the only person I've ever talked to about any of the drama going on between my friends. It's just nice to have someone I can let everything out in the open with and not worry that you're judging me or telling other people everything I say. At least I hope you're not doing those things.
I'll be home in just two days. It's hard to believe the summer is finally here. I told my parents we should join everyone at the Leaky Saturday night, and they seemed to be on board. I'll look for you at the station, but if I don't see you there, I should see you at the pub. In two days!
Is it strange that I'm nervous? Because I am. I don't even know what exactly I'm nervous for. I guess I'm hoping I haven't built everything up in my head. And there's also the fear that maybe you don't quite feel the same way about me as I do about you. I like to think that my fears are unfounded, but it's difficult to feel like you're sure of anything.
It's nice to hear that you've been holding back. That gives me a little more confidence. I've been holding back a bit too. And no, I haven't been assuming anything. To be honest, it would upset me if you thought nothing else needed to be said. I feel like there's a lot still that needs to be said and figured out. And I hope that we only have a few days to wait before we can start having those conversations.
I can't wait to see you. Counting down the hours now.
Molly
A/N: Finally happy with how these ended up! I have another snapshot of them in the works that will contain their reunion, so ot will actually go past where SALF ends. Just by a bit.
On that note, I've actually started writing two sequels. One that is from Rose/Scorpius/Al/Erin POV, and another that is so far Lily and Hugo, but will quite possibly include one or two others. Still trying to decide. I also have a handful of snapshots that have come from those stories too. I'm not sure when I will start posting as I want it all to be well planned and thought out before that happened, so with the exception of my next Ethan/Molly, it will probably be a few months before you hear from this universe, unless I grow impatient and post anyway.
Love to you all! Thanks in advance for the reviews!