Author's Note: Sorry if there are more stupid mistakes than usual, I'm writing this chapter on my phone. I broke my laptop charger, and had to order another. But while I'm waiting for the new one, I'm saving up my remaining battery percent.

Radwoman- Thank you, you're very kind. And you're right, of course, Andromeda was likely a Slytherin. But I was trying to think of it from Harry's point of view, and he probably would view Andromeda as one of the people on the 'light' side, despite being a Slytherin. He wouldn't be too shocked at seeing something from her.

[Lily Potter]

Friday, January 30, 1981

Hello Harry! It's my birthday today- I am turning twenty-one this year. I think we may be having some people over tonight, or maybe this weekend. Petunia sent me a card. No present, which truthfully I am not too surprised about. Besides, after what she sent for Christmas, I'm rather glad I did not receive anything.

Sometimes I wish that I could see Petunia more often. We were so close when we were very little, but after I was accepted to Hogwarts we grew apart. I guess she was somewhat jealous of me, though she has always acted like she was disgusted by magic. It's a shame.

But on the other hand, I suppose, it's nice to not see her husband. He's very rude, and I cannot stand him. Vernon's condescending, and he's likely to raise little Dudley to be the same. (Dudley, what on earth possessed them to name him Dudley?). Worst of all, Petunia seems to like it about him. I don't like what he's turning my sister into.

Oh but the worst is how he and James get along- which is to say, awfully. They've only met once, and I hope to Merlin that it never happens again. I swear, they almost killed each other. They were both terribly rude. And not just to each other- their arguing disrupted everyone around us. It was very embarrassing. And of course before hearing what the argument was about, Tuney took that- that pig's side!

Oh I didn't mean to spend all my time talking about Petunia and that awful Dursley! They aren't even here and someone they've managed to ruin my mood. I suppose I should try to talk to my sister eventually, try to make amends again. I can't right now, because Dumbledore wants us to stay here, but when that's over maybe I should take a trip over to her house. Without James, of course.

But I won't let them ruin my day. I'll talk about you- that always makes me happy. You have finally reached an age where you're really interested in toys, at least a lot more than you were before. We keep having to buy you new soft toys, because you will chew on them with all your might. That wouldn't be so bad if it were just that, but you get spit all over your toys and then just drop them in the dust, or in the dirt. After a while, there's only so much dirt that will come out with a scourgify.

Luckily, we have Sirius. Merlin, I never thought I'd ever say that! Anyway, he keeps buying you toys as fast as you can dirty them. He's trying to get you to love Padfoot early on, so he keeps getting you black dog soft toys. It's blatant manipulation, but it's also a collection of very sweet gifts. Not that I would ever say that where Sirius could hear.

I'd like to give you an update on Remus and Peter, but I'm afraid that I don't see them as often. Merlin knows Sirius pops in here like it's his own home, but Remus and Peter don't show up very often.

I should invite them over some time, maybe for a group dinner. It's rare that the four of them get together, and I think Remus could do with a home cooked meal. He looks over worked, the poor dear. And Peter as well- he looked strained the last time I saw him, and that was a while ago. His letters, too, are shorter and less frequent than they've ever been, though Peter's never been a writer.

I love having people over, it makes me feel like I am not so trapped in this house.

Well I think I have to go now. It's almost dinner time. James swore up and down that he was going to cook tonight, and I think he gave it a good try, but he's just not that good at it. I hope he doesn't burn down the house. But it's the thought that counts.

Lots of love,

Mum

Author's Note: Hopefully I have not made an utter fool of myself, but I have been informed that stuffed animals are referred to as 'soft toys' in Britain. Is this correct? Which, if it is, is probably a better name for them than 'stuffed animals'.