"I'll be seeing you at your house soon," Azalia muttered, stepping off the train and toward her parents. "Make sure you're not dead by then."
"Don't jinx it," I grumbled.
"Charm it, then?" she joked, pointing her wand at me. "Tueri a morte."
"Out of school magic?" I asked.
"Still technically on school grounds," she said, pointing downward. "Train platform."
"Technicalities technicalities," I complained, giving her a parting hug. "Say hello to your mother for me."
"Likewise," she muttered. "I'll see you later."
0o0o0
"Room. Now," Father snapped as soon as he saw me.
"Are you sober?" I asked sarcastically.
Regulus looked at me warningly. Not now, Sirius.
I shrugged and went up to my room, unpacking and setting my wand by my bed.
I took out my inkwell, a quill, and four pieces of parchment.
First, I wrote to James.
Dear James,
So, summer already? Seems like just yesterday we were boarding the Hogwarts Express for the first time. I can't believe our first year has flown by already.
Although, I suppose having a friend like Azalia does help.
Speaking of which, did we ever find out if she was telling the truth about that bloke being her brother?
Anyway, are we meeting Az one by one or are we meeting her together so we know how to complement each other's skills?
Your Gryffindor friend,
Sirius Orion Black.
Next was Remus.
Dear Remus,
I know we just saw each other, but I wanted to send this letter to you just because it's summer.
Hang in there, mate. We're there for you, even when we're far apart.
I'll try to send you chocolate soon.
Sincerely,
Sirius Orion Black
Pete, I didn't know what to write, so I just wrote,
Dear Pete,
Have fun, eat lots, and don't forget to practice the technicalities of magic so you can get better.
From,
Sirius Orion Black
Finally, Azalia.
Dear Azalia,
I don't know how to put this, but I'm desperate.
Help a bloke out here and visit me soon.
Can I get an update on the project?
Your formerly Slytherin mate,
Sirius Orion Black
I sighed, calling my owl and sending the letters.