DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the content referenced/quoted.

7. Letters to the Marauders

September 1974

Dear Em,

Thanks for the latest batch of muffins. They really cheered me up in the Hospital Wing - even though Pomfrey kept trying to confiscate them. I'm doing much better this week, so you can stop asking Sirius and James for updates. And no, I'm not lying, promise.

Did you tell Cass I was in here by the way? She came to visit me with a batch of chocolate frogs, which is suspicious given that I wrote to you about my cravings for them last week.

(The chocolate was good, but the cards not so much. Enclosed is my tenth Dumbledore - thought you'd appreciate it more than me.)

How's your mum's new job going? How's muggle school? Learn anything interesting lately?

And the weird nicknames? Just a strange thing Sirius insists upon. I promise you they're not our stripper names. Why on earth do you believe anything Sirius tells you anyway, I'm a much more reputable source.

I'm not sure about Christmas yet, it will depend on my dad's plans. But I'll let you know as soon as he lets me know, although a Christmas at Hogwarts is looking likely.

Thanks for the hair dye - trying to distract James and Sirius from Snape is getting harder these days.

Keep yourself safe.

Yours,

Remus

P.S 'Emma' is still slow-going. That Churchill fellow though, his behaviour is definitely suspicious.

...

October 1974

Withers,

No, I shall not start calling you by your first name. You have been christened as Withers, and Withers you will stay.

What do you mean Remus said I stole his biscuits? I did no such thing...

But if you were thinking about sending more treats, some pumpkin pie for Halloween would be great. For Remus, obviously.

In answer to your question, my stripper song would definitely have to be a Rolling Stones song. No doubt about that. Speaking of music, could you send me some more of those vinyls? I think I've finally cracked getting this turntable to work inside the castle. Just don't tell James - he's still pissed about his burnt curtains.

Also, could you get Cass off my back? She keeps bothering me about Marlie. I guess no one told her that Marlie kicked me in the nuts last year.

In desperate need of good music,

Siri

...

February 1975

To the Best Withers,

How is Operation Lily-Flower going? Has she said anything about me yet?

Remus is fine, just took a tumble and ended up in the Hospital Wing again. I think he's totally faking it though and wants Madame Pomfrey's attention again, ha! Sirius, Pete and I are keeping an eye on him though, so don't worry.

I'm thinking about asking Lily to go to Hogsmeade with me, what do you think? I reckon she'll say yes, I haven't bothered Snivellus in a while.

I don't really understand what you mean about honey and vinegar and bees, what does that have to do with Lily?

Confused,

James

P.S Could you send me your recipe for those fairy cakes, please? I told Floppy, one of the House Elves, I would get it for her. Thanks!

...

May 1975

Dear Remy,

I'm not sure having a legion of Hogwarts House Elves at your disposal is a good thing. But I know better than to try and dissuade you lot, so enclosed is the latest in my knitting ventures. I know they're a little lopsided but they're definitely better than the scarf I gave you for Christmas (sorry again about that).

Mum is doing good, I've been with her to the shop a few times and I've completely fallen in love with it. There are books EVERYWHERE. Your idea of heaven I think.

I've been reading a lot of Wizarding stuff lately, Mr Danders, mum's new boss, grew up with a lot of it. I like the sound of this Babbity Witch and the Tale of Three Brothers - I'll report back with my findings.

Things are definitely getting tense out here in the non-Hogwarts world. Mum's stopped going to Diagon Alley by herself. I don't blame her.

She's not allowing me to come to you this summer, but she has said you and the boys are more than welcome to come to me? Please say yes, I don't think I could deal with another summer of Cass and her pals constantly talking about hot wizards! You can bribe James with Lily - and Peter is welcome too if he fancies it.

What do you mean you haven't finished 'Emma' yet! Remy, it's been two years! Hurry up already!

Always yours,

Em