July 24, 1993
Dear Remus,
Peter is alive. I saw him, in the Daily Prophet. If you ever get this, you'll know what Daily Prophet I mean, as this letter is scribbled in the margins of that very paper. I got it when Cornelius Fudge got here earlier today. I asked him for it, because I've missed the crossword – and, well, I'll admit I miss knowing what goes on outside of Azkaban, too. I did the puzzle and then read it. There's an article about the Weasley family winning the lottery and going on a vacation. I took a longer look at the picture, because I was amazed at how many children they had – seven! Imagine having seven children! - and then I saw it. Peter, as a rat on one boy's shoulder.
It's Peter, I know it. I've seen him transform hundreds of times. And look, he misses one toe.
The only thing Peter left behind was a finger.
I suspected Peter had transformed, that he wasn't really dead, but I thought he was just on the run somewhere, probably in another country. But no, he's been adopted by a wizard family. Which means he is at Hogwarts with Harry.
I need to go find him. I can't let him sleep in the same room as my Godson, that's too dangerous. And he is the reason James and Lily are dead. He has to pay for that.
I know no one has ever escaped from Azkaban, but I think I can. I can just change into a dog, then I'll probably be able to walk away and swim to the shore. The Dementors are bad at noticing animals anyway – I often transform so they affect me less.
I'm leaving as soon as I can. I have to find Peter. He's at Hogwarts. He's at Hogwarts, with Harry. He's at Hogwarts.
Love, Sirius