DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the content referenced/quoted. Warning for minor swearing.
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12. Letters to Sixth Years
October 1976
Hi Em,
How are you and Mum getting on? How is Scratchers, has he caught that squirrel yet? Honestly, I don't know why you ever thought he would make a good "Guard Cat", you've practically squashed all the feral out of him with all the treats you've been feeding him.
School is rubb-awf-ok. It's a little awkward, and, well I'm sure you've seen the latest news. We're safe at Hogwarts for now. I'm not sure how much longer that will last - both Lily and I are worried.
In lighter news, I totally aced that History of Magic essay last week - thanks for the book recommendations. That part-time job Danders gave you must be really paying off.
Remus is...doing ok. He appears to be talking to the other boys again, but he just looks weary, Em. He's totally withdrawn, trying to get him to speak to me is like drawing blood from a stone. I wish I had better news for you.
What about you? Anything interesting to report from the tiny wee shithole we call home?
Love,
Cass
P.S, your apple turnovers are going like hotcakes - please send more!
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December 1976
Withers,
What do you mean I can't fly you to Hogsmeade, of course, I can! Betty can fly now.
Thanks for the teacakes, but I've already run out, so can you send more, please? Quick, before Cass starts harping on at me about a "healthy balanced diet". Whoever decided to make her Quidditch Captain seriously must have had a screw loose.
So, can I mention the surprise you mentioned? Can I ask? Cause you can't taunt me like this, Withers! I need to know what it is!
Floppy sends her regards and this adjustment to your apple turnover recipe. Don't ask me how she got it, that House Elf works in mysterious ways.
Marlie is talking to me again, but I'm scar-worri-anxious not sure what to say to her. Any advice that might save me from being kicked in the balls?
In desperate need of wisdom,
Siri
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March 1977
Em,
When I said I promise the others are fine, I did mean it, you know. I wasn't lying.
You were right in your last letter that things feel different this year, I feel different this year. We've been keeping an eye on the Firsties - some of them don't understand why the Slytherins keep targeting them. It was easier when it was just the Snakes, but there are whispers from other houses too now.
But before you start praising me, we're still doing a lot of pranks, we're just a little bit pickier about how we do it. Even in these dark times, we still need a laugh - which is why we dyed Dumbledore's beard pink last week (picture enclosed). It was epic, Em, you should have seen people's faces. I thought Minnie was going to blow a gasket! Lily loved it, her laugh just filled the hall with so much light, Em. It was beautiful.
Cass is right about Remus. Just give him a bit more space, he'll come around eventually. And if he doesn't, I'll make him, you'll see.
Trying to be brave,
James
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April 1977
Dear Remus,
I hope you're keeping well. The others say you've been doing ok at Hogwarts this year - despite the rising tensions. I can only hope that is true.
Everything is ok here, I've decided to finish up school next summer. Danders has offered me a full-time position in his shop, but I haven't agreed yet. Cass is thinking about studying at St Mungo's and moving to London. I'm debating joining her.
I want you to know that whatever happened last year, it wasn't your fault. That you cannot continue to blame yourself. I wish I could be more helpful, Remy, I wish you would let me in. I'm going to keep writing until you do.
Remus, things are changing in your world, just as much as they are changing in mine. In times like these, we have to hold onto what is important. The boys, Cass, Mum, Cass' friends, I may not have meant to join us all together that day at Kings Cross when we first met, but I did.
I'm not sure what's going to happen next, I - well. Maybe one day, you'll let me tell you in person.
Yours always,
Em