Although Harry had decided to send a letter back, he was pretty nervous about it. What would he write? He'd tried a few times, only to scrap it when the words felt wrong.. For some reason, writing to Natalia felt different. This was a link to his mother, the first one besides his aunt. What if he said something wrong?

It didn't help that since nothing had yet happened with Sirius, they began to return to normal. He had to be careful to avoid angering them. He'd already gained a few new bruises this summer..

Eventually Harry just decided to try something simple. His reply didn't have to be perfect. So after the Dursleys went to bed, he got up and began his letter.

I didn't believe you when I read your letter.. I thought about ignoring you, but I did what you said, checked with padfoot and Mooney.. and they told me that it's true.. That you were like a sister to Mum. That you were basically kicked out when they died..i don't really know what to write to you.. But I'd like to get to know you..

It was short, but it was all he could say right now.

Tying the letter to hedwigs leg, Harry took a nervous breath as he gently stroked her feathers

"what do you think girl, you think she's going to reply?" the chiding cuff of a wing as she took flight out of the window eased his nerves a bit

"yeah I know I'm being stupid.."

When hedwig finally returned, it was to both good and bad. The good news. The weasleys had invited Harry to the quidditch World Cup.

The bad, Uncle Vernon had not reacted well to the news a family of 'freaks' would be darkening his doorstep.

So, when hedwig returned, it was to a bruised and battered Harry, sprawled on his bed. Though that didn't stop him from leaping up as soon as he saw his owl.

Wincing slightly as he moved, Harry took the letter, hedwig watching him intently

"I'm fine. This isn't as bad as last year or when dobby turned up" Harry shuddered at that memory, busying himself with the letter. He felt more excited than he expected as he began to read..

Harry

you have no idea how happy I was to read your letter. And your owl is quite beautiful

Harry glanced up at hedwig, the owl puffing out her chest "show off" he laughed.

I imagine you must have many questions. So, I'll start at the beginning.

firstly, I wasn't born in Britain. I was born in Russia.. That alone was a mark against me. You may or may not know, but the British magical community is... Insular to the extreme. Xenophobia runs rife. If you are a muggleborn it's hard for you to get very far in the world. And it's practically impossible for those such as remus and myself..

Oh Harry knew. Not the full extent, but he had seen that bias against hermione and lupin.. Pureblood nonsense. Nonsense that lost him a godmother.. "need to talk to hermione.." he grumbled.

not only was my.. Dark creature status used against me. But also my status here in Russia.

The more he read, the more intrigued he became, though it seemed she was.. Scared of simply telling him what she was. 'as if I'd care'

I may as well get to the point.. I was born in Russia three hundred and twenty years ago...a witch for 22 of those years. A vampire for the rest. Imagine it, a vampire raising the precious boy who lived.

Funnily enough. Harry could imagine it. And.. He didn't care, so what? If anything he just felt more angry that she was treated like that because of something she had no control over.

I tried to keep you, I truly did. I thought the fact I had power over most of Europe's vampire population I might be able to scare the ministry into a compromise.. I would happily have gone to war with them over you Harry.. But Sirius talked me out of it. He told me to let him handle things in Britain, that I could help you, by keeping my network in order. Keep you safe using the vampires.. But.. I only have so many contacts now in Britain. I knew where you were, and you probably never noticed but I've had a couple others watch over you whenever you left the house.

It was a lot to take in, if he could believe it.. She.. Natalia was, well "a vampire queen or something?!" he started to laugh, it was something like a bad story or something.. But still. If he was to believe her. His godmother was prepared to and was going to quite literally start a war for him.. To make sure he was safe...

Harry had to stop reading there, eyes suddenly moist. A feeling in his chest that he hadn't felt before..

Breathing deeply Harry gradually calmed himself down. He had to read to the end..

in the end I was all but officially banned from the country. I know you will need a little time to deal with what I've told you about myself. So don't worry about replying to me. Take your time, hopefully next letter I can share something a little happier. I imagine you would love to hear about your mother. And I want to hear all about you and your time at school. I've only had rumours about your adventures.And yes, I'll answer any questions you have about vampires. Don't be afraid to ask.

As Harry put the letter down, he couldn't help but be excited to learn more about her later