DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the content referenced/quoted. Warning for swearing.
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Letters from Sixth Year
September 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 rubbish awful 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 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 He's totally withdrawn, trying to get him to speak to me is like drawing blood from a stone.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 selling going like hotcakes - please send more!
November 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 scared worried 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
December 1976
[A Christmas Card from James to Em]
Merry Christmas, Em. Hope you're alright. I'm sorry for not writing recently, could you ever forgive me?
Love, James
January 1977
Withers,
When I said I promise the others are fine, I did mean it, you know. I wasn't lying.
James was asking after you, I think he's worried you might send him a howler if he tries to write again. The girls (a.k.a. Lily) have told him they won't speak to him until you forgive him, so he's moping around the tower like a lovesick fool again. Can I tell him that you've forgiven him yet, his and Remus' combined moping is starting to get on my nerves?
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, Withers, you should have seen people's faces. I thought Minnie was going to blow a gasket!
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,
Siri
March 1977
[A short letter from Em to James]
Ok, James, you can stop with the constant fruit baskets. You're forgiven. But if you ever send me so much as another pineapple again, consider this friendship officially and irreparably over.
Love, Em.
P.S. have included my latest apple turnovers, thoughts would be much appreciated.
April 1977
[Part of an unsent letter]
Dear Em—
To Em—
I don't know what to say. I just— [illegible].
Em,
I'm sorry.
Yours always,
Remus