I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
The Family that Chooses You
Chapter 133 – Lettered Consequence
HI Harry!
While I prefer to talk to you in person, it is rather nice to get longer letters like this. It's kind of fun to look forward to a letter to read and imagine what's in it, to hear a response from my last letter. Still, I'm glad we have the candles to send small quick messages or quick questions. Regular post takes a little too long for something really important.
Classes are going well. I am actually doing really well on practical things. I'm sending a letter to Madam Pomfrey too but her healing elective helped so much. I feel like I'm doing well because I already know how to cast the spell works and what it does, now I'm learning the how and the why. It's actually really interesting learning the anatomy and physiology of it.
The human body is so gross though.
I'm already approved to assist in clinics! Everyone does shifts in them eventually but if you're doing really well on practicals and in class, you can be allowed early assistance! I'm mostly observing right now but I can see things first hand and help out when asked by the older student healers or by the main healers. Healer Lorraine, Aimee's Great Aunt, is going to take me out on rotations with her soon and to events! She's so much fun and super smart. Make sure you give me some play-by-plays of your games, she wants to hear all about them.
I was really worried at first. I thought I'd be behind. But with the elective and the books Mum and Auntie Andi got me, I'm actually really comfortable with where I'm at. Please give them an extra big hug when you see them, even Madam Pomfrey if you can get away with it.
How did your Halloween go? I thought about you all day and tried to make sure your candle stayed lit. I hoped things weren't too bad for you. I told Fleur and Aimee about it and we went out and got some nice oils to burn in the lantern for you. Hoped you liked them.
Of course, which leads me to say sorry for that last one. Colette thought you'd appreciate something more…exotic and switched the oil out for a kind of perfume. We didn't realize it until it was too late and yeah, sorry. Unless you liked it.
I'm so happy to be living with Fleur and Aimee. They are so cool and have been really nice. It's so comforting to be able to ask them questions about French things and local things and it's nice to just hang out. I'd be really lonely without them. Thank you again for helping me with everything and while I know you didn't suggest me living with them, I was only able to because of us being friends when they visited and of course touring last summer.
Oh and Fleur was the one who taught me how to close your letter that way. She said it was really romantic and I felt really silly doing it but she assured me you would like it. I hope you really liked it. I had to apply so much lipstick but I'll admit it looked really nice when I got it right.
I really miss you.
Love,
Katie
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Hi Katie!
I knew you'd do great at the Academy. You're smart and caring and you're going to be an awesome Sports Healer. I'm glad to hear that you're doing great. That's so exciting to start clinic so early! I went to Madam Pomfrey and told her and she was so happy for you, and proud too. You'll see her card in the package and when I showed her the part about hugging her for you she laughed but she was happy for it. She's a good hugger too. When I see your mum and Auntie Andi I'll hug them for you, don't worry.
Auntie Andi taught me healing that way too when I was learning my Medic stuff. The human body is really gross. Then she gave me the Talk. Seriously. I told her the body was gross, she said at least I wasn't learning reproductive system spells, then asked if I ever had the Talk before. Sirius refused to give it to me, the coward, so she did it. That was horrifically awkward. I can hear you laughing.
Halloween was okay. Like, actually okay thankfully. I went to classes and I know Sirius went to visit my parents. I didn't this time, didn't feel up to it but he and Auntie Andi said it was fine that I wasn't. I'm going to go during the holiday break instead. The Headmaster said I could skip classes but I went anyways, it was better to not think about things. We got permission to do our cook-out though again which was nice. I stayed for the beginning of the Feast but then went out to the lake with the others from last year. Ron and Ginny sat on opposite sides of the fire this time to prevent any sausage touching. Luna drew us and she sent you a copy if you didn't see it already.
I did like all the smells from the oils. I kept popping back to my room all day to see the candle and to smell the scents. That last one makes a lot more sense now when you said Colette did it. I had no idea what it technically was, it smelled weird to me. Daphne later told me it's a specific kind of perfume but she did not tell me what kind. When I asked her she clammed up and refused to tell me. So I assume it's something rather inappropriate.
Which leads me to how you closed the letter. My face was bright red when I saw it and Lyla and Luna and Hermione were there when I opened the package from you! I loved it though. Of course they all saw my face and made me show them. Hermione said it was really romantic and it's called a S.W.A.K. – sealed with a kiss. Lyla said you're gross and a perv though. Luna thought it was romantic too.
I think it's super romantic.
I'm glad you like living with Fleur and Aimee. I was really worried about you living by yourself and when Fleur offered, well demanded really, I was so happy. I tried to help pay for the flat but she got very proper with me and refused completely. Which is why I send you guys so much food and things. It's better that way I guess. They really are the best, aren't they?
Hermione asked if I wanted to borrow her lipstick so I could return the favor in closing your letter but I politely refused. I hope that doesn't disappoint you. Instead I made what they call Hershey Kisses in the States. They were kinda tricky to get the shape right but hopefully you will like them. Luna said I should make them look like my lips but I very much refused to do that. That's way too weird.
Miss you too.
Love,
Harry
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Lyla,
You're gross and you're a perv!
Miss you.
Love,
Katie
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Katie,
I'm not the one snogging pieces of parchment while wearing bright red lipstick! You're super gross and a super perv!
Miss you too.
Love,
Lyla
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RABBIT!
I'M STARTING MY FIRST GAME!
I checked the schedule and it'll be the evening you get back from Hogwarts on holiday. Please please please come! I already have two tickets set aside for you and Tonks. I already asked her too and she's all for it. We're playing Wigtown and you'll love Tornado Alley. It's such a fun stadium. Alicia is going too and she said she'll only go if you do so please come Rabbit!
If you don't come, I won't love you anymore! (I'm kidding I will always love you but I hope me saying that further encourages you.)
Love, conditionally but not really,
Angelina
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Angelina,
I hope you know I had a heart attack when I saw you say you won't love me anymore. I died. I am writing this beyond the grave. I hope you're happy.
(Realistic drawing of a sad and recently departed Harry)
I hope this commission from Luna really drives the point home.
BUT I AM DEFINITELY GOING! Congrats! The Wanderers aren't going to know what hit them. I talked to Dora and she's going to meet me at Grimmauld and as soon as we can, we'll head over to Tornado Alley. I have to wait for the whole train to be emptied before I leave, being Head Boy is a lot of work, but will pop over as soon as I can. We should be there before game starts. Want to do get dinner after? I'll ask Alicia and Oliver and George and Fred and them.
Can't wait!
Love, from beyond the grave,
Harry
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Rabbit,
I most sincerely and utterly apologize for my poor choice of words. I want you to tell Luna that I hate that commission. It made me cry and I want to burn it. Ask her if it's okay for me to burn it. It makes me sad and I am so so so sorry for what I said. I have many regrets.
I can't wait to see you and I have in my hands the first Johnson, number 5, Tutshill Tornado jersey waiting for you! Also yes to dinner after.
Love, UNCONDITIONALLY,
Angelina
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Angelina,
Luna said you can burn it. Actually, she asks you to burn it. Apparently, she didn't like how it ended up. I felt kind of bad afterwards. She thought it would be funny but as per usual, she drew it way too well and it did turn out a bit upsetting, she got really clingy. I asked Professor McGonagall if she could stay the night because she refused to let me out of her sight for a bit. After some explaining, she allowed it which was really nice of her.
Luna asked Katie through the candle if she could spend the night and Katie said yes thankfully. Luna really needed it.
I can't wait to wear your jersey and for you to show everyone how awesome you are!
Love, back to life,
Harry
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Harry,
What in the hell was that picture. Angelina Floo'd me bawling and I made her get rid of it. If you ever send me a picture like that, I will make you regret it. Tell Luna she is very talented and I admire her artistic ability but that thing was Cursed and I won't have it.
Yeah seriously. I saw it and it was really good and really disturbing. Like, was not prepared for that. Unrelated, do you think Luna does commissions for tattoo art?
Oliver Coniferous Wood! You are NOT getting a tattoo! If you get a tattoo, you better get it on a body part you're not attached to because I will unattach said body part! I will not tolerate a tattoo: mundane or magical of any sort.
My middle name is Corelius not Coniferous. Also, Sir Harry, matching tattoos-
HARRY JAMES POTTER YOU WILL NOT BE GETTING A TATTOO DO YOU HEAR ME?!
(spilled ink here)
Okay, maybe don't fight her on this one Harry. She bit me! After stabbing me with the quill! And not even the nib but the feather end!
Let this be a warning to both of you!
Love, menacingly,
Alicia
P.S. And Oliver
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Harry!
What did you do to Angelina?! She was completely despondent!
I tried to ask her but she said she didn't want to talk about it because talking about it would make her remember it and she didn't want to remember it. She also gave me a bag full of ashes and told me to make sure it was completely destroyed and I'm mildly worried I was an accessory to getting rid of something sensitive but if it made her that upset, it's worth doing.
George
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George!
It was partially her fault! She told me she didn't love me anymore so I died and Luna drew my body and her drawing turned out rather real and upsetting and so far everyone who has seen it has not liked it at all. Which is a shame because Luna is an awesome artist.
Luckily it hasn't affected her drawing. She actually has been drawing more, as if to undo what she drew before. I had to take away her art stuff to make sure she did homework before I gave the art things back to her.
Anyways, I already got Angelina a very nice Christmas gift to make up for what I sort of did because of what she said.
Guiltily,
Harry
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Harry,
Word of warning, better make sure you use the bathroom before you see Angelina next because she's going to grapple onto you and not let you go for a while.
Also George asked her if it was her fault and she made him sleep on the couch for a couple nights. She didn't even stay here with us. She legit made him sleep on the couch for what he said. At first he was going to say he slept on the couch but go to bed later but she took his bed with her so yeah. That was hilarious by the way.
Anyways, you're in trouble. So is George. I'm doing pretty great.
Fred
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Little Brother,
Why did Alicia send me a letter saying if I encourage you to get a tattoo, she'd gut me like a flobberworm and stew the remains?
Part of me wants to be contrary and do it because no one tells me what to do, but I also don't want you to get a tattoo anyways. Apparently I can't get a tattoo because metamorphagi abilities really messes with inks and the tattoos never last. Which really blows because I really want one because I can't have one.
Mum says that isn't healthy but then again, she gets turkey bacon so I don't think she has any right to judge.
So you're not allowed to get a tattoo because I can't get one. Sorry. I don't make the rules.
I was going to retaliate on Alicia, because of the whole don't tell me what to do, but she gets those crazy eyes sometimes that's really unsettling so I'm just going to let it go for now. I know I like to say I'll throw your friends into Azkaban but I have a suspicion that would upset you and I don't want to do that.
Can't wait to see you. So excited to see Angelina play.
Licks and love,
Big Sis Dora
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"Is it weird for me to compare her to a nesting dragon?" Tonks asked.
"You know, now that you mention it, that's an appropriate comparison," Alicia replied. "We've seen nesting dragons at the Tri-Wizard Tournament and I was wondering what Angelina was reminding me of."
It was the night after Angelina's starting game and the Tutshill Tornadoes destroyed the Wigtown Wanderers. Angelina had led the Chasers in score and she was already being lauded as a rising star. Harry, Alicia, George, and Tonks had gone to the game and they wore her jersey, cheering her the entire time. Oliver was out of the country, Puddlemere United doing an exhibition game in Spain, but had sent flowers and his affection. George had to go back to the Wheezes to help with the holiday sales and he and Fred would be coming over to Grimmauld later on.
Harry had made a big dinner and they celebrated Angelina's victory after her obligatory outing with her team following their game. After eating a lot, a slightly tipsy Angelina had captured Harry and was currently lying on top of him while trapping him with arms and legs, making good her promise made a few weeks prior.
"Charlie once told me dragons like to lie on warm things after a big meal, helps them digest," Tonks remarked. She and Alicia sat on a couch in the living room while Angelina and Harry lay on the ground before the fire. "She looks a little more possessive than usual."
"Trust me, be glad you didn't see the drawing. It was disturbingly realistic," Alicia glowered.
Angelina sniffled and squeezed Harry tighter.
"I said I was sorry," Harry said, slightly muffled. "I really didn't think it would be that impactful, despite knowing Luna is super good at drawing things."
"What does your girlfriend have to say about this?" Tonks teased.
"She said I have to do whatever Angelina wants for a few days and that it's all my fault despite Angelina saying what she said," Harry said wryly.
The fire turned emerald green. George and Fred stumbled through, looking exhausted. "I used to love the holidays," Fred said wearily. "Now I sort of don't anymore."
"People are mad this time of year," George yawned. "Still, we're making scads of money so I can't complain too much." He grinned, seeing his girlfriend snuggling Harry. "See you did what you promised. Are you less pissed at me now?" He laughed when she flipped him off.
"All the leftovers are there," Alicia said, pointing at a side table.
"Brilliant," Fred groaned. "I'm starving." He and George filled their plates and ate hungrily. "Man, this really hits the spot after a long day."
"There's more food too," Harry said, wriggling a little so he could speak clearly. "I can go get it-" he coughed when Angelina tightened her grip.
"We know where the kitchen is," George grinned. "I'm not getting between Angie and you right now."
Tonks winked at Harry. "Say Harry, did you see the bloke a few rows ahead of us tonight? The one with the acromantula tattoo? Didn't that thing look wicked? The way it crawled up and down his arm?"
"Wicked meaning creepy," Harry said, then he caught on. "What do you two think about tattoos?" he asked the twins.
"Charlie has a tattoo, of a dragon of course," George said. "Mum didn't like it when she found out but then she found out Bill got one too and she got really mad."
"You thinking about getting one Har-" Fred started.
"Harry isn't getting a tattoo!" Angelina and Alicia shrieked at the same time.
"He can get one if he wants!" Fred said while taking a few steps away from the girls.
"The hell he can," Alicia growled while Angelina glared daggers.
Fred glared back at an irate Angelina. "You don't scare me woman! I'm not the twin that's trying to impress you!" He looked at Alicia. "Same goes for you save that neither of us are trying to impress you!"
"Oh please shut up," George pleaded.
Angelina sat up to argue and the Weasley twins and the Chaser twins began to argue. Harry wriggled free a little but did not make it far since Angelina was sitting on him. He smiled broadly at Tonks who joined him on the floor with her own plate of leftovers.
"Thanks," he whispered gratefully.
She snickered and fed him a piece of chicken. "You got it little bro. Now we got dinner AND a show."
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slytherinsal - Glad you enjoyed it.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - One of my favorite ways to listen while cooking is making potstickers of gyoza. Once the water boils off you should hear the crackle of the remaining oil. Plus sizzling garlic just sounds perfect or the way soy sauce bubbles just right.
D.J. Scales - Glad you liked it.
alix33 - She might love that. Bacon butty, extra bacon, hold the toast.
yogibears - That potheads joke was so bad when I thought of it and am glad others enjoyed it as much as I do. I was going to lean into it more with Dean drawing leaves on but decided not to, too much at that point. Glad you still like the Quidditch.
Urgwaew - Well Alicia enjoyed it a lot so I'm sure that was the most important part. I really liked how McGonagall's reaction came out too. She could have easily been super annoyed and disapproving but I like to think that she would also find it supremely hilarious. I figured Transfiguration would be more fun this time. DaDa was too easy and usually overdone and I think in this setting, Harry isn't as obsessed with Defense as others. He has had the opportunity to branch out a little and it felt right with how more personable McGonagall is here. Glad you liked the potheads joke and the Quidditch game. It's a little hard thinking of different ways to write the game sometimes. Best of luck to you and good energy.