Disclaimer: I do not own any Harry Potter characters or anything relating to Harry Potter
WE WERE YOUNGER THEN
School's Out For Summer
A collection of letters sent by Hogwarts students in the summer holidays after the beginning of the rise of Lord Voldemort:
From James POTTER (56 Garden Rode, London) to Sirius BLACK (Grimmauld Place, London) - 1st July
Sirius,
Are you still alive? Are all your limbs still attached? I'm not a letter writer, so I may be sounding insensitive or something, but, hey, I am genuinely worried about you. McGonagall said you were fine, so I've taken her word for it, although McGonagall's definition of 'fine' might be different to mine. I'm still in shock, mate. I mean, I knew he was out there, but I didn't know it was so big! Hogwarts was really screwy at the end of term, no one knew what was going on and the teachers went completely off their heads at the slightest whiff of disobedience. I just woke up in the hospital wing a couple of days after the – well you know – and there were all these parents clamouring to get in. Pomfrey said everyone was alright – except a few like you for example – and so there was no reason for me to go home with my parents. Remus is fine, and so is Peter – if you're interested, although Peter didn't wake up for a couple of days after me, and the teachers didn't even tell his mother he was hurt! Slipped their minds, no doubt. They told us you and whoever else had been taken to St Mungo's with 'semi-serious injuries', and we weren't to worry…so anyway, please write back, ok? Tell me if Kea Sarkie's ok, and Derek Abigail too – and is Linus Curlewis there? Haven't seen his snivelling face around for a while. Don't get too bored in hospital and don't let them brain wash you – I have to go now – I'm sending someone one of those new envelope-dung bombs, haven't decided who yet.
See you,
JAmEs
From Kea SARKIE to Lily EVANS, 5th July
Dear Lily,
Thanks for the letter, it was really sweet. I'm fine, and I'm at home now, and I don't think I've suffered any lasting harm. I had a broken leg and a cut on my chest (rocks at the bottom of the lake, shudder), but I've been fixed up well, and now I'm fine. There were heaps of people worse off then me, but no one's died or anything. Sirius Black had to have a knee reconstruction (though you probably don't care about him) and you should have heard the screams! You'd have thought he was in a torture chamber or something. When I left there were still a few people out of it, but I think they're going to be ok. I've been praying for them. It's really scary, don't you think? I mean I'd heard of this 'Dark Lord' before, but no one was really serious about him. Did you hear, apparently there's been murders too – and not by giant lake-monsters. The rumour is that this 'Dark Lord' has been trying to recruit people into some big organisation, and killing them if they refuse. It awful. I'm depressing myself, I'd better go. The true reason for this letter is that transfiguration book you lent me ages ago. I only just realised you'd need it for the holidays. I've posted it to you, I just hope it's not too heavy for the owl. You know, I really do think we should be better friends than we are at school! We should write more letters in the holidays! We would be like pen friends!
Love,
Kea Sarkie
P.S - give my fondest regards to your sister. We really should get to know each other better!
From Sirius BLACK to James POTTER, 19th July
Dearest James,
Oh, James, are you alright? Have you died of worry for my sweet soul? Does your face still look like the rear end of a camel with diarrhoea? I'm touched, I really am. And I'm fine, of course. I'm home, obviously, and I'm 'resting'. I have been resting for a couple of weeks now, actually. Father reckons I'm a weakling, but what does he know? Regulus (he is coming to school next year! Cringe with me James!) reckons I'm putting on an act to gain attention. Stupid bastards. Anyway, I have had a knee reconstruction; two knee constructions, actually, the first one didn't work. Pain beyond your worst imaginings. You know that 'skelegrow' stuff Madam Pomfrey uses? That, only hundred times worse. It took three bloody days of sleepless nights and constant pain! You see, they can't put you out of it because the stuff doesn't work on unconscious bodies. My knee was on fire, almost literally, needle like daggers were being driven into my knee cap continuously for seventy two hours straight!
Ok, I have whined enough. Kea Sarkie is fine, she went home before me. Couldn't stand my tortured screams, apparently. Actually, nobody could stand my tortured screams – had the ward to myself quite quickly. Except for that Weasley girl, Pricilla. She really does like me, you know, she kept coming in even after she was better, asking me if I was alright, and what I planned to do with my holidays, and what my favourite subject was, and how could I possibly be so brave. She also wanted to know my favourite colour, band, star sign, et cetera. She is very full-on for a first year, and so much red hair! I mean, it's unbelievable. She's probably never cut it in her life. How do you propose I get rid of her? Do you think red hot coals down the back of her neck should do the trick? Maybe we could prank her? Speaking of pranks, the dung bomb you spoke of would do nicely to permeate the crimson locks of our other red-haired friend. Don't chicken our because you're in love with her, will you James? I mean, she can't possible come to loathe you any more than she already does can she? Think sensibly, mate, if she's your true love (which I can't help but doubt) she'll come round in the end, and one little dung bomb isn't going to make much difference, is it? Anyway, its you're decision, but don't even think of sending it to me – I never open an envelope from a friend without performing a serious of calculated tests.
There's something else. The lady who lives down on the corner of our street – her name was Doris Heathden, she was an auror – she was killed yesterday. There are still reporters everywhere and ministry officials patrolling the streets. It was the Dark Lord. He's put it about that he calls himself 'Voldemort', and whenever he kills a great skull appears over the site. No one knows much about him yet, but the general opinion is that he's trying to take over the world. But they don't really know yet, he could be just some psychotic killer they can put in Azkaban and be done with it. They reckon he was responsible for the monster in the lake, but do you believe that? He'd have to be pretty powerful. The story will probably be in the Daily Prophet tomorrow, and you'll see that it was pretty ghastly. A lot of the Heathden House was destroyed, and they're pretty sure it was Avada Kadava that killed her. Avada Kadava, you ask? It's an unforgivable curse, and we second – I mean third years shouldn't really know about it, however I do, because I'm utterly brilliant, and I'm also a Black. It kills you instantly, and it doesn't work if you're heart's not in it, so basically you've got to be a dark wizard to use it.
As could be expected, Regulus is unbearable with excitement; it seems that not even the brutal killing of an innocent and neighbourly figure can quash his anticipation of a new school. Of course, his good mood does not extend to me, although this might have something to do with the fact that I have been systematically applying every Zonko's product under the sun to his person or possessions, my most recent exploit being the covering of his bed sheets in Multispawn (Frog spawn that multiplies with water! Only two knuts for eighty kilograms of pranking fun!). So, yes, even though you have met my slimy and twerpish younger brother only once, you would already have guessed that he told father of my sins. Let's just say it wasn't pretty. You've probably never received a belting from you're father, James, because your father, besides being quite a bit younger than mine, does not have any evil Slytherin ancestors from whom he has inherited his personality. Your father is also a nice person. So I have an even greater grudge against Regulus than I did before, if it is humanly possible, so if anyone at school says I look anything like him (I know how hair is the same colour but he has shifty eyes and an evil slinking manner) then be sure to jinx/curse/pummel them into the next millennium, ok? Good friend.
Is there anything else I need to say? Hmm…oh yes! Can I come to your house next week? I'm sorry if I did not express how miserable I am accurately enough above, but I really do want to get away from the fiends (they shall now be called The Fiends at all times, ok?). Only if it's ok with your mother of course. Write back and tell me! Quickly! Regulus is now prancing around the house twirling his new wand and coming dangerously close to performing Illegal Underage Magic!
See you sooner (rather than later)
Sirius
P.S ~ I bet Regulus is a Slytherin
From LILY EVANS to JAMES POTTER 21st July
To Potter (who is an immature bully and has nothing better to do than spend his time aggravating people who actually have a life)
THAT WAS COMPLETELY JUVENILE THING TO DO AND IT WAS NOT THE LEAST BIT FUNNY. My Mother opened that letter and was SPRAYED WITH WHATEVER FOUL MATERIAL YOU PUT IN IT! I hope you are HAPPY, you have caused an innocent adult to become UNCONSCIOUS because of your STUPID PRANK. You are not impressing anyone with your INANITY, least of all ME. One would have thought that if you LIKED me so much you would do your best to hide your arrogance and two year old mind set! You are embarrassing no one but yourself. I have wasted enough ink on you.
Lily Evans (who completely and utterly despises you in every single way imaginable)
P.S ~ how the hell did you get my address?
From JAMES POTTER and SIRIUS BLACK to LILY EVANS 22nd July
Hello Evans,
Guess who?
Its your two favourite people in the whole world…
Thanks for the letter, Evans, I've taken your comments to heart!
Who would have though you'd bother to write back to him? Maybe you do like him, secretly…
I'm sorry about your mother, Evans…really I am!
He's a nice person really, Evans, just a little misguided…
Hey! It's Sirius who's doing the misguiding, Evan's, you should take it out on him!
I wouldn't Evan's. You don't mess with Sirius Black and get away with it with all limbs intact, you know.
Bye Evans, see you at school
He's winking at you, Evan's!
James and Sirius
P.S ~ you swore, you said hell! Real naughty, Evans…mmm, Mrs Potter's choc-chip biscuits are really nice… ~Black~
From KEA SARKIE to JAMES POTTER 24th July
James!
I can't believe you sent a dung bomb to Lily Evans! You are not going the right way about winning her over, my friend. Although maybe we shouldn't be friends, because you're not a very nice person at all! You may be wondering to write a letter since I only live down the street, but Mother's not well and Dad won't let me out of the house (I had to get my big brother to post this).
Have you heard about Voldemort ? there's been five more deaths although I suppose you know since you probably get the Daily Phrophet. But there've all been aurors or muggle borns. Voldemort's supposed to have a huge dislike for muggleborns. Anyway, see you at school,
Love
Kea Sarkie
From REMUS LUPIN to JAMES POTTER 26th July
James,
Thanks for inviting me over. I'll come as soon as I can…I'll probably be over in a couple of days. I'll be 'sick' tomorrow, of course, and then I'll have to convince my parents to let me go, though, they are really over protective. With good reason, I suppose.
So, how are your holidays? If Sirius is there I'll say hello. It is quite gloomy at my house at the moment, because mother is sick – for real this time, and Dad's all worried because the doctors don't know what it is. But I'm sure they'll find out soon, I mean, she looks ok, she's just really tired all the time. Nothing else has happened really, except of course all this stuff about Voldemort that you've seen in the paper. See you soon
- Remus
From JAMES POTTER to KEA SARKIE 30th July
Cut the crap, Sarkie
This letter writing is weird. I find myself writing letters all the time now…stop writing me letters! And yes, of course you have to be my friend still – if you didn't have me, how would life be worth living? And why do you care if I sent Evans a dung bomb, you're not best friends or anything, are you?
Guess What?! I have a new broom for quiddich!
Rudely Yours
James Potter
P.S (from Sirius) ~ is that hair colour of yours getting to you or something?
P.P.S (from James) ~ terribly sorry about your mother's illness and your father's irrational fears
From PETER PETTIGREW to JAMES POTTER 31ST July
James,
How are you? I'm afraid I can't come over this holidays because mother is paranoid after what happened at the lake. I suppose you and Remus and Sirius are all at your house then? Are you researching for you-know-what still?
Anyway, what do you think about this Dark Lord? My Mother's already afraid to say his name out loud. The monster was frightful, I don't remember ever being so scared! I don't really have anything else to say.
Bye
Peter
From SIRIUS BLACK, REMUS LUPIN and JAMES POTTER to PETER PETTIGREW 32nd July
Hi, Pettigrew!
I'm Sirius and I'm BOLD!
I'm James and I'm BEAUTIFUL!
I'm Remus, and I'm just average.
So, Peter, what deadly exciting activities have you been engaging in these holidays? It's such a horrible shame you can't be hear with us. We've been having the most super-fun! We've been playing quidditch – although we've had to use sweet little Sarah (whom I utterly despise) from next door to make up the teams. The horrible little fiend is only ten years old but she has severe attitude problems that do not befit her hormones. She also has a vocabulary to rival yours, Peter, and all the little kiddies down at playgroup or wherever she goes probably live in mortal fear every day of their lives. James has a new broom, as you've probably already heard – and he is unbearable. There is not a waking moment when we do not talk about the wonders of that piece of polished drift wood. Remus has got the idea and has begun to read anything available whenever the conversation reverts to the aforesaid broom. But I am not so lucky, because James will surely notice if both his listeners always grab the nearest piece of literature the moment he begins a rant – even if it happens to be A Day in the Life of a Phytoplankton. And what else has happened? Well, an evil, murdering 'Dark Lord' is out to kill everyone in his way, Mrs Potter's cooking is delicious, we have to go back to school next week, and I turn thirteen in one month and two days. That's about it.
Over and Out
$iriu$
James here. Sirius is, of course, an idiot, and always will be. His meaningless banter has no doubt bored you already. Just for the record, Sarah is not a little fiend – she is simply a very excitable young girl. But he's write about us having to go to school next week. We've got no work done on you-know-what, so we'll have to have some better planned library expeditions this term and then maybe go to Sirius' house next holidays. According to him, his family's so evil there's bound to be something on performing the you-know-what transformation illegally. What else is there to say? Not much really. I don't approve of this letter writing thing, you know. It's just too odd. I've never written a letter in my life, and then suddenly this holidays there are letters coming in left right and centre. Do you know that Kea Sarkie sent me a letter from ten houses down the other day? I don't even know why we're writing to you, I mean why would you be interested in anything we are doing and you are not. Pure boredom, I suppose. I just wish we could do magic! There's a limit to the pranks you can pull without a wand, you know. You can do trite little joke shop things, but you can't do anything big. (I can't believe I just used the word trite, I must really be an extremely advanced thirteen year old). Ah, mother's coming with some more rations for our poor deprived stomachs. See you either at school or at Diagon Alley (I want to get an owl this year!)
James (the King)
Hi Peter, it's Remus in his uninteresting and conservative font. Well, since our other two idiot friends have covered the er…important issues…there's nothing much for me to say. Although, this 'Voldemort' is worrying me, obviously, and there's no point going on because it's boring, but did you know that he's already spread so much fear that some people are starting to call him things like 'nameless one' and 'you-know', they're becoming afraid to say his name! I find this very disturbing. Just a thought, anyway, see you later.
Remus
Good Bye Peter
From
Your BEST and ONLY Friends (worth talking about anyway) who are WONDERFUL in every way and who you should be ETERNALLY grateful to for simply EXISTING
~Elbereth-Gilthoniel~