The Odd Couple

by Penpunk

Chapter 10: Letters II

Dear Albus,

I thank you for inquiring after my health but I assure you, I am fine. It has been more than a week since the incident and I have had plenty of time to heal. Surprisingly, Black has had his uses in this process, seeing how he has some knowledge with healing, though he prefers muggle procedures. Harry is progressing steadily with his animagus training, as am I with the Verto potion. I am starting to believe that this is the best road for Potter to take seeing how being an animagus will give him an advantage. Lets just hope he transforms into a stealthy animal.

Other than my little incident, things have been running quite smoothly. As this month has worn on, Black and I are more successful in avoiding each other. He has spent much time outside now that the weather has cleared up. Harry as well. The fresh air is doing the boy some good.

What I am about to say Albus, I say to you in complete confidence. No one is to read or even know about this letter. I took your advice and started to see Potter for who he truly is. The boy is growing on me. Now, he still is not my favorite person but he is also his own person. He is much different than his father, though not entirely. You are right though. He is reminiscent of a younger me. I guess what I am trying to say is that I don't hate him anymore and I am wondering if I ever did. After Black said something about me not particularly liking the boy, I realized that it wasn't true. Harry and I have gotten along well, more than I thought, and he doesn't get on my nerves. That may be because Black is here for a contrast but who knows.

Now, that being said, I would like to know what you are doing to help Potter out of this situation. I am doing what I can to protect him here but the situation will not improve if his name is not going to be cleared in the wizarding world. Almost everyone has heard the accusations made by Fudge. Now, whether they believe them or not is a totally different story. All I know is that it won't matter if the dark side finds him or the light; his fate is the same for both.

I'm sure you can find willing people in the ministry to go against Fudge, especially after the tournament. I would check with the Weasleys and Black's old crowd to see what you can do. Lupin may be the secret keeper but with both sides looking, it won't be long until they find what they are looking for.

Please keep me updated Albus. The lack of news lately is worrying to say the least. Also, my potion supplies are dwindling. I've enclosed a list of supplies I need. Please send them ASAP.

Yours respectively,

Severus Snape

Dear Remus,

How are things? I hope I find you better than last time. You really gave me a scare Moony. I'm glad you agreed to stay with Dumbledore. You're all I have left now, please don't change that.

Things here are actually not too bad for once. Snape's been pretty quiet since the death eaters roughed him up. You should have seen it Moony. He actually let me help him with his injuries (Well, maybe "let me" isn't the right phrase.) At any rate, I got to use rubbing alcohol on him and trust me that was a delight beyond delights, even if I didn't get to rub it in his face. I must admit he's not the same Snape we came to know and love. He does get along quite well with Harry, as much as Snape can get along with anyone. They don't argue and bicker like Snape and I do, which surprises me since Harry has told me numerous times about the way Snape treats him at school. Whatever the case maybe, Harry is happy it seems and that is all what really matters.

His animagus training is progressing wonderfully. As soon as Snape gets the potion done, I think he'll be ready to start transforming. He's got the mental part down pretty well and he studies everyday. I'm waiting to see what animal he will transform into. Do you think he'll take after James? As much as I'd like to see that, a stag would be way too big for him, especially since he needs to be sneaky. Being an animagus will help him beyond sleeping.

I wish James were still here. I haven't missed him so much in my entire life. In Azkaban, I only thought about escape. When the dementors tried to remind me why I was in there, I would transform. Now, my thoughts are free to wander and I think about Prongs all the time. I think about what life would have been like if he and Lily were still alive. Harry would have been a normal wizard kid with a normal Hogwarts life. I could have been a real Godfather to him. We could have seen him grow up together, been there for him. What gets me the most is the kind of kid Harry is. They would have been so proud. It makes me sick to think about what they're missing. I miss them both so much it hurts. If I could have taken their place, I would have. I would have in a heartbeat. Anything that would have given Harry the life he deserves and he deserves the best life can offer. He deserves the best.

Anyway, I may not get to write to you for a while. I need you to do a favor for me. I have enclosed a list of things I need. My Gringotts key is hanging up in the small room at the end of the tunnel behind the statue of Helga Hufflepuff. Take the money out of my account and buy the things on the list. They will be needed soon and I will owl you when I need you to send me everything. Thanks Remus, you're a pal.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Padfoot

Dear Ron and Hermione,

I'm sorry that I have not kept in touch this summer but much has happened and I hope you'll both understand. (By the way, whoever gets this first, will you please send it on.) Your letters have probably come back to you, but don't worry. I'm okay and safe and for once, I'm not at the Dursleys' this summer. (Thank Merlin).

I'm not really able to tell you where I'm staying for obvious reasons. Guess who my guardians are. You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Sirius and Snape. Told you you wouldn't believe me. Snape came and picked me up from Privet Drive and I've been here ever since. Snape told me it was because Fudge wants to blame me for Cedric's death. So now the Ministry is after me, not to mention Voldemort still wants to kill me.

Life here isn't really all that bad. Sirius and Snape fight a lot, but that is to be expected. They haven't killed each other. . . yet. It's taken a lot on my part to keep them from physically harming one another and it helps that Dumbledore has made it to where I can use magic without getting in trouble, so all in all, this summer has had its perks.

The coolest thing has got to be Sirius helping me become an animagus. Can you believe it? Sirius got me a book from school and he's teaching me. Now I can be just like my dad. I wonder what animal I'll be. Do you think I'll take after my dad? I don't know what animal I want to be, but according to Sirius, I don't get to choose. The process involves a potion and tons of thinking (but you already knew that, didn't you Hermione?)

Now Ron, before you come rescue me, I have to tell you that I can't leave. I'm not sure I want to leave. When Sirius and Snape aren't fighting, it's really peaceful here. Snape and I have even gotten along fairly well. He's not the same here as he is at school, and we've even had a few pleasant conversations. Don't get me wrong; he's just as sarcastic and cynical as ever but in a different way. Maybe he's going easy on me because Sirius is here to take all the crap, but either way, I'm enjoying my summer.

It's too bad that we won't get to see each other this summer but you can write me all you want. I'm not going anywhere. Just keep quiet about whom I'm with and where I am. No one can know.

Harry

Dear Sirius,

I'm fine. My injuries have healed very well with help of Madam Pomfrey's magnificent talents. It's been a slow process however, due to the full moon. Transforming did irritate my injuries slightly but I'm fine now. What about you, Padfoot? Have you been taking care of yourself? I know how you are and your nature to put other people before yourself. If you took care of yourself half as well as you take care of Harry, you'd live to be two hundred years old. Remember that you are all I have left as well and you'd do well to keep yourself alive.

I'll admit that I have been thinking of James and Lily quite often as well. I have the last 14 years. As much as it hurts, do not dwell on the past my friend. It'll only make you hurt more. You have to live for Harry now. You are all he has. You are his family now. You two have a bond that is thicker than blood and stronger than love. Remember that Padfoot. You said that he deserves the best. Right now, that is you.

Now, concerning the list you sent me, what are you planning? I think I have a feeling what it is but I'll admit that it won't be much fun with just you, Harry, and Snape. Then again, you and Snape in the same room is entertainment enough. At any rate, I think that this is perfect for Harry. I don't think he's ever had a real one before. Do you think Dumbledore will allow visitors to the cottage? It's only one day and Harry probably wants to see his friends. I'll talk to him about it. I don't see why not.

Your package will come in a few days. I made sure to get everything you asked for and added some stuff of my own even though I used your money, I hope you don't mind. As a matter of fact, I think you borrowed 30 galleons from me about 17 years ago. Yes, I remember. You wanted that motorcycle helmet that gave you your coordinates when you flew so you could find your way. I think, with inflation included, you owe me about sixty, but this'll do for now.

Take care of yourself,

Remus

Dear Harry,

You're joking, right? You have to be. I would think that you would have gone crazy by now if you had to live in the same house with Snape all summer. Maybe you are already insane. That can be the only explanation why you are there.

What's Snape like? I just can't see you two having a pleasant conversation. I can't see Snape having a pleasant conversation with anyone. Oh Harry, I feel so sorry for you. I don't care how much you like it there, I'm going to rescue you the first chance I get. Okay, so maybe I won't. Remember what happened last time? Mum WOULD kill me this time.

I really can't see you all summer? Cor blimey, I'm going to be bored out of my wits. I already am. Percy moved out, not that he was really any fun anyway. He lives in London now, closer to the ministry. After the tournament, he's really lost a lot of faith in the ministry. Dumbledore came to us and we're doing all we can to help you. Fred and George have been in their room the whole summer. Somehow, they got some money to jumpstart Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. They haven't been much fun either. Ginny has been acting strange as well (strange for Ginny at least). Don't see her much anymore. She's always gone at friends' houses. Dad's been working overtime at the Ministry. So it's really just mum and me. Hermione's been over a few times but I really need to get away from all these girls!

Are you really going to be an animagus? Is it hard? What animal do you think you'll be? Maybe a snake, since you are a parsletongue. Whatever animal you become, you had better teach me. I am not going to stay behind while you have you little animagus adventures.

Well, I have to go. Mum is calling for dinner. I'll tell everyone that you're all right. Dumbledore told Mum and Dad about your situation but he wouldn't say where you are. They've been worried but they were glad you sent a letter. What took you so long anyway? Write back soon.

Ron

Dear Harry,

I have been so worried about you. Ron and I were both worried (whatever he may tell you). How are you holding up? Are you really staying with Snape? I'm so sorry Harry. I can't imagine what you are going through. At least you have Sirius with you. I hope he's okay as well. At least he's not living in caves or eating rats anymore.

You've been all over the Daily Prophet. I'm afraid it's not good. The ministry is trying to convince everyone that you're a dark wizard. They are having a hard time. The public won't believe that the famous Harry Potter is in league with the man that killed his parents. I can't believe what Fudge is doing. I always thought him a respectable, sensible man. A little arrogant at times but a good man nonetheless. He just won't admit that Voldemort is back.

Whatever may happen, I believe you Harry. Many people do. There have been too many disappearances. So many it almost seems impossible to discredit you, but the Ministry is covering everything up the best they can. I'm just thankful that you'll remain safe until this whole thing blows over, and it will. Fudge can't hold this charade forever.

Following the footsteps of the great James Potter and Sirius Black, are you? I wonder what animal you'll be. Whatever it is, I hope it's not slimy. I don't think I could be your friend if you were a snake. (Just joking) Maybe you'll be a bird or something else that flies. You like to fly so I would think that the logical animal for you. Just be careful Harry. Don't transform to soon and injury yourself. You can't bring in the reversal department in if you get yourself stuck as half an animal.

Be careful Harry. You mean a lot to many people, especially Ron and me. Write back as soon as possible.

Love,

Hermione

Dear Severus,

I am delighted to hear such good news from you. The fact that you and Harry are getting along and Mr. Black is still alive is a relief. A bigger relief is that you are safe and sound. You are a valuable asset to our fight, Severus, as well as a valuable friend to me. It surprises me that Sirius is skilled in the healing arts. He's always had a destructive nature about him. Muggle techniques? No wonder you want to kill him.

As to your question about what I am doing for Harry, I have much to tell you. I am sorry that I have not kept you informed as I should have but much is still in the planning stages. I have contacted the Weasleys and they are on board. Also, Mundungus Fletcher, Arabella Figg, and numerous others have joined our fight. Our first priority is to expose the Ministry's cover up of Voldemort's activities. If the public knows that he has returned, Fudge can no longer blame Harry for Cedric's death. He may try and convince the public still that Harry is a dark wizard, but his credibility will be drastically altered when the wizarding world finds out he is lying. If all goes to plan, Fudge will resign and Harry will be cleared. This is our plan for now.

Your strongest ally will be patience. We cannot rush into things because frankly, we have only one chance to do this. I feel for you and your wanting to do more, but you are doing more than necessary right now and for that, I am truly thankful.

Your potion ingredients are on the way and show follow shortly after you receive this letter. I hope, for Harry's sake, that he can transform quickly. He's fully capable and I do not doubt his success, it just that his nightmares may affect his ability to do so. You may be able to help him in more ways then you think Severus. Your skills in the process of becoming an animagus extend farther than potion making. You should share that talent of yours.

Keep me updated with any news on your end. Harry's condition especially. And do not worry; your secret is safe with me.

Yours truly,

Albus Dumbledore