Laburnum House

Darley Dale

Derbyshire

25th July

Dear Severus,

I just thought I would write to check that you are feeling no lingering upset after our collision yesterday. I must apologise once again for the incident. However, I cannot condemn it entirely, as I was pleased to see you and enjoyed our brief chat in the Blotts' kitchen.

My silver burn can be extremely painful around the full moon, but for the rest of the time I barely notice it anymore.

Harry will be 21 on Saturday. I can't believe how quickly the time goes!

Remus

…….

The Gatehouse Oldcastle Road

Nr. Lamorna

Cornwall

26th July

Tempus fugit, Lupin, yet we would be lost if it did not.

I am perfectly well, thank you for your enquiry.

S.S.

…….

Laburnum House

27th July

Dear Severus,

I am so glad you are feeling all right.

The weather here has been so lovely this week, I am doing a lot of gardening, it is fast becoming my favourite pastime. My garden is small but I am immensely proud of how it is shaping up. The herbs in particular, are flourishing.

I went to a barbeque at Ginny and Neville's yesterday evening (that's not gossip, by the way, they are just sharing a two-bedroomed flat). They say hello.

So you live down in Cornwall now. But a vague old memory suggests that the Snape family estates have always been down in the South West somewhere. Austere grey stone in the gothic style perched atop a rugged cliff and battered by a howling wind and restless sea, I shouldn't wonder.

Remus

…….

The Gatehouse

28th July

Impudent Griffindor.

S.S.

…….

Laburnun House

29th July

Dear Severus,

How right you are. Yet you do not refute my allegation.

Remus

…….

The Gatehouse

30th July

Castle Snape began its demise in 1901 when a devastating magical fire destroyed the east wing, weakening 400 years of wards. Subsequent coastal storms brought down the South Tower and caused the sea-facing wall to collapse. My grandfather's unfortunate gambling habit ensured there were no funds for restoration, and my uncle Malvolio finally sold the estate in 1951 to a muggle property developer in order to bribe his way out of Azkaban. All that remains is the Gatehouse, which is of no great size but perfectly acceptable accomodation. The muggle was unable to build on the land, it seems five centuries of dark magic can have an unfortunate effect on a place. No one dares approach this area. Which suits me perfectly.

I daresay you will be celebrating with the brat tomorrow. He is well, I trust.

S.S.

…….

Laburnum House

1st August

Dear Severus,

Harry is indeed well, and asked for your address. Looking back perhaps you would not wish me to give it to him, but I'm afraid I did. I hope this does not offend. The party was lovely, and Harry enjoyed himself. Things seemed to slow down at about 9pm so I left the young ones talking quietly on the balcony. I doubt they stayed up very late.

You may be interested to hear that I have managed to grow a healthy octurvice bush in my herb garden. I know it refuses to grow in costal areas, so if you ever need some I can send it over.

Remus

…….

The Unicorn Inn

Godric's Hollow

Gloucestershire

2nd August

Dear Prof. Snape,

I hope you don't mind me writing. I was really glad when Remus told me that you had been in touch. I hope you are well and enjoying peacetime. I won't bore you with my psychological developments since the battle, but know that I am well, and very much enjoying life.

Saturday was my birthday, and we had an afternoon buffet at my digs in London, which became rather drunk and disorderly from about midnight, after the more civilised elements went home. I will spare you the outrageous details, but the Weasley twins were involved. Fred has customised his wheelchair with some alarming adaptations!

I am spending a lot of time in Godric's Hollow at the moment, supervising the building of a house on the land I inherited from my parents. We decided not to rebuild the one that Riddle demolished, I am adapting those foundations into a sort of Garden of Remembrance for all the ones we lost. I am thinking of calling the new place Phoenix Cottage (as it rises from the ashes), though I don't know if that's too trite. Making my own decisions feels great, and there are lots of people around to offer me advice (whether or not I want them to!). I enjoy living in London for now, but I can't see myself settling down with a family here.

Anyway, I hope you don't mind me boring you with this.

Take care of yourself,

Harry Potter

PS Hermione came across some of your research on aconite substantiation in the quasi-magical environment (sorry if I got that wrong) while she was writing a paper on the adaptation of potion dosage when treating squibs, or something. She got the highest mark in the class, of course. H.P.

…….

The Gatehouse3rd August

Mr. Potter,

Sublimation, not substantiation, but otherwise correct. Miss Granger's ongoing excellence in the pursuit of knowledge is no surprise. I am certain she will be a credit to St. Mungo's.

I must point out that your description of your birthday celebration differs somewhat from Lupin's, but my discretion on the subject is absolute.

The best of luck with Phoenix Cottage. Albus would be proud.

S.S.

…….

The Gatehouse

3rd August

Lupin,

I must congratulate you on the octurvice. I would be grateful if you would allow me a few sprigs. Naturally, I shall reimburse any expense. As you are no doubt aware, it is too delicate for owl delivery, so I am currently forced to travel to Diagon Alley to obtain it. There one is always at the mercy of thoughtless hooligans and krups barging around, knocking frail wizards to the floor.

S.S.

…….

Laburnum House

6th August

Dear Severus,

Excuse the delayed reply. Time of the month etc.

I will gladly bring the octurvice to you myself. Can't be too careful of those hooligans.

How about on Sunday? Is your fireplace on the floo network?

Remus

…….

The Gatehouse

7th August

Tomorrow will do very well. Thank you. I will open the floo.

S.S.

…….

Perfect, thought Remus with a small smile. He is allowing me into his life.

………………

A/N: I hope you didn't find the letter narrative too annoying. I thought it was the most realistic way Remus would establish contact with the reclusive Severus.

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