It was two months ago that Severus Snape had died. No one was sure of the details, what happened that night, but it was clear to Bellatrix that it was no mere accident. The absence, without a word, of Remus and Regulus made that clear to her.

The police were looking for the murderers of Tom Riddle, the drug dealer under the alias of Voldemort, and Severus Snape. But after this long, Bella was sure Remus and Regulus were gone for good.

Bella was void of friends now they had left. She attended the small service for Severus, and met a few people he knew. James and Lily Potter, Mo Quail, a few fellow employees from the shop, Dr. Mancusi from the clinic. Would she see these people again? She doubted it.

She was on her way out the door, when she stopped the check the mail. There was only a thin envelope inside. She looked at the unfamiliar scrawl and the New York City postmark. He frowned and opened it.

Dear Bella,

Well, we can't tell you where we are, though we doubt many people are looking for us. We're simply low lives and we killed low lives. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that I, nor Remus, killed Severus.

I probably won't be in contact with you again, Bella, but I had to let you know that we we're safe. I have a hard time saying this, since I know what you thought of me, and how I treated Sev, but it's important that you know we're alive somewhere. Remus asked me not to give too much information, in case this letter falls into the wrong hands.

I wish I could say everything that I wanted to. I wish I could tell you, straightforward, that I've changed. I, honest to God, haven't used since we left. I'd probably be dead if I did. We've made our living selling (and brewing from time to time, though Remus and I aren't the experts Severus was) Elixir along the way. It's not really an honest living, but we make do.

We'll be moving again soon, and I ask that you burn this letter and envelope.

I hope you're well. And you'll stay well.

Good-bye, Bella.
-Regulus

Bella read the letter twice and smiled. She dropped the letter and envelope in a flaming garbage can surrounded by homeless men.

"Hey, Bella!"

She looked at the tall man with long white hair and a crooked nose. She knew him as one of the local addicts who lived on the streets.

She smiled again and waved. "Hey, Albus. How's it hangin'?"