Before long it was less than a week until school started again, and Hagrid still hadn't returned. Eric was more than a little surprised that Hagrid wasn't there, and that he didn't write regarding where he was going. As he began to think about it, he had lost touch with Hagrid a great deal of late. He couldn't help but feel guilty over it; Hagrid did raise him, and was as much a father as he ever knew. It was just that so many things were happening around him, he couldn't find time like he used to in order to keep in touch with his guardian.

The fact that he now had surviving family complicated the matter considerably. Thinking about it, he hoped more than anything that everyone would just back off for a few years until he turned eighteen. After that, there'd be no more talk of guardians, and he'd be in charge of his own affairs. When he finally came of age, he wouldn't be pushed and pulled by adults anymore – he could make his own decisions.

Eric was taking an afternoon mulling over all of this when a large owl, flanked by two burrow owls he recognized as his own, zipped overhead and dropped a letter addressed to him with a return address on Knockturn Alley.

Greetings Mister Sable.

It has been a while since we've been in touch. I hope you've kept up with your

studies. We will need to discuss your O.W.L.s, and what my expectations are

for you.

There is an upcoming meeting at 75 Knockturn Alley on August 30th, the Monday

before classes start again at Hogwarts. It is vitally important that you attend,

for you need to learn what has been going on while you have been out of

circulation. Do whatever you must to attend.

See you there,

Professor Corvin Frugilagus

The letter was a breath of fresh air for Eric. His professor hadn't forgotten about him or lost track of him. He wrote a letter to Mrs. Peal, explaining that he'd have to return to London that weekend in order to get his class supplies, and that his professor wanted to meet with him that evening. He then wrote another letter to Professor Frugilagus laying out what he was telling Mrs. Peal, so that the stories would match. Mounting up a broom, he shot his way over to the Hogsmeade post office, where he was greeted by a familiar face when he knocked on the door.

"What? Oh, it's you; the mishugina boy!" Avery Pyginwhol peeked out of the window. "Wha' do you want this time, a history of the town?"

Eric smiled to himself, strangely cheered that he was remembered. "No sir. I just want to mail these two letters." He set down several knuts to cover the charge.

The old man looked at the coins. "Pweeew! Tha's a lotta loose change for two letters, kid." His eyes surveyed the space just above his glasses. "You wanna tell me what you really want?"

Eric smiled slightly, pushing forward the letter to his professor. "Nothing much; I just want this letter to arrive two days before the other one."

Avery looked to him. "You gettin' crafty, kid... what're you up to?"

He sighed. "One of my professors wants me at a meeting, and I'm asking my guardian for permission. I just want my professor to be ready before my landlady asks."

"Ready to make up a good excuse, no doubt." Avery smiled and looked at the calendar. "Gettin' close to September already. There's a bunch of things that happens then." He then looked across the room to Eric. "This meeting your professor wants you at, it's not held at 75 Knockturn Alley, is it?"

Eric was torn for a moment. On the one hand, the meeting was beginning to sound clandestine. On the other, this was a chance to find out more about it. "Yes, sir."

Avery smiled. "Ok kid – I'll do your sneaky little favor. Only, you gotta tell me what happens at the meeting. Every detail. Got that?"

Eric flinched but nodded. "Um, ok. Can I ask why it's so important?"

The old man pointed a thumb at a stack of Daily Prophets. "Those over there? The only thing they're good for these last few months is for starting fires. I want to know what's really going on. The place you're going to is called The Rookery; and it may be the most notorious den of miscreants around; but if they're having a gathering, then that's the place to get the truth."