Late July
Sirius,
I haven't heard anything about Bertha Jorkins for years, but I'll sure be keeping an eye out for the Daily Prophet from now on. How much can you piece together from the rumors? I suppose I would have heard by now if something big had happened, but I just don't spend much time in the wizarding community these days. Perhaps you should owl Dumbledore about this. You've been keeping in touch with him, haven't you?
For your information, Dolores Umbridge is the newly appointed Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. A beastly woman. I think she could make a lot of trouble if she wanted. Fudge seems to rely on her quite a lot, if what the paper says is true. That can't be good.
As a point of interest, I read a mention in the paper that Ron's older brother is working for Crouch. I know how much you hate Crouch, and with excellent reason, but Percy has a level head on his shoulders and a good heart. Oh, the boy is a little immature and full of himself, but who isn't at that age? Who knows, but maybe we'll be glad of that connection, tenuous as it is, before it's all said and done.
I don't think it's a good idea to come and stay with you, Sirius, as much as I would love to. You need to concentrate on keeping yourself and Buckbeak well and hidden, and I really need to work on finding a job. I think I'll have much better chances at finding one here in London. There are a few small Muggle desk jobs that I'm looking at. Besides, the person who makes my potions lives here. What would I do during the full moons? You just make sure you're safe from the Dementors and the Ministry, and then maybe we can think about it.
Take care, Padfoot.
Love,
Remus
P.S. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough for those chocolate-cashew-caramelly things. They were absolute heaven. And for your information, werewolves have a much more stable metabolism than regular wolves. Believe me, chocolate is no problem.
P.P.S. I've just had a thought, Padfoot. How are you getting along down there without magic? I imagine they snapped your wand when you were arrested, so maybe I could go to Ollivander's and get one made for you.