Late August
Sirius,
I'm writing from Bristol. I left the day after your owl came and found the cottage just fine. It looks exactly the same as it always has, but it will need some major cleaning. The house is ready for you and Buckbeak anytime. I've been working on a little cleaning just so you won't be killed in your sleep by the Lethifold that was lurking underneath the bed or the colony of Doxies living in the curtains
I'm including your wand that I bought before I came down here. Yes, Mr. Ollivander was extremely suspicious, but I made it very clear that it was Dumbledore's business and I knew nothing about it.
If you've been able to stop in any wizarding village just for a few moments, you'll see that Bertha Jorkins is indeed in trouble. However, we can't completely trust what the Prophet says because Rita Skeeter wrote the article. This means that barely a third of what was written was actually true; however, the hard part is knowing which third to trust. I'm sure Dumbledore has suspected Peter, but good luck finding his name in the papers. Just keep your contacts with Dumbledore, and I'm sure we'll eventually make sense of all this.
Harry never complained of his scar hurting while I was with him, but of course, Voldemort was nowhere near. The signs do make sense, though. A part of Voldemort is with him in the scar, so it would have some reaction to his presence or power. Knowing Voldemort's current condition, I expect the connection between them is not very strong at all. However, if Voldemort ever returns to full power and is aware of his connection with Harry, he would have practically unlimited access to Harry's mind. We know that Voldemort is a master Legilimens, so you can imagine how he would use this connection that's already there to his advantage. Harry, in return, would be able to sense Voldemort's thoughts, but of course, at his age he just doesn't have the ability. I suspect Harry could become a superb Legilimens and Occlumens with a little bit of practice. Right now, we just know that he's safe as long as he's at the Dursley's. Has Harry written Dumbledore at all about this? I would suggest that to him.
Now, Sirius, I completely understand if you would like to just use the cottage as a hideout, but would it be all right if I stayed in Bristol for a while? There is a small Muggle bookshop in the town needing some workers. I stopped in there for a moment to inquire on the position. The pay is relatively good, and I'd be able to take off a few days each month to visit my sick mother in Scotland. I didn't give the owner a final answer because I wanted to make sure it was all right with you first.
I'm thinking of you constantly. Please stay safe on your trip up to England.
Remus