Voldemorte's Downfall

Chapter twelve: The Letter

"What?" Ron gasped. "But he-I mean, we all saw…" Zofka placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. "Read the letter, Harry." She spoke softly. Harry nodded. "Right." He unfolded the parchment again and began to read. "Dear Loki," the letter began. "I'm sorry that I did not contact you sooner to let you know I'm alive. Remus believes that this is because I did not, for a time, fully accept the fact that I was indeed alive. I suppose, in a way, this is true. You must have no doubt wondered why there was no body…" "That's true!" Hermione interjected. "Ssh! There's more!" Harry snapped. "…The truth is, I did not die. At all. The veil-you must have wondered about that-was, indeed, Death, but Death, of course, does not affect those who are not yet meant to be affected. You'll no doubt be wondering where I've been, and I shall tell you, when the time is right. For now, I take joy in the fact that I am a free man now, and I look forward to celebrating with you. Loki, I ask that you do not be upset with me, for letting you believe for two years I was dead, but that you take joy in the fact that I am not. Remus has sent a separate owl, but I expect my letter will reach you first. Hedwig is a smart owl. Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you need me, and let Harry know I am alright. I am sending him a letter, but this one will no doubt reach the school first, and he must hear it from you. Be strong for him. Remember, you are my daughter, and do not let anyone push you around. I eagerly await your responses(Yours and Harry's), for right now, you two are my only joys in life. Sirius." Harry sighed, placing the letter on the table. "Well?" demanded Hermione. "Is it really from Sirius?" Harry nodded. "It has to be. Only a few people know Loki's his daughter, and only Sirius would call Lupin 'Remus.' Well, Sirius and Dumbledore, but Dumbledore wouldn't have sent this." Zofka scanned the letter. "Harry, you left a bit out." She cleared her throat. "PS-I expect the lot of you at Christmas. And I've heard you're dating Draco Malfoy, Loki. Bring him along." Harry's eyes widened. "Yeah, we'll have to tell Sirius they broke up." He smiled slightly. "Well, at least we have positive proof it's from Sirius." Ron nodded. "Yeah." Rice sighed loudly. "Has everyone forgotten that Loki is unconscious on the stairs? Or is everyone not bothering to care?" Harry jumped up. "Right. Loki. Oops." They turned towards the stairs, where Tomàs was cradling Loki's body gently; one hand was pressed firmly against the back of her head. "What happened?" he asked softly. Zofka moved towards him. "She fainted. Because of this." She handed him the letter. He skimmed it. "Oh. Well, I suggest we take her to the hospital wing, because in case you hadn't noticed, the back of her head is bleeding pretty badly, and there's a good chance she'll have a concussion." Zofka nodded. "Alright…" Harry stood. "Tomàs, why don't you take her? I have to see the headmaster." Tomàs nodded. "Of course." He stood, lifting Loki gently. "I'll take care of her," he promised/ Then, as an afterthought, he added, "Unless you don't trust me, of course." Zofka smiled. "We trust you. Don't know if Loki does though." Tomàs laughed nervously. "She will. Give her time." He gently carried Loki out of the portrait hole. Zofka smiled. "Okay, I swear those two will end up dating in the end." Harry nodded. "Yeah. And now, I'm off to see the headmaster." Ron frowned. "Why?" Harry held up the letter. "If anyone will understand this, it's him, isn't it?"