My dearest daughter Lily,

Happy 13th Birthday! Your mum and I both miss you very very much. I only wish we could see you on your special day. How does it feel being a teenager?

We're all doing pretty well over here, though we all miss you terribly. Petunia as well, though she denies it. You know how she can be. But I'm positive she loves you deep down. She's got a new boyfriend, you know? He's... err... not like all the previous ones, I'll give him that. Still, I hope he doesn't last too long. His name is Victor, or something like that. Starts with a V.

As for me, I'm doing alright. I've started working on a new book. It's got a theme kind of like the one of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. You know, a man who makes his prophecy come true by trying to avoid making it come true. Only it's set in modern time and the man is an alchoholic. That's all I'm saying about it right now, you can read it after I've written it.

The doctors say mum's health is improving and that she even shows signs of full recovery! Well, that's what they say at least. Last weekend they let her out for a couple of hours and we had lunch in town. A nurse was there, of course, but I think she enjoyed herself nonetheless. She sends all her love, of course, and wishes you a most wonderous birthday.

So, I've gotten no letters from you this year! It's been almost a month since I last heard from you, and that was at the train station. Usually you've written me at least three times a week. I do hope you haven't forgotten about your humble old father.

Tell me: What's new in school? How are your dorm mates? How are the new classes? Are those "Magpipes" or whatever those kids call themselves still annoying you? If they are, tell them from me, that I'll personally see to it that their faces will get rearranged.

Love always,

Daddy

"What's that you got there, Evans?"

"Give that back here, Sirius!! That's private, that is!"

"Come and get it from me!!" Sirius had the letter clutched high in his hand, standing on top of the sofa.

"Black!"

"Come on, Evans, you can reach! Jump higher!"

"Give it to me NOW!"

"James, catch!" said Sirius, throwing the letter to Potter who was just emerging from his dorm.

"Potter! Give it to me!"

Potter lay the letter on the coffeetable and walked back to his dorm.