Dear Moony,

Merry Christmas! At this point I should probably say Happy New Year to you too!

I was so happy to be put into Gryffindor. It was touch and go for a little while, I think the hat had other ideas. But, ultimately, it decided I belonged in Gryffindor with you, mum and dad… and the Weasleys of course! And don't worry, I won't mention you getting all teary-eyed about it again…unless it works in my favour. Come on, you wouldn't expect any less.

As far as detention goes, I'm actually able to say that I've had hardly any. Think Fred and George are starting to think I'm letting the side down, but I'm only a first year. Plenty of time to catch up.

I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the teaching. I knew you would be good at it; I have learnt more from you, in our letters and visits, than almost anyone else I know. I'm including Dumbledore in that, he has probably taught me tons, but I'll let you know when I have finished deciphering it. I'm glad the suitcase is holding up too, I hope this years gifts are just as useful.

What's France like? Are you in Paris? Have you seen the Eiffel Tower? Honestly Remus, give me details!

I'm loving potions. Professor Snape is amazing. He is so passionate about the subject, I know I will learn so much from him. That doesn't stop the man from being an intimidating riddle, wrapped in a bat-like cloak, but hey, I'm not here to be his friend. The thought is actually a little disturbing.

I have, however, made a ton of new friends here. Granted some of them think I am mad and the foundation of our friendship is me convincing them I'm not; and the rest I'm sure Fred and George have tasked with Elizabeth Watch; but they are all lovely, and in the end that's what matters. The twins even managed to get Peeves in my corner, so that's useful.

Oh, and by the way, if you want to give me even more ways in which I'm like my mother, that would be wholeheartedly appreciated!

Me and Harry are doing ok. He went to Godric's Hollow to see them on New Year's Eve. I didn't go. I remember the first time I went, he needed to do this one alone. But, I think the whole thing has definitely bought us closer.

He's a natural flier, just like you said dad was. Already made the team, Seeker. I'm not jealous at all…ok fine! I was a little, but one of those new friends I was telling you about, he showed me the error in my ways. If I'm honest, he's not someone I ever imagined myself being friends with; I'm not sure friend is even the right word. Anyway, I'm getting off topic. Harry is family, and in our own special little way, we will have each other's back. No matter what.

I wish you were here to, Moony, and I will try and write more often.

I miss you.

Love Always,

Your Lilabet

The fireworks had fizzled out hours ago, but for Elizabeth sleep was still elusive. So she had decided a more productive use of her time, rather than staring out of the dorm window counting stars, was to reply to Remus's letter. She only had one day left before 'the pride' would return: they would have the whole weekend to regale each other of the festive frivolities, before lessons began again on Monday. She may as well enjoy having the peaceful dorm to herself, while she had the chance.

After sealing and addressing the envelope, she placed it on her nightstand ready to take to the owlery the next morning. Slipping off her infamous fluffy duck slippers, she climbed into bed, hoping sleep would greet her like an old friend.

'scratch, scratch, scratch…scratch, scratch…scratch'

What was it now?

Sticking her head over the side of the bed, Elizabeth couldn't help but roll her eyes at Lavender's deranged cat, Snuggles, clawing under her bed.

" Honestly, you daft creature, Scabbers is not worth it. Remind me to tell my brother to keep a closer eye on his pets!"

It was only as Elizabeth knelt on down, to pull the frustrating feline away from her quarry, that she realised it wasn't Scabbers being pawed at, but a loose floorboard under the bed.

A few scratches later, having deposited a rather miffed looking cat on lavender's bed; Elizabeth found herself sat on her four poster, curtains tightly closed and a small muggle device Hermione had given her propped against the pillow, shedding light on two small packages before her.

After a while of them being friends, Hermione had noticed that Elizabeth liked to read late at night too, while the other girls were getting their 'beauty sleep,' whatever that meant. So, Hermione had sent away, asking her parents to send this strange contraption for Elizabeth as a gift. Elizabeth had spent three hours that night, listening to Hermione's excitement over the fact that the thing even worked at all, "because it says in Hogwarts: A History, Muggle devices don't work with Hogwarts!" But, Elizabeth was glad that this little 'torch', as Hermione had referred to it, did. Lumos was great, hands free was better.

Staring at the packages in front of her, Elizabeth had the sudden urge to stuff them back under the floorboards and pretend they didn't exist.

However, the loppy letters she knew all to well were staring back at her, as though judging her, and she knew this was something she had to do. After all, they were far too small to be another invisibility cloak.

She peeled open the envelope and to her surprise, inside was another envelope. She chuckled to herself for a moment, but the four words on the second envelope made her stop and the breath catch in her throat. For those four words were the last things she had expected to see.

'For My Darling Daughter.'

Hands trembling and tears already beginning to form in her eyes, Elizabeth gently pulled the contents of the envelope from their tiny home and read:

'My darling Lilabet,

I am so proud of you. I know you will probably be questioning that as, if you are reading this it means I cannot be there with you. If there is one thing in your life I never want you to question, it is that I am proud of you. Even if you cannot see me, I am always by your side.

If Dumbledore has actually managed to follow someone else's instructions, for once, this should be your first Christmas at Hogwarts. Merry Christmas, Sweetheart. There is a pendant in the envelope with this letter; a Christmas gift from me to you. Your father gave it to me when we graduated and now it belongs to you. The Doe is my Patronus, you see, you won't have learnt about those yet but you will.

Oh, my sweet girl, there are so many things I can teach you and so little time. Therefore, I will include the three things that, to me, are most important.

Firstly, family is so much more than blood. Even though I cannot be there with you, I want you and Harry to find family, it is so much more than just your ancestry. It is people who are there to help pick you up when you fall. To help guide you when you feel lost and to celebrate you when you succeed. It's those who will hold you when your heart is broken, and threaten to beat down the door of the person who broke it. But it is also the people who aren't afraid to tell you when you are being silly, when you are not seeing clearly and to challenge you every step of the way. You will love each other, hate each other, cry and laugh, win and fail together because that is what family truly is.

I have no doubt you will find it, because I know who I leave you with. Your Uncles, Remus and Sirius, will never let you down. Albus, sorry, Professor Dumbledore may speak in riddles but he truly has your best interests at heart. Albus once said that, if the worse comes to pass, he intends for Molly and Arthur to care for you; more loving people you could never dream to find. And Severus, or I suppose now that is Professor Snape to you. That is still rather strange for me to say, it's all fairly new right know, but however intimidating he may be; between you and me, its all an act. He'd die before he let anything happen to you – mostly because he knows I'd come back and haunt him if he did. But, anyway, I'm getting off topic.

And also, I leave you with Harry. Be there for each other my children, through anything that may happen. You are strong. Be strong for each other.

You are so loved my beautiful girl, by so many. Never forget that.

There are so many things I need to tell you but now is not the time. So instead I will leave you with my second lesson.

Don't judge a book by it's cover.

If you are anything like I was when my father told me this, you will be rolling your eyes right now. Yes, I can feel it reverberating through the years…like mother like daughter.

Look, I know it's cliché, but as my father once said to me, 'clichés are cliché for a reason.'

Take your Uncle Remus as a prime example. When people find out about his 'furry little problem' they immediately become untrusting and fearful, no matter who fights his corner. Which is quite possibly the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. A kinder, more loyal and honest person you would be hard pressed to find. So what if he like to howl at the moon every month, I mean honestly!

Anyway…

My own best friend was shunned throughout his years at Hogwarts because he was a little…how should I put this…different.

People don't see the damage they do when they refuse to see, that there is good and beauty in everyone and everything. Sometimes you just have to be willing to put in the time, effort and a hell of a lot of patience with some… to look closer and go deeper, to see the true beauty, loyalty and wonder that lies within.

I don't remember where I heard it but there is a saying, "It's the people whom people imagine the least of, that do the things people can't imagine." Remember that my darling, it may serve you well one day.

Thirdly and, as I am sure you are glad to hear, finally; people deserve second chance. People make mistakes. You will too, honestly, I hope you make millions, for only when we make mistakes can we learn and grow. So let people learn in their own way. Everyone's path is different. Your job, as a friend, sister, one day lover and some day mother is to stand beside them as they do. As they will for you. To help pick them up when they fall and watch in awe as they learn to fly. There is no point in telling someone else how to walk their path, but most importantly never let anyone try and tell you how to walk yours.

My girl, you will see and do wonderous things. Just know, that no matter what you may learn, where you may go or what trials you must overcome, everything I have ever done and will do is out of my love for you and Harry. And even if I am only there in spirit, neither of you will ever be alone.

Wear the pendant I gave you and keep me close to your heart, that way you can never forget that you are not alone.

There is so much more I want to tell you. But this story is yours to write now and I know, with or without my guidance, it will be amazing. So I will leave you with this.

You are my baby girl. I will always be with you, I will always be proud of you and I will always love you. You are strong, you are becoming your own person and you are ready. Walk your own path, with your head held high and write your own story, beautiful girl. It's going to be an incredible journey and I want you to enjoy every single second. I know I will.

You have my heart.

Always.

Mom xx

Hands trembling and tears streaming down her face, she tipped the contents of the envelope into her hand. There, staring back at her on a delicate chain, was a small, silver Doe with eyes that were two glimmering, emerald gems. For a second, she almost felt as though it was staring back at her.

After ten minutes of her hands fumbling the tiny clasp, the Doe hung on her chest, close to her heart; where it belonged.

She carefully folded the letter back into the envelope and placed it under her pillow. She had been left with more questions than answers, but that could be dealt with another day. For now, just knowing her mother was with her was enough.

After taking a few shaky breaths, to calm herself, she turned to the other package still waiting on the bed. The writing still looked familiar, but not matter how hard she tried she just couldn't place it.

Gently, she broke the seal on the package and tipped its contents onto the blanket. For a moment she just stared at it, not entirely sure what she was seeing. There was no letter. It was only as she picked it up, she noticed a small tag attached with black ribbon.

She read:

'To a Damsel in Distress, from the Idiot in Tin Foil'

And suddenly realisation dawned.

Her laughter must have woken the entire Gryffindor tower, but she couldn't stop. For in her hand was a beautiful, bright yellow, duck-feather quill.