The Years of Adventure: Atlantis

Chapter Two – Letters Home - Part I


Disclaimer: If I owned Harry Potter I wouldn't have student debt. I have student debt so logic dictates that I don't own Harry Potter.

Author's note: Sorry this took a while. This chapter and the next aren't really part of the Atlantis story line, but I still think they're important. Enjoy!


"Hey girl." Harry said softly as he stroked a bright white cockatoo who had landed on his arm. At first, he had been rather confused at the strange bird finding him in the middle of the ocean, he was currently just about halfway between Florida and Bermuda, but as soon as the bird had landed he had felt the presence of Hedwig. "How on Merlin's name did you turn yourself into a cockatoo? Or did someone transfigure you? Well, no matter, at least no one will have seen a snowy owl flying in the tropics...It's a good thing I'm not around anyone else right now, I wouldn't want to explain to a bunch of Muggles why I was attaching a piece of paper to a bird." Hedwig squawked, a very foreign sound to Harry, and ran her beak through his hair. He smiled at her, "Well, I don't have any owl treats, not that you'd like them in your current form, but I do have some really great fruit, I've become quite fond of mangoes myself." Harry conjured a perch for Hedwig and grabbed her some fruit.

Over the next few days, he let Hedwig rest while he worked out what to say. Finally, he started in on the letter.


Everyone,

Sorry for leaving like I did, but I really just needed to get away. As Ron, Hermione and Sirius have probably told you, I promised to write a letter when Hedwig came to visit so here it is. I can't say for certain when she will be able to find me next because I'm headed a big out of range, even for her, so you probably won't here from me again for quite some time.

First of all, I'm fine, I'm doing well and I'm enjoying myself. I haven't gone nearly as fast as I originally thought I would but that is makes this all the more interesting. I've been having loads of fun and am giving my boat quite the workout, it's holding up just fine and not to sound conceited or anything but I make quite the sailor. I have to say though, Hedwig is either learning some pretty spectacular magic or you guys are extremely good at guessing my itinerary, which would be quite impressive as I don't really have one. I'd be very interested to know how she managed to turn into a cockatoo. Anyway, in case the bird didn't give it away, I'm currently in a rather tropical area. Actually, I don't know if Hedwig is still looking tropical-ish so if she isn't, you now have a general idea as to my location. Enough about my lovely (and possibly very talented) bird, you are probably wondering what I've been up to. Well, I've learned a ton, done a lot of writing, a bit of drawing and I even did some teaching! I know right, Merlin help those girls, actually, he probably wouldn't have been much...whatever. I've also been seeing some pretty amazing stuff. That's all really, I'm happy, and that's what matters to me right now.

Hoping you're all well,

Harry 29-11-1997


Hermione blinked at the letter in her hand; when Hedwig had gone missing a few weeks ago, she had panicked for a full ten minutes before she remembered that Harry said Hedwig might visit him from time to time. She had then done an extremely un-Hermione-ish happy-dance before waiting impatiently for the next two weeks. This morning, she had been extremely surprised to see a brilliantly white cockatoo fly straight through her personal wards, only specific owls were keyed to those wards, and there was no cockatoo on the list. Then, the bird had squawked and flapped it's wings a few times before melting into Hedwig. Wow, She had thought, That's either one complicated transfiguration charm or Hedwig is a genius. She had figured out a while ago that Hedwig could do a bit of magic – which was odd considering she wasn't even Harry's familiar – and decided that it was a side-effect of having spent copious amounts of time around Harry, that tended to change people, apparently owls included. After reading the letter she came to the conclusion that Hedwig was, hands down, the smartest and most talented owl ever.

Hermione read through Harry's letter one last time before she fire called Ron. Word of Harry's letter spread through their large family/group of friends faster than fiendfire in a bookshop and two hours later everyone was settled in the enlarged sitting room at Grimmauld Place. Hermione, being the letter's recipient, stood up and read it aloud before making a copy for everyone and passing them around. They then decided to write short individual responses and send them off as soon as Hedwig recovered.


Harry,

Hermione gave us all a copy of your letter and suggested we all write a short (she emphasized this, apparently Hedwig isn't able to carry complete rolls of parchment, although, I've been alloted a little more...muahaha, I guess everyone agreed that I'm a bit more important, at first I was just excited but now I feel honoured) response. Anyway, I'm extremely happy you're in the tropics, I spent a bit of time there myself actually. Mind you, I had just broken out of prison and was on the run from the ministry... I'm glad you're using that boat of your, I wasn't sure if you would but I think it's great!

Christina and my son finally arrived in the world on August 18th 1997 (at 3:07 in the morning), his name is Regulus. We named you Honourary/Absentee Godfather, Remus is the actual one, werewolf laws can go screw themselves. This really confused people cause they still seem to think you'll be back in a year or two and that Regulus won't know the different but I'm pretty sure that's not the case...I think they'll probably come to the same realisation eventually but it might take a while. He is already showing signs of being a terrifying genius; think you and the Weasley twins combined. I'm not sure what we're going to be unleashing on the world in a few years time, but everyone better watch out.

Those ministry idiots finally gave me my job back, I mean, I've been free for years,and I was tied for 2nd best auror in the force for all my years there (Moody was first and James and I were tied). Now that Moody is retired and I'm back in, I have officially earned the title of #1 Auror! Some of the guys are really pissed because not only could they not catch me when I escaped that hell hole, but now I've "Infiltrated the ranks and upset the delicate power balance." Their words, not mine. Kingsley (he's Head Auror now, not the best, just head) and I had a great laugh about that. I say it's their own damn fault for being such crappy Aurors. Kingsley is continually asking me to do some sort of training session but I don't really think he appreciate me breaking the poor bastards. I have been tutoring/torturing Tonks and I have a feeling that she's going to end up running that session. Kingsley can't really order me around much – something about being almost in the same authority bracket – but he can make her do it. Ha! Oh, speaking of teaching, someone let you near their CHILDREN? Those kids are probably scarred for life! Nah, just kidding, if I remember correctly you really helped some kids (cough, Neville, cough, cough) after you offed his snake-faced highness. I know for a fact that most of them got Os in DADA despite the fact that that cow Umbridge was teaching. I mean, really? You'd think that teaching standards would finally go up after it's shown just how important that stuff is, apparently not. Lets see, what else? Oh yeah, the lovebirds finally got engaged, but they'll probably tell you all about that.

Anyway, I've already written twice as much as Hermione said I could – I'm pretty sure she took this into account when she told us how long they could be – so I should probably wrap it up. In fatc, I know Moony wrote more than I did.

Wishing you the best adventures ever!

Padfoot

P.S. Back to the werewolf laws, a couple of us in the Wizangmont are trying to change, and make, quite a few laws. I hold two of the Ancestral Seats, did you know you have five empty ones? Now, you are by no means obliged to do this, but you could give me permission to vote for you while you are incommunicado? All you'd have to do is send a note, signed in blood (sorry about that), to the Ministry, Wizangmont, Gringotts and myself saying I'm allowed to vote for you. You don't have to do this but it would make life so much easier for us. 'Us' is headed by me and consists of the Longbottoms, the Lovegoods, the Weasleys (they got their seat back when I vouched for them and paid 'back dues' for the last 80 years – fucking bureaucrats) and the Prewitts (who knew that that family was matrilineal and Muriel was just a stubborn hag who hated anything to do with the government?). Anyway, with your seats we would hold just over 50% of the votes (70% is needed to pass anything) and the rest is just smooth talking and good negotiation (that would be me, unfortunately). But again, this is not something you have to do. It's just a suggestion. ~ Sirius (In a semi-official capacity, if that is even possible. Shudder.)


Harry,

As a parental figure/professor I must scold you for running away. As a friend I must congratulate on doing something so brave, so mature (even though some may say the opposite) and so adventurous, I think it's perfect for you. You deserve this, you really do. I just wish I had a chance to say goodbye but I understand that you just wanted out of this hectic world. I hope you find what you are looking for, I really do. Even if you don't I know you will come out a changed man, in a good way. I'm extremely impressed by the boat; I would not have guessed that, I don't think anyone would have. Sirius told me that you mentioned it but I know he wouldn't have see it coming, it's just so...um, well, unique. He also told me about the pack, I don't think he told anyone else though, he didn't want it spread around. And the teaching, those girls were very lucky. I know you might not think you're must of a teacher but there's just something about you that makes me think you'd be very good at it. I have a feeling that as you travel you will end up doing a lot more of that, especially because I'm pretty sure you understand that knowledge is there to be shared. I would be very interested to have an extended discussion with you sometime, be it sooner or later.

Anyway, what I've been up to. You'll be extremely happy to hear that Tonks and I did finally set a date for the wedding; November 8th, a fall wedding. Tonks is a fan of colour (in case you didn't know) and wanted to have turning leaves as a backdrop. Personally, I really don't care as long as I get to marry her. Anyway, Molly keeps trying to take over but whenever that happens Tonks sets her hair on a random cycle of florescent colours that gives almost everyone a headache. The exceptions are myself, the twins and Ginny, Andy, Sirius and baby Regulus who wants nothing more than to sit on her shoulders, he then proceeds to watch with fascination (he likes lime green best I think).

Speaking of Regulus, I was named godfather (you're the honourary one). I think that decision really reminded people that you were actually going to be gone for a while, even me. My head knew you meant many years but my heart didn't really understand until then. Anyway, that boy is going to be a terror, probably worse than his father, which is not good news for me, I'm supposed to help take care of him! I'm tempted to come and find you for the sole reason of sharing this job. (I'm kidding, I have Tonks who can provide amusement just by being in the room, Merlin, I love that woman. And I'm marrying her. Lucky me!)

I finally got a job, a GOOD one and on my own. (Okay, the twins and I have a secret agreement, they gave me the start up money and wouldn't take no for an answer. They told me to look up the phrase 'pay it forward'. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you?) Anyway, I've opened a library, the first Wizarding Library. Florish and Blotts gave me a discount on used (but good condition) and overstocked books. Also, Molly and Ginny found out about the Prewetts which they will tell you all about, apparently the Prewetts had a thing for books so they gave me a bunch. Sirius also donated a bunch, nothing too dark though. I'm actually doing very well, you won't believe the number of wizards didn't even know things like a public library existed. I charge one sickle for a card and if you want access to my version of the Restricted Section (thanks Sirius) it's another sickle as well as a full background check (includes an arm check). If you want to take a book with you though, it's 10 sickles for a week and a galleon for two. Basically, keep the books in the library and you're good.

Now, I've written way too much. I think I wrote more than Sirius...Hermione is going to be a bit mad. Oh well, I think it's worth a bit of bushy-haired anger to write a long letter.

Remus


Harry,

Oh my god it's so good to her from you! I can't believe you just upped and left like that! I mean, yeah, I understand that you wanted to get away for a while but you could have at least said goodbye! A note, that's all we get, A NOTE? Seriously Harry, what were you thinking? Molly was out of her mind with worry!

Right, now that I have that out of my system...Ron finally proposed! Geeze, I know we just got out of school and all but really, could he have taken any longer?

I'm really enjoying my new job but technically speaking I'm not allowed to tell anyone about it. All I'm supposed to say is I work in the research department of the ministry. But I really don't see the harm in telling you seeing as you're somewhere on the opposite side of the world, or maybe you're on this side...I don't know. Whatever. Anyway, I've been told not to tell people that I'm working in the spell research and development branch of the Department of Mysteries, I'm not supposed to tell you that I'll be a full-fledged Unspeakable this time next year, I can't tell you that the Ministry has absolutely no control down here, the fact that they have a huge amount of amazingly unique stuff (some actually belonged to MERLIN) down here is supposed to be a complete secret, no one is supposed to know that Nicholas Flamel actually had a stockpile of the Elixer of Life and will probably be around for another hundred years...so, I really can't tell you what I'm doing. Sorry. =D Anyway, it's great and Ron is having an amazing time with his new job, but I'll let him tell you about that. I've told people to keep these letters short (except for Sirius, I gave him permission to write more because I knew he'd just do his own thing anyway) so I should probably wrap it up.

I'm glad to you are having a good time, you said you were writing...? Well, you know what I think about books, as soon as you get back (whenever that happens to be), I would like to take a look at what you've written, unless it's personal in which case I'll leave it alone. And drawing? You never told us you can draw! But then, we never asked and there was never a reason to so...well, maybe we just missed it. It would be really cool to see what you've done! I can't believe you've been sailing! I went on a boat with my parents once and it was breathtaking, that feeling of the wind in your hair, the sea spray whipped up by the bow, the flapping of the sails and the calmness of knowing you're going somewhere with only the wind! Right, yeah, anyway. I think it's amazing that you're doing all that. I hope you continue to have a great time and look forward to hearing from you soon. I know you said that might be a while but whenever you get the chance.

Lots of Love,

Hermione

P.S. Hedwig was a snowy owl when she left, promise; and a white cockatoo when she came back. That bird is amazing! ~ Hermione


Harry,

I'm engaged! My bachelor days are over! Merlin, I never even got to chain-date like I wanted to... Oh well, I'm happy. I can't believe I was so worried about it, it was so simple. I asked, she said yes, I jumped for joy, she cried, we made out! There was a ring in there somewhere I think... Easy!

You'll never guess what I'm doing, you know how I said I wanted to be an auror? Well, I took one look at the amount of study required – who knew you have to study and learn how to fight? - and ditched the whole thing. Then I started thinking about what I was actually good at and what I loved, Quidditch! Not playing it, I mean, I'm an okay Keeper but no where near good enough to play professional, but directing it! I know every single play in the game and can make up my own, watching you and the twins really helped here. So, when I heard that the Cannon's coach was retiring (something about depression) I applied and apparently they were rather desperate so they hired me! I only know they were desperate because they took me even though I'm only 18 and have only played for two and a bit years. But that's not the best part, the best part is that the first game we played we TIED, we were leading by 140 points and then scored one last goal at exactly the same time the other team caught the snitch! That was the best game the Cannon's have had in years and I COACHED THEM FOR IT! Seriously mate, you should have seen it. I made up this move where if the beaters are closer to our goal than our chasers, the other team is going to score and our keeper (who is crap and needs to be replaced) is too far away from one of the hoops, one beater will hit the bludger into the quaffle and the other will dive bomb the chasers! It's really hard and the whole stadium (which wasn't exactly full but many wished it was after this) was completely shocked by it. If you haven't already figured it out, I have two excellent beaters, their aim is perfect! If they have a clear shot they will NEVER miss their target, they're both Muggleborns whose parents made them home school over the summer (sounds awful right?). Well, they said that they were really good at triggahomettery and fiz hicks (I have no idea what these are but if they help with Quidditch I might just go learn them) and can apparently figure out the exact tragic tory (I disagree with the tragic part because it's absolutely BRILLIANT) of the ball. This basically means that they know the perfect place to hit it to make it go where they want! Still, the team needs a new keeper (or this one needs to train a bit more) and we're getting a new seeker at the end of the summer. Then I think the Cannons will make a COMEBACK!

Anyway, I'm glad you're having a good time. You're on a boat? Really? Well, hey, whatever does it for you mate. And drawing? I didn't know you could draw, but that's actually pretty cool. I've gotten really good at drawing out diagrams and stuff, did you know there's an art to showing plays in Quidditch? Well, I didn't so I kinda made up my own. I think one of the reasons the team was so bad was that the previous coach used every single official marking. Apparently the 'proper' way to draw out plays has like, six colours, four different types of arrow, five different dots or X's and a bajillion different squiggles. I didn't understand it so I ditched it, the team likes mine better. Oh, shit, Hermione's yelling at me. I think I've written a bit more than I was supposed to... Ah well, have a good time, don't drown and write again soon,

Cheers,

Ron


Harrykins,

Harry, my mate. Mine too!How are things in your sunny tropical world? Please tell us you're living it up with parties every day and bed friends every night. By the way, we should tell you, that WE KNOW. Now, the question you should be asking, what is it that we know? Well, we know about your bed friend preference, and don't worry, we're not telling. We should also tell you, that we are a lot more observant than people give up credit for. We happen to have noticed, that you've had your eye on someone with rather red hair. Again, we won't be telling, our lips are sealed tight! But we just thought that we'd let you know that we're okay with it. We would tell you if your feelings were returned, but our dearest brother has been hiding out in Egypt. By the way, we think it's brilliant. Our mum might be a completely different story, but here's to wishing you the best of luck!

Anyway, moving on from something you probably ran away from. Again, we're not nearly as thick as people seem to think. Yeah, in fact, we're probably two of the smartest blokes you'll ever meet. We'd like to thank you once again, for your most generous donation to our cause. You'll be happy to hear that the WWW is going well and strong. We'd enclose a sampler but your dearest friend Hermione has denied us that pleasure. Because you're on a boat, or so we're going to assume, you probably haven't heard that the WWW is headed to Yanky Land! That's right, we're crossing the pond, jumping the puddle, heading west, falling off the earth, going to the New World, braving the sea, etc. We think you get the point. We have also moved to Hogsmead, and are therefore on the run from our dear old Professor McGonagall. She'll probably never forgive us for corrupting her impressionable students and disrupting the peaceful institution Hogwarts has become since the departure of her two favourite troublemakers. Next stop is Egypt... Our brother's going to kill us!

Enjoy your boat, please don't drown, and wreak as much havoc as you can. If you're ever in New York, Salem, or L.A. You should keep an eye out for our brilliant purple. You'll be happy to know, we patented that colour!

Gred and Forge

P.S. Our mum is crazy. She's wants you home ASAP. We say, HAVE FUN! ~ F&G


Harry,

Hey! I hope you're having a good time, you gave us a bit of a shock when you went off like that. I'm pretty sure Mum nearly had a heart attack, Ron's eyes popped out and Hermione shook her head sadly enough to make even me dizzy. Their reactions were actually really funny now that I think back on them! Bill was a bit, 'eh, makes sense' and Charlie and Percy heard about the whole thing second hand but they've never really been around when you were here. Sirius and the twins seemed to be the only ones who saw it coming, Sirius I get, but the twins? Since when have they been observant? Oh well, I guess we all still have a lot to learn about them, big surprise there. Personally, I was surprised for all of ten seconds and then it all fit together. I hope you find yourself out there! (Wherever 'there' is.) Oh yeah and mum kinda wanted us to make you miss us so you'd want to get back here asap. Well, she's a bit odd. I say have fun, live life, snog till your lips pop off (heh, I put that in there for the twins, I think I spend too much time with them...), and don't worry about us. Our lives will go on and we will miss you but we're strong people, duh!

Anyway, I'm almost halfway through my final year of school! I really have no idea what I'm going to do when I graduate, I've been offered a spot with the Harpies, they want some one on the reserve team who can substitute for both chaser and seeker if needed. The girls tend to get picked on, especially the seeker, and their chasers have been known to be squished rather violently by some of the meaner teams. I've also been working with the twins a lot, and not the front-desk kind of work...I'm their secret partner. Actually they tell me I'm their second secret partner...they seem to think they have a real secret partner, I'm not sure whether to believe them or not. Anyway, I've been helping with research and development, I've even got my own workspace, they call it The Devil's Corner, apparently I have a sadistic side, who knew?

Anyway, I've filled up my allotted space (and a bit more actually, sorry). I hope you have a great time and find what you're looking for. I get this feeling that you're going to be gone for a really long time so good luck!

Ginny

P.S. Mum's probably told you but we found out that in the Prewett family, the girls are the heirs! This means Mum has this massive inheritance and a vote! It also means that I'll get it when I'm older. Bill and me in charge of something...hey, at least it's not the twins! I had to change my name so it's all official so now I'm Ginny Weasley-Prewett, weird, eh? ~ Ginny

P.P.S. Dean's really nice...hmm, will I be Ginny Weasley-Thomas-Prewett? Nah, I think I'll just go to Ginny Prewett. Oh! I could just go with WT-Prewett! Or TP Weasley...heehee TP! Right, yeah. I'm going now. ~ Ginny with the changing name.


Harry dearest,

I can't believe you left like that. You have worried me sick. Do you have enough clothing? Are you eating properly? Please tell me you haven't run off with some woman, that would break my heart! I hope you come back as soon as possible, it's terrible not to have you around. So much is happening and you're not here to see it! When I heard you'd left I nearly cried. Please be good to yourself, and for Merlin's sake, what are you doing on a BOAT? Those things aren't safe! You could fall off, it could sink! You really should stick to normal types of transportation.

Well, I suppose I should tell you how things are. Ron and Hermione finally got engaged, you should have seen their faces! They have been glowing for weeks! I'm so excited to plan the wedding, there will be flowers and food, dancing and lights, dresses and robes, oh it will be wonderful! I hope you can come, we will leave a spot for you. Ron is coaching the Cannons, did you hear? He absolutely loves it, I'm sure he will tell you all about it in his letter. They are doing so well! I never would have known that he would be so good at that but then, he's loved Quidditch ever since he knew what it was. Hermione is working in research, I'm not that surprised really, she always did like her books. It sounds a bit boring but then, it's her job and her choice.

Fred and George are still running their shop, it's actually doing amazingly well. I thought it was just a passing fancy but I'm beginning to realise that it's actually a full-time job and that they are actually really good at it. I can't believe how much money they're making!

Arthur's still working in Muggle relations but Sirius helped reinstate the Weasley seat in the Wisengamot, I don't know exactly how he did that but I'm fairly sure a large amount of money was paid out. He hated that but I think he's starting to understand the advantages of it. Speaking of the Wisengamot, did you know that my Aunt Muriel was entitled to the Prewett inheritance and it's seat? I didn't even know we had that seat! Apparently the Prewett family is matrilineal, Muriel could have held that seat for the last 73 years but she didn't do a single thing about it, she never even claimed it! Anyway, she died in July and the seat passed to me, because Prewett is matrilineal (that means the name passes from mother to daughter) I was supposed to officially keep my maiden name. So, we went to the ministry and Gringotts and I changed my name back to Molly Prewett (I still go by Weasley though). We talked with Ginny too and because, as my only daughter, she's the heir to the family. She decided to change her name to Ginerva Weasley-Prewett. I have no idea what she's going to do when she gets married, have three last names? Drop the Weasley? Anyway, she still has a few years to figure that out. The best part about this whole Prewett situation is that we have another vote in the Wisengamot (Arthur has the Weasley one) and we learned about the Prewett vault. I had no idea that my family had any sort of, well, anything. Either Muriel was selfish and wanted to keep it all to herself or she didn't know about the family vault. I really have no idea which one it is but I'm going to think, for the sake of her memory, that it was ignorance. Anyway, we now have quite a lot of heirlooms not to mention a modest amount of gold.

Oh, I don't know how much Sirius told you but we're trying to fix the government, well, make it a bit better at least. In our little circle, Augusta and Neville, Xenophilius, Sirius, Arthur and myself, we have quite a bit of influence. Did you know you have four empty seats? You're the last descendant of the Potter, Evans (turns out that you mother was the first witch after five generations of squibs), Ellwood and Isgar families. Amazing really. I think he was going to ask you if you could allow him to vote for you. This would help us out a lot. The first thing we're trying to do is repeal all those nasty werewolf laws, then we're working on Muggleborns' rights, I'm not sure what's after that but I think it might be the appointment vs. election of the Undersecretary to the Minister...

I hope you're still enjoying yourself. Please come home soon, we all miss you terribly.

Love,

Mum Molly

P.S. Bill, Charlie and Percy weren't here when your letter arrived but I had them each send a short note just to say hi. They should be wrapped up in here but if not...well, know that they were there, once upon a time. ~ Mum

P.P.S. I really miss you and hope you can be back for Christmas. Or maybe just Ginny's graduation. But you had better be here for the wedding young man, we can't live without you, we miss you too much. ~ Mum


Harry Potter,

It was rather irresponsible of you to run away like that but I believe you did it for admirable reasons. The Wizarding World owes you a debt of gratitude not constant pressure to make decisions. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours but please don't do something like this again, I'm not sure my mother would survive. Also, she said she would like you 'home' as soon as possible. Now, I might not be your closest friend but from what I can tell, you're trying to "find yourself", which, in my experience, means trying to find or re-find your home, so take your time. I certainly did.

Right now I am working full-time for the group of people who are trying to revloutionise the ministry (we don't actually have a name yet). I manage the administrative, finincial, legal stuff, and, well, everything else as well. I don't want to make myself out to be anything more than I am, or claim credit where it isn't due but I am basically holding it all together. I think we're actually going to make a difference here. Sirius has a request for you, he'll explain it. As the manager for this thing, I'm going to blunt, we could really use those votes. But that's not what you should really be worrying about, just have a good time. If not for yourself then do it for the rest of us who are still hanging out in real life.

Sincerely,

Percival Weasley


Harry,

Mum told us you wrote and that you were doing well and having a great time. I think she's usually a pretty good judge of what counts as okay or not so I trust you're having fun. But she really wants you back. I know the others have told her that it will probably be a while but I think her definition is different from the rest of ours.

Because all they know about your location is that, and I'm quoting my mum here, "He's in the tropics! Hedwig came back as a parrot, can you believe that? A parrot!' Anyway, I hope you're enjoying said tropics. I'm not sure exactly which tropics you're in but there's an elusive dragon species in Indonesia, they're supposed to live inside one of the volcanoes there but no one has seen one for almost a hundred years and that guy came back a bit crispy. So, if you're in the area you might want to take a look. There's also a mythical Ash Dragon that is rumored to hang out somewhere in Ecuador...but as they name suggests, it's a myth.

The guys and I at the reserve think you should bring back a dragon, toast the minister and then send us the dragon... Maria says to make sure it's a pretty dragon that 'packs a wallop', whatever the hell that means.

You know that Horntail you played around with your 4th year? Well, her kids have grown up and, um, can you come back and babysit? They're giving us hell. Just kidding, I wouldn't torture you like that.

Anyway, good luck, have fun and don't get roasted!

Charlie


Harry,

Can't say I was surprised when I heard you had hightailed it out of there, I'd want to get away too. Mum went a bit wild though, she kept thinking that you'd end up falling off a cliff or something. I recommend jumping off a cliff, I heard from a friend that the Muggles have this thing called 'hang gliding', I'm not sure exactly how it works but he said everyone should have it on their bucket list (apparently that's a list of things to do before you die, you're supposed to have 100 things on there...). If that's not your thing another guy said you should try bungee jumping. I tuned them out when they said you attach your feet to a cord and jump. But yeah, just passing on some suggestions.

If you haven't heard from the others, I'm back in Egypt, the goblins were calling! (Literally, they actually used the floo and called.)

I found this black cat, it thinks its a king or something. Maybe a reincarnated cat god? I don't know why but it keeps following me around, might be cause I gave it a bit of kebab...worst decision I ever made. It's got this scruffy black fur that with one lick and a paw swipe it's still scruffy but somehow the most regal fur ever too, I don't understand. It actually kinda reminded me of a certain person with dark hair who can pull off both scruffy and nice without a thought. Anyway, the guys say I'm stuck with it and the girls think it's 'cute', it's really just annoying. Unfortunately, I named it which apparently means I have to keep it. So, Midnight and I are new best friends. Lovely.

Lets see, I believe our mother's instructions were to "make him miss us so he comes home sooner." Um...I'm not quite sure what she's thinking there but shall I give it a try?

Oh my sweetest Harriet, my heart is drowned in sorrow at your absence, my eyes were filled with tears at your departure and my chest drew tight with pain. My nights are lonely knowing you aren't there to see me. I wallow in sadness day aft-

Okay I'm done. Sorry Harriet.

But yeah, Mum will get over it when she realises that this was, and is, something you need to do. (Or so I'm guessing.)

Ron just called, he said something about a boat? Well, Ben (the guy who suggested bungee jumping) had just walked in, he heard 'boat' and started singing a Muggle song. Then Sam (who thinks my cat is cute) started singing too and they say I should write a bit of it in. I don't see why not, so they're dictating and I'm writing.

I'm on boat, I'm on a boat

Everybody look at me

'Cause I'm sailing on a boat

I'm on a boat, I'm on a boat

Take a good hard look

At the motherf*cking boat.

Yeah, weird song right? But hilarious, the rest of the lyrics are the strangest things ever, and it's all about being on a boat! I'd have Sam or Ben write them all in but apparently I have a length limit on this thing.

If you do any curse breaking, you should know that we all have signatures, just tiny things we etch into the ward stone or anchor. Mine is a small Celtic-style star burst, it's kinda like three overlaid triangles, there are exactly nine points. You should think of one for yourself. Sam's is a 'S' but in the style of an Egyptian hieroglyph. Ben also went Celtic but used a stylised 'B'. Just some ideas.

Break some curses for me, okay?

Bill

P.S. Celtic symbols are cool.

P.P.S. You are missed, but don't come back just because Mum wants you to. ~ B.


Harry looked at the letters in his hands. There was so much going on in England, and he wasn't really needed, it wasn't that he wasn't wanted just not needed. Tears slid down his face and for a few minutes he couldn't decide if they were of sadness or joy. He decided on both, he was happy that they were all doing so well, he really wanted them to have the best lives possible and they working towards that. But on the other hand, they were living those lives without him. But he still stood by his decision to stay away for a while, there wasn't a spot for him there other than as a great supportive friend. Of course, if he did go back he could do many things; he could steal Sirius' spot as top auror (neither of them had any doubts about this); he be the best seeker ever and secure the Cannons' future; he could tinker with almost anything in the Department of Mysteries and probably make them all do something interesting; he could use his wild imagination as wide range of skills to further the twins' endeavours; he could get married and have kids; he could play with the dragons and probably even learn their language; he could talk with people about books and help build up a collection; and, as painful as the thought was, he could easily learn how to break into old tombs and exploring ruins (or not so ruins) would be great. But these were everyone else's things, those were other people's lives. He could go everywhere but fit nowhere.


Author's note: Okay, there you go. No story line whatsoever, but tells you what's happening with everyone else. Reviews are nice so feel free to give them! If you do I'll give you a three day, all expenses paid sailing trip with the one and only Harry. I should mention that it's virtual...sorry.