In the calm privacy of his library compartment, Harry sat at his desk and procrastinated.

He had so much stuff to do – letters to catch up on, dates to add to his planner, interviews to prepare for – and at least one very important letter to write.

Call it...for friendship's sake.

But even as Harry's quill hovered over his parchment, the ink dripping slowly out of his quill, the words did not come.

Instead, Harry stared out at the afternoon view of the Hogwarts grounds and took a sip of Kreacher's tea.

He'd build up to it, Harry decided. Do the easy things first.

Dear Sirius and Remus,

Thanks for the advice. My prank worked out all right. I'd love to tell you how it went, but oddly enough there's been yet more drama during the Tournament which has mostly distracted me. One of our judges has mysteriously disappeared.

Personally, I wasn't her biggest fan and the Prophet seems to be implying that she was the one responsible for using miscommunication to make the Second Task hostages suffer (get sick, stressed, dead, no one's quite sure, although I'm sure you've been reading the European papers on it already).

Anyway, she's gone now, and people have been raising hell about it. Half of Britain seems to think that she attempted some kind of evil scheme to ruin our international reputation and, having been caught out, has run off somewhere to avoid trial. The other half, which unfortunately includes Fudge, has decided she's been killed. Even more irritating, but a few key personalities think I did it, so I've just come out of a four-hour interview/interrogation with a bunch of aurors who were investigating me on Fudge's orders.

I certainly won't be voting for him in the next election, let me tell you that. (I've got a plan about that, actually.)

Anyway, they had a Sneakoscope and that invisible stretched fox-thing that they used for the Crouch-arrest and a few other trinkets (couldn't get permission for Veritiserum, what with my Mr Lloyd-Elliot on the lookout, though they tried), and they asked me all sorts of questions about what I did yesterday, who I was with, how long was I left alone. It was all a bit bizarre, especially since I was with Nev and Hermione for most of the afternoon and everyone saw me at dinner – the twins have these cool new tricks that make you fart so hard you float. Not that I'm admitting anything, but let's just say I was kinda visible over dinner. Anyway, I obviously answered everything honestly, so no worries there.

They also did the priori incantatem thing on my wand. I guess they were hoping to see an Unforgivable pop out of my wand or something. Obviously, it just showed a lot of classwork and some warming spells and stuff, but now I've learned they can see both the spell-shape and what you were casting on, too. Cool, huh? I might look into the study of it sometime.

Anyway, I obviously haven't killed Umbridge or even laid my hands on her, so the aurors' investigation is moving on even as Fudge keeps making public claims about me.

I think he's losing his touch – this hate-campaign of him against me is making him look really daft.

Love to both you and Remus,

I'm sure I'll be seeing you over the holidays.

Harry J.J.A.C. Potter

P.S. How can you tell if someone's intercepting your mail? I'll send this copy by house-elf, and a similar copy by mail, so please tell me if anything's changed or if the other copy never turns up. Ta, HP

Dear Mr Lloyd-Elliot,

I appreciate your correspondence &c., &c.

I would once more like to thank you for everything that you do for me. The updates on the inquest sound fab, although I'm happy to sit further details out until the end of the year at this stage.

It's also good to hear about the vault and the family Grimoires. Again, I don't think I'll be free enough to get to them until after the school year ends but I look forward to learning more about them shortly.

More specifically, I'm writing about the 'investigation' that's just begun around Hogsmeade.

Thanks (again) for coming to Hogwarts on such short notice…was it really three days ago? When I hired you as my lawyer, I really thought it was mainly going to be sorting out my estate, rather than this constant 'media representation' and 'defence attorney' and whatnot. Thank you so much for all the hassle you've saved me from. I honestly believe I'd be expelled or in Azkaban right now without you.

As such, I hope you enjoy the flowers and chocolates that I have attached. Feel free to share them with your office staff as well, who I'm sure have also worked long hours on my behalf. The fire whiskey near the bottom of the basket is for you alone. I'm told it's a good vintage.

I look forward to resuming our regular business at our next meeting.

Yours gratefully,

Harry James Justus Ambrose Corbin Potter

Harry looked at the pile of unread letters by his left elbow, before doodling a little snitch in the margins of his ink-splattered parchment. He reached grudgingly towards the topmost waiting envelope, before shaking his head and instead picked out some more of his own, unused stationery from the drawer by his knee.

Dear Ms Skeeter,

Thank you for your coverage of the last task and its hideous political chaos. I was really pleased with how you represented the champions, and how much research you put into seeing where the failure of the task systems occurred.

As such, I thought I'd let you know that Minister Fudge appears convinced that I have murdered Madam Undersecretary Umbridge and I think he's gone crazy.

He tried to get five aurors to interview me, unsupervised by any adults or my lawyer, with veritiserum, just now. Obviously, I know that's illegal, and fortunately I'd contacted my lawyer when they asked me to leave the common room, otherwise who knows what kind of character assassination I would have gone through?

As a courtesy, I thought I'd let you know that I've sent a similar letter to the German, French, Spanish and Italian press also, but if you'd be willing to maintain a friendly relationship with me, I'd be happy to give you an exclusive interview if we can work it to both of our advantages.

Let me know!

Yours in anticipation,

Harry J.J.A.C. Potter

This time, Harry did manage to open another letter that had been addressed to him a week or so ago, and fought down the guilt to finally give it the attention it fully deserved.

Ah, crap. He should have read it ages ago.

Dear Percy,

I appreciate your correspondence &c., &c.

Hey! I hope you're well. Thanks for the letters over the past few weeks; they've been keeping me sane and I'm sorry I didn't reply as regularly as I could have. So much has gone on and I'm afraid to admit that I'm staring at a huge pile of correspondence in front of me that has fallen by the wayside. I need a better filing system.

Speaking of which, I'm sure you're relieved that you're not working at the ministry at the moment. They seem to be swinging from one screw-up to the next at the moment. Did you hear Fudge tried to get me charged for the murder of Madam Umbridge? Not to mention they haven't even found a body to prove she's dead yet!

Absolute madness, I tell you.

Thanks for asking, I think I'm coping okay. Ron may be claiming that I've lost weight and all, but I'd like to think that it's just stress from needing to survive the bloody tournament and possibly the whole Fudge-grudge thing he's got against me. I'm sure it's just I'm carrying more tension in my muscles, I'd notice if I lost weight, wouldn't I?

Aside from a few key figures (Fudge, Snape, Umbridge – if she's still around), people have been really good to me. It's a huge relief not to have classes to teach too. I mean, I kinda loved it, but it was all too much at once, what with the tournament and all.

Instead, I find myself back in the Art Club – I have decided to take up crochet, thanks, and I've done this super cool thing with a knitted sweater which might actually work (check me out at the Third Task and thank your mum for me. She gave me the idea.) Also, the Patronus Club has gotten a bit more regular again. I've lost a lot of seniors now they've got their patronii corporeal, but that just makes it easier for me really. A couple of Durmstrang folks have joined in too, and at least six Beauxbatons' students. I really need to pick up another language. Remind me: what do you speak, and what would you recommend I learn first?

I'm afraid I have never heard of Miss Buchanan. She seems nice enough from your letters, so by all means go ahead. Just…You're what? Eighteen? Nineteen? So don't rush anything, will you? You've got tons of time ahead.

The twins are good. In fact, they've been great recently, what with keeping me sane and all, so I'll send your love to them and maybe we can catch up over a Hogsmeade weekend? There's a few things I'd like your advice on and maybe some changes from the birthday gifts that I'd like an opinion on too.

All the best Percy,

Harry J.J.A.C. Potter

Gladys!

Finally! I'm so pleased that he's stopped your waiting and finally popped the question! I'd appreciate it if you didn't spread my reply out (the reporters at the moment, Gladys! The reporters!), but I would be honoured and delighted to attend your wedding next year.

I'm not sure if you'd like me to attend under Polyjuice potion or what? As the bride, or course, I think the focus should be on you during your big day.

I look forward to meeting the family you've told me so much about: I think I met a wee Hufflepuff Harry who reminded me of you, now that I think about it. You didn't mention if your brother had started at Hogwarts yet?

Anyway, I'd best be off.

Say hello to that fiancé of yours and feel free to tell him I'll be there, even if we keep it a bit quiet from the others just yet.

Congrats again!

Harry

Dear Draco,

I'm not sure how to tell you this, but Lord Voldemort is going to return during the last task of the Tournament and your father must not be allowed to

Dear Draco,

I'm not sure what your father has told you about his role in the last war, but his 'Imperius' incident is well known. Please tell him that his little club is about to be summoned again and it would be a terrible idea to join the losing side. Now, you might ask how I kn

Dear Draco,

I don't know how much influence you have over your father, but I am hoping that you can persua

Dear Draco,

Do you trust me? I mean, really, truly trust me? And, if you do, would you persuade your father to do the same in one, single instance if I told you that

Draco,

How much does your father trust you, do you think? And how much do you trust me?

Dear Madam Glendinning,

Thank you for your most complimentary offer, but I am afraid that at this point in time, I must regretfully decline. Being so overwhelmed by my godfather's repatriation case, the Triwizard Tournament and my own, upcoming O.W.L.S next year, I regret to inform you that I have not time nor energy to model for Gladrags Wizardwear. As such, I feel compelled to similarly decline your offer of free robes and socks, having done nothing to deserve them.

If my public image remains after I leave school and my circumstances change, however, please feel free to approach me at your leisure once more.

Warm regards

Harry J.J.A.C. Potter

Dear Master Rockwell,

I appreciate your correspondence &c., &c.

Thank you very much for the offer. I am most humbled by your willingness to accept me for a Herbology Mastery post-Hogwarts, and your generosity will certainly be remembered. Unfortunately, I must decline. While herbology is not a school subject I struggle with particularly, it is not one of my strengths either. I would feel very guilty to take such an opportunity away from someone who really has a passion for the subject.

If you are indeed looking for an apprentice, I feel compelled to mention to you a close friend of mine called Neville Longbottom. You may know of his grandmother, Madam Dowager Augusta Longbottom by reputation if not in person. Nev is the son of her boy Frank and Alice, and the heir to the Longbottom estate.

I mention him because, unlike my meagre self, Neville has a true love for all things herbology and would love to take his studies in it further, post-school. He is one of Professor Sprout's most talented club recruits, and I would recommend you to Pomona Sprout if you are interested in learning most specifics about Neville's abilities.

Just between the two of us, the Madam Dowager has a very specific life plan for Neville that involves following in his father's footsteps. This would be a great disservice to Neville, considering his real passion, and an attractive and prestigious alternative to joining the aurors might make all the difference in the world to him.

I remain,

Yours sincerely,

Harry J.J.A.C. Potter

Draco,

You need to talk to your father. The truth is, I know that his little clu

Draco,

You need to talk to your mother. I'm not sure how involved she was in the last war but I can hazard a guess that she has the Black family attitude towards family. I

Dearest Rita,

As always, your poison pen is on point and I have delighted in reading all those scrumptious little scandals that you've dug up about the Tournament, Crouch, Fudge, and all those other petty little people who have been failing so publicly in their jobs despite so much foreign attention. Failure is one thing, but I have discovered within me an incredible loathing for people who willingly bury their heads in the sand; surely Mother Magic herself is literally crying out for them to complete the job and dig their own grave.

I'm so sorry it's not just you, darling, but between you and the foreign press, Fudge and his committees have really had to reign in their smug, corrupt incompetence and are at least attempting to put on a show of ability.

What are your thoughts into the Hogwarts audit? Rita love, at first I thought 'no', because the last thing we need is Minister Fudge putting his grubby hands on our children's education, but this 'independent' outside source – never mind that they're foreign – seems to be a brilliant idea. I'm sure we all have a few staff in mind who don't seem to be living up to the expectations implicit in the words 'teacher', 'professor', and 'responsible adult'. You may have heard young Mister Potter go off at his return, and I rather think he had the right of it.

Speaking of which, there are rumours around the castle that young Potter killed Umbridge to silence her. Have you heard anything to suggest that? Currently, the going sentiment on the ground is that Fudge has lost it. Do you even know why he hates Potter anyway? It definitely seems less logical and more like a personal grudge at this time.

Speaking of audits, is there any news on Azkaban? Surely after Sirius Black, and Crouch Jr, and Crouch Sr's involvement, the Ministry is looking into that?

I'm sure I'll see you at the final Tournament Task.

Your friend and fan,

As always xxx

Draco,

I need a favour.

Draco,

I'm trying to do you a favour.

Frustrated, Harry spent some time flinging ink splots onto the ruined parchment. Then he balled it up and set it on fire.

Later.

Dear Mister and Mistress Newport,

Congratulations on your marriage! How terribly exciting it must be to start a new life together and build up habits, routines and a family with your very best friend.

I apologise for missing the wedding, what with everything that's been going on in my life right now, and I'm afraid that in my current position I can't contribute a gift of any significance.

Nevertheless, I have attached to this letter a small note that you can frame and display, store, or sell as the mood strikes you, and I feel very blessed that you thought of me on such a joyous occasion.

May your lives together be rich in laughter and joy.

All the best,

Harry J.J.A.C. Potter

Dear Sylvester Scribner,

I appreciate your correspondence &c., &c.

Thank you for reaching out to me with your generous offer, and for being willing to work with me on all the various possibilities that you have mentioned in your letter.

I am particularly grateful that you have come to me as the source, rather than make things up on your own and publish them without permission. As such, I shall definitely remember the courtesy and professionalism that you have shown me.

Unfortunately, at only fourteen and still in the middle of the Triwizard Tournament, I do not feel ready to have my biography published – either as an autobiography, a ghost-written autobiography or a third-party-written biography.

Particularly considering the fact that my formative childhood years in the muggle world were startlingly normal, and that my wizarding youth has not yet been completed, I must admit that I am unprepared to be published at this time.

The good news is, if I do end up dying of the Triwizard curse over the course of the next few months, or I suppose if I fall into a coma, I will have my lawyer contact you to arrange for an authoritative bibliographic publication.

I have forwarded a copy of this letter and your details to him, so if you receive a message from Mr Erasmus Lloyd-Elliot or his firm, you'll know who he's representing.

Thanks again,

Harry Potter

Draco,

We're friends, right? Sure, secret Slytherin friends maintaining a clandestine correspondence through anonymous school owls and the occasional charmed parchment. But we're friends. You've helped me settle into the wizarding world, and I'd like to repay yo

Dear Draco

...

Dear Madam Midgen,

I appreciate your correspondence &c., &c.

I find myself in the position of being both without words, and yet with a quill that cannot stop writing. I'm hugely flattered. Thank you so much for thinking of me.

Firstly, I do apologise for taking so many weeks to get back to you. I will endeavour to do better at prioritising your correspondence henceforth and hope we have a productive discussion henceforth.

But back on topic. What do I say? I'm incredibly interested. I must admit that I had noticed the scouts visiting through most of the games last year, but I suppose now that it was the First Tournament Task that made you reach out? I'm very inclined to say 'yes' to you immediately and hope things work out, but as I'm sure you're aware, my life is quite complicated at the moment.

What with my own, very full curricular study, my teaching, and the Tournament, as well as the political situation with my godfather, I am unable to commit to joining the Under Seventeens Quidditch League for the foreseeable few months. Additionally to that, I'd like to understand a bit more about the specifics of your offer and its implications before we meet in person.

If you could please answer the follow, I would be very grateful.

How long is your offer valid until, and what conditions of acceptance are there?

What are the expectations of your holiday training camps, particularly in regards to accommodation, working day length, contact with family, and time to allow management of other interests?

What are the time commitments throughout the school year and how will this influence or affect my school quidditch responsibilities?

Is the under-seventeen limitation calculated in linear or astrological time?

Finally and most importantly, is and if so to what extent is, the weight of my name and fame an influence on your offer, as opposed to my abilities as a Seeker?

As I said previously, I am very interested but will require further understanding before taking this offer further. If all goes well, perhaps we could meet face to face to talk the more complicated details over confidentially?

I look forward to your reply, and if you could also send duplicates of any correspondence to my lawyer, Mr Erasmus Lloyd-Elliot, I would be very much obliged.

Kindest of regards and yours in anticipation,

Harry J.J.A.C. Potter

Dear Mr Lloyd-Elliot,

I appreciate your correspondence &c., &c.

As for other news, I have attached a letter I received from one Miranda Midgen, who has identified herself as a scout and manager for the International Under Seventeens Quidditch League. She seems legit, but as you know I'm not very well situated in the international wizarding scene and have not promised anything and asked for more information before proceeding. (I've also put that spell on my signature that you told me about. Thanks again for that, by the way.)

The second page is a duplicate of my letter to her.

Please advise on how to proceed. I am interested (very), but particularly this year Quidditch is not my focus. I also hadn't really thought about life after school, but this does seem to be a possibility for the future?

Yours faithfully,

Harry J.J.A.C. Potter

Sirius,

I know I just owled you, but I've been going through my post.

Mirror call me when you get this, but also I want a long letter in writing about all the pros and cons you can think of. I've been invited into the International U17 Quidditch League! Help a guy out!

Ta

Harry

Draco,

You love your family, right? I obviously don't have one, but since we're friends, I think it's grand that you do, and I want to try and help you keep it. I

Draco,

Your father is an asshole and I hate him. Frankly, considering the crimes that he's committed, he deserves to be locked up in Azkaban at least according to the law, and I've got evidence that would help put him there. That trick he tried back in second year almost killed more than one child and I will never, ever forgive him. Nevertheless, I'm the best person in the world to understand the importance of keeping (loving) family together and your dad's pretty good to you as far as I can see, so

Draco,

Actually, the more I think about it, the worse it gets. Your father is a bloody pathetic, impatient, evil, selfish and incompetent bastard and deserves every punishment under the sun. People who try to kill childr

Draco,

It's never really come up in these past few years, but I'm not actually your father's biggest fan. There are a number of reasons. Politics. A tendency towards bribery. Support of Umbridge. His strange obsession with having no moral stance on anything in an effort to stay personally 'ahead of the game', as it were.

Second year. Don't ask what I mean: tell him and he'll know.

Nevertheless, Sirius speaks highly of your mother, and you, of course, are a very good friend. For your sake and for her sake, take this seriously. It's the one and only chance I'm giving him.

On the day of the Final Tournament Task, between midday and the task itself starting, it is imperative that your father be seen to be injured and in need of public treatment at Saint Mungo's Hospital.

It doesn't matter what's wrong: a broken leg, curse damage, backfiring wand…but your father must be injured enough that he must stay under the Healers' care for 8-12 hours. Longer is better.

He needs to stay there. No matter what happens. Fire alarms – do wizards have those? Tournament issues. Mysterious magical summons. Whatever.

Whatever happens, Draco, he needs to stay.

I can't tell you why and I can't tell you how I know.

I'm trying to keep him safe for your sake, and this is the one and only attempt I can spare.

If I've done the magic right, you can forward this on to your mother and the letter will self-destruct as soon as she's read it.

As per usual Slytherin rules, do not speak to anyone about this. Do not ask for more information. Do not reply with a recognisable owl. For our friendship and for your sake, Draco, do not ignore this.

Whatever happens next, I've done what I can.

Your friend.