Chapter 16: Fan Mail

September 1,

"I'll see you later," Harry told his parents.

"Take care of yourself." James said.

"And don't abuse your Head Boy privileges." Lily added.

"Why would I do that?" Harry asked innocently.

0000

After the feast,

Harry and Hermione both walked into the Head's Dorm. When they got there, they found six large bags.

"What's this?" Hermione asked.

Harry picked up a piece of parchment laying on one of them.

Mr. Potter,

This is your mail from the past sixteen years. It has been sorted through, so all of the letters are safe to read. Enjoy.

Albus Dumbledore

"This is going to be fun." Harry said sarcastically.

"I'll help." Hermione said being the good friend she is.

"Can you just throw out the rubbish?" He asked. "If it's from someone we know, leave it. If it's about what a hero I am, toss it."

"Okay." She said.

0000

Three hours later,

There was a fairly large stack of letters that had been set by Harry as okay mail. However, it was dwarfed by the HUGE pile of junk letters laying by the fireplace.

"Two more letters." Hermione said.

"I'll read those two." Harry said.

He opened the first one and glimpsed at the name at the bottom. He started laughing.

"What's the date?" Hermione asked.

"The date is 1987." Harry said. "Dear Harry Potter, You dont know me. And you probaly don't even remeber my family. But, my family remebers you. I was only a couple of months old when you defeated You-Know-Who. I grew up nowing your name. I hope we meet one day so I can thank you personaly. I'm only riting this letter to practise my riting skills. If you somehow get this letter you can blame my broters. Im the only girl beside my Mum. I have to go now. Ill be teased for a year if this leter is found. Ginny Weasley."

"I'm sure Ginny will want her letter back." Hermione said

"The last letter." Harry sighed picking up the last one.

"At one in the morning." Hermione added. "I'm going to bed."

"Good night." Harry said looking at the letter.

It was dated July 31, 1990

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday. Today, you turn ten years old. Congratulations. Chances are, you probably don't remember me. I don't blame you. You were only fourteen months when I last saw you, and your aunt and uncle would have nothing to do with me like they would have nothing to do with your parents. My name is Remus J. Lupin. Or, as your father, godfather, Peter, and you used to call me: "Moony".

You may be wondering why you've never heard of me before. Well, I went to the same school as your parents, and I highly doubt that your aunt and uncle told you about it. It will make more sense in one more year. Have patience. However, if you take after your father in that department, that might be a bit difficult. As for why you've never seen me: I've tried, Harry. Honestly. But Dumbledore, the man who put you on your aunt's doorstep, is dead set on you staying with the Dursleys. It's a matter of blood. Also, I have a certain condition that prevents me from raising a child. Maybe I'll have better luck when you're older.

I hope we'll meet again. It's lonely with two best friends dead and another in prison for treason. Who knows? Maybe I'll have stories about your parents for you if the time comes. Just remember this, Prongslet: you are loved. It may not seem like it, concerning your aunt and uncle, but it's true.

Remus J. Lupin

P.S. "Prongslet" was your nickname as a baby because your father's nickname was "Prongs"

Harry smiled as he finished the letter. If only he had received the letter seven years ago like he was supposed to.

0000

"Wake up." Ron whispered to his best friend at the breakfast table.

Harry had fallen asleep on his empty plate.

"Where's the fire?" Harry asked.

"No fire." Ginny said. "Yet."

"What time did you get to bed?" Hermione asked.

"An hour after you." Harry said. "I wrote some replies to my fan-mail."

"You FINALLY got it?" Ron asked.

Harry nodded as a school owl dropped a letter in Ginny's hands.

"Read it out loud." Harry told his girlfriend with a Marauder-like grin.

"Dear Ginny," She read out loud without reading ahead. "Sorry for the ten year delay. I just received your letter very early this morning. I'm fairly positive that we WILL meet. As for your writing skills, they are quite good considering it was written by a six year old at the time. I'm certain they've improved over the years, as well as your spelling. How did I get your letter, you may ask? Well, I wouldn't put it past Flattail and Bucktooth. Your boyfriend…What letter?"

Harry pulled out the letter in question. Ginny took it from him and read it over.

"I am going to KILL them!" she swore as she blushed as red as her hair. "George told me a gnome ate this letter!"

"Well, your spelling and handwriting have improved." Harry teased.

The gang laughed. Even Ginny had to giggle.

"Excuse me." Harry said as he got up.

"Where are you going?" Hermione asked.

"I have to talk to Remus about something." Harry said.

Harry ran to the DADA classroom.

0000

Remus was getting the boggart ready for his third years when he heard a knock on the door.

"Come in!" he called.

Harry opened the door and entered.

"Harry?" Remus asked. "What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to thank you for the letter." Harry said.

"What letter?" Remus asked confused.

"The letter you wrote me on my tenth birthday." Harry said handing the teacher the letter.

Remus looked over it and smiled

"I'd almost forgotten about this." Remus said.

"I'm assuming the condition you mentioned was the werewolf thing?" Harry said.

"Yes." Remus confirmed.

"So? Got any more good stories about my parents?" Harry asked.

Remus laughed. "More than you can want. Like about James' favorite detention."

"What was it?"

"He had to be your mother's personal slave for the day. I was Melissa's and Sirius was Spica's. We had to show them all of the secret passages, do their homework, your mother even made your father apologize to Professor Snape."

"That was harsh." Harry said.

"Well, your mother believed that there was good in Snape…"

"Not that. Making you guys slaves."

"It's no different than real life." Remus told the student before chuckling. "The last order your mother gave James that night was to brush her hair. Then the professor came in and said that we were free. Your dad still kept on brushing your mother's hair. Even though he denied it. I don't know if he'll still deny it."

"Probably not now that he's married." Harry stated.

"Probably."

TBC

In the next chapter,

The quartet looked at each other just as the doors swung open.

A hooded man carrying a scythe entered the Great Hall with a large black dog at his side.

"We…" he said in a deep voice. "Are DEATH!"

Lightning flashed as the Grim Reaper announced who he was