Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. It owns me.
A/N: This fic can also be found under the pen name Flameintheflood
Chapter 3: Letters
July 5th
Dear Wormtail,
Padfoot and I have just had what is quite possibly our best idea yet. And, no, it does not include a prank. I know how that will disappoint you. The fact that our best is not very much disheartens me as well. But, if you dare to believe it, we have come up with something even better. After much discussion, we have decided that we need to honour your 16th birthday in a way only marauders can honour it. That is to say -
What Prongs is trying to spit out, Wormtail, is that –
Sorry, mate. Padfoot stole the parchment. As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted –
We are going to throw you the absolute best birthday party any marauder could ever hope or dream of. Right here at the Potter Estate. With everything you could ever want! Balloons, butterbeer, firecrackers, cake, firewhiskey, you name it!
Please let us know if you would allow us to throw you such a party.
Not that you really have the choice (sorry Wormy).
As soon as possible so that we can begin to plan.
We solemnly swear that we are up to no good,
Prongs and Padfoot
***
July 10th
Lily,
I miss you so much! I can't believe that it hasn't even been two weeks since I saw you last. Mum said we could have you all over though, so hopefully that will work for everyone. It will have to wait a while though, because we're going on holiday to France tomorrow!!! I'm so excited. Of course we'll look at all the muggle attractions my father remembers from going there when he was younger, but apparently there are lots of historical wizarding places too! I'll be home in two weeks though, and then we can all hang out.
How is your summer going? Is Petunia being awful? Fill me in on everything!
Your best friend,
Allie
***
July 12th
P & P,
Party idea sounds great. Just let me know when it is and I'll make sure my parents let me come. What else have you two been up to besides planning the party? Have you heard from Remus at all?
Mischief Managed,
Wormtail
***
July 15th
Moony,
How has your summer been? Do you miss me yet? Prongs and I have been getting up to all sorts of entertaining things. Mostly Quidditch (which I know you hate playing) and a few small pranks. They are hard to do though, without magic. It requires our best marauding to make sure Mr. and Mrs. Potter don't catch us before the prank happens. They usually find out afterwards though that it was us. For some reason they don't usually believe us that the house elves or flowers are to blame…
How was your monthly moment? I can't wait for next year. We will have so much fun! I only wish we'd mastered the transformations sooner. But then Wormtail would have probably been stuck with a tail permanently. We can thank you for all that caution.
Plans for Wormy's party are coming along great. Don't worry, Prongs and I haven't even touched our summer homework!
Your fellow marauder,
Padfoot
***
July 17th
Evans,
Will you go out with me? Please?
James
***
July 17th
Not if it was a choice between you and the Whomping Willow
***
July 17th
Allie, Maia and Kate
James Potter just asked me out again! Via owl! What does that arrogant prat think he is doing? I thought that I had made myself clear at the end of last term! I could never go out with somebody as conceited and just downright horrible as James Potter. He just infuriates me beyond all measures of sanity!
Lils
***
July 18th
Fellow Marauders,
Prongs asked out Lily. Why he did this, only that idiot knows. Apparently she'd rather go out with the Whomping Willow. I don't think I've ever seen anyone pine over something as much as he has been with this Lily situation.
In other, more cheerful, news, Prongs and I have settled on a guest list for Peter's party. We've concluded that all 5-7th year Gryffindors and a few lucky people from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff should be invited.
I solemly swear and all that good stuff,
Padfoot
***
July 20th
Allie,
France sounds awesome. I wish my family could go too! But my parents are on a tour of wizarding America for an article for the Prophet, so I'm stuck here with my brother all summer. I suppose that's alright, as he's not too bad, especially considering that he's the protective type of older brother. But France just sounds amazing.
Have you started on the homework yet? Knowing you, you probably finished it before you even left for France. Which is, may I add, quite ridiculous. I doubt Kate or the boys have done it… I started it. That is, to say, I took the books out and put them on my desk. Yes. I can hear you laughing so please stop now? Thanks!
I think Lily likes James. There was too much hate in that last letter for there to not be some love, right? Right? I know I'm right.
Peace,
Maia
***
July 21st
Padfoot,
The full moon was no worse than was to be expected. Thanks for asking. Are you alright? I know you don't want to talk about leaving home. But know that, if you ever need to talk to anybody, I'll always be there to listen.
Take Prongs out to the Quidditch pitch. That should distract him. Maybe invite Kate over too, she would probably always be up for some extra practice. I've never met anybody as obsessed with Quidditch as those two are. Gryffindor would be lost without them I think.
Managing mischief,
Moony
***
July 25th
Lily, Maia and Allie,
It was great seeing you all the other day. I miss you three again already! I just got back from James' house. He and Sirius invited me over to play Quidditch. It was a bit of a surprise really, but being invited over was nowhere near the surprise as the Potter Estate. And, no, I kid you not when I say the Potter Estate. He has a Quidditch pitch (smaller than international standard, but still!), extensive flower gardens with paths running through them, at least ten bedrooms as well as several sitting rooms and a library. Oh yes, and the sea. The estate is right on the English Channel! You would all have been amazed. And, don't worry, you all will be. James and Sirius are throwing a birthday party for Peter there and we're all invited. Don't get that disgusted look on your face, Lily. I know you at least want to see where Prince Potter grew up. I may go again next week to do some summer training with James!
Love to all of you,
Kate
***
July 26th
Remus,
Thank you very much for the birthday package. I miss you. It's hard not seeing you every day in the summer. It feels like ages since I saw you last, even though we just saw each other last week. I'm sure you've finished your summer homework already. I finished mine up when I got back from France. Are you going to Peter's party? I guess I'll see you there for sure if we can't get together some time before then.
Yours,
Allie
***
July 28th
Kate,
I got the invite to Peter's party today. Ugh. It reeks of Potter's arrogance and wealth. Just look at the thing! If it weren't for you guys being there and for that I sincerely like Remus and Peter, there is no way I would ever consider going. I continually fail to see how you can spend so much time with Potter!
Petunia is being horrible. She's barely spoken to me all summer except to call me an abnormal freak. I really hope she doesn't come home next year. I can tell that it is hard on Mum and Dad, but it's all I can do to prevent myself from breaking the underage wizardry laws and hexing her to oblivion! If I'm not careful, my temper may get the best of me.
It's weird being home and not being able to talk to Severus. I know how much you all dislike him, but despite whatever impression you had of him, he really was good to me. He was my best friend for years. I know you girls understand. It's the same thing that would be happening if for some reason I were to sever ties with any of you. I can't wait to go back to Hogwarts and for life to be normal again.
Your friend,
Lily
***
July 31st
Allie,
I'm glad to know you enjoyed your gift and that you had fun in France. Yes, I will be going to Peter's party. How could I not? But I would definitely like to see you again before then. Let me know when works for you.
Yours,
Remus
***
August 2nd
Padfoot and Prongs,
I can't wait for my party. Can you meet Moony and I in Diagon Alley on the 5th of August? I am in desperate need of marauding.
Wormtail
***
August 4th
Lils,
I miss you!!!!!!!!!! I'm giving you a huge hug right now! I'm so sorry this summer is so hard for you. I'm crying. No, really, I am. Okay… so I'm not. But I am sorry. Petunia has a stick up her arse and it just jealous. Just think, you'll be an amazing member of the Ministry of Magic while she's off with her perfect husband in a perfect house in a neighborhood that looks like it came from that muggle move the Stepford Wives. Okay? And try not to worry about Severus. You have us. You have your girl friends. And we're always going to be here for you. Forget about the slimy git. Because that's what he is, understand? I can tell you don't. But pretend you do. Good girl.
See you on the 25th for Peter's party,
Maia
***
August 5th
Padfoot,
May I inquire as to the time of day?
Prongs
***
August 5th
Prongs, you are a prat for writing me a note while we're eating ice cream in the middle of Diagon Alley. Use that large mouth that you can never keep closed or check your own bloody watch. Padfoot.
***
August 5th
Wormtail,
Could you please hit Padfoot on the head for me?
Prongs
***
August 5th
Prongs, mate, ow! You wonder why Evans doesn't like you? It's because you're bloody annoying. Padfoot
***
August 6th
Moony,
Prongs and I found the best shop today in a muggle joke shop near the Potter Estate. Loads of stuff that we can bewitch to make even better when we get back to school. Even you, with your shiny prefects badge, won't be able to stop us. Not that you tried all that often. I think you just have a weak spot for me.
Padfoot
***
August 10th
Maia,
Do your school work. Now. Pick up your quill, open your books and do it.
Best,
Allie
***
August 12th
Padfoot,
I would like to point out that there is less than a month until school starts and, despite the fact that you and Prongs somehow managed to get O's on all your OWLs apart from History of Magic, you two need to get started on your homework.
The Prefect,
Moony
***
August 15th
Moony,
Is it your intent to ruin Padfoot and my leisurely holiday of pranking and flying? And, I would like you to know, that we are very hurt that you just assume we have no academic responsibility. Not that you are completely off mark. However, we have been looking into many areas of interest. I just may have come up with an idea to top any we've ever had before. Even better than Wormtail's party. But I will share this information with you once we are on the train and I have had time to thoroughly thing it through and plan it. It could quite possibly change our marauding life forever.
Yours in mischief and trickery,
Prongs
***
August 17th
Lily,
You have to come to Peter's party. I don't care if James asks you out again, you are coming. You have no choice.
Kate
***
August 20th
P & P,
My party is in 5 days. I'm starting to fear what you two could have possibly planned for me. What time should I come over? I'm having birthday tea with my parents and Helen at 3. By the way, Padfoot, Helen wants me to say hello to you for her. I haven't the heart to tell her that you'll never be interested.
Wormtail
***
August 21st
Wormtail and Moony,
Be at the Potter Estate no later than 6pm on the 25th to help with the final arrangements for the party. Guests arrive at 9.
Padfoot
***
August 24th
Girls,
The party starts tomorrow at nine. Why don't you all come over to my house at 6 for dinner and getting ready and we can floo over together. I can't wait to see you. The party should be amazing!
Allie