We've finally made it, darlings! Not only is 20 chapters a pretty decent milestone for a story, but this is the first time anyone besides myself will get to read this chapter and all those beyond! :D Thanks for everyone who's stuck to the story so far, even with my various delays in posting ^^;

Kam, as always thank you for reviewing :D Things are going to be so much better now that James and Peter know Remus's secret too.

I don't have much else to say this time around, but once again I'd like to thank everyone who has read, favorited, and followed the story. You guys keep me going :D See you in two weeks. Love ya!

~SXS

FOR WARNINGS AND DISCLAIMER, SEE FIRST CHAPTER AN.


16th June 1973

Rem,

How was the moon? I couldn't sleep again and I was so desperate for something to do that I actually did my summer work. I'm not even grounded and I'm already bored! I hate to ask this when I know that you're recovering, but do you think maybe you could send me another book? Maybe that Sherloaf House guy or whoever I read last summer.

Anyway, I hope you're feeling better. I wish I could come visit you and bring you some chocolate. When's good for you to go to James's? I have to start working down Mumsy dear to give me permission.

It's only been two weeks and I miss you.

Sirius

19th June 1973

Siri,

The moon was no better or worse than usual. Next month I want you to try to sleep though. I don't understand why you're losing sleep over me. Though I suppose it's worth it if you're doing your homework.

Sherlock Holmes, Sirius. It almost physically hurt when you butchered his name. I'm sending along The Memoirs. I won't tell you any details but the last story will surprise you.

I really could do with a good Honeydukes bar right now. The chocolate from the Muggle world just doesn't compare. Did I ever tell you that my house is actually in the Muggle world? It's one of those neighborhoods with wizarding and Muggle families. A lot of Muggle-born magical people live in these neighborhoods because they're used to Muggle houses, so it's the best of both worlds.

Mum and Dad said that it's probably best to wait until July to go to James's. I told them that he and Peter know about my 'furry little problem' as he called it. If you get really bored though and want to come over, they said you're always welcome here.

I miss you too.

Remus

22nd June 1973

James,

Do you have a library at your house? I was thinking that maybe you could do some research into our little project. I'm starting to look through the books I have but so far I haven't been very lucky.

Speaking of Remus, he said that July is good for him which is good for me so tell me whenever is good for you and we'll be good. But don't wait too long. I need to start buttering up my lovely mother and I need a generalization of how much time I have to work.

By the way, I'm BORED again. Tell me a story, Jamsie!

Sirius

22nd June, 1973

REMUS!

What the bloody hell? He died?! That's not even fair! Thanks for the warning (I am being very sarcastic right now). Send me something happy to read to make me feel better!

And also, we were in the Muggle world multiple times now when I was at your house for the holidays and we didn't explore? Next year you are showing me Muggle things. Not taking no for an answer.

Why is July is so far awaaaaaaay? On the upside I have already started to convince Mum. I dusted her old knick knacks on the mantel. A few of them tried to bite me though. Bloody magical decorations.

See what I go through for you?

Sirius

25th June, 1973

Sirius,

Purebloods without a book on how to brew an Animagus potion? The Black family must be losing its touch. Tsk tsk.

Anyway, I did find something perfect that we can use. It's a general transfiguration book, but it has everything we need to know about the potion and the process as a whole. I'm going to have to find a way to sneak it out of the house when school starts again.

July is good. Probably later in the month. The you-know-what is on the 15th, so I'm thinking the 20th through the 24th. This way Remus has a little downtime beforehand. Good luck with your mum, though. If you need me to I can always sneak over there and smuggle you out in the middle of the night.

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess with long flowing red hair and bright green eyes. She was in love with a dashingly handsome prince with glasses and dark hair. However, she was trapped by an evil slimy snake in a deep dark pit. The prince went to the pit and washed the snake's hair, killing it, and rescued the princess. They lived happily ever after.

The end.

James

25th June, 1973

James,

Hey, it's Peter! I just wanted to see how you're doing. I've been good. Are we still going to come to your house at some point? Let me know so I can tell my parents. Talk to you soon!

Peter

27th June, 1973

I'm sorry!

I didn't want to spoil the ending. The first time I read it I was upset too. Here's something that I hope makes up for it.

First year I didn't take you into the Muggle world because I was more concerned about the fact that the you-know-what coming that week. This year was just because it hadn't occurred to me. But if I did show you, you would have to act like nothing was shocking or surprising to you. It would look funny if I was trailing around a kid who seemed to be fascinated by a lamppost or something.

If you keep wishing time away then when we actually see each other in July, that'll fly by too. Patience.

But good thing that you're getting started with your Mum. If you really want to get on her good side, start complimenting her. I know it might be hard, but whatever you can make yourself say would probably be beneficial. Just don't lay it on too thickly or she'll be suspicious.

I apologize for any scars you sustain from dusting evil knick knacks in order to see me. Your efforts are appreciated.

Remus

29th June, 1973

James,

The book sounds brilliant! Maybe when we come to stay at your house it can accidentally 'slip' into my bag before I go home. Then if your parents notice it's gone they won't be able to find it around the house and you'll get off scot-free!

That's a good idea. Rem will be feeling much better by then, I'm sure. I can't wait to tell him. And I can't wait to leave this stupid place and see you! I miss my darling Jamesie!

Too bad that story can never come true.

Sirius

29th June, 1973

Rem,

Why kill him just to bring him back in the next book? I got all upset for nothing! Please tell me that he doesn't die for real again later.

I wouldn't gawk if you took me, I promise. I'll be the most Muggle-looking one there. What's a lamppost?

James said we can stay July 20th through the 24th since it's after the you-know-what. I can't be patient when I'm stuck here alone and bored! Reg has even been leaving me behind to hang out with, oh Merlin I can't believe I'm saying this, Snivellus of all people. Somehow they became sort of friends and the greasy git actually invited him to stay over at his house one night. I tried to wash him when he came home but he got all mad and went to his room. I was just trying to get the grease off!

You do realize that there is nothing even remotely compliment-able about my mother. I would lie, but I wouldn't be able to keep the smile off my face.

You'd better appreciate it!

Sirius

30th June, 1973

Pete,

Hey, mate! We're still going to convene here. The date is the 20th of July. I've been alright. Sorry I haven't written until now, but I've been busy. Have you been doing anything interesting?

James

30th June, 1973

Sirius,

I've said it before and I will say it until the day I die or until I finally marry her, whichever comes first: Evans will come around eventually!

Anyway, that's a brilliant idea about the book. They'll never suspect a thing. You mad genius, you!

I'm enclosing a picture of my fabulous face for your pleasure. You can snog with it before you go to bed and remember me. Hope this tides you over until you can come here and have the real thing.

Love and kisses,

Your Jamesie

3rd July, 1973

Siri,

It's actually a long story as to why Conan Doyle did that, but I'll spare you the details. He doesn't die again, thankfully. Here's the next book. This is one of my favorites.

The fact that you ask that question is exactly why I worry.

The 20th is fine with me. I'll tell my parents. And I think it's a good thing that Regulus made a friend in his own House. You know how hard it can be when you think that no one likes you. Don't try to make him feel bad about being friends with him, just because you and James don't like him.

Of course I appreciate it. It shows how great of a friend you are that you sacrifice the safety of your fingers for a chance to see me. How did the dusting go over, anyway? Did she even notice? If not then I don't think you have a choice but to be more direct, and I'm sure you can find a way to say something with a straight face. Please do try.

It won't be much longer now.

Remus

4th July 1973

James,

My parents said I'm good to come. I can't wait to see you all. I haven't really been doing much interesting, just spending time with my family. Sometimes it's hard, though, because I forget that I can't tell them about Hogwarts, so I can't tell them half the things that have happened at school. Even talking to my mother isn't fun because she doesn't understand what I'm saying. Not that I don't like the Muggle world, because I do. But it's so different to look at it now that I know about magic.

Anyway, I'll talk to you, and see you, soon!

Peter

5th July 1973

Anjanette,

Hi, it's Regulus. How's your summer been going so far? I've been meaning to write but I was trying to work on as much summer work as I could so I've been a bit distracted. I also went to visit Severus overnight. Sirius wasn't too happy about that; he even tried to force me into the shower when I came back. I nearly got a concussion hitting my head on the soap dish.

I never got to ask you how you wound up doing in Potions. Are you going to be in second level this year or will you skip to third? We most likely won't be in the same class anymore, which is a shame. I'll kind of miss preventing you from blowing up the classroom.

Severus actually asked me if I wanted to come with him to Lily's to swim. He told me he doesn't fancy her but I know that he does, and I don't want to be a third wheel. Would you maybe like to come along too? I'm sure Lily wouldn't mind.

Hope to hear back from you soon,

Regulus

5th July 1973

My sweet James,

I sincerely hope that you die before me and that I'm not old and senile so that when you are on your deathbed I can tell you that I told you so. In the meantime, I will indeed enjoy the photo you sent me. It keeps me company through the long and dismal days in this boring old house. Only two weeks left until we're together again!

Not that I don't want to see you, but I'm actually super excited to see that book. Too bad I probably won't get the chance to read it until I'm back home. Can't risk Remus catching me. Which reminds me, where and when are we going to be able to brew the potion without him finding out? I'd say maybe in the secret passage, but we don't know for sure that we're the only ones using it. Maybe we'll have to explore the castle one day after the you-know-what.

Did I tell you that Regulus is hanging out with Snivellus? VOLUNTARILY? He went and spent a night at his house and now he's planning on going with him to swim at Evans's house. And no, you're not invited.

Counting every second until we are together,

Your Siriusy

5th July 1973

Moony,

This was really good. That Doily guy can really come up with some creative mysteries. But trust me, no details need to be spared with me. I'm bored, remember? Anything will do to keep me busy, even a story that might be anticlimactic.

If you would tell me what it is then I would be that much more prepared for our adventure.

I won't try to stop them from being friends, but I don't have to be happy about it. Of all the people in Slytherin, why did he have to choose the one that I personally butt heads with the most?

I'm pretty sure she thought that Kreacher did the dusting, so I guess it wound up not being worth it after all. But I actually did manage to, sweet Godric's teet…compliment her. She gave me the weirdest look I've ever seen but she didn't actually say anything, so I have no idea what she was thinking. I know that I had to do all that I could not to barf.

It's still too long.

Sirius

8th July 1973

Regulus,

My summer's been good so far. Don't worry about not writing. It's just nice to hear from you.

I passed Potions, but Slughorn said I can't skip into third level. So I told him I wanted to stick with your class. You're the only reason I didn't fail. Hope you like fixing my mistakes for the next few years.

I'd love to come. Let me know when.

Anjanette

9th July 1973

Siri,

If you must know, Doyle wanted to write new stories that weren't about Holmes, and he thought the only way to do that was to get rid of Holmes for good by killing him. But there was such a backlash from the readers that he was forced to bring him back to life. I hope that entertained you temporarily.

A lamppost is a pole that has a light on the top. They line the streets so that cars can see where they're going at night.

There must be something about Severus that Regulus likes. Maybe once you get past his exterior, he's actually nice. You and James didn't get along at first and now you're like one person. Maybe you need to give Severus a chance.

Have you actually mentioned anything yet to her about going to James's? You don't really have much time left, and all your dusting and vomit-inducing compliments won't mean anything if you don't actually tell her what you want.

There's only eleven days left now.

Remus

10th July 1973

Pete,

Glad you can make it. That's too bad about your family. Don't worry, you can tell all the stories you want to my parents when you get here. They've already probably heard a lot of them from me, but I'm sure they won't mind listening again to our fabulous adventures.

See you in ten days!

James

10th July 1973

My heart and soul,

You tell your brother that if he even lays so much as a finger on my Lily that I will unleash upon him something the likes of which even your mother couldn't fathom. Then again, tell him that if he spies on Snivellus for us that I'll treat him to anything he likes from Honeydukes.

We can start brewing as soon as we get the ingredients we need. As far as where, there aren't a lot of private places in the castle besides the bathrooms. But the only bathrooms that aren't open to the entire school are the Prefect bathrooms, and that's no good. We'd never find a Prefect that would keep quiet. Besides that, the potion takes forever so we need someplace we can leave it without worrying that someone is going to find it while we're gone. We'll have to get creative.

Until next time darling,

James

14th July 1973

Anjanette,

That's great! I mean, I know it probably means you won't be able to take your O.W.L.'s until your sixth year, but I'm actually really glad that you'll still be in my class. I don't think I would have found another partner too easily.

We're going on the 20th. I'm planning on Flooing to Severus's place because Lily's parents are Muggles so they don't really appreciate fireplace travel. I'll let him know that you're coming and he'll send you his address.

See you soon,

Regulus

14th July 1973

Moony,

Before anything else, I hope that you're doing alright and that tomorrow goes okay. I know it never does, but I promise that won't last forever.

Anything is entertaining to me when I'm at home, you should know that. But that seems like a pretty drastic way to write new stories. I don't see why he couldn't have written Sherlock stories and other stuff. 1800's people were weird.

Understood. So, what's a car?

To get past Snivelly's exterior would require the world's largest supply of grease-fighting soap. I don't think it's humanly possible.

I haven't said anything to her yet. I guess I've been avoiding it because as long as she hasn't said no, there's still the possibility that she could say yes. Does that make sense? I think it does.

Let me know as soon as you're alright,

Sirius

15th July 1973

My most precious James,

Regulus said that he has no interest in Lily, nor does he have any interest in bribes. He's such a party pooper sometimes.

Anyway, I think you may have inadvertently found us the perfect place to brew. Do you know anything about the first floor girl's room?

By the by, I'm asking my mother today about coming over. Wish me luck, because I know I'm going to need it. Lots and lots of it. So much that it might take years for the rest of the world to generate enough luck just to function safely.

Missing you dearly,

Sirius

16th July 1973

Remy,

Hope the you-know-what was okay. I know you didn't write me back yet, but I had to tell you…I can't come to James's. She freaked out when she heard that I wanted to spend time with 'those filthy Muggle-loving Potters'. So…I guess I won't be seeing you until September.

I hate my life. I'm not even joking.

Sirius

17th July 1973

James,

Sirius just sent me a letter saying that his mother won't let him come on Friday. This isn't fair. Ordinarily I wouldn't be inclined to try to go against his mother, but I can't stand the thought of us getting together without him. Plus I'm really worried about him. He sounded so upset. Do you think there's anything that we can do to help? I'm going to talk to my parents too to see if they have any ideas. Write back as soon as you can.

Remus

19th July 1973

Remus,

I don't know if there's anything that we can do. He can't Apparate yet and he doesn't have a broom. My dad said that we can't Floo to his place either because it's under the Fidelius Charm. Apparently that means that the address is a secret and you can only find your way there if you're specifically told it by someone who knows it. Though he should be able to Floo out to my place. Maybe we can try to write him when you get here.

James

20th July 1973

Sirius,

Hey, mate. Remus told me about your Mum, but we all think that you shouldn't take this sitting down. You should just Floo over here! She won't even notice that you're gone, right? It's only for a couple of days anyway. If you decide to bust out of there, my address is Potter Manor. We'll be waiting for you.

James

24th July 1973

Siri,

Is everything okay? I would have thought that you'd at least send a response letter if you couldn't make it to James's. I just got home now so I figured I'd write you. You wouldn't believe how tall James got all of the sudden. He's almost a head over Pete and I now. Now I'm worried that when I see you again I'll have to crane my neck just to talk to you.

Please write me back soon and let me know you're alright. I'm worried that your mother punished you just because you asked to go, and I don't want to find out that you're starving to death again.

Hope to hear back soon,
Moony

2nd August 1973

Sirius,

If this is supposed to be some kind of joke, it's not funny. You're not allowed to prank me under the Treaty remember? Please will you answer me, even if it's just a few words, so that I know you're alright. I'm really worried about you.

Remus

10th August 1973

Sirius,

Please just send me something, anything. I'm begging you. I'm on the verge of calling the Ministry to bust into your house and find out if you're okay. Just one word would be fine.

Remus

13th August 1973

Moony,

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry, especially with the you-know-what so close, but I was grounded. I would have asked Regulus to send a letter for me, but…well, I guess I was still upset. It just sucks so much that I'm never allowed to do anything. I swear, one of these days I'm just going to run away.

Don't worry, though. I haven't grown too much. But I'm glad to hear that James is suddenly a beanstalk, because that means that we can tease him endlessly for being the tallest one. I'm already thinking of the personalized insults.

Thanks for worrying about me.

Sirius

15th August 1973

Sirius,

Thank Merlin! Don't you EVER scare me like that again! I almost had Dad send a pack of Aurors to your house. Not that any of us actually know where it is. James told me that it was under the Fidelius Charm. Are you allowed to tell us the address? I feel like it would be good for us to know in case we ever needed to come check on you.

I'm sure that James will appreciate your jokes, but maybe you have grown and you haven't realized it. Have you tried on any of your long trousers lately?

By the way, I got my Hogwarts letter about a week ago. The Hogsmeade permission form was included with it. If I were you, I'd make Regulus pretend that your form was for him otherwise I can't imagine that your mother will want to sign it. I don't want you to be tempted to use the secret passages to sneak in.

Also, since I know you're going to ask, the you-know-what was the same as always. And I don't see how that'll ever change.

That's what friends are for.

Remus

17th August 1973

Rem,

I'm not supposed to tell you, but at this point I don't give two kumquats. The address is 12 Grimmauld Place. Just…don't tell anyone else, not even James or Pete. Not that I don't trust them, but I feel better with less people knowing. Less of a chance that it'll get out that I told in the first place (you never know what Mumsy dearest is capable of).

I tried on my trousers and you're right! They're short on me. I guess I won't be able to make fun of James after all. Oh well. I'll just have to find something else to tease him about.

Good call on the Hogsmeade form. Regulus did the job and I'm all set to go for our weekends. Don't think that means that I'll never use the secret passages again. You never know when I might need to make an emergency trip during the week.

You'd be surprised.

Sirius

17th August 1973

James,

Sorry for the long hiatus of letters. I was just so overwhelmed with my undying devotion to you and so desperate to see you that I was crushed when my mother forbade it. Someday we'll be able to be together without persecution.

Anyway, Remus tells me that you've recently become a giraffe. I always thought that your inner animal was something like a moose after that hair prank first year. And I think that's all the teasing I'm going to get away with on the subject since I've apparently gotten taller myself. I guess we'll have to compare when we see each other on the train.

Speaking of inner animals, now that I wasn't able to come over, I couldn't get that Animagus book. You're going to have to bring it with you. Just hide it in your trunk under all your robes and I'm sure your parents won't notice until it's too late. I can't wait to get a look at it.

Less than two weeks now until we can be together!

Sirius

20th August 1973

Siri,

I won't breathe a word. I solemnly swear.

Good thing Peter hasn't grown at all or I'd really feel like a midget. But I have no doubt that you'll find something equally as exploitable to tease James about.

One of these days you're going to get caught, and I'm going to have to pretend that I don't know who you are.

I don't like when you're vague.

Remus

P.S. To answer the question you asked in your letter that I never got the chance to respond to, a car is something Muggles use to travel. It's like a carriage but it uses science instead of magic to move. I'll show you my dad's next time you're over.

21st August 1973

Sirius, my love!

I thought you had forgotten me. I'm so happy to hear from you, my dear. You had me worried that you'd run off with another handsome, charming, suave man much like myself. But of course, I knew deep down that you would return to me.

But really, mate, it's good to hear from you. I think you might have given Moony a heart attack when you didn't answer him for a month. By the way, I'm really coming to like that nickname. I know we've shot down the motion before but I think we all need to come up with cool nicknames. What about something like Sexy for me?

Let's just hope that Snivellus hasn't grown at all. If I can show Lily that I'm developing into a real man then she'll have to be with me. By the way, I never got to hear how things went with Regulus going swimming at her house. Give me all the juicy details.

I'm way ahead of you with the book. But you also never told me about the first floor bathroom. I'm a very curious young boy, so I must know exactly what you have in mind.

Every day without you is torture,

James

24th August 1973

Remy,

Of course I'll find something else. James is an endless fountain of tease-able traits. It's only a matter of time before he does or says something that I can be sure to never let him live down.

Being vague is one of my specialties. Be annoyed by it. It amuses me.

Sirius

P.S. I'm holding you to that. I want to see all the Muggle things in your house this time.

P.P.S. Less than a week until we go back to school!

26th August 1973

Love of my life!

I feel really bad about that. Moony gets worked up so easily, I really didn't mean to upset him. I'm not going to do that again.

Here's the thing: Moony's nickname actually makes sense.

According to Reg, it was actually a lot of fun. Anjanette even went with them all. I was really surprised but I guess the two of them have been keeping in touch on their own. Also, he said that Lily was wearing this really nice two piece suit, and that she's really starting to come into her own as a woman. Snivelly apparently couldn't take his eyes off of her. I wish I could see your face right now as you read this.

I'm surprised that you didn't know about this already, Almighty Messr. Potter. There's this ghost named Moaning Myrtle in the first floor girl's room. She's so annoying that no one wants to go in there to use it. As long as Myrtle doesn't spill the beans, I think we'd be pretty safe leaving the potion in there.

Not much longer now, my sweet.

Sirius