Author's Note: A couple of you have picked up on it, so yes, I do love to foreshadow. I just can't help but put in little hints to the books.
[Albus Dumbledore]
Friday, January 16, 1981
Dear Harry,
It was very nice to see you again. You've grown since the last time I visited. I am unfortunately not able to visit very often, though- I have a school to run. But I'm sure that Professor McGonagall will do an excellent job during my absence. She'll make an excellent headmistress when I decide to retire. But don't worry about that happening too soon- I quite enjoy my position, and don't intend to let go of it too quickly.
But I have more than one job, I'm afraid, so here I am. I'm not so much here to see you as I am to see your parents. Normally I wouldn't speak about this topic with anyone who is not in the know, but I'm fairly confident that this information will no longer be relevant when you finally read this.
I've imposed upon your parent's hospitality today because they have been feeling very restless. I came to assure them that what they were doing was exactly was they needed to be doing- it is best for them, for us, and most importantly for you. I am sure it won't last forever, but for now it is most imperative that your parents continue to lay low.
That's all that I can say about that topic.
But in lighter news, it was excellent to see you all again. You've grown, of course. And Lily looks much better rested, as I hoped that she would be. You're about four and a half months old now, aren't you? I can hardly believe it's been so long already. But I do tend to lose track of time when school is in session. I do love it so.
I've enjoyed my meeting with Lily and James. I like to check up on some of my favorite students, see how they are doing. And while as Headmaster I could never favor a house, Gryffindor has always been near and dear to my heart.
I knew both of your parents from when they were in school, but for very different reason. Your father was often sent to my office for some kind of discipline or another. And half the time, your mother was the one dragging him there!
And of course Minerva was your parents' head of house- and I dare say she is fond of them both, too. James, perhaps more for his skill in transfiguration than his rather clever tricks. Lily, of course, had charmed us all with her kindness. It's a good thing she never got into James' pranking- I don't think anyone would have the heart to have punished her!
I would love to tell you more stories about your parents, but I'm afraid that if I do, they might not invite me back!
But… It is getting late, I suppose, and I don't want to impose upon Lily and James too much. Unfortunately my night is far from over. I have much to do, and never enough time to do it. That's the way things normally go, isn't it? Ah well. I really must be going.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Author's Note: I do have some events planned, but I'm staying as true as I possibly can to the cannon Harry Potter timeline. However, I don't want this story to become boring between those events. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what they might like to see in this story? This could include anything from events you want mentioned to people we haven't heard from. Share your ideas!
PS- Assuming I don't leave it to the last minute (again) the next chapter might surprise you- we've got someone new coming up next.