A/N: Written for the Becoming the Tamer King Challenge, Harry Potter Style continuing the Meeting Azulongmon 1 task, for the If You Dare Challenge, #514 – secrets, and for the Writing Scripts Boot Camp, #019 – gracious.
And who saw the mystery author coming?
Heartstrings that Stay Black
5 – His Third Letter
Miss Granger,
I have received your package and am grateful for the effort you have put into it. It was foolish of me to think I could hide from a sharp-mind as you, but you have spared me much grief nonetheless. I won't ask what gave me away; you'll send me an essay in response. After all, as you well know, there was no-one in Hogwarts in your six years that could match your research abilities. I am grateful for Miss Lovegood for assisting in securing these resources for you as well. Please pass on my thanks to her.
You have made an interesting point about regret, though by that comment I assume Mr Potter has told you about my deeds to some detail. It is a foolhardy ritual, as you say, and one that is uncontrolled. Anyone can anger. Anyone can spill blood. Anyone can make a choice that sets them on a path they can never turn away from. It is ironic to think the heart truly dies with these deeds, these choices, and is kept viable through our magic until it rots to its core. But Muggles do not die from it, even lacking the magic we own. There is something out there that stops the smell of rotting flesh from devouring them, something we wizards lack. And until I solve my own problem, I have ample time to dwell on it, since I know spell creation is not your forte.
You do seem to have some idea about my problem though. Your assistance would be very much appreciated on that matter.
Severus Snape