"Good afternoon, Petunia." Minerva greeted her friend with a smile. "Come in," she beckoned, setting the whisky decanter beside her to pour out two measure with a wave of her wand.

"A bit early in the day, is it not, Minerva? It's only three in the afternoon," Petunia replied, nonetheless accepting her glass as she sat opposite the older one.

"It's five in the afternoon somewhere, dear." Minerva took a sip of the whisky, enjoying the smooth burn in her throat. "Now, would this visit have anything to do with our mutual friend?" She asked, smirking slightly.

"It does. Firstly, did you remove that bloody owl ward from him?" Petunia queried, relaxing back into her seat, she placed her feet atop of the desk, she smirked at the raised eyebrow Minerva gave her; if it were anyone else they'd have their feet transfigured by now.

"The one blocking post from the Minister himself? I did. I'm guessing you left it on him so Fudge had one more thing against Albus?"

"Yes. Have you heard the results of the investigation?"

Minerva snorted. Not only had it already been announced in a special edition of the Daily Prophet, which had turned into a heavy assault of howlers featuring a scathing diatribe from the infamous Molly Weasley; it would have taken a person both deaf and blind not to notice Cornelius Fudge roaming the halls of Hogwarts proclaiming what was possibly the end of Albus Dumbledore. "That was certainly more than we had hoped to achieve. How did the Wizengamot come to that decision?"

"Well, I was approached by a few people to enter into an allies agreement." Petunia answered, draining her glass before helping herself to another.

Minerva raised her brow again, intrigued. "Which families?"

"Zabini, Nott, Bulstrode, Davis, Greengrass and of course, the Weasleys."

Minerva hummed, going over the names in her head. "Neutrals and the most obsessively light family the wizarding world. Nicely done, child." She commended.

"Has the charm on Harry's guardianship papers lifted?"

"Yes, that's what my sources within the Ministry tell me." It had been tricky at first trying to fool the head of the Wizarding Child Services, but having a friend who would rise to become their assistant certainly helped. "I've also lifted the illusion from the Hogwarts book, and rather giving their reports to me, the other professors will owl you directly."

"Good, I was wondering whether that illusion was beginning to wear. It takes quite a lot of power to mask over sentient magic, especially one tied to Hogwarts." Petunia replied, it had taken them a while to come up with a feasible plan. Minerva had seen that Albus checked the book quite frequently, captivated by his manipulations and how those children could be useful to him.

"I had to replace it twice, in all." Luckily, both of those times had fallen when the man was inundated with his duties outside of Hogwarts, or simply when he was visiting his brother Aberforth at the Hogs Head - meaning he'd return three days later, dishevelled and reeking of alcohol and oddly, goats. "So, my dear, any plans for Christmas?"

"Spending it with the family, of course. And then there is the Ministry ball on New Years."

"No plans with Severus, yet?" Minerva grinned, looking much like a cat that got the cream.

"No." Petunia stiffly replied, glaring venomously at her, which only sent the older woman into hysterics. "Perhaps that's enough whisky for you."

Dear Severus,

Thank you for keeping me company whilst Harry was in the infirmary, and for laying your grudge aside to make amends. Harry has just finished telling me of your conversation, and of how Lily's bracelet came into his possession. Truthfully, I was not aware that you had it. I'd always assumed that it was somewhere in the wreckage at Godrics Hollow. I do not blame you for taking it, if anything I'm glad for it.

I'd like to invite you to join us for our Christmas dinner. We'll be attending mass at the Manchester Cathedral afterwards, just like we did as children. I really would love for you to come, I haven't spent Christmas with you since we were children ourselves, when my parents would invite both you and your mother round.

Please let me know. Dudley's anxious to meet you, or as he calls you, 'the cool wizard that taught his mum magic'. Being a squib himself, he obviously cannot perform magic, but he has a passion for potions, and has been re-reading my potions books in case you come. He's likely to pick your brain.

Love,

Your Tuney.

Tuney,

After receiving the fifth letter from you asking me to attend, I give up. I shall come to Christmas dinner, and mass. I shall arrive at 1pm, after I've suffered through a visit to my godson and his family, the Malfoys. How they came to appoint me to that position all those years ago, I still do not understand. It was probably Narcissa's doing, that woman was always a menace.

I will allow Dudley to 'pick my brain', as you put it. I will not however, stand for any pranks from Potter, like his damned father. If the boy decides to play heathen, I shall be leaving immediately.

Severus.

Dear Severus,

Thank you for your reply, I'll be sure to set a place at the table for you.

No, there shall not be pranks of any sort, seeing as neither Dudley nor Harry, tolerate them. Do I have to remind you again that my nephew is not his father?

Tuney.

Petunia,

No. You do not need to remind me.

Are you attending the Ministry ball on New Years eve?

Severus.

Dear Severus,

Is that an invitation? I am attending, yes. I would be delighted if you would accompany us. As my date.

Tuney.

Dear Tuney.

Yes, you harpy. It is an invitation. As as for being your date, I wouldn't be anything less. I take it Harry and Dudley will be attending also?

Severus.

Dear Petunia,

I will be making sure that Severus is presentable for the ball, I've already taken him for dress robes at Twilfit and Tattings. You may find the pictures enclosed enjoyable.

Minerva.

Tuney,

If you set Minerva on me again, you may find yourself without a date for this bloody ball.

Severus.