Chapter Fourteen - An Exchange

Dear Padfoot,

Thank you so much for your last letter. I am so sorry for getting you into trouble, please don't risk anything, I'm not worth it. The stories of mum and dad are worth more than I can express, I would love to hear more from you. Perhaps in New Zealand one day, haha I love the idea! It would be great to get rid of all these expectations and judgements. I hate how everyone just assumes anything they want and the pressure is just too much a lot sometimes. Sorry I'm rabbling a bit, please ignore it. Actually, I'm doing a bit better and my sleeping has improved somewhat. I've taken to walking around a bit and actually started calming myself by sitting outside. It helps me breathe.

So, no worries, it's getting better! I just can't wait to finally see you again. Hope you have improved your hair and outfit a bit since last time I saw you ;p It was not very attractive I must say... I wouldn't be surprised if Moony forced you through a huge make-over though. He always seemed well organized.

Oh I must tell you about the terrible day I've been having a couple of days ago. Cho (this girl I sort of liked last year) became Cedrics girlfriend... yeah so not great of course... but it was hard, she suddenly ambushed me and hugged me and asked me for the whole story and than cried and hugged me more and cried even more. I don't know if you have ever had weird experiences with girls, but honestly, I am somehow respecting Hermione a lot more now. I really just don't want to talk, not about what happened, let alone cry with someone about it. I don't think I would be able to stop. It was horrible. I thought you would appreciate the ins and outs of my days so I guess that was my interesting happening last week.

Anything fun at your holiday resort? I hope you are doing well and that I will see you soon. On my way to the Dursleys for now, but counting the days.

Your godson

Hi pup,

Thanks for your letter, it is always so good to hear from you. I am glad to hear you are sleeping better. I know what it is, to have the haunting nightmares, so sorry you have to experience them too, you do not deserve it in the least. Also, to hear you say you are not worth the risk of me get caught t hink twice, because it is my decision and you definitely are! So the walking helps for sure, and fresh air as well. But really pup, it helps to talk to someone sometimes. It doesn't have to be about everything, just to have a listening ear or someone who is willing to help and understand is already enough. Please try it with someone you trust. I might sit you down once or twice upcoming summer otherwise ;), or perhaps let Moony do it. He is good at the listening part. I should know. Might sound weird, but meditation really helps! Maybe I can teach you some occlumency lessons next year, I think it would help you and it's always good to be prepared.

Now on to the fun stuff of your Hogwarts years, good on you for having a crush! Yeah, let's indeed ignore how that turned out then for now... that must be hard for her. But not your responsibility prongslet, it was kind of you to talk and support her.

Back to the good old Hogwarts years and the need for you to hear more stories. Your crush has given me a great opportunity here! Remind me that the next time we meet I will tell you all about Moony's whining sixth year. It's quite a story ha! He was so oblivious to my oh so obvious courting. I mean, you know me, I can't do anything subtle now can I?! Your dad once even fell off his bed laughing so hard at my failed attempt to get Moony to sleep in my bed with me. I had not slept for 3 days, 3 DAYS, just so that he would take petty on me! Apparently, Moons just thought he was in the way and making me awkward thus not making me sleep yada yada. In person I will tell you of the pining Moony apparently did afterwards when I had fallen asleep, Prongs told me this himself months later! He was very proud of his matchmaking skills afterwards...

I am sorry, wow, Moony just pointed out to me that perhaps you don't know about our relationship. There is not much there now, don't worry. So much has happened, so we're just getting to know each other again.

Sooo, Prongslet, you didn't think you could get out of this now, did you? Tell me about your love life. Every detail I want to hear! I missed too much for which I could have given you my o so wise godfatherly advise.

I've got bad news as this will probably be my last letter to you for the summer holidays. Good old dumbles is close to murdering me in my sleep in my own home for sending you letters. All for your safety still apparently... he's keeping a watchful eye... so sorry! I'll come get you as soon as I can.

Okay bye now cub, don't hesitate to write me, even though I can't write back! Oh, and you get lots of love from Moony (he doesn't know all the stories I'm going to tell you about him yet HA)

Your wise godfather,

Padfoot