(no subject)

[essayel]

Got back from Edinburgh last night - eventually. See, the aeroplane broke and we had to wait while they mended it and it took a very very long time. At first it wasn't too bad and I wrote but after a bit my battery ran down so I had to put my laptop away and do it the old fashioned way - and concentrating while cornered by a group of uproarious Russian OAPs isn't easy. However I got home eventually and am trying to catch up with friends lists and things.

Jenny - bless - is being obnoxious because I 'went and left her with THAT MAN' - that man being her dear father. I have some making up to do there and it will cost me. Snapeclone was astonishingly pleased to see though, which is very gratifying - maybe I should leave him more often?

Certainly I should spend more time with other fans - OH the relief of being able to talk about writing fan fic without assuming an apologetic air!! casfic thank you so much for putting up with metallumai and me for so long and for allowing us to blow big raspberries out of the car window at JKR - or her house which amounts to the same thing.

We did a bit of writing and one of the things I fiddled with in the airport was the following fic. I've posted a bit of it here before just up to September 6th 1995 but this fills in the rest of the year.


The Amazing Disappearing Potter

The Amazing Disappearing Potter

Part of owl - HP to SB July 6th 1995
“…you are well and Remus too, of course, if you have reached him.
Everything goes on here as normal. Uncle Vernon locked my trunk in the cupboard as soon as we got here and has had my room fitted with a new deadbolt. Dudley is still enormous and still on his diet so I have to be as well, but being hungry is nothing. I just wish I had some one to talk to. Someone who understands what it’s like – you know, to be scared and to have seen things like that. At least I can write to you and you will write back won’t you? I’ve told Hedwig to bite you until you give her a reply…”

~

Part of owl - SB to AD July 7th 1995.
“…very worried about my godson. He sounds so miserable and I understand that they are not feeding him properly. He could come here – Remus says we could put another bed in the study – and he’d have a chance to do his homework instead of rushing it at the last minute…”

~

Part of owl - AW to SB July 10th 1995.
“…so sorry but the answer has to be ‘no’. Dumbledore warned me that you would probably be in touch and, while Molly and I would be delighted to have Harry to stay, we have been told in no uncertain terms that Harry must remain where he is to fulfil the conditions of the protection spell. As I said, I’m sorry but what can I do?”

~

Part of owl - Prof. L B Haldane, Regio Occultus, British Museum to RJL. July 18th 1995.
“…first rate work. Copies of the succeeding sheets are enclosed and I look forward to seeing your interpretation.
Your query was an interesting one and enabled me to spend several happy hours in the archives with a clear conscience – an all too infrequent occurrence these days. Such protection spells are a very old fashioned form of magic now - most people prefer to use the more easily applied wards – but that may be a protection in itself because of their very obscurity. Using your description of the subject’s conditions as a starting point, I think I have tracked down the particular spell that has been used. The unwilling blood relative, imprisonment in the family home and restricted diet sound to me very much like the Seclusio charm, first recorded in the twelfth century - where the subject is thus secluded for an entire lunar cycle. One must admire the economy of a spell that confers three hundred and thirty seven days protection and comparative freedom in return for a mere twenty eight days close confinement.”

~

Letter sent by Royal Mail - P Dursley to AD 31st July 1995
Dear Sir,
I feel that it is my duty to inform you that my nephew had disappeared from his room this morning when I went to rouse him to begin his day’s work. His clothes and other personal items are also missing. Can I stress once again how inconvenient it is for him to disappear in this way leaving jobs unfinished. In future kindly have the courtesy to inform us before you come to take him away.”

~

Part of owl - AD to RL 31st July 1995
“…immediately. I cannot believe that you may have been a party to such irresponsible behaviour and strongly urge you to add your voice to mine in persuading Sirius of the wisdom of compliance.”

~

Part of owl - RJL to AD 4th August 1995
“…apologies to the Dursleys. However, I can be of no assistance whatsoever. I understood Sirius to be staying for a few days with Arabella. Perhaps she knows where he has gone.”

~

Postcard delivered by hoopoe HP to RW 4th August 1995
“…so brilliant! See you at King’s Cross and keep your mouth shut, Harry”

~

Postcard delivered by bee eater HP to HG 19th August 1995
“…snorkelling and getting really good at it. Sirius is out most nights – he says he’s chasing the beach bunnies but I didn’t think they had rabbits here? It’s brilliant. This morning we’re going surfing – if I can wake him up…”

~

Part of letter with package delivered by stork from SB to RJL 25th August 1995
“…on the 2nd, when I suppose I’ll have to submit to my telling off with good grace. It’s worth it though. You should see Harry – he’s having a good time, I think, though he’s properly sullen and uncommunicative like a real teenager. He reminds me so much of James, Remus, that sometimes it hurts. Remember that holiday we all went on – that bar on the beach? They still sell those awful cocktails – the ones that make you feel next morning as though a badger has shat in your mouth – but the barmaids are younger and more…friendly. Wish you were here, Ree. Hope you enjoy the cocktails.”

~

Part of owl - RJL to AW 26th August 1995
“…worst hangover I’ve had for years. It really took me back. Anyway, I knew you and Molly would be worried so I thought I’d put your minds at rest. I’ll see you at King’s Cross on the 1st. Thanks for the list…”

~

Part of owl DM to NM 2nd September 1995
“…looking like he hadn’t washed for a month. He is brown as a tinker and was wearing the most awful, scruffy clothes. Where he has been all this time nobody seems to know but I am sure that I can find out.
Now, please tell me, has father decided to try that new variety of winter wheat or are we letting the upper fields lie fallow? And are we trying out that new Suffolk ram? Oh, Ma, tell me everything.”

~

Part of owl SB to HP 5th September 1995.
“…hung up by the knackers and beaten with a haddock but instead he settled for bending my ear for a full half hour. I haven’t heard anything like it since I left Hogwarts – it took me right back to many happy days pranking…which I deeply regret and I was properly apologetic as you can imagine.
Tell me, when’s the next Hogsmeade weekend and where shall we go next?”

~

Part of owl – NM to DM 5th September 1995
“…decided to go with a Clun instead so we can look forward to some nice little black faced lambs.
Brian Foster asked me to pass on his regards. He and Mr Foster are already practicing for the ploughing match and have decided to pair Betony with Hector. She’s coming on a treat and they look a picture together.
As for young Potter, I wouldn’t waste a moments thought on him. One can only shudder at the contemplation of what he would consider a suitable type of amusement.”

~

Part of owl HP to SB 9th September 1995.
“…such bad timing. If it were any other weekend it would be great but with the Transfig test first thing Monday I don’t think I should chance it. McGonagall is already a bit annoyed with me because Ron and I went looking for that passage you told me about one night this week when we should have been tucked up in our ickle beddikins and she’s set us a pig of a test – a hawk into a handsaw! Just our luck.
Tell me…are you eating properly? No more rats – remember, you promised!”

~

Part of owl SB to HP 10th September 1995
“…not as bad as you might think if you add plenty of ketchup. Of course, being ravenously hungry helps as well. As for the test, she set me that one back in …oh the deep and distant past. There’s a bit of a trick to it though. I’ll pick you up at noon…you know where!”

~

Memo delivered by house elf Prof, McG to AD, Saturday lunchtime.
“…very disturbing report from a seventh year prefect who actually witnessed the disappearance. I can only hope that he will return before dark.

~

Part of owl AD to SB, Sunday
“…utterly ignored our conversation. Rest assured that the next time we meet I will have a few things to say to you – and to Mr Lupin as well, if he is as feckless as to have become involved.” Owl returned with the letter unopened.

~

Part of letter delivered by nightjar SB to HP
“…quite recovered. Those long term detentions are the pits but you can use them usefully as planning time. But to confiscate Hedwig! We’d best be careful. Good news about the test though.”
~

Part of unsigned and unaddressed letter left in jamjar in drystone wall near Hexham, dated 15th October 1995.
“…quite out of favour. Luckily I’m used to it. Any how…Harry’s next big test is DADA and the cretin that Dumbledore has imported from Beauxbatons simply can’t cut the mustard. I don’t know what it is about DADA at Hogwarts but it seems to attract the most god-awful goits as teachers. I am a dab hand at the offensive stuff but am a bit shakey these days on the theory, so any chance, mate, of some extra coaching?”

~

Part of unsigned and unaddressed letter left in jamjar in drystone wall near Hebden Bridge, dated 16th October 1995.
“…astonished that you would trust such an important assignment to one of the said ‘goits’. However, I can assure you that I will do my poor best, god awful though it might be…”

~

Part of owl RW to AW, November 6th 1995. Warded for Arthur’s eyes only.
“…the biggest bang ever. Goyle almost wet himself which gets him back nicely for the hedgehog incident. Thanks so much, Dad. Muggles make such cool stuff and with no magic it means they can’t be tracked.
Talking of which, I’m pretty certain that Harry is planning to bunk off again. I wouldn’t be telling you this Dad except that Hermione and I are worried about him. I’m sure he’ll be safe enough with Sirius and Remus but if You Know Who gets wind of it there could be trouble. There’s been nothing in the papers – nothing at all. We’ve tried asking the staff but they aren’t talking. If there was any Death Eater activity you’d know, wouldn’t you? And you’d tell me, wouldn’t you?

~

Part of owl AW to RW, November 6th, 1995
“…so you see, you can rest assured on that count. Moody was perfectly straightforward about it. He doesn’t believe in keeping people in the dark you know. The old chap is so much happier – and less eccentric - now they have allowed him out of retirement. Grantham of Home Affairs took him on as a ‘consultant’ and Fudge can’t do much about that. That said, the Aurors are all on alert and they are recruiting like fury. And, no, Ron, your Mum and I would not be happy to see you on the force. The job takes a certain kind of idiocy you, mercifully haven’t shown yet.
By the way – there’s no need to mention those Muggle fireworks to your Mum in your next letter which is very much over due.”

~

Part of owl DM to Brian Foster, November 7th, 1995
“….ever so pleased. Of course, nobody could beat your Grandfather – Mr Foster is absolutely THE best hand to a plough ever but second is a terrific achievement. What are you going to do with the money?
Did you have a good time at the bonfire last Tuesday? Was that girl there? You know the one I mean – the dark one with the big hooters – I saw you eyeing her up at the harvest dance! Good luck anyway – I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on her reins!”

~

Part of owl RJL to SB, November 24th, 1995.
“...and sent him on his way rejoicing. He was sad not to see you but I assured him that you were perfectly all right and would be in touch soon. I’m glad the boy hasn’t yet displayed any talent for mind reading. Try as I might, I couldn’t sound convincing in my reply when he asked for reassurance that you weren’t doing anything dangerous.
Tell me, Sirius, who would be the most pleased to see you in chains? Voldemort or Alastor Moody?”

~

Part of memo Melusine Malarmee, Prof. DADA, Hogwarts to AD, November 27th, 1995
“...a prodigy. His answer contained information that is considered at Beauxbatons unsuitable for even seventh year students. I have had no choice but to mark him high even though I feel that he is somehow taking advantage. Please to assure me that this will not happen again.”

~

Part of letter left in picklejar in drystone wall near Housesteads, unsigned and undated.
“...an old clever clogs, then? Malarmee was astounded. According to Harry she was spitting bricks – French ones – though I reckon most of it’s put on. Do you remember Mel Grimstone? That big lass with the teeth? The one who went off to France the summer we all left Hogwarts and married out there. I’m sure it’s her. Harry says that when she’s really vexed she has a tendency to say “Eeee...” which I reckon is a bit of a giveaway. Of course there’s a sure fire way of telling because she had this little mole shaped like a puffskein right on her...”

~

Part of letter left in pickle jar up tree near Housesteads, unsigned and undated.
“...thought I was the only one who knew about Mel Grimstone’s mole!”

~

Part of owl AD to Vernon and Petunia Dursley, December 4th, 1995.
“..on the 20th at 3 p.m. sharp! I cannot stress this strongly enough. Harry must not be left unattended and must be handed over directly from his escort to a member of your family. I appreciate that this is a departure from the norm and maybe inconvenient for you but the boy’s welfare must be our primary concern.”

~

Part of report by Auror Second Class Rabnott, December 20th 1995, filed at Auror HQ, MOM, London.
“...as instructed. The boy seemed subdued but in reasonably good spirits until we reached the station when he became very quiet and uncommunicative. I retrieved his trunk and we left the platform together and were met as arranged by the lad’s Muggle uncle. I handed young Potter over at exactly 15.07 p.m. by the station clock. Dursley seems a very unpleasant individual and hardly even greeted the boy, merely grunting in an ignorant manner. However, I noticed that as they left the station together the man had unbent so far as to lay his hand upon the boy’s shoulder and young Potter was talking a blue streak. Then, as per my orders, I went straight to the station owlery to advise the Headmaster that his orders had been carried out.”

~

Part of owl found in the Dursley dustbin, dated December 19th, 1995.
“...changed his mind and will be staying at school for the holidays as usual. I am sorry and hope that you have not gone to any trouble....[rest obscured by curry stains].”

~

Part of owl HP to RW, December 27th, 1995.
“...weird. It would never have occurred have occurred to me to stuff a turkey with prunes but, strangely, it tasted OK. Sirius said there were only two ‘forcemeat’ recipes in the book he was cooking from – you wouldn’t believe how domesticated my godfather can be when he’s not covered in black fluff – and somehow he thought I’d prefer prunes to calf’s udders. The pudding was OK though except the brandy butter was so sloshy that we each had a glassful in stead of putting it in the dish. Remus says he had to put us both to bed. I don’t remember it if he did but I woke up in my clothes so I suppose he might.
It seems odd not to be at Hogwarts but Sirius has suggested that you Floo over tomorrow as he and Remus will enchant the garden full of snow and we can sledge across the lawn. There’s plenty of turkey and pudding left and this time Sirius says he’ll try to light it like the Muggles do.”

~

Part of owl RW to MW, December 28th, 1995.
“...only a little fire and I’m stopping over for a week to help redecorate. Luckily Remus’s study wasn’t damaged otherwise Sirius would still think he’s a rabbit. So, you are not to worry! We are all perfectly all right, though Sirius has an upset stomach from all the lettuce.”

~

Part of owl MW to RW, December 28th, 1995, crashlanded from weight of parcel.
“...two complete changes of clothing, another box of mincepies and my spare copy of “Cooking for the Utterly Unadventurous” by Geoffrey Tandem-Bouncer. The recipes in there are filling and nutritious and most of the ingredients are easy to come by and will be a nice change for them. Tell Sirius he may keep it.”

~

Part of owl SB to MW, December 29th, 1995.
“...so kind. The section in the back on mixing cocktails will come in particularly useful for the New Year.”

~

Part of report by Auror First Class Considine, January 2nd, 1996, filed at Auror HQ, MOM, London.
“I made initial contact with the subjects at the entrance to King’s Cross Station and shadowed them to the barrier where I made close contact and took charge of the boy, Potter. He appeared to be in reasonable health, though rather pale. The Muggle, Dursley, who looked positively ill, made an abrupt farewell. Once through the barrier the boy relaxed and began to question me about my work as an Auror. It is my opinion that the child has no place in a Muggle environment. Especially with a family that seems so taciturn and unfeeling.”

~

Part of owl HP to SB, January 3rd, 1996.
“...when I saw the uniform. Did you recognise him? Is that why you left in such a hurry? I got him talking on the train and he said he knew you when you were on the force and that I wasn’t to worry because they’d be catching you any day. They haven’t, have they?”

~

Part of owl SB to HP, January 4th, 1996.
“...Auror First Class Considine, aka Marmalade from that awful hair of his. Good old Marmalade, I wonder if he’s still partnered with Ord Barclay? We used to call him ‘Audrey’. Both a good man to have at your back in a fight but frankly neither could find his arse with both hands if it wasn’t attached. Even so, don’t mess with Aurors Harry, they’re a dangerous breed.”

~

Part of owl SB to AD, January 5th, 1996.
“...is almost sixteen and knows his own mind. Rest assured that I most certainly do have his best interests at heart. He is benefiting from the extra lessons – his marks should prove that – and you can’t tell me that he isn’t a happier boy than he was. So, I’m sorry, sir, but no! For as long as Harry needs me I plan to be right there for him. If that means I lose your support, so be it.”

~

Part of owl in haste,HP to SB, February 5th, 1996.
“Help!!! Snape has set an absolute swine of a test on Monday!! I have absolutely no idea how to go about getting the effect he wants and this one counts towards my over all OWLs score. Even Ron has more idea than I do. Sirius, please....!”

~

Part of owl DM to LM, February 7th, 1996.
“...again. Rumour has it that he was actually seen this time - with someone who sounds for all the world like our ex-DADA teacher, Lupin – Disapparating from a field behind the Three Broomsticks. One wonders whether Dumbledore really will have an apoplexy this time.
Incidentally, Father, much though it pains me to say it, of all the DADA teachers I have endured since coming here Lupin was the only one who showed a true grasp of the essential Darkness of the Dark Arts. Not that that is so surprising when you consider his background. I feel that in many ways it was a miscalculation on Snape’s part to drive him away – at least before we had all had a chance to get a thorough grounding in the major hexes and their blocking spells. If La Fee Malarmee points her wand at me even once more in an abortive attempt at the butterfly hex I fear I may respond with a Sanguineus or even worse.
I understand from Mother that Brian Foster has broken his arm. Please send him my condolences and say that I will be writing to him soon.”

~

Part of extract from report “GRIM SIGHTED NEAR HOUSESTEADS”
on page four of Daily Prophet, February 9th, 1996.
“...It has also been suggested by a local authority that the reason for the frequency of such sightings along the line of the Roman Wall is no more than a simple case of haunting. It is well known that the Legions were frequently accompanied on their marches by great black hounds of a breed called ‘Molossi’. Huge and heavy coated, the ‘Grim’ seen by Mr Ainsworth certainly fits the description of a Molossus so perhaps the phantom dog is merely looking for its legionary master rather than stalking harmless walkers as an omen of impending doom?”

~

Part of Memo, SS to AD, February 10th 1996.
“...it is all too clear to me! Therefore I must register my protest in the strongest terms against your over-ruling of my decision. The boy obviously cheated and must therefore attain the obvious mark – an F. That the preparation of the potion was perfect and its operation excellent is immaterial. Potter cheated and he should pay the price.”

~

Part of owl HP to SB, February 11th, 1996.
“...an A!!! I never got an A in potions before! I had no idea you were so good at potions but Remus said it runs in the family. And the best part is that if Snape knew it was you who coached me he’d choke! Thank you. I enclose my last chocolate frog...you earned it!”

~

Part of owl DM to Brian Foster, labourer, Malfoy Manor Estates, 12th February, 1996.
“You chump! Whatever possessed you? I thought you knew better than to get between a nursing mare and her foal. Merlin – you taught me that yourself when I was about six! Anyway, I’m glad no worse damage was done and I hope the enclosed eases the pain. If I hear that you’ve been adding water to it or putting it in coffee I’ll hex you. A single malt deserves to be treated with respect.
We’ve been ‘doing’ thestrals again in COMC and the Blessed Saint Potter and his acolytes have been pretending to like it but thestrals are not nearly as interesting as what Ma had to tell me about the sheep. Does your grandfather truly think we can breed for a true Slytherin green? That would be one up on the Gryffs wouldn’t it?”

~

Part of head line in Daily Prophet, 13th February, 1996.
“AINSWORTH DIES
Housesteads Wizard killed in freak scone incident. “It was a Grim,” says daughter.

~

Part of owl SB to RJL, 13th February, 1996.
“Oh bugger!”

~

Part of memo SS to AD 25th February, 1996
...much though it pains me to say it. Nothing succeeds like success and that high mark does appear to have given Potter a more responsible attitude towards his Potions assignments. The boy is still insolent but at least he has stopped his interminable horsing about with Weasley. I just wish something could be done about Longbottom. I swear, sir, that if he melts one more cauldron I'm sitting him at the back of the class with raffia.

~

Part of owl AD to RJL 1st March, 1996
...stress this strongly enough that during the Easter holidays Harry must remain at Hogwarts. I must demand a promise from you that you make no attempt to see him yourself and moreover you will make no attempt to assist Black in reaching him. I know that Voldemort and his minions are quiet but there's no point in taking stupid risks. Please Remus, I must insist upon this!

~

Part of owl RJL to AD 2nd March 1996
...no longer a Hogwarts pupil, nor yet a member of staff. You know you have my respect, Headmaster, but I cannot support you in this. Harry is a young man in desperate need of love and attention and Sirius is, as far as I can see, doing a very good job of providing both. Hasn't the boy's school work improved? Isn't he happier and more relaxed now he is certain that there is at least one person in the world prepared to risk everything for him? Take whatever precautions you wish - if Harry and Sirius circumvent them, you may congratulate yourself upon the excellent job you have done in educating them and if they arrive cold and hungry on my doorsteps there isn't a chance in hell I'll turn them away.

~

Part of unsigned unaddressed letter left in jamjar in drystone wall near Hexham, a few days before Easter. Also enclosed in the jar were about 14 galleons and some loose change.
...help out with the groceries. If the Easter Bunny is going to hop I think he should hop pretty high, don't you? The money was obtained in a perfectly legal fashion, you’ll be relieved to hear, from Mundungus who, despite all evidence to the contrary, persists in his belief that the Cannons are the best Quidditch team ever!
Harry assures me that he will be able to get away despite everything. I can't wait to see how he does it.

~

Part of owl AW to RW, Good Friday.
…quite understand why. At the same time I think he is taking awful risks. Sirius means well I’m sure but Harry seems determined to match him for recklessness and, frankly, annoying the headmaster is not a good idea for anyone at the best of times, let alone a wanted criminal being actively hunted by Aurors and the MLES.
Harry is a lad, isn’t he. I must admit that escaping from Hogwarts by flying out of the dormitory window then to sufficient altitude to escape the anti-Apparation wards would never have occurred to me…but then, as you know, I was never much good on a broomstick.
Mum says thanks for your last letter and could you please remind Ginny that her next letter is vastly overdue.

~

Part of owl to RJL from Sister Agnes, headmistress of St Melangell’s School of Practical Magic, April 24th.
…to be taken up at your soonest convenience. You would be responsible for teaching DADA, which I understand is your speciality, and assist as required in other subjects but we would also like you to take on the pastoral care for our ‘special needs’ pupils - a position for which you are eminently qualified. At present we have six such pupils but will be having three more starting in the first year in September.
Accommodation will be provided at a high standard, as will all meals. You will be expected to take your turn with the supervisory rota but will have at least two evenings a week and alternate weekends off - unless of course they coincidence with a full moon.
Although St Melangell’s doesn’t enjoy the elevated reputation of Hogwarts, I can assure you that our academic standards are just as high and…
Let’s cut to the chase Lupin! We’re desperate! Name your price.

~

Part of owl RJL to SB, April 25th, 1996.
…a transparent ploy to deprive you and Harry of my support. However…it has worked. Sorry, Padfoot, but the lure of gainful employment in addition to my translation work for the British Museum is too much for me to withstand. I’m off to St Melangell’s in the morning. The key is in the bucket by the back door and you know the wards don’t you. I’ll be back from time to time, of course, so make sure you don’t empty the larder entirely!

~

Part of owl HP to SB, May 15th, 1996.
…can’t help but worry. I’ve revised as well as I know how but there are so many exams in such a short space of time. I had hoped that I’d managed a couple more weekends with you and Remus before they started but…Oh I don’t mean to complain. I’m just nervous, that’s all.
How is Remus? Is his new school nice? Is Wales really all sheep and rain?

~

Part of owl SB to HP, May 20th, 1996.
…not just any quill but a ‘lucky’ quill! It has been charmed to write quickly and clearly and the spells put upon it are undetectable to the anti-cheating wards. I’m sure - positive - that you will do fine. Just remember to read the whole paper through carefully before choosing your questions and plan your answers - there’s no point in writing three feet on the first two questions and only having time for an inch or two on the last one, now is there? Oh Merlin - I sound just like Remus!
Harry, you’ll do great! I have every confidence in you!

~

Part of unsigned and undated letter left in pickle jar in hedge close to the Bull Inn at Craswall, May 25th 1996.
…wasn’t this nervous when I did my OWLs! I sent him that quill as you suggested - do you think he’ll realise that it’s an ordinary one?
How are the sheep? Has it stopped raining yet?

~

Part of owl HP to RJL, 7th June, 1996
…only one left but that’s Divination so who cares? If you see Sirius please tell him that the quill has worked a treat, and that nothing went wrong in Potions, though Neville melted another cauldron, and that the COMC exam was a doddle. Malarmee must have a friend in the MOM examinations board because in our last lesson we revised exactly the three topics covered in the exam - either that or she should be teaching Divination. When Hermione told her she said “Eeee, I’m that pleased, alors.” She’s not a bad sort after all.
Right, a nice doze in Divination tomorrow morning then it’s all over for the year!! Can’t wait to see you both.

~

Part of owl RW to AW, 17th June 1996.
…it again. Only this time he just flew off the top of the Astronomy Tower while we were at breakfast. Dean saw him go and heard the bang as he Apparated. He was back in time for Sunday dinner though and Dumbledore looked as though he had just discovered a jarvey in his beard! He had Harry up to his study for an hour immediately after dinner but Harry seems not to care. He says he had a great time and that Remus is really happy where he is. Where is that, Dad? I won’t tell anyone but it would be nice to know. Harry just doesn’t talk to Hermione and me the way he used to.

~

Part of unsigned and unaddressed letter in pickle jar in hedge near The Dog in Ewyas Harold, 29th June, 1996.
…inappropriate to tell Harry but I can’t keep this to myself . Sister Agnes knows one of the external examiners for the OWLs and he has let her know that young Mr Potter swept the board! High level passes in all subjects save for divination and he managed a bare scrape in that! So, Sirius, what shall we do to celebrate?

~

Part of owl External Examiner Paddock to AD, 30th June 1996.
…cause for concern. Longbottom failed every subject abysmally with the exception of Herbology where he got an A and Defence Against the Dark Arts (a respectable B). Under the circumstances we cannot advise that he proceed to the level of training required for NEWTs. He needs to resit his OWLs, and achieve a reasonable pass rate in them. Since I understand that Hogwarts does not offer this facility perhaps it would be better for him to leave the school and either transfer to another educational establishment or try to obtain an apprenticeship in some non-academic field.

~

Part of owl SB to RJL, 2nd July 1996.
…was that stuff? I thought cider was clear, not yellow and as thick as custard. God, Moony, are you trying to kill me? This is the third day and my hands still won’t make a fist! But it was a bloody good night. Where were we again? What was the name of the pub? And that barmaid - the one with the enormous personality…god help me, Moony, I didn’t! Did I?

~

Part of owl RJL to SB, 2nd July 1996.
…afraid you did. Never mind, you’ll make a lovely couple. And it wasn’t a barmaid but a barman. He seemed like a nice lad though.
Have you heard from Harry yet?

~

Part of owl HP to SB, 2nd July 1996.
…utter gits. But that’s what I have come to expect and this year at least I know it’s not for too long. Besides, I also have some leverage. Dudley has a girlfriend and she’s not the sort of girl Petunia and Vernon would like him to be seeing. I know it’s blackmail and I know it’s wrong but - Merlin - a month’s a long time to go without a square meal. Dudders’s bird works in the local chip shop, hence his interest, and I can go in for pie and chips gratis whenever she’s on duty! Hey, I’ll have to watch I don’t get fat.

~

Part of note in spidery handwriting pushed into letterbox at 4 Privet Drive. 2nd July, 1996.
…my niece who is currently working abroad. I am regretting it now though because he is such a large animal and requires so much exercise. So, I was wondering if either of your young men would be available for regular dog walking duties?
Yours,
A Figg

~

Part of owl SB to RJL, 4th July, 1996.
…should have seen his face. Take it from me, Moony, Arabella has improved with age. When she dropped that glamour and Harry saw all those curves and the long brown curls and - scuse me, I’m salivating here myself - his jaw just dropped. She must be mid forties and a research sociologist to boot but - well, the term phwooaaaarrr springs to mind. Sleeping on her couch is going to be a real pain!

~

Part of owl HP to RW, 5th July 1996.
…not a batty old lady at all. She says that Muggles just don’t notice old women so she can do pretty much as she likes. She’s been in this house since I was 2, doing a study of middleclass Muggles in their natural environment and moonlighting by keeping an eye out for me. The best thing, of course, is that she now has a dog - yes, that dog! And I can spend as much time as I like here “walking it”.
You can send me owls care of Mrs Figg, Arabella says, up until the 31st. After that I’m afraid they won’t find me very easily but you are not to worry!! I’ll be perfectly safe and “extending my experience” S says. I can hardly wait!

~

Part of owl SB to RJL, 24th July 1996.
…sure I can’t twist your arm? Oh come on, Moony. The change of scene would do you good - get some colour into those pasty cheeks of yours. There’s plenty of room, the verandah looks out right onto the beach and the girls, Moony!!!

~

Part of letter HP to RW delivered by hoopoe, 12th August, 1996.
…should see them! Sarongs and bikinis most of the time and that’s it! Sirius and I have a bet on that Remus won’t stop grinning ‘til the full moon (which they will spend on a little off shore island by the way so no worries there).
Right, now I’m going to work on my tan while the two old men are sleeping off the huge amount of planters punch they drank last night. At their age you’d think they’d know better.
Ron this is the best summer ever and I just wish you were here to share it.
See you September 1st,
Harry



I hope it's OK - if so I'll bung it to FA - it might spur me on to carry on with the WIPs if I can ever take poor Sirius seriously again.