ORDER ONLY: Celebrations & Sirius

[alt_hermione]

First of all, the celebrations here have been stomach-turning. I mean, I'm all right with the usual things but this was just horrible. Narcissa Malfoy swanned in as though she was the mistress of Buckingham Palace, which I suppose she is, and Harry was in a horrible mood, so he didn't pay any attention to me, and everyone was in such a good mood that they paid attention to me, which can sometimes be nice of course, but it's not nice when you've just come from somewhere and had a wand and been a real wizard, and they all are saying how clever you are because you know how to read.

Only, then I was sitting around in Harry's room because mine adjoins his when we're at Buckingham only mine's still a cupboard, and he left out this letter from you, Sirius, right where I could see it, you must have sent it very early, but I closed it up and hid it, and showed Harry when he came back in the room where I'd hidden it - it's under the desk stuck with Spellotape - and he sort of smiled and didn't say anything. Honestly I think he's sorry about Sirius, and I can't tell him he's not dead, only I wish I could. I mean I think that he would be all right if I did, I don't think he'd tell anybody. But I know that we could run into someone Legilimising Harry and then he'd really be in trouble if he knew anything.

Anyway, in the letter I guess I shouldn't really say what you said, but it was really sweet, Mr Black. And I think he's really taking your word, I mean he's been sticking to Mr Rabastan like nothing else, and can you tell me a little bit about what Snape looks like so I know? I mean now that I have my wand maybe I can help if something happens.

I suppose one thing that I almost didn't think to say is, I'm sure professor McGonagall knows this, but do you all have any idea how scary the Lord Protector has got? I think that must be at least half of the reason why Harry's in such a horrible mood, is because his Father is so strange now. I don't know what it is, I mean, he must have done something. But his face is all strange and sunken, and his skin is awfully white, and his voice is higher than it used to be, and he always had a widow's peak but it's really bad now, and he just looks strange now, not even really human.

Anyhow he mostly leaves me alone though, which is just like last summer, which is good. I've got my cupboard and Harry's nice as usual, so that's all all right. But that's what's happened here.

Comments

[alt_sirius]

Listen to me, Hermione, if Snape manages to break into Buckingham, or anywhere else you are with Harry, you are not to try to duel him, do you understand me? Don't use your wand. You take Harry and you RUN. Run and hide somewhere, don't try to fight him. You can't miss him. He's got lanky, oily black hair and a hooked nose, along with that nasty sneer that I think is permanently attached to his mouth. Don't try to duel him, just run.

And I'm glad the letters are still making it through. I hoped it wouldn't get intercepted but I had to warn him, just in case he decided that everyone else has been oppressing him unfairly. I don't like Lestrange, but it's true that if Harry's got to have a bodyguard, he's about the best he could hope for. At least he was; it sounds like he's seen better days. But he's a crack shot with his wand, as well, aim about as good as Bella's. He can protect Harry well enough, if he'll continue to let Lestrange look after him.

But you're right: You can't tell him I'm not dead. It's too soon to let anyone know for sure, for one thing, and for another, he might want to know how you know. Can't risk it.

Regarding Voldemort, though .... I've no idea how or why, but this isn't the first time he's changed his physical appearance. I'm sure it's to do with dark magic, but hex me if I know what kind. Just be careful, okay, kiddo? And I'm glad you're doing all right - and tell Harry that there's always room for hope.

[alt_hermione]

All right, I won't. But I'm glad to know. Why would he want to hurt Harry so much? I mean YOU don't, and you're not in support of the Lord Protector, so why would he, is he like Macnair?

Anyhow, I'll help him stick with Mr Rabastan, I promise, and I won't tell him anything as much as I can, and I'll try to tell you whatever happens here, so may be you can figure out what's going on with the Lord Protector.

[alt_arthur]

It worries me a great deal that Harry was careless enough to leave a letter from Sirius out where someone else could find it, even if it was someone he trusts. Something like that could get him into a world of trouble

Even worse, if no names were used in the letter itself, you might point out that if someone else had found that letter, they might try to shift responsibility from Harry by arguing that a letter from Sirius was intended for you. Or that you somehow were an intermediary. I'm afraid that muggleborns often make extremely tempting scapegoats.

If he won't be responsible on his own behalf, perhaps he'll be a little more mindful if he thinks of you.

[alt_alice]

Yes, he used to be quite sharp, if I recall. Perhaps he still is, even though he's most likely been out of practice.

I don't like him either.

Then again, I gave him that limp of his, so I suppose the feeling's mutual.

[alt_sirius]

The one thing I'll say about Lestrange is that he's much more personable than most of that lot. I mean, if one of them has to hang about Harry all the time, I'd rather it be him than, say, his sister-in-law. Or Malfoy. Razzer - sorry, Lestrange - at least has a sense of humour and a fair streak, even if he's still just as rotten as the rest of them deep down.

[alt_bill]

Regarding the change in Voldemort's appearance, I have no idea what it could be, either, but now you've got me rather intrigued. I'll do a little research (I'll be careful, Dad, I promise) and see if I can figure anything out. You aren't the first person to mention how different he looks, although for the most part, people are wary of commenting about it very publicly.

[alt_frank]

kinda funny, isn't it? how there's so many people out there celebrating, and it's not even true?

wonder how many people were holding vigil or in mourning. I'd bet a sackful of galleons there were more than we think, but it's not like they could write about it or show it. makes you think how many of those happy faces weren't so happy?