Order Only: Private Message to Terry Boot

Hey, kiddo.

Welcome back. Alice told me you spent a little time as the Professor yesterday. Hope it helped.

For what it's worth, being Padfoot usually helps me think, too. It helps to cope with the things in this world that just don't make any sense.

And I saw what Severus wrote; he's a git smarmy pillock, even if he is working for us. If he's working for us and not playing some game of his own, which I'm none too sure.

But then, he was also in Azkaban a long time. You've been near Dementors. Imagine being surrounded by them every day for years. Most wizards aren't half insane when they leave - if they ever leave there.

That doesn't excuse him, of course. Or us, for letting him have his way about Milland.

But, there is a difference between us and them. I think, if you think about it, you can see the differences.

Anyway, I know you've got the best people in the world looking after you at Moddey, but if you ever do want to talk, or somewhere else to be for a while, well. I'm here. Moony's here, and Dora'd hex me if I didn't remind you that she's here for you as well. Grimmauld's dead awful, and I'm sorry it's still not the home we'd like it to be, but the grate's always open to you, too. Or to the Professor. Padfoot won't mind sharing a water bowl.

I wish it were as simple as we're right and they're wrong. We're not always right, kiddo. We don't always make the right choices. We're human.

But we keep trying to make it better. And when we realise our mistakes, we try to fix them, if we can do.

That counts for something, eh?

Order Only: Private Message to Hermione Granger and Harry Potter

Hey, kiddo.

Did I ever tell you about what happened after my mother ejected me from the house?

I didn't even want to be there anymore but it was still a difficult period for me. If it hadn't been for Cyrus and Grace Potter - Harry's grandparents - I might not be the principled, trustworthy, fair-minded and handsome rogue you know and love.

Well. Or something like that.

My point is, I know you feel like the only person ever to have been rejected by a parent. You're not. I don't pretend my situation was like yours, or to know exactly what you're going through, pet. Just know you don't have to deal with it all on your own. There are people in your life who care and who are here to help.

And you've got Harry. I know he does all he can to make your life as normal as possible for someone in your circumstances.

But if you do want to talk to someone who's been through something a bit similar, you've only to write me a note. Merlin, I'll even come up to Hogwarts if you like; it'd be good to see you, maybe even to see some of your mates.

Speaking of mates, I'm working on something for them to think about. Just putting the final polish on it. You can tell them, if they ask, that yes, it's true. Frank and Alice were there, though I was already on my way out of the country. I'll tell Terry that as well, so he can confirm it.

Meantime, hang in there. And don't forget you've got friends.