Sirius Black

The bank has been open for about an hour. Ragnik had told them to wait about that long, as there are usually a few customers who want to rush in right when they unlock for the day. That crowd should be thinning out by now. Draco and Hermione left a few moments ago to watch for their moment.

This is the part where we can't behave as if we're worried, isn't it. While hoping they either get done with it quickly and easily or have time to write and tell us how they're doing.

Being the one out there doing it is much easier. Even if we're sure the goblins won't throw up any roadblocks in their path.

Mordred.

Hermione, Remus tells me you asked about a party in honour of Minerva.

Of course, we can mark the occasion.

But he said something in the course of it that I want to clear up. He said, 'Technically, it's your house.'

Look. All I've ever wanted is for this place to be a home for whoever needs it. Right now that's you, and Draco and Sn Severus.

Oh, all right, I know only you and Remus can probably see this, but I'm making a point: This is your home, for as long as you want it to be. And you've every right to invite members of the Order into it for occasions such as this.

So. No more of this business how it's my house and I need to approve visitors or parties or whatever else you've planned. So long as Alice has given them the secret, they're welcome whenever you invite them.

That's that.

Don't bother to reply, just come quickly, please: Hermione's splinched herself.

We've reattached her foot and we've got plenty of dittany for the wound. I think she'll be all right but

Well. She needs a Healer to look after her properly.

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.

Hermione: Merlin, I just realized I never asked about last Thursday. Are you all right? Did Harry satisfy Malfoy?

Sorry, I should have asked before now.


By contrast, what I was going to say is that Bea's 10 months old today (see, Dora, I can keep track!).

I think she'll be on to words any day now, though Remus says he reckons she's still a ways off from really knowing what they mean. I dunno: Whenever any of the three of us have been away and come back within line-of-sight, she bounces on her toes, reaches out, smiles and says 'Ma!' or 'Da!' - indiscriminately, to be sure, but she doesn't say it when Kreacher's about, or to any of the patrons.

Beth came by the shop yesterday, as well, ostensibly to have a chat with Dora but really I think to find out if we'd followed her suggestion and applied for a muggleborn servant. Moony talked to her (I was Padfoot, of course) and we think she was pleased. She mentioned bringing some people round this weekend. To check out the operation, was the unmentioned implication.

Speaking of that, we put down that the cellar would be where we'll quarter the person (when, if it all works out as we hope, she'll actually sleep in a room upstairs). I've spent a little time this morning making it look a bit less like the scene of a monthly dog fight - though not anything beyond a meagre pallet, washbasin and an old orange crate for a dressing table.

All of which puts me in mind of Terry. Hermione, what do you hear from him, anything? We've not forgotten him, Merlin knows.

Justin's written to say he's travelling or else he'd be able to accept an invitation from your Ron, Molly and Arthur, to play Quidditch at yours. He's still seeing He's also said they're taking them to a camp but he doesn't believe it'll be the real thing (nor do I). Arthur, Bill, have you heard anything about this?

Well, at any rate, it sounds as if you lot at Hogwarts should have a relaxing holiday, with everyone out of the castle. Might be a good time to do some scouting along the coast?

Oh. And I heard from Terrie Taylor, too. She's had a boy and found another job. Sounds like it's in a private sector farm, still using muggle labourers but at least they're relatively decent to the poor buggers. It's in Bedford but she can bring the little fellow with her. Apparently there's provision for that sort of thing. Anyway, she wanted me to know that she's still interested in helping, if she can. She thought perhaps she might be able to traffic people through, if we needed it.

I've been thinking. It's absolutely unconscionable that we are letting Harry proceed with this punishment of Cruciating Hermione.

Can't you convince her to activate her Portkey? I know we've given her the option before but honestly, Minerva.

It's just not right or fair to either of them. And it's not necessary, is it? I've racked my brain to come up with a reason to let it happen. Even if Harry can't affect the Curse, we shouldn't even ask him to try.

Frank, Alice, Molly and Arthur: Glad you could make it last night. I think we took Dora by surprise, anyway. (She's home from work but having a kip with the sprog.)

And Molly, thanks in particular for baking the cake. Big enough for leftovers; that's the best part. Having a little sliver of a slice now, in fact, while Remus is out in the shop.

Happy birthday again, Dora, and to our Hermione, I understand. Moony reminded me and we've sent something off from Laszlo's to you. I don't expect Harry will notice mind if you get a parcel addressed to him.

Any more questions from your anonymous friends?

Hermione,

I think you'd better tell the rest of the Order what you told me yesterday. About Voldemort.

In case you can't get to it: She told me he's changing. Physically. I'd like her to elabourate more but I think she's right in guessing he's using progressively Dark spells to change himself. Trouble is I can't tell why. Macnair, you were close to him for a while. What's his purpose? Any idea?

And there's been a shift, she says, in his attitude toward Harry - and that's troubling as well. Well, not because I want the bugger keeping Harry all that close, but because if before he was concerned for Harry's well-being and that's shifting ... then it might signal he's less invested in keeping Harry safe.

Moreover Frank, I've been thinking: Now that you're back I think we ought to try again for Terry. I think we could convince him to come with us given enough time. I definitely want to make sure he's got enough to eat and that he's being looked after. Fancy a short trip next week?