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Lily,
I hope you got home okay. How was your second train? I don’t understand why you didn’t apparate home like I did. Why get your license if you aren’t going to use it?
You know, I never thought how inconvenient it must be for muggles to travel to London. It must be a great hassle for muggle-born students to get to King’s Cross. My dad always just side-along apprated with me, or we’d floo to the Leaky Cauldron and walk.
Imagine if you lived in the Shetland Islands and had to pass by Hogwarts on your way to London? That would be such a waste of time!
Sirius is inviting the lads over to his new flat (I’m pretending I’m still mad at him for moving out of Godric’s Hollow, though, so don’t tell him that I’ve come around to the idea of him abandoning the family). Will you be there?
Your friend,
James
James,
It took me two more trains and a taxi to get home. Cokeworth is a small town, and ever since the factory closed, the train station hasn’t been in operation. I enjoy the travel though, I get to read a book and see the countryside.
I think one thing that the wizarding world can learn from the muggle world (and there is a lot to learn, even if certain people think otherwise) is to slow down and enjoy quiet moments. Everything magical is big and loud and wonderful. It overwhelms the senses. But what I’ve observed these past few years is that people who grow up in the magical world take small moments for granted. There are wonderful things to be seen, heard, and experienced in the quiet reflections of life. But then again, I must confess I may have been reading too much On Walden Pond latley, and now I think I am an expert on transcendental philosophy. How insufferable must I sound?
Regarding your questions about traveling to London: Have you ever thought about students who live in Hogsmeade? Do you think they skip the train altogether and just walk to the castle?
Sirius did invite me to his little freedom party. Does Sirius have any furniture yet? Or is the plan going to drink beers on the floor? Is he bringing his pin-up posters for decor?
I think I’ll skip whatever hedonistic depravity Sirius has planned until he purchases a couch.
Love,
Lily
Lily,
I have conferred with my resources (Wallace Erkstone of the Hufflepuff quidditch team and current Hogsmeade resident), and they have confirmed that they floo down to London and take the train back up as it is tradition, and it would be a shame to miss out.
He also informed me that he does walk home at the end of term because arriving at Hogwarts is a lot more fun than leaving.
It is a good thing you declined Sirius's invitation. While you would have had fun, there was not enough furniture for everyone, and I had to sleep in the bathtub.
Peter transformed into Wormtail and slept in the pocket of his jacket. He really is quite the spoiled rat.
Sirius is a gentleman, though; he probably would have offered you his bed if you had attended.
Your friend with a sore back,
James
P.S. I don’t think you sound insufferable. I went to the muggle library in town and checked out the book you mentioned. It is difficult to read so far. I am missing out on a cultural understanding of American muggle history to appreciate the context fully, but I shall soldier on.
I confess I like the quiet reflections of country life. Sirius said he had to leave Godric’s Hollow because he was ripping his hair out without the hustle and bustle of the city noise to soothe him to sleep, but I cannot imagine living anywhere but the country.
James,
Oh, I could have made all the girls at school jealous! Just think what they would say if they learned I turned down the opportunity to sleep in Sirius Black’s bed.
I can’t believe you went to the library and checked out the book I mentioned! I haven’t even read Walden Pond, I was being facetious.
Have you read many muggle books? Godric’s Hollow is a muggle town? I always thought it was like Hogsmeade.
By the way, what hex did you use to make Bertie’s head swell up?
Unrelated, my sister is inviting her new boyfriend to dinner.
Love,
Lily
Lily,
For shame, torturing poor muggles! That is not why we learn magic.
I would never encourage anyone to look up the head swelling hex in the book Modifying Bodies Through Hexes and Jinxes.
Unrelated, I have sent a copy of Modifying Bodies Through Hexes and Jinxes with this letter. (There is a great chapter changing the color of people's skin to bright purple.)
I’ve read a few muggle books, mostly nonfiction, to learn more about the muggle world. What’s your favorite book? I’ll check it out at the library next if I haven’t read it yet.
Maybe it's the West Country boy in me and all the pirates mucking about around here, but I really liked Treasure Island when I was young. When I wasn’t pretending to slay dragons with King Arthur’s knights, I was off in the bank of the stream in my house, making my own pirate ships to sail down the water. My mum even made me my own pirate hat.
Godric’s Hollow is a mix of muggles and wizards. You know Mathias Burke? He got in trouble for harassing all the muggle-born girls in Ravenclaw last year. Well, I know for a fact he made out with a muggle in town who works at the corner shop. The hypocritical piece of dragon dung. I don’t understand how people can grow up besides muggles, personally know them, and even enjoy the company of some, and still decide to be an unbelievable bigot.
Your pirate pal,
James
James,
I doubt you’ll enjoy my favorite books, my dad always called them girly books. I love anything by Jane Austen but Emma is my favorite.
Please tell me you have a photo of you in the pirate hat! Did you talk in a little West Country pirate accent when you wore it?
You are so lucky you are an only child. Petunia is driving me up the wall.
She moved to London, and now she talks with a fake accent? Who does she think she is? Pretending to be posh is so embarrassing. And her boyfriend is the worst. You’d absolutely despise him.
He complained non-stop about the miner strikes and how everyone wants a handout these days. He also said a completely racist joke about Polish immigrants that I will have to scrub from my mind.
But you can tell Petunia is absolutely besotted with him by the way she looks at him and talks about him Which is lovely in a way, I guess. I want Tuney to be happy.
But this guy? What have I done wrong to be doomed to celebrate every future holiday with this walrus?
If Vernon and Burke didn’t hate each other on principle I bet they’d get along great, they are both bigoted wankers. You should tell all the girls in town that Burke has warts on his butt or something. They need to stay clear of him. You’d be doing a public service!
Love,
Lily
P.S. Sirius's accent is fake, right? No one can possibly be that posh
Lily,
You have finally found out Padfoot’s dark secret. He is not an aristocratic heir to a great fortune, as he has led all to believe. He actually has an unbearable Scouse accent. Get him good and drunk and it comes out.
Wormtail came over the other day and helped me practice quidditch. Ever since I told the lads that McGongall invited a pro scout to watch me play next year, Peter’s been dedicating time to help me train. I think he’s hoping that if I go pro, I’ll get him free tickets. Which I would if that were to happen. He doesn’t need to become my personal trainer (especially since, Merlin, I love the chap, but he is not the best at flying a broom and throwing a quaffle at the same time.)
It's hard to practice quidditch by oneself, though, so I appreciate the effort.
I am so grateful that I have difficulty telling him I don’t think I actually want to play pro after Hogwarts.
I went to the library and Emma was checked out so I picked up Pride and Prejudice. Is that a good one? You’re right the covers are a bit girly. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up if you didn’t tell me Jane Austen was your favorite author. Taught me a valuable lesson about judging books by their covers I guess.
Your friend who needs to remember to return his library books on time because he has no muggle money to pay late fees,
James
James,
Did I read that right? James Potter, quidditch star extraordinaire, does not want to go pro? What has the world come to?
Now that I am of age, I’ve been showing Mum more magic. She was giddy when I showed her how quick cleaning up after tea can be. I fear she will never let me leave the house now so I can do all the cleaning with a wave of a wand. She was so excited when she found out that she could use Mrs Skower's All-Purpose Magical Mess Remover, it really is better than any muggle cleaning product. I will have to stock her cupboard next time I am in Diagon Alley.
I wish my dad were around so I could show him more magic, too. He always loved it when I showed him potion ingredients. He laughed himself silly when he found out we really do use eye of newt! (Which is a Shakespeare reference)
Love,
Lily
P.S. But if you aren’t going to do quidditch, what do you want to do after school?
Lily,
You have to swear to secrecy. I have never told anyone this before. Not even Sirius, okay?
Take an oath (I trust that you will have done so).
Say, “I, Lily Marie Evans, will not tell a soul, living or deceased, about James Potter’s career plans until he is good and ready to break the hearts of everyone he knows by not going into pro quidditch.”
Got it? Good.
I have been discussing with McGonagall about continuing my transfiguration studies after Hogwarts. I could join an academic society and get a fellowship for advanced research on the limits of human transformation. I think I would find this really interesting, but at the same time, I don’t see myself sitting at a desk every day. Do you? I think at a certain point, I’d get too restless being inside all the time.
The truth is I want to do something good. The world seems less and less good these days, and I just want to do something. Most days, I actually want to scream, but that won’t do much to change anything.
I thought about apprenticing at the Legal Aide Society for Disadvantage Magical Beings. My grandad Harry founded it after he served in the Wizengamot in the 30s. But Death Eaters burnt it down, and I think people are too afraid of opening it again.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about becoming an Auror, but that requires three years of training, and I don’t want to waste time while the actual war is happening right now.
So, I guess I’m unsure of it all at the moment, which is my real big secret.
What about you? Are you still interested in apprenticing at an apothecary?
Your friend who lacks a future plan,
James
P.S. I have read Shakespeare, so I did understand the reference.
James,
I think you’d be a great Auror. Everyone in school knows you’re the best dueler. Well, you and Sirius might be tied as best.
I also think you’d be great at legal aid. You are really good at emotional support. I think all your other friends would agree.
It is so sad that they shut down your grandad’s organization. I think we need it now more than ever. But I understand why people would be hesitant to open it again. It just makes me so mad that the world can be so cruel. I wish I could do something about it, too.
My plan hasn’t changed. I still want to work for an apothecary and make medicinal potions. Slughorn has already introduced me to some potioneers. Hopefully, all those Slug Club parties will be worth it, and I’ll get a job offer before leaving Hogwarts.
Love,
Lily
P.S. My middle name isn’t Marie. Why did you think it was?
Lily,
Let me know if you ever need a friend at the Slug Club parties. I personally won’t attend because the parties are littered with Slytherins, and I would hate to ruin your career aspirations by accidentally hitting a bigot in the face. Pete is always up for a free meal, so I’ll send him along with you.
I admire the way you can keep going to those meetings, though. It must be difficult. I wish our career options didn’t rely so heavily on networking. I’ve told you once, and I’ll keep telling you if you let me, but my dad would be happy to facilitate some introductions for you.
Your incredibly impressed friend,
James
P.S. What is your middle name?
James,
Have you started the ancient runes assignment yet? My translations don’t make any sense. If you don’t mind, I’ve included my draft. Could you look it over?
Mum and I went to Birmingham to see a summer concert. We might go to the coast next week. It's been nice, just my mum and me this summer. I never really realized how much we catered to Petunia’s needs before. I miss her, but she really does suck the joy out of the room. I think Mum is having an easier time now that she doesn’t have to worry if she gives one of us preferential treatment. I know she wishes we’d all get along.
I’ve been thinking lately about how when I was little, I used to jump of this swing set at the park, and I’d jump off really high, higher than any of the other kids. It would freak my mum and Petunia out. I know now that I was doing magic to make me fly, but I didn’t realize it at the time. I loved that swing set. I loved flying off it, that split second when your stomach drops before you land back on the ground. I wanted to go higher. But Petunia would scream at me. She was always scared.
Do you think wizards and witches have a different sense of danger? Maybe because of our ability to do magic, we are more genetically inclined to test limits and think dangerous things are fun. Or maybe our friend group is a little weird, even for the magical community. I don't know anyone else who hangs out with a werewolf once a month.
Love,
Lily
P.S. I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours
Lily,
You’re using the wrong dictionary for your translation. We have to get a new one for our seventh year. Have you gone to Diagon Alley yet? I can send you my dictionary if you haven’t.
I went to Wales this past weekend to watch a quidditch match with Remus. You should come to a game sometime. It is nothing like a match at Hogwarts. It is incredible! Falmouth was playing in Wales, so I had to drag Moony to gloat in his face when we won. It turns out the Catapults are actually pretty decent this year, though. Falmouth got the snitch, but it was only to end our misery. Catapults crushed us.
Have you ever met Moony’s dad? You wouldn’t think so by looking at the man, but he once punched a werewolf in the jaw. Incredible bloke. He goes all over the country capturing boggarts. What are you afraid of if you have to face your fears every day?
Why have we never gone flying together? Do you have a broom? I’m going to get one of the new Comets that just came out, so if you don’t have a broom, you can borrow my old one. The school brooms are shit.
Your friend in flight,
James
P.S.I can give you a clue about my middle name: it starts with an F
James,
Ohh, I feel so stupid! I haven’t gone to Diagon Alley yet. When are you going to London next? Maybe it's time for me to see Sirius’s new flat. Tell me, how many days of the week do you visit Sirius? Two times? Three times? Have you left your beloved countryside to permanently reside in a flat with a motorcycle and no furniture?
I’m at the library currently looking at a baby name book, trying to figure out your middle name.
Frederick? Francis? Finnley? (that one would be a great name for a dog!) Fletcher?
You are a pureblood, but your name isn't wizardish at all, now that I think about it. I have to think outside the box.
Felix? Februus? Fiero? Fabious?
I don’t have a broom. They are very expensive. I would love to fly more, though. I haven’t really had the opportunity since our first year flying lessons. I guess Hogwarts is only concerned with the physical fitness of eleven-year-olds. You don’t have to lend me a broom, though, I can use a school broom, I don’t mind.
Love,
Lily
Lily,
Oh, how I wish my name were Februus! That’s a fantastic name. I’ll save it away for future use. You never know when you need to come up with an alternate identity on the fly. Or an imaginary person to blame a prank gone awry on. Filch is still hunting the ever-evasive Ransford Crunchbum who sprayed the fourth-floor west corridor with permanent sticky powder.
My middle name is Fleamont, which is my dad’s name. Apparently, he used to get teased something dreadful about it when he was in school. He got really good at dueling, so people learned not to tease him, or they’d find themselves in the hospital wing.
Sirius’ motorbike is fantastic! You have to go for a ride when you’re in London. It is much more useful than a kitchen table.
And I will have you know Sirius is over to mine far more than I am at his. To be honest, I think it's my mum’s cooking. There is only so much takeaway a man can eat.
That being said. I am currently writing this on the roof of Sirius’ flat. I can see Big Ben. No stars, though. Cities are rubbish because you can never see the stars.
Your friend, not named Februus,
James
James,
That’s what Monty stands for? I always thought it was Montgomery.
Did you see that Minister Minchum placed more dementors at Azkaban? That feels like cruel punishment. Doesn’t the International Confederation have statutes against prisoner abuse? If Minchum thinks that will deter Death Eater activity, he’s fooling himself.
Love,
Lily
Lily,
I think Baldr is getting frustrated with this constant letter-writing we are doing. He pecked my head quite fiercely and wouldn’t come down from his perch for a full day and night.
The ICW is useless. Their main purpose is promoting peace, which you know I’m all in favor of, but they aren’t allowed to undermine the jurisdiction of any wizarding government’s sovereignty. This makes sense legally, but functionally, it means they cannot enforce any of their statutes.
I’m hoping Minchum loses the next election. There are Death Eater sympathizers in the Wizengamot, and the Minister just lets them pass the most dragon-shit discriminatory laws. Is he incapable of picking up a quill and using his veto?
I’ve neglected to keep you updated on my reading. I finished Pride and Prejudice and Emma. I enjoyed Emma more. Something about a stubborn and self-assured protagonist appealed to me. I’m now reading Dracula, which is hilarious. Do muggles really think vampires are repealed by crucifixes?
Your bibliophile friend,
James F. Potter
P.S. You are not holding up your end of the bargain. What’s your middle name? Gertrude? Henrietta? Meryl?
James,
Have you got your booklist yet? I feel like it usually arrives by now.
I think you should still consider going into law even if you can’t work at your grandad’s clinic. It's not as thrilling and adrenaline-pumping as being an auror, but you seem to care so much about the responsibility of public service.
Love,
Lily
P.S. My middle name is Jane.
Dear Miss Lily Jane Evans,
I am writing to confirm that I have, in fact, received my Hogwarts book list for the year. Included was the notice of my Gryffindor Quidditch Captain renewal.
Enclosed was also a notification that I have been selected as Head Boy. This, of course, has caused shock waves around the Potter household. One Mr. Sirius Orion Black, who was over for Sunday tea when the letters arrived, is on the record as laughing so hard he choked on his cucumber sandwich until the steadfast Euphemia Potter summoned the offending sandwich from his throat.
Mr. Remus John Lupin reported via owl post to be incredibly relieved that he was not chosen for the position as he can barely manage to attend his prefect duties on time. Mr. Potter has assured Mr. Lupin that the new prefect schedules will align more with Mr. Lupin’s frequent need for rest.
Mr. Peter Patrick Pettigrew wrote to say he is extremely disappointed in Mr. Potter for becoming a responsible git. “How will the final year at Hogwarts be any fun now?” he is quoted as saying. Mr. Potter thinks Mr. Pettigrew has a point. (When did I trick people into thinking I am a responsible student?)
Of course, Euphemia and Fleamont Potter are over the moon at the selection and have, I assume with a great amount of unbias, said that it was a wise choice by the Hogwarts faculty, and they are both incredibly proud of their son.
Yours Sincerely,
James Fleamont Potter
Hogwarts Transfiguration Club, President
Hogwarts Dueling Champion; 1975, 1976
Transfiguration Today, Student Contributor
Gryffindor Quidditch, Captain
Hogwarts Head Boy
James!!! That is amazing!! I am so proud of you!!
And want to know the best part? I’ve been selected as Head Girl!! We will get to do our duties together. I am so happy. I was worried it would have been some awful Slytherin that I would have to hex every time a meeting ended.
We should celebrate our joint headship. Do you want to meet in London for school shopping and lunch next week?
Love,
Lily Jane Evans
Hogwarts Potion Society, President
Hogwarts Head Girl
Lily,
It would be my absolute honor to join you in London to celebrate our joint headship.
(Also, as a prefect for the past two years, you can tell me what exactly a head student does.)
Congratulations on the appointment. You really deserve it.
Looking forward to seeing you in person.
Your friend who is actually a bit nervous about being head boy, but please don’t make fun of him or tell Padfoot,
James
James sat on the floor in Sirius’ London flat with his brow furrowed, holding a letter from Lily Evans in his hands while Sirius lounged on the red sofa before him, twirling his wand between his fingers with a disinterested look on his face.
James peered at the parchment once more, rereading Lily's words. "Do you think it's a date, Pads?" he asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice as he ran one hand through his messy hair.
Sirius groaned and hid his face in his hands. "How many times are we going to dissect Evans’ letters? I feel like this has consumed my entire holiday."
"But she signs her name with 'love,'" James protested, a hopeful glint in his eyes.
Sirius sat up straight, leaned over to where James was sitting, and ripped the letter out of his hand. "She does that with everyone. You should read the letters she sends me."
“No, I couldn’t. That would be a violation of her trust,” James joined Sirius on the couch and took back his letter.
“But having me read her letters to you isn’t a violation of trust?”
“That’s different. You are actively helping me not be an idiot. It is a public service.”
“Well, Mr. Head Idiot, I think Lily is very affectionate and likes to express her love to everyone.”
James sighed, running a hand through his messy hair again. "I don't know, Pads. In her letter on July 31, she said –"
"I know," Sirius held up his hand to silence James. "You've made me read her letters so many times I can practically recite them in my sleep."
"I just... I don't want to mess it up, Pads. I really like being her friend," James admitted with great earnestness that James had to admit to himself was kind of embarrassing. Why was he so worked up about meeting Lily for lunch? They’ve hung out many times during the school year. Why was this any different?
Sirius leaned back onto the couch, resting an ankle on his knee while a thoughtful expression crossed his features. "Look, Prongs, whether it's a date or a shopping trip, the important thing is that you're spending time together. Just be yourself, and if it's meant to be more than a friendly outing, it'll happen naturally."
James rested his head on the back of the couch to stare at the chipped paint on the ceiling. “Just promise me one thing, Padfoot?”
“Anything, Prongs.”
“If I make a complete fool of myself, just push me off the train before we return to school.”
“Of course, Prongs. It would be my honor.”
The air in London was filled with a warm summer breeze as Lily and James strolled along the river bank. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, casting a golden glow that reflected in the glass windows of the city buildings.
James’ nerves about his lunch outing with Lily quickly vanished when they met earlier that day. Upon seeing each other, Lily gave a wide grin and embraced him in a welcoming hug. James was instantly calmed and felt rather silly fretting for the entire week leading up to the lunch.
After spending the entire afternoon in Diagon Alley, Lily suggested they go out and see muggle London, and their lunch outing turned into lunch and dinner. They then encountered the excellent addition of dessert as they agreed to enjoy some ice cream while strolling along the banks of the river. It didn’t escape James’ mind that he felt both he and Lily were finding excuses to prolong their day together as their steps around the city got slower, and the ice cream slowly melted onto his hand as he took his time eating it, savoring its sweetness as he walked beside Lily, their shoulders brushing occasionally.
“So, has Sirius converted you to being a city boy yet?” Lily licked the melting chocolate ice cream around the cone and looked up at James.
“I’ll admit, the city has its perks, but alas, I think I truly am destined to reside in the country.”
“Well, you could always live in the suburbs like Petunia and Vernon.”
“I’d rather live with Hagrid in his hut and eat his inedible rock cakes.”
This quip caused Lily to laugh. James loved her laugh. Lily’s laugh had a soft and musical quality that resonated with genuine happiness. It was not loud or boisterous like Sirius’s laugh but rather an infectious, tender, lilting sound that spread a positive warmth all over James. He wondered how many times Lily laughed out loud while reading his letters.
“You have ice cream all over your hands, you know. Just look at the state of you!” James looked down at his hands where Lily pointed and noticed that he did, in fact, have ice cream all over his hands and running down his arms. He all of a sudden felt sticky.
“Come here,” Lily beckoned, and James took a couple of steps closer to Lily. She grabbed his hands and pulled out her wand, and with a quick “Scourgif,” he was clean again.
“Thank you,” James sheepishly smiled at her while they continued their walk.
After a few minutes of comfortable silence and watching the boats putter along the water, he looked down and realized that their hands were still intertwined from when Lily cleaned up the ice cream. A small smile played on his lips as he glanced at Lily, who seemed just as content as he was.
"You know," Lily began, leaning against the half wall of the embankment, "I really enjoyed your letters this summer. It's strange, though. I missed hearing your voice."
James chuckled, squeezing her hand a bit tighter, as long as she didn’t protest he didn’t feel the need to let go. "Yeah, I get that. It's not quite the same as talking in person, is it?"
Lily grinned, and James felt a warmth spread through him, giving him the courage to step closer to her. He could smell the chocolate ice cream on her breath.
"You've become my favorite person to talk to," James admitted, looking at her green eyes. He could see himself reflected in her pupils, and he brought one hand to stroke her cheek as he heard her take a sharp inhale of breath.
“Really?” Lily licked her lips and looked up at James.
James nodded, “Yeah, you really have.”
And without another word, James leaned in, closing the gap between them, and their lips met in a sweet, lingering kiss that tasted a bit like chocolate. In that quick moment, the world seemed to fade away. James could no longer hear the sirens of emergency vehicles or the random chatter of passing pedestrians. The world was only the two of them.
They pulled back, laughter bubbling between them. James felt a confident grin grow on his face when, to James’ utter delight, Lily wrapped her arms around his neck and nudged him down for another kiss.
And another.
And another.
And James was in pure oblivion because of all his dreaming and pining for Lily through his teenage years. Actually, kissing her, feeling her laugh, and hearing her sigh as he wound his hands through her thick soft hair was better than he had ever imagined.
“James?” She broke away, gasping slightly for air.
“Yeah, Lil?” He kept his eyes closed and rested his forehead against hers, smiling softly.
“I think you’re my favorite person to talk to, too.”
James,
Thank you for a wonderful day in London!
I’m absolutely longing to see you again. I’m trying my best not to act too excited for September to get here because I know Mum will be lonely again when I leave, but I must have packed and unpacked my trunk at least seven times already out of the anticipation of seeing you again.
Love always,
Lily
Lily,
I’m trying my best not to sound like an overly sappy berk. I blame you and those girly books you recommended to me. I think I’ll have to do something manly like spit off the roof of Padfoot’s flat.
Is it too much to say I miss you already? I can’t wait to see you again. When will you arrive in London for the train back to school? I was thinking we could meet before Kings Cross for breakfast.
Affectionally yours,
James