Chapter Text
Mr. Lupin,
On behalf of Former Heir Sirius Orion, I hasten to inform you that he is no longer of The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black, at 12 Grimmauld Place.
Further attempts at correspondence with him to this address would be inadvisable. The retaliation of certain parties in this residence, should anything addressed to him be discovered by them, could prove to be…quite catastrophic for his continued peaceful existence, despite it being elsewhere.
You may wish to enquire with The Potter Estate for further information on his current whereabouts.
Regretfully,
Heir Regulus Black
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Regulus,
Thank you for letting me know that Sirius made it out. I was beginning to worry about him and wasn’t sure if I should write to him first or if I should wait for him to owl me.
I’m surprised he didn’t take you with him when he ran away. Why didn’t you join him? He’s probably sick with worry for you living there by yourself with them.
I’ve heard James talk about it, and I know that we would all be there in a heartbeat if you wanted to get out and needed the help. The Potters definitely have room for you too, and would welcome you with open arms. That’s just how they are.
There is never any shame in asking for help if you need it.
Let me know if there is something I can do, or if you ever change your mind.
I really hope you do.
Sincerely,
Remus Lupin
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Moony,
I made it! The Potters took me in and they’re treating me like I’m their own son. I can finally breathe!
They even had a bedroom already set up for me, just in case I really came.
I’ve been staying in James’s room though most nights because it’s like a 24/7 sleepover. Just admit it, you’re jealous.
Anyway, Effie says you and Pete can come for the week before the train if you want and she can take us all to Diagon in one go.
My hand is cramping. I’m off.
-Sirius
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Pads,
I’m glad you’re settling in okay! I won’t be able to make it to the Potters this break, but you’re absolutely right that I’m jealous!
Cut the crap though.
Regulus didn’t leave with you and you thought I wouldn’t notice when you didn’t mention it in your letter.
I know you enough by now to realize that it’s not the problems you talk about that bother you most. It’s the ones you pretend don’t exist.
This has to be killing you, you adore your little brother. Don’t keep your feelings bottled up. James, Pete, and I are all here for you.
-Moony
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Remus,
Your estimation of my values and capabilities is astounding. I would never abandon my responsibility the way that Sirius has.
“While I see that there is nothing wrong in what one does, I see that there is something wrong in what one becomes.”
Sirius has become something I refuse to replicate.
As touching as your concerns have been, kindly fuck off.
Regards,
Regulus
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Regulus,
I’m sorry for making assumptions. I just wanted you to know that the offer stands, indefinitely.
I respect you, and your choices.
To be completely honest, I just want to make sure you’re okay.
Sirius has told me about some of the things he endured with your parents, and I made the assumption that you’d want to get out too. In truth though, my understanding of the situation is limited, and my own perspective is irrelevant anyway.
You know yourself best, and it is said that, “What fire does not destroy, it hardens”, so perhaps that is your goal. Who am I to suggest your next course of action? I apologize for having done that.
The question still stands though…why would you stay?
Warm Regards,
Remus
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Lupin,
I will admit, I was surprised to find you quoting Wilde back to me in your last letter. I did not know that Sirius had any friends with cognitive function beyond the lizard brain. Perhaps there is hope for him yet.
To answer your question, “To each of us different fates are meted out. My lot has been one of public infamy, of long imprisonment, of misery, of ruin, of disgrace, but I am not worthy of it—not yet, at any rate”
If I am to accomplish anything with my life, I must do it from beneath the mantle of The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black.
Respectfully,
Regulus
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Regulus,
Don’t pretend your brother isn’t just as classically educated as you are. He’s read authors as pretentious as Oscar Wilde too. He’s actually the one who leant me The Picture of Dorian Gray for the first time. Though I think he’d kill me for mentioning it. He loves to pretend he’s too cool for academics all together.
Why does your life have to be defined by fate? ”To define, is to limit”. What is destiny if not a destination? Choices at each crossroads are what bring us to it, and choices are unlimited.
The only thing about staying there that makes any sense, is that you must have a specific goal you want to achieve, and your position in your house, with your status and name and whatever else, makes it more possible to achieve.
About that goal…does Sirius know of it?
Your Friend,
Remus
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Remus,
I know why they call you Moony. It’s clearly because your head is in the clouds. It’s honestly endearing that you can look at life and see so many choices laid before you.
When I look at my life, I see one outcome, and the mirage of choices that all lead to one destination.
Speaking of choices, this weekend there will be a Solstice Gala that is hosted here in Grimmauld. I am faced with the most tedious of decisions that perhaps you can help me with, as my friend—if your sign off on your last letter was indeed genuine.
Should I wear the satin black tie, or the cotton black tie, with my suit?
I dare say, a dilemma, to end all dilemmas.
In the meantime, ”I have hills far steeper to climb, valleys much darker to pass through” before I come to a juncture where any decisions I make bear significant consequence.
Sincerely,
Regulus
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B,
Bring me Dragon’s Blood when you come over tonight.
Snakeface is still monitoring our inventory since his potions lab is in our basement.
I have a new idea I want to try but I can’t risk them noticing that anything is missing.
R
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R,
Consider it done baby boo.
Wear that little lacey number you know I like *wink*
B
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B,
I swear to God Barty, if you call me that again I will castrate you and feed you your own testicles in front of your boyfriend.
R
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R
Don’t threaten me with a good time….baby boo boo.
B
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Heir Black,
I am writing to inquire about the shipment of wolfsbane potion requested by The Dark Lord.
Is it nearing completion? The upcoming full moon is nine days away, and the potion must be administered for seven full days leading up to the moon to be effective.
I intend to send a party to pick it up from your estate tomorrow, if it is ready for delivery.
Cordially,
Heir Malfoy
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Regulus,
I’m sure you will look just as monochromatic in both ties. Perhaps if you wear a nice pair of black oxfords to spice things up, the evening will be less boring.
Your Friend,
Remus
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Remus,
The guests would be scandalized, “between the famous and the infamous there is but one step”, and mine will be clad in black.
Warmly,
Regulus
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Heir Malfoy,
The potions are complete.
There is no need to send a party tomorrow, I have had Kreacher deliver them to you directly just now.
Please write to confirm receipt.
Respectfully,
Heir Black
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Heir Black,
Your house elf left the crate of potions at the bottom of our entryway staircase and Mother nearly tripped over it on her way down to breakfast.
In the future, please allow my staff to retrieve the shipment from you.
Kindly,
Heir Malfoy
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Heir Malfoy,
Thank you for confirming the delivery was received.
Sincerely,
Heir Black
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R,
How’d the experiment go?
B
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B,
Come over before the Gala, I have to show you something.
R
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Heir Black,
On behalf of House Malfoy, I wish to extend our gratitude to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black for hosting us last week at your Solstice Gala. It was an enjoyable evening indeed.
Upon receipt from the werewolf clans and their reports from the full moon, I think you will be pleased to hear that the wolfsbane potion you provided was of outstanding quality and was administered flawlessly. This is likely to earn us both good favor from The Dark Lord.
I did overhear some concerning information however, during my correspondence with Greyback. Perhaps you can shed some light on the matter.
Greyback mentioned that you have been in touch with an unfamiliar wolf. He said that he was able to catch a faint scent of him from you at the Gala.
I’m sure it was nothing more than the brush of elbows on the street earlier in the day, but I wanted you to be aware of it—in case it is brought to the attention of our Master and followed up on.
Your Ally,
Heir Malfoy
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R,
Do you plan on using your new formula for the batch you deliver next month?
B
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B,
I used it this month. It was a resounding success. Couldn’t have done it without your help! Thanks for the ingredients.
That aside, something happened at the gala and I need to talk to you in person.
R
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Regulus,
How was the party?
I apologize that I haven’t written to you in the past couple of days, I was under the weather and couldn’t find the energy to write. I’m doing a bit better now though so I thought I’d send you an owl.
Did you know that stags shed and regrow their antlers every single year? I just learned that the other day. Also, dogs have three eyelids! It sounds like a really bizarre idea but it’s true! Another thing I learned that I was surprised about, is that rats can actually swim! I don’t know why but it never occurred to me that they could do that. Their legs are just so little compared to their bodies it seems like they’d sink like a lump of coal or something.
I’m still in bed recovering from my illness, so I’ve got a fair amount of time on my hands. I should spend it studying for next year’s potions curriculum. It’s not my strongest subject by far.
Sirius mentioned you’re fair at potions. Got any tips for a friend?
Your Friend,
Remus
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Remus,
The gala was an interesting event, to say the least. I was congratulated on its success a number of times throughout the evening despite my complete lack of involvement in its planning whatsoever.
That being said, I was also confronted by someone aggressively due to their suspicions that I was cavorting with someone quite forbidden, which was equal parts disconcerting as it was amusing.
Likewise, I’m not sure whether to be disconcerted or amused now— by the strange trivia that you’ve learned, and the fact that you chose to share them with me, of all people.
I send my sympathies that you are unwell, and wish you a speedy recovery. I too will not be as frequent with my letters in the coming weeks. It seems there are people hoping to prevent me from my secret correspondences, or at the very least unveil the identity of my mysterious new friend. Rest assured, I will take precautions to keep them in an infinite state of disappointment and bafflement. “Now I find hidden somewhere away in my nature something that tells me that nothing in the whole world is meaningless“.
Sirius was right. I am a passionate student in the science of potion-making. You are older than me, what is on your syllabus for the upcoming term? Perhaps I can share some insights if I know more specifically what you need them on.
Sincerely,
Regulus
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R,
Heard anything more about your new friend? Ev says his family heard the gossip that G-back assaulted you at the gala and demanded to know who you’d been meeting with but most people are brushing it off and citing that G-string was just on edge because of the moon.
Fucker should have been grateful to you for that brew you invented. Stopped his whole transformation from even happening! Stopped all of them from transforming on the moon, or at least that’s the word on the street.
Hope you’re charging them an arm and a leg for that shit. If not, I can come by and start severing limbs next month to collect on what they owe you.
This letter is getting too long for me. Pretty soon you’ll be checking me into ‘mungo’s for talking too much but I swear to Salazar I was not hit by a babbling curse.
Right.
I’ll shut up now.
I talk when I’m nervous.
Promise me you’re okay?
B
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B,
I’m fine. All is well. Stop worrying.
Also, I would not object to some help next month in collecting on the flesh of those who owe it to me.
R
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Regulus,
It’s been a few weeks since your letter to me, and even so not much is going on so there’s not much to write about on my end. Hope all is well with you.
Sirius is fixing up an old muggle motorbike, and talking about it like it’s a woman he’s in a relationship with. Whenever he says anything like, “she’s a beauty” with that far-off look in his eye and a deep sigh in his voice I can almost imagine what you would have to say about it and it makes me laugh. The lads all think I’m losing my mind because of it, and they don’t know we write to each other so I can hardly say, “Oh, my Shoulder-Reggie is just making fun of Sirius”.
Looking forward to being back at Hogwarts?
Train leaves in a week and I couldn’t be happier.
Maybe because I have the high ambition to make funny faces at you from across the great hall when nobody's looking.
About potions, I really need help with how and why certain minerals react to certain ingredients in one potion but not others. I mess up on that part every single time and I don’t know what the hell I’m doing wrong.
Your Friend,
Remus
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