Chapter Text
Harry -
Remember this day, July first, as the day I stop adding a title before Dumbledore's name. Shocking, I know, but he deserves it.
Maybe I should start at the beginning, when I tried sending you my first letter by owl. My parents were already going to London for a conference, so I only had to make my way back home to Reading on my own. (Have I told you that's where I live? Only, I don't remember it coming up before.) Anyway, instead of a reply from you, I was most surprised to see my letter returned, with its wax seal broken, and an addition in the bottom from the Headmaster in purple ink, telling me how unsafe my letter would have been if it'd gotten to you first.
Did you know that your mail isn't being sent to you directly? Is that a common thing? Wait. Don't answer that. Surely, you wouldn't know.
So this is a test, sent through the Royal Mail; I decided to listen to the letter rather than the spirit of Dumbledore's command. Honestly, I don't know why I forgot that I could send you mail the regular way. My parents reminded me that I didn't use an owl after first year either, though you didn't reply to those, so I still need to test if you'll get this one.
I'm worried that since the Dursleys weren't expecting this, they might not have enough stamps. So I've enclosed an extra stamp, in case that's why you haven't responded before. And I'll send more next time if I've heard from you. Because, no matter what, I'll write to you every day, even if I end up mailing them in batches.
No one should be alone after what you went through; no matter what Dumbledore says.