Summer in Paris // Cedric Diggory

4. Jamie

June 15th.

Dear Ava,

I'm so sorry for running from you on the platform that day. As you know, it's been a troubling few months and after that night that I nearly forced myself on you, I couldn't bear to look you in the face. All it did was remind me of the person I used to be, how we used to be. I was not myself, and I hope you can recognize that.

I was looking through photo albums yesterday and came across a photo of that time we went to the zoo as kids. You had no idea I was a wizard and neither of us had any idea you were a witch. My parents took us through the butterfly cage and one of those bright blue ones landed on the tip of your nose. I remember the smile that spread across your face. You were so excited because butterflies were your favorite animal.

It's been bothering me especially because I don't know whether they are still your favorite. It's like we're strangers to one another. Strangers with years of memories. And I hate that more than anything.

I miss you. I miss us. I hope that you're able to forgive me and perhaps we can know each other once more when we return to school.

Jamie

-

June 19th.

Jamie,

I was so happy to receive your letter because I would love nothing more. It feels wrong to be so distant from someone who's always meant so much to me. Your family took me in as if I were their own when my parents felt me too much of a burden and I am forever grateful.

I remember that zoo trip quite fondly, but I think our memories are quite different. You wanted so badly to see the tigers, but we had to go through the butterfly enclosure to get there. If I'm not mistaken, you were absolutely terrified of them and clung to my hand the entire way through. A butterfly did land on my nose and I was so excited about it, begging your parents to take a photo of me, but you swatted it away to "protect" me.

That's what you've always done, protect me, so how can I blame you when you live through the hardest year of your life and make a mistake or two? I know you didn't mean it.

Forever your friend,

Ava

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June 24th.

Ava,

I'm so glad that we can put this all in the past, but there is no way that your memory is even slightly correct. I wasn't and have never been terrified of butterflies. That would be something very embarrassing. I can't even imagine the kind of wimp that would have such a fear. I can't tell whether or not you can sense the sarcasm through the letter, but they are menacing creatures that have malicious intent and only sane people would think them terrifying.

If you find my very justifiable fear so amusing, then I would like to bring up the time at the neighborhood party at the Roberts's house when we were 9 when your bathing suit bottoms fell down and everyone saw your bare ass. That was the reddest I have ever seen your face and you hid in my closet for three hours in pure humiliation.

My dad misses seeing you around the house. It's been so long. Hopefully you'll be able to meet again one day.

Jamie

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June 29th.

Jamie,

I had completely forgotten about that and think it rather rude for you to bring something like that up. I remember being so utterly humiliated because John Gates was there and I had the biggest crush on him. The next day at school was terrible. Nobody even had the decency of laughing behind my back, they just did it to my face. Your mom made me the biggest chocolate cake that night, the kind that melts in your mouth. She knew I was upset and that chocolate was my favorite, so she left work early that day to bake one for me so it would be there when you and I got back from school. I miss her.

Cedric and I are staying in Paris right now and I would love it if you could come one day. Since you can't apparate yet, I've tied the teacup portkey to Aster's leg for you to use whenever you'd like. I just know you would love the city. Please don't hesitate to visit.

Hopefully see you soon,

Ava