The Clockwork Locket || SIRIUS BLACK

The Invitation

20 December 1975

Dearest Prongs,

It's been approximately 48 hours since we departed from Platform 9 ¾, and I am utterly bored. I've been hiding out in my room since we've gotten back, mostly to avoid Mother's incessant cursing and nagging. I think Father's gone through about four bottles of firewhiskey in the meantime, and I'm starting to worry about his liver. Not really. I'd find it ironic if he died from alcoholism, so cheers to that.

Anyway, enough about my dazzling home life and charming family. I was actually writing to you to see if you had heard from Cassie at all. I told her to write me if things got rough over at her place, but I was thinking about it and maybe thought she had misunderstood it to mean that she could write any of us? I'm sending letters to Moony and Wormtail, as well, but I just wanted to be sure. You'd tell me if she wrote you, yeah?

Yours truly,

Padfoot

xx

21 December 1975

My darling Padfoot,

I can't believe it's taken this long for you to write me! Honestly, mate, usually I receive a letter from you within the first 24 hours! This is truly unacceptable.

Dad's been busy at the office most of the time, which means Mum is making me clean and help her prepare for Christmas dinner (and before you ask, yes, we'll be saving you leftovers). Dunno why she's making me do all this, though; I mean, we have a house-elf for a reason, but I guess she likes to feel good about herself during the holidays or whatnot. Speaking of which, my parents are fine with you coming to stay with us after Christmas again. Mum says you can stay however long you like, too.

And before you jump down my throat about it, no, I haven't heard from Cassie. Has Moony replied yet? If she were to write any of us, it might be him. (And Pads, just a little word of advice...don't sound so desperate next time, yeah?)

Let me know whether you can stay or not! I'll try and get Moony and Wormtail out here, too, that way the whole gang's here.

Best,

Prongs

xx

21 December 1975

Dear Padfoot,

I thought we agreed that you would at least try to use Muggle mail when you wanted to write me? Your owl scared the living daylights out of my mum, and now she keeps looking at the kitchen window like she's afraid something's going to come through it and eat her.

Sorry to hear about your mum and dad; they're both slimy gits anyway, so it's probably best you stay clear. (Please don't let them find out what I just said.) Did Prongs write you about spending the rest of the holiday at his place? My mum doesn't really like the idea of me leaving so soon after Christmas, but she usually listens to me, so I'll probably end up going, anyway.

I haven't heard from Cassie, either. Sorry, mate. You sure she hasn't written you yet? (Also, are any of you getting her something for Christmas? I want to, but if the rest of you aren't, I don't think I will. It'd be a bit awkward you know?)

Anyway, happy holidays, and see you soon!

From,

Wormtail

xx

22 December 1975

Padfoot—