The Marauders: Year One (female)

58. The Dark Lord Knows All

Dear Lillian,

Again, I'm sorry about Sirius. I did sort of ask them not to do stuff like that in the letter I wrote to all of them together, but as usual, the Headless God of Gryffindor, the white Black sheep, Barbarossa Brocklewank -- whatever they're calling her these days -- has seen fit to ignore my invalid's requests. Please don't feel the need to show her anything. She's a nosy prat, and although she means well, she shouldn't be getting involved in your business. That's really bogue.

And I'm not surprised about the radio thing. Four months into living with Muggleborns all around us, and she still can't get used to the fact that Muggle pictures don't move. I once saw her trying to torture Marius's t-shirt with the picture of John Lennon, to get him to move. She poked a sharp quill into his eyes, until they were all scratched out. I don't think poor Marius was very happy about that. Wizards can be so childish sometimes.

Lillian laughed, remembering that shirt. Marius hadn't spoken to Sirius for about a week.

I miss them all, but for the first time, hearing about what they've done to our poor room, I'm glad not to be there. It must be sheer chaos. Poor House-Elves who have to clean up after them! Sometimes I wonder if the Elves really want to be cleaning up after us, or if they're just brainwashed. I mean, what were they doing before they started serving wizards? We haven't been here since the dawn of time, and I'm pretty sure they weren't created for the sole purpose of serving us. No one is.

Lillian nodded approvingly, making a mental note to pay a visit to the House-Elves and check if they were happy or not.

Oh, well. I don't suppose there's much we can do. Two young wizards against centuries of Wizarding Society.

I've never even heard of this Invisibility Cloak. It must be something new. In the hands of Sirius Black and Jamie Potter, the only thing it can mean is trouble. And you should warn Mason. He doesn't know what he'd be getting himself into. I pity all men the day Sirius Black decides she wants to get married. They should try sharing a room with her for a term. See how they like her then. WARN MASON.

Keep an eye on them, and don't let Sirius start any more cults, please. I've got enough to worry about, what with bites from evil Thestrals. You can be my best man, don't worry.

Missing you too, Remus.

Lillian put the letter away and shooed Alex, who had been trying to read the letter from over his shoulder, away. He had no intention whatsoever of letting Sirius go anywhere near Mason, particularly after what had happened with Benjy. The poor boy was still being laughed at wherever he went.

There had been no reply from Patrick, regrettably. And still no mail from his parents. When McGonagall came around with the list of those staying over the holidays, he would be sure not to put his name down, even if he was unwanted at home, if just to find out what in the ruddy hell was going on with his mail. Patrick's frosty silence would not stop him from returning.

Speaking of frosty, the weather around the castle was positively abysmal. The clouds were dark and heavy, and a biting wind blew its way around in the dungeons, making Potions an extremely unpleasant affair. That, and the awkward silences he was sharing with Severa more and more often. They hadn't spoken properly in ages. Perhaps Severa would also return home on the Hogwarts Express with him, and there, away from the judgemental eyes of the Slytherins, he and she could rekindle their friendship, and discuss the whole Legilimency conundrum more. And of course, the dark goings-on in the bowels of the castle.

But that was another story. For now, Lillian would settle on persuading his wayward friend to join him on the way home when he saw her in class later.