Death's Mediator

Pen pals and attacks

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter XII

1992 – January 12th, Hogwarts, Scotland

Six days hand gone by since everyone had returned from the holidays and Vera was wishing that break hadn't ended. Nothing much had happened though the Gryffindor wonder triad seemed to be becoming agitated as the days so by, Vera could clearly see that they weren't any closer to discovering Nicolas Flame than they were before break, though Eddy came back a little pudgier than before and Vera could see a bit of ashes that he clearly wasn't able to clean off, no doubt burning the weasley sweater that he got, that the others were wearing during the Christmas feast.

But they weren't the most important thing to her. Now that she had gotten the sorcerer's stone out of the school, she only needed to focus on her school work and where she and her sister would be going for the summer. Instead of focusing on the Mirror of Erised, she thought of ways to get housing for her and her sister without letting any adults know so that they won't be forced back to the orphanage. Inquiry letters to Gringotts about properties were written alongside the essays for her classes, Vera was only waiting for the weather to clear a little more before sending Hedwig off into the storm again.

Though there was something else that she was thinking about. Her reply to lord Slytherin's letter.

Just thinking about it reminded her of the day that she received the letter.

Flashback

Vera took a bite of the apple in her head as she watched all the returning students smile and laugh and act as if they haven't seen each other in decades instead of weeks and even then someone them probably saw each other just yesterday or a week and half ago. Classes wouldn't start till Monday, so they were all still happy and gleeful not thinking about the work load that most of them probably hadn't even touched. Then the flapping of wings drew her attention from the crowd around her to the open window for the owls to come and go with the morning mail. But the one that caught her attention was a pure black eagle owl that landed in front of her.

It was regal, no doubt a trait that his owner has as well. His gold eyes had a sort of malicious glint to his eyes and Vera fell in love with him almost immediately. She tore apart pieces of toasted bread to give to him along with a single slice of bacon. Untying the letter from his claw, Vera cooed and smiled amused as he preened at the attention and affection she was giving him.

With a second slice of bacon the owl flew off back to his master if Vera's feeling was correct, and she was rarely wrong. The sealed parchment was heavy in her hands, gently and carefully placed it off to the side of her bag so that she could read it later when there are less busy bodies that are snooping in her business.

It wouldn't be until later that night after dinner that Vera would be able to read the letter. Though she was ashamed to admit it, but she was glad that she was alone when she read the first line or else someone might have seen her jaw drop at the unexpected author.

Dear Mrs. Peverell,

Though you have been most gracious in informing me of our impending relationship, I loath to admit that I am uncomfortable in addressing you by your first name without proper consent from you yourself. I also must say that there was a moment of surprise in uncovering your unexpected gift, though it was a welcomed surprise. I would ask how you gained such a priceless artifact? I did not presume anything as you are still prepubescent, though a continued correspondence would be appreciated.

Lord Voldemort

Vera stared at the letter for several seconds, surprised that the dark lord even wrote her.