Teamwork

8 -- Letters

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July 21, 1997

Draco,

On the recommendation of the person who brought you this letter, I went to a Seer, hoping to get some information that would help us with strategy. The divination was less successful than we had hoped. We used my blood, for obvious reasons, but that caused the Seer to pick up more information about me than about the target, because of the mingled blood. She said we might be able to work with the blood of a fresh victim, or maybe with unicorn's blood. Neither, obviously, is acceptable to me.

Once she was convinced that I would not return to her with either of those things, she made one additional suggestion -- that someone with the Sight who was personally closer to me might be better at filtering me out of the divination. Are you any good at that?

Harry

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July 21, 1997

Dear Harry,

Divination has never been one of my skills. As you know, true divinatory abilities are rare, and frequently when they do manifest, it is at levels that can go unnoticed.

Have you considered Ron Weasley? I have oftentimes recalled the divination that he performed last spring -- quite informally, and without any belief in his own skill. I think you rather can be regarded as having pissed on the House Cup, and your House was certainly divided. Might he be persuaded to venture into blood divination? I would be happy to research potential scrying potions and rituals.

Incidentally, drop the absurd attempts at circumlocution. I've included a few strands of my hair, so you can charm letters to only appear to me. I, of course, long ago took the precaution of collecting a few of yours. Anyone else who picks up this parchment will see a very boring account of the weather in Scotland, and of how I tossed off into the lake.

Kisses,

Draco

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July 21, 1997

Mr Potter,

I know we have never been on such familiar terms as to exchange correspondence, but I need to communicate with you about Draco. I know that you believe he is happy with you, and for the moment, he seems to believe he is happy with you, but you must understand that this is not a healthy relationship for him. In order to please you, he is behaving contrary to his nature. For the moment, he may find this worthwhile, but he will eventually come to resent you. Surely you can see that as a Gryffindor, you will eventually either overpower him, completely subsuming his personality to yours, or fall victim to his manipulations and lose your own?

I beg you, if you care for him as you have claimed, to end this relationship now, while you are still apart and may both have time to heal.

Regards,

Miss Pansy Parkinson

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July 22, 1997

Dear Draco

If Ron really has the Sight -- and that's a frightening thought -- well, he knows me about as well as anyone. The problem is that it would be Dark Arts. I'm not sure how I'd convince him, and I'm not sure what we'd need. Have any advice?

Did you really wank by the lake? Or are you just trying to drive me mad with imagining it? I haven't done anything at all sexy -- they don't even let me take long showers, so I just get off under the covers, fast and hard. I think about you, though.

On another subject, I've included a letter I received from Pansy Parkinson. What the hell?

Love,

Harry

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July 23, 1997

Dearest Harry,

Please disregard Pansy's well-intentioned interference. I told her about the Quiris, and she can't believe that keeping them would be my decision. We, in contrast, know how little I am pleasing you with that act. Also, as I had no difficulty performing when she had sex with me, she cannot believe that I am genuinely attracted to my own sex. I am, Harry. As you know, you are not even the first man that I physically indulged in, and I preferred even him to her, so you need not worry that you are somehow inducing this 'unnatural' reaction by force of will.

You may laugh, Harry, but don't be angry at her. She sees how I love you, and it frightens her. She feels she must protect me, since I will not protect myself from you. Accept it, as I accepted Hermione's suspicion, and she may learn to trust you as Hermione trusts me.

As to the other matter .... You know Weasley better than I do, of course, but the approach I would consider is to emphasize that your life is at stake, and the safety of his world is at stake, and to perform a blood divination for you would therefore be a heroic (Gryffindor) disregard for the rules, rather than a selfish (Slytherin) disregard for the rules. That is, as far as I've ever been able to determine, how your lot think about it. Of course, Gryffindors are just as selfish as anyone else, so also stroke his ego (delicately!) with how rare such a skill is, and how impressed you would be if he succeeded. I am sure the promise of your admiration would entice him to do almost anything.

Also, of course, avoid the phrase 'Dark Arts' for as long as possible. Tell him that it is 'illegal', that it has 'elements of Dark Arts', that it is in the 'nebulous area of Grey Arts', that it is 'somewhat Dark.' Emphasize the risk, rather than moral judgments, if you think that will entice him as it does you. If he enters the act not fully understanding, he will forgive you. You forgave me, after all.

I want you. I am remembering all our fights from last year, and more so, each time we reconciled. I remember after I found out what you had done with Snape -- what I required, and how you looked at me, kneeling shirtless in the cold Chamber, hot with changing emotions. I would demand a different forfeit now. I'm imagining that, imagining pushing aside your shirt and sitting on that low table in its place, so close to those lips you are biting to full redness. I part my robes and banish my trousers and tell you to win your forgiveness with submission to my pleasure. You, of course, are wide-eyed and shocked, but brave above all, and lean forward to do as I require, but you keep your eyes up, watching me. Absorbing me, and how my face changes to the motion of your tongue. (I'm so hard, Harry -- I'm lying in bed with a hand down my pants in the most undignified rut, using a damn dictation charm to capture words.) You are beautiful pleasing me, and your eyes close as you find your own pleasure -- so surprised, Merlin! I tell you to touch yourself for me. I want you to enjoy this, and you do, squirming until I pull you up to writhe against me and

You

Aaaaa. Gods.

Fuck. You're so

Harry!

Hm. There are drawbacks to a Dictation charm, obviously.

Really, I think you would have hit me with a Stinging hex and run away. Tell me a fantasy instead.

Love,

Draco

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July 24, 1997

Ron,

This letter is not for anyone but you. If you're not alone, wait until you are, and don't tell anyone about any of this.

Still there? Okay. I went to a Seer. Not to the kind that makes prophecies, but someone who tries to see things far away. We gave her some of my blood (told you you couldn't tell, but that makes sense, right? Think back to the Tri-Wizard Tournament) for her to try to see something about Voldemort, so I could find a way to defeat him.

The thing is, she couldn't quite. The blood idea worked -- she got bits of things about him -- but she got more about me. She thought that someone who was close to me would do better, because they could filter out me without even thinking about it much.

Annoying, really. Now I have to figure out if anyone I know could do that -- and would. The use of blood makes it illegal, of course, though really, it's my blood, and I think I should be able to say who can use it. Don't tell Hermione, though -- you know how she can get about stuff like that.

How are things at the Burrow?

Harry

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July 24, 1997

Dear Draco

You drive me mad, you know. Reading your last letter, imagining what you wrote about, and then picturing you touching yourself while you spoke for the quill -- absolutely mad! I spent so much time wanking that I fell asleep right after, and didn't get anything else done last night (like replying to you). I had really good dreams though. You were in all of them.

Sometimes I think about last winter, and the times I missed you trying to let me know you were interested. Nothing would have happened in your room -- I was far too drunk -- and I didn't get why you were worrying about which bed to use in my dormitory. But remember when you talked me into jumping out the window? I flew back in all elated, expecting you to be impressed, or at least amused, and instead, you shouted at me about how stupid I was. After the night in your room, I was certain that you didn't intend to kill me, but that was the first time that you sounded like you cared.

I was confused and you were frustrated that I didn't understand, and sometimes I imagine that -- that instead of looking away, you grab my shoulders, and when I'm bracing for a push, yank me close and kiss me. And then it all makes sense, and I don't have to think about it, because Gryffindors can do that afterward, you know. And your mouth is sweet, and your lips are strong, and I won't break free to say yes, so I pull you down, and we tumble to the carpet, and I pull you close, and your body is light and hot, and I move against it while I kiss you back, because I don't know what else to do.

When we pause for breath, you take the lead, ever so lightly, and lead me to the fire and begin to undo my shirt. We start out slow and deliberate, undressing each other, and your skin is so beautiful in the firelight that I want every inch of it bare. I kiss the smooth inside of your arm, where the Dark Mark isn't, and I tell you no one but me can touch you there. You don't promise, but you pull me down for more kisses, until our touches turn frantic and haphazard, and we push at each other, grasping for skin, until we come on the carpet, and stray clothes, and each other, and you laugh at my inexperience, but not in a bad way, and I tell you I'll learn, but all the time, we're tangling up in each other again, and we fall asleep there, in the warm flicker from the flames.

I love you.

(But I can't write it, see? Perhaps I can learn that too, but I'd rather just be with you.)

Harry

P.S.: (And believe me, I'm adding this rather later!) What would we need to do a blood divination at school? Snape's been in on it here, but he would rather not know details when it happens there, I think, so the more supplies that I can get in advance, the better.

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July 26, 1997

Fred and George,

Would it be possible for you to come and fetch me on the 28th? I could get there on my own, but I think you could do a better job of obscuring my trail than I could on my own.

Harry

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July 26, 1997

Harry,

You have no idea how much has been written on the subject of scrying with blood, and how hard it is for me to access any of it. If you were here, I would borrow that cloak of yours, but I won't risk having you without it for days. I'm longing for the library at Malfoy Manor!

Be warned, therefore, that this information is based on the most cursory of preliminary investigations. I expect that we will studying the subject for all of September, at least. So far, however, I have identified several substances that appear to be frequently used in a blood-enhanced scrying, and encountered many warnings about how more common scrying liquids are often ruined by the addition of blood. For example, hazel is useless. Here is my current list:

-- Beryl (even with blood), but I don't know what color yet.

-- Spring water

-- Pomegranate seeds (from a whole pomegranate)

-- Sphinx feathers (or, less powerfully, Great Eagle feathers)

I also think that in your particular case, something from a Red Cap (bone or hair) might strengthen the work, because of the multiple murders he has committed in attempts to murder you. Using Red Cap elements could draw power and focus from his blood guilt. Actually, now that I think about it, it may also provide a means to integrate the actual blood to less compatible substances. We can look into that once you're here.

Spring water and some varieties of beryl are readily available from the student cupboards, and you could probably get a pomegranate from the house-elves, but the others you will need to obtain through some other means. Red Cap parts, of course, are restricted items associated with Dark Arts, and will present the most difficulty, but Sphinx feathers won't be easy (or cheap!), and Slug & Jiggers would make you sign for them, if they can get them. Perhaps you will be able to sneak down Knockturn Alley, at some point? Caligula's Cauldron (I know it sounds like some sort of dodgy club, but it's really an apothecary), past the Troll and Club, will sell anything to anyone, given enough incentive, and would probably be able to obtain Red Cap parts. I'd advise against stealing from there -- the proprietor has protections that don't rely on seeing you -- but you'll need a glamour to avoid the risk of blackmail. He doesn't violate charms that alter your appearance; he wouldn't have any customers if he did. Other people in the shop might try anything, though, so be careful. Actually, you might want to use the glamour to get someone else to go for you, or something even more convoluted.

your Dragon

P.S.: I like your writing. Now I want you in front of a fire. Maybe next Christmas?

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July 26, 1997

Mr. Potter,

Hi, Harry! (If you can't place the name, I'm the Auror who was watching Draco Malfoy, and happened to be his cousin.) I had the honor to be one of the questioners for Lucius Malfoy's Veritaserum interview, and a little bird told me that I should be sure to ask for names. I cannot tell you what unexpected name emerged, but a trusted source informs me that you would know, and would find this information encouraging.

If anything else is declassified, I'll let you know.

Cheers,

Auror N. Tonks

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July 27, 1997

Harry,

We can talk when you're at the Burrow. Mum wants you here for your birthday, though we can't have a party, really. I wish we could. It's not right that you miss that when you're coming of age, even though it's during the summer!

Things have been mind-numbingly dull here, except for when they've been utterly mad. Charlie showed up unexpectedly, with some girl that no one had heard of before, and some Romanian chap that we had heard of before, but who was piss-poor at Translation charms. (Not that any of us are great, mind, but we're not the ones travelling to some other country.) We never knew what he meant, because what he was saying couldn't have been it. They stayed for three days, in a tent outside, with Charlie refusing to take his room, and Mum desperately trying to suss out if he was involved with the girl, and Ginny desperately trying to suss out if he was involved with the bloke. I'd say you corrupted her, but she has a point. With Charlie, it's hard to tell -- he hugs everyone. It's bizarre. After three days, they left, and then everything was boring again.

I think those laws were to keep people from taking other people's blood, but then they wanted them harder to get out of, you know? Anyway, I'll see you on the 31st, I'm sure!

Ron

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July 27, 1997

Harry,

Your seventeenth birthday -- a momentous occasion -- is approaching, and you have doubtless been awaiting some communication in regards to the invitation extended by the Weasleys. I assure you that I have not forgotten the matter, but there are still factors in play that delay my decision. However these settle, you shall see me soon, and you will not remain in your Aunt's house past July 31. All else, I must tell you in person.

On a more cheerful note, we may be making progress on your godfather's exoneration. I believe you have heard news from a certain Veritaserum session. That has given our friends in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement the justification needed to reopen certain cases that had previously been closed as resolved.

I hope that you are enjoying your holiday as much as possible under the circumstances, and taking no unnecessary risks.

Best regards,

Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

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July 27, 1997

Harrykins --

We'll be there. You can't complain if we make you dizzy! Be packed.

--F&G G&F

Fred

George

Fred

Weasley & Weasley

The Terrible Two

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July 27, 1997

Harry,

Good luck.

Draco

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July 29, 1997

Sirius and Remus,

Please don't be alarmed when Dumbledore tells you that I'm missing. I know my protection at home will end in a few days, and it seemed like a better idea to get out early than to wait for an ambush. I'm being careful, I have the cloak, and I'm as safe as I can be -- and the Dursleys and the Weasleys are a whole lot safer than otherwise.

I'd meet with you if I could, but I'd need a promise that you won't betray me to Dumbledore or Mrs. Weasley or anyone else, and since I expect owls can be followed, I'm not receiving them, so there's no way for you to give me a promise, even if you would. I'll write to you, though. I know you'll feel better if you hear from me regularly. I think I'll make it every other day, though some of them will just be 'Hi, I'm alive' notes.

Don't worry. I'm being careful.

Harry

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July 31, 1997

Ron,

Sorry about not showing up today, and I hope your mum's not having fits, but I didn't want to wait until the last minute to leave and endanger everyone. Even the Dursleys don't deserve what they'd get from Death Eaters.

I'm safe, I'm lying low, and I'll see you on the Hogwarts Express. Don't try to reply -- I'm not accepting owls.

Best wishes,

Harry

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July 31, 1997

Dear Hermione,

I know what I'm doing. I promise.

See you in September,

Harry

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