rjohnlupin

Dear Mr. Mupak-shah,

I recently received the edited third draft of my new novel for young adults, and although I do agree with some of the minor changes, I fail to understand why you are requesting such a drastic change in the nature of Miss Lydia Newstrom. I find her to be a fine, strong character, and have written the book to reflect those characteristics.

Just to write "She's too Gryffindor" on chapter 10 - the chapter where she goes into the burning building and saves four sheep from certain death - seems unprofessional and, in my mind, uncalled for. You ought not make assumptions about her sorting in a real school when she is obviously a fictional character NOT based on anyone in the real world.

Also, I see no reason whatsoever to change the materials of her amulet from bronze to silver. Why would she wear a silver amulet? Bronze, as you must well know, is an alloy of copper and tin and has far more conductive powers on at least two different ethers. How would she possibly use a silver amulet to call out the spirits of the Earth. Everyone knows silver is a conductor for the moon and stars.

Now, I understand that you are new to this position and you have yet to work with me, so let me just start by saying that I am not easily intimidated, and I am very strong in my opinions about certain things - creative freedom being one of them. Just because you are now in power in one of the largest Wizarding publishing companies does not give you the right to dictate throughout the entire writing process.

I will not make major structural and plot changes to my story. On that one point I remain firm. If you want a fairy-story that casts a young lady in a position of a helpless primadonna, you can find another writer. If, however, you wish to continue to work with an author who writes about bold, empowered women who respect nature, and will stand fast in the face of adversity and inequality, then you might want to allow me to continue my work.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,

R. John Lupin

I don't know what's going on or who... who did this, but I am not happy about what's going on today. It's one thing waking up early in the morning uncomfortable and female, but then looking over at... no, I can't say it was Sirius. I woke up laying next to his fucking FATHER.

Then I went to go make breakfast, and passing the mirror, there she was. Oh, Merlin, I was not ready to see that face again. All the pain aside, I think hormones are playing with me.

Wort was so upset. She didn't know the little girl that was looking back at her in the mirror. And when I came downstairs and found her sitting there in the kitchen, she was terrified at this strange woman in her home. Thankfully Sirius stayed upstairs until I could explain things to her.

When I find out who did this, they may just find themselves on the other end of some pretty nasty hexes.

Darling,

I'm going out for a while. If you take Wort out today, make sure she wears her muffler. Not the red one, though. I know you hate it, but if you would concede this once to let her wear the green one? I tried to wear the red one this morning, and it somehow grabbed onto the door handle and seemed as if it didn't want to let me outside.

There is a chill, though, and she will need something.

I'll be back before five, though. Shall I bring Chinese take-away for dinner? It's been ages since we've had anything but Indian or pub food.

I love you.

~Remus

P.S. I wasn't kidding about the muffler. If you dare put her in that red one, I'll know.

*sound of floo entry*

*Remus brushes himself off in the hearth*

Hello. I hope I'm not too late. I was just putting away tea things, and we had a bit of a meltdown.

Severus, over here. I hope you don't mind a table in the corner. It was the least boisterous one I could manage.

I've got a terrible headache today. I hope it isn't that summer cold.

(quietly to himself)
Alright, Remus, you are not twelve years old going before the headmaster. Just get it over with and knock for Merlin's sake.

*knocks on the door*

Now, where is my...?

*sound of rustling papers*

I could have sworn I left my list here somewhere. Okay, what was I supposed to do today? Best to write it all down again.

I know I promised Wort I'd take her out for ice cream this afternoon, but this morning I needed to stop by the library and pick up that book, then check in on - no, that's Friday.

I do need to send an owl to Arthur. And this afternoon work some more on my manuscript.

No, this afternoon I'm taking Wort for ice cream.

What is wrong with you Remus John Lupin? Anyone would think you're getting old and senile.

*sets the quill aside and looks down at what he's written*

And now you're talking to yourself, as well. Good show, old man.

Wort,

I found this today in a curiosity shoppe and thought you would need it for your Pirate ship. After all, what's a pirate ship without a treasure chest with a giant padlock on it.

The old man behind the counter told me the key was long lost, and he's not sure what's inside the treasure chest. I'm sure your Tati could figure out a way to get it open tonight, though.

Let the old dog know I'll be home a little late tonight, and to go ahead with dinner without me. I'll fend for myself when I do get home.

~R

To the Board of Governors,

This letter is to inform you that I shall no longer be working at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I was hired to work under Headmaster Snape.

I don't know how many of you are aware of what happened the last time Dolores Umbridge was given authority in the school, but people like that are not fit to teach, let alone have any sort of say in the treatment of children.

I can think of only one other person I've met who has had such a cruel and selfish heart, and the world is thankful to be rid of that menace.

Sincerely,

Remus Lupin

Darling,

I reckoned I ought to let you sleep in a little bit after last night.

I've gone out for a few things, but will be back later this afternoon. There's sandwiches under the towel in the kitchen, and a new rope for you and Wort to play tug-of-war.

Please try not to get mud on the carpet. And if you do, just make sure it's cleaned up properly?

I love you,

Remus

Shove over, Sirius, or I'm going to sit right in your lap.

Honestly, taking up the entire sofa just because you think you're--

*oof*

Hey!

WORT!!!

Merlin, it's good to see you! Where's your father?

*hugs*

Gods, how I've missed you!

Darling,

I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know I'll be a little late in joining you this afternoon. I've got a meeting with Farley down at the publishing offices, and it's vitally important we go over the new contract and get it filed today.

I've left you some warm breakfast in the oven, and there's coffee on the counter, if you'd like some.

Owl me when Wort comes home, will you?

Merlin, I hope I don't miss her arrival.

I love you dearly,
Remus

Harry,

I understand, and I wish there was something I could do or say to control him. On one hand, I can't just turn him out on his ear, and I wouldn't want to anyway. But I agree with you that he cannot keep on as he has been.

I will work on him from my end. There's only so much I can do, though. I would love to meet with you and Edward Scorpius sometime for coffee or tea or even just conversation.

But take as much time as you need. If you need to rest, you should rest. We can talk about this anytime.

Take care of yourself and your family, but just remember that I am here for you if you need me.

With love,
Remus

Harry,

Are you doing alright? I keep reading about you in the papers, and I'm worried.

Look, I know we haven't been on the best of terms since... well, since before I left, to be honest. I know I've been an idiot and a stubborn old fool, but I really do want to make things better between us.

I can't help the way Sirius behaves, Merlin knows I do my best, though. God knows why I love him the way that I do.

I miss you. I suppose I'm trying to say that if you do need to talk, I am here to listen.

Well, I wouldn't suggest here. Perhaps out somewhere away from the insanity of Grim Cottage or Lake Cottage, or any other cottage that happens to have far more excitement than this old man would care to handle.

In any case, I do hope thing will get better for you in the future.

With love,
Remus.

Horace,

Due to a family emergency, I won't be in for work for the next few days. Sirius still has not returned from his jaunt to Russia, and... well, you know Sirius. I'm going after him.

Wort will be staying at Lake Cottage, so she is taken care of. I've already informed Irma of my absence, as well.

I plan to return to work this Friday.

Wish me luck, old friend. I have a sneaking suspicion I'm going to need it.

Sincerely,
Remus

He's gone to Russia.

Russia.

Just a note.

Merlin! Look at me, I'm pacing like a caged... animal. Deep breath. He can take care of himself, and this is a simple thing, right?

...

Back before the full. Well, that's something.

Accio Book.

Still, if I don't hear from him in the next couple of days...

*sigh

For the first time in almost two years, I feel fantastic!

And I don't care what Madam Pomfrey says, it's my birthday, and I'm having CAKE! And Ice Cream! And I plan to participate in some strenuous exercise, as well.

*voice post*

I don't know that I've ever... been so sick... or weak.

Horace,

Thank you for looking it over. You know, I wouldn't know a safe dose from a lethal one. Would you be so kind as to brew this for me? I know that you're probably busy with other things, but I have quite a bit to get ready before tomorrow night. I don't expect I'll be up and around for a few days if the side-effects are anything to go by.

And if you could forward this cure to Poppy? It might be useful for her to have in her notes in case of any future accidents.

If you cannot brew it, I'd understand, and I can ask someone else.

Thank you again for your help.

~Remus