This letter is sent out through the Ravenclaw dorm windows by Jack, the pocket-sized elf owl, in the early hours on the 13th of January.

Sasha S.
Ravenclaw Tower
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

Jerome K. P.
Penthouse window
77 Glassford Street
Glasgow G1 1BQ
United Kingdom

Dear Sir,

I have to admit, these impersonal choices of salutations and the form of address seems much more peculiar now than they had last year.  I certainly still understand then need but, much more so now than last year, I wish it weren't necessary.  I know there really can't be another way but sometimes I wish it were easier.  That I didn't have to lie. 

I had every intentions of writing earlier but, so far, this year seems to be proving itself a formidable challenge.  Despite multiple recommendations to the contrary, I've decided to try to continue with all the classes I took at the O.W.L level.  I admit, I'd believed my class schedule would be similar to the previous years - challenging but manageable.  I did not expect it would keep me in class from eight in the morning until eight or nine at night.  If I factor in my twice weekly sessions with Mr. Morgan, I've been finding myself with little time for anything other than studying and sleeping.  There's a new counselor - a brain and emotions doctor; they're common in the muggle world - at school, as well, who has taken to checking in with me all the time.

Even now, it's two in the morning and I've only just found enough free time where I can focus on this letter undisturbed.  Though, there are other mitigating factors.  And, I suppose I've been somewhat stalling.  I have some good news to relay but, at the same time, I have to confess a mistake.

I assume word has gotten to you that Hogwarts is hosting the Tetrawizard Tournament this year.  Students from Dumstrang, Salem and Beauxbatons have been here since the start of the year and the Goblet of Fire was unveiled just after the start of term.  I submitted my name and I was chosen.  Me, of all people.  I'm a Hogwarts Champion.  Unfortunately, not everybody was pleased that I'd entered my name; most seem to be of the opinion that I'm in over my head.  Without knowing what we're facing, it's hard to say whether they are right or not.  But, I got in an argument discussion with one of my Professors about the matter and this leads me to my unfortunate misspeak. 

I'm afraid, in the heat of our discussion, I revealed that we were still in contact.  I'd been trying to convey that I was better prepared for the tournament than most assumed and the news that I'd been receiving tutelage outside of school escaped me.  I apologize; I know you will be disappointed but I assure you it had not been my intent and I do wish I'd maintained self-control. 

Of course, what has been said can not be unsaid and, as predicted, the Professor does not understand.  They are, of course, assuming the worst but they do not know you as I do.  I tried to explain that I do trust you and that I am safe with you but it is falling on deaf ears.  The Professor made unsettling statements and claims.  Ones which I trust are pure fallacy but, as I told the Professor, I am confident I can ask or tell you anything.

This Professor claims that your only interested in me because you stand to gain something - that you have some preordained purpose for me.  The Professor tried to convince me that I'm only of interest to you if I can serve that purpose and, if I can't or chose not to, that I would be disposable.  I was asked if I believe that, if it was I desired, you would let me walk away. 

I do trust you, enough that I feel confident in being honest about the whole conversation, and I have no desire to walk away.  The Professor in question, though, would not believe me when I said as much and will not let the matter rest.  There are so many times I wish our interactions didn't have to create such challenges and that I could share moments like the Tournament with you. 

Sir, beyond all else, I want to be able to quell the Professor's concerns but I'm not sure there's anything I can say that will achieve that.  I trust this Professor; I know, like you, they have my best interest at heart.  But, somehow, I must find something or some way to convince this professor that this - our continued associations - is alright.  That I am safe and okay.  I admit, part of the purpose of being so open about the content of our conversation is I'm hoping your response to this letter will achieve that. 

Again, I sincerely apologize for this misstep.  I hope that you are not too disappointed. 

Yours Truly,

- Sasha

S.

My dear Sasha,

It was so lovely to hear word from you so early in your Semester!  I'm just tickled that you can care enough to remember an old man as myself in such an important and exciting time in your life.  I have missed your presence greatly, I'm afraid, and I can assure you that it was an honour to receive your little owl the other day.  I've heard your concerned request and can offer the following adjustment, for what it might be worth to you.  I've given a special pass to this bird of yours, because - and I stress - I trust you, too, Sasha.  So please address any additional owls to the following simplified address: 



It stands for Very Important Mail for Malvivicus, Kronos Hoppus, and it will be sent directly to me as your owl will now have special permissions on my grounds here at the Southern Isle of Skye Palace.  I understand that this mode of abbreviation cannot replace the simplicity of an open, care-free expression of free-will and a pressure-free life lacking in secrets galore, as we must manage.  Though I have to stress to you Sasha, that secrecy is indeed vital for men of our particular ilk.

Now, let us be on to other matters which you have so kindly brought forward to our attention.  Your openness with me is more than just appreciated.  As you hopefully are well aware, I have much respect and adoration for you, and I consider you in all regards to be as good as my own blood and kin, my Son, and my heir.  As such, I hope you know that I would always garner to you the absolute telling of the truth, in as far as I know it to be.  Let me then address all of your concerns in as fatherly a manner as I can, and if I am to fall short in any regard, please do call me on whatever shortcomings you perceive there to be.  I will promptly address any concerns you may have, for I understand how difficult a transition it must be, especially when others are filling your head with such troubles as ordinary men possess.

This year for you, Sasha, from the sounds of it at the very beginning, is to be a time of magnificent growth and busy, busy magical adaptation.  Don't you worry so terribly about it, my dear son, for it'll take some adjustment, and I do have full faith that you will continue to make the most out of every full moment that is presented to you for the taking.  I am not at all surprised that your name was chosen by the Goblet of Fire, believe it or not.  Though I am of course most pleased!  That, my dear boy, is to be thoroughly expected.  For as long as you survive this world, and let it be long, your name will always stand above the rest, to all magical detectors of a special nature.  Only wait until a more true version of your magical name bursts forward into being; and that is something which I cannot even properly capture for you, yet, Sasha, because it is just so incredibly amazing an event.

Before I blather on endlessly, let me just say that your busy schedule is not a cause for alarm.  Neither it is reason to celebrate.  It's merely a reflection of how important the year as a whole is to be for you.  I am curious, however, about this brainiac medicine man whom you mention; who is he and what does he want with you, Sasha?  I can't help but wonder this to myself, and I am anxiously awaiting for further information from you in your forthcoming letter.

I am also not very surprised that others, in their woeful ignorance, have been expecting less of you than you are capable of delivering.  It is unwise and foolish of them to think that you are not well prepared and ready for such a challenge.  Anyone who challenges your abilities, Sasha, is a fool in my eyes.  You are very capable and quite ready for any such challenge as this championship may bring to you, and that is all that I need say about that.

If nothing else, know that you have my absolute faith in you, always, my son.

It is indeed regrettable that you, in your moment of passion, have let secrets creep forth into a separate world where problems may hence-forth arise from your moment of folly.  I do endeavor to be kind, though you are right to be feeling apologetic over this particular kind of mishap.  If we are not careful now, we may lose all contact with each other, and this grieves me greatly.  I really do not think that this is what you have wanted, to see us split ways; or, is it, Sasha?  Do you want to be rid of me?  Or is this just a moment of confusion brought upon you by the ignorant musings of one of your professors?  Which one of your professors is this, I wonder, and are they even qualified to give such an opinion?  Your biggest mistake here is in thinking that you must somehow quell this person's interests with logic that they can follow.  There are other ways of getting people to lose interest in you.  This will be a tricky situation for you, Sasha.  I suggest you use this opportunity to do research in the Restricted section of your library during any free time you may possess, to look into the subject of bending minds.  If you are wanting for time, tell your dear tutor that you prefer to do book study rather than a former meeting.  Always remember that you can take over full control of your meetings for him.  He is not an authority over you, but quite the contrary.  Just watch him try to exert his authority over you!  And then laugh for a few days at his expense.

Anyway, let me reiterate that I do not care what your professor says or thinks, and neither should you.  You do not have to satiate him or satisfy his morbid curiosities, either.  Between you and I, however, there is complete openness and endlessly flowing gratitude and love.  You can, indeed, ask me anything.  I will give you nothing but the Truth.

What do I have to gain from you, but you, yourself?  Nothing else, Sasha, but I dearly want you by my side, as my son!  That is what I have to gain - the wonder and beauty that is you as the delightful young Wizard you have shown yourself to be!  I have no ulterior motive, and I only want for you to be my heir.  That is my Truth for you, son, and let no little man tell you any different.

I am not too disappointed.  In fact, I love you, son.

Sincerely yours,

KRONOS




 

Sasha S.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

VIM for M., K. H.
Strathaird, Isle of Skye

Dear Sir,

Thank you, sir, for offering a more direct means of contact.  And, while I know the previous addressee was simply a pseudonym, even being able to address the letter to you does make it feel more personal.  Rest assured that while I do take extreme care to make sure letters don't get misplaced, I also make full use of the concealment charms I know.  I have had my textbooks 'borrowed' by curious classmates before.  But, in anyone else's hands, the letters would look like little more than a sprawling of overly-detailed class notes.  And, of course, no one will give much notice to or question me carrying around notes. 

I think I am starting to understand what you mean when you refer to this year as one of transition and adaption.  I look back to where I was this time, last year, and I can barely recognize myself.  It sometimes feels like nothing remains from the life I used to have and there have been times it has all been both confusing and intimidating.  But, this weekend seemed to be one of those rare incidents during which it all seemed to make sense.  I'm not sure what you mean by a more true version of one's magical name, though.

I admit, I'd been more than nervous in the week leading up to the Tournament Task.  I knew you believed I was prepared for such a thing but I doubted myself.  But, the day of the task, it was all very different.  They had us facing acromantulas - negotiating our way past juveniles and getting hold of a box the queen was guarding.  If one is simply looking at the scores as grades[1], it doesn't look like a very solid performance, I know.  But, I feel like I did well - and, who knows how they actually figure out the scoring.  Regardless of the score, I felt good at the end of it.  I wish you could have been there.  I felt confident.  Strong.  More so than I've felt before.  If this, indeed, is the transformation you're referring to, I'm glad for it.

This counselor is a witch hired by the new Headmaster this year.  They are fairly common in the muggle world - their primary goal in life is to try and make people feel warm and fuzzy by spilling their inner secrets and feelings.  They like to pry and ask vague, touchy-feely questions like, 'and how does that make you feel?'  And, if they can get you to dissolve into tears, they consider it a pivotal break through.  At Queen Ethelburga - my previous school - I'd end up in the counselor's office every once in a while until my step-father intervened.  This one seems to be persistent.  I'm not sure what, exactly, she wants but I assume it's rooted in everything that transpired last year.  She's taken to stopping in a couple times a week while I'm studying and bringing me meals. 

Sir, please believe I'm being completely honest when I say I do not wish to part ways.  My mistake was nothing more than just that.  This professor had gotten angry about me submitting my name to the goblet and, while trying to explain I was more prepared than he assumed, it slipped out.  And, the question I posed to you - the question of whether I could walk away if I chose - was purely theoretical and academic.  He, of course, doesn't understand and couldn't accept that this arrangement could be in my best interest.  He tried to convince me your interest in my welfare wasn't genuine and asked if I believed you'd let me walk away if I did ever chose to.  He implied that, if that was not the case, I am trapped.  I do not believe I am, but I told him that I do trust you enough to be willing to pose that question to you. 

This professor, like you, is truly concerned for my wellbeing.  He is an immeasurable source of support and help when I'm here at school.  I trust him and I am grateful for his concern and help.  But, it is a concern that plays a very different role than yours.  He is my professor.  As such, it's inappropriate for me to allow myself to regard him as anything but.  I am your son.  But, I'm afraid, not unlike those divorced parents on those muggle sitcoms, the two of you won't ever see eye to eye on what concern for my well being means.  I have no desire for us to part ways.  However, I similarly have no intentions of doing him any harm.  I did as you recommended and looked through the restricted section but I will try to find a way to rectify this mistake that isn't intrusive. 

I did come across something in the restricted section that I preferred asking you about, first, rather than Mr. Morgan.  What do you know about necromancy?  I came across a book on the subject matter the other day but, I was looking for something else.  And, perhaps, some of the Catholicism still lingers.  But, it has left me curious.  Do you know what it does?  What it is capable of?

Thank you, sir, for your care and support, even despite my mistake.  You asserting your love despite such a misstep is more proof of family than the parents that raised me offered.  I look forward to the next time I can see you.  I don't know if you're ever one to use disguises but there is a Hogsmeade weekend during the first weekend of October. 

Yours Truly,

Sasha S.

1.	Enclosed is a copy of the Howler

S.

Dearest Sasha,

I'm rather glad to know that you take such great care in hiding our missives from the prying eyes of others.  Such diligence will reward us both, and you will only improve your charms work with such practice.  Fantastic!  I save all of your letters, of course, and I keep them all in a very special place where my help's sticky fingers will never reach them.  How clever of you, though, to use forces of illusion to craft them into looking like nothing but bumf - that would surely bore the britches off of anyone who finds them; I like your style, Son!

I am so proud of you, Sasha, for your brave and talented display in the first task of the Tetrawizard Tournament.  You showed craft and daring in equal measure and completed your daunting task with such style and grace.  I had eyes in the crowd that day, and I nearly died with delight!  I wish I could have spoiled you rotten in the aftermath with the celebratory feast I had that night.  The confidence and strength that you felt that day is indeed a delightful marker of your growth and what is to come for you, dear Sasha.  I am so very pleased with how far you have come, and the places that you will go! 

It is a beautiful thing, the birth of a King.   

We shall have to talk in more detail about this when we meet again.  I am very agreeable to your suggestion that this happen sooner rather than later, and even more often during the whole length of the school year, if that would be desirable for you.  How does this Saturday of your Hogsmeade weekend visit work for you? 

This counselor is sounding suspicious to me.  I am not sure what to make of the new Headmaster, either, at this point.  Do keep your wits about you; I have no doubt that you will handle these tricky situations with ease.  Your honesty with me (as regards the other situation with your professor) is always appreciated, Sasha.  I believe you when you say that he is someone who you can trust, and who has your best interests in mind.  Thank you for the explanation of his merits.  The situation is in fact understandable, with the only disagreeable effect being that, despite his best intentions, your professor may try to undermine our relationship in some way because he believes me to be... well, honestly, frightful.  To be fair, my public record is a little jaw-dropping.  You can see how someone who doesn't know me could get the wrong impression.

Please do keep me apprised of that little situation.  I understand your intention to only do good by him, and I expect that you will of course be careful.  Above all, Sasha, thank you dearly for staying by my side, strange as I am.  It pleases me beyond measure to have you as my Son and my Heir.  I believe you when you say that it isn't your wish to part ways, and it will never be my wish to do so, either, as long as we live.  Hypothetically, though, I can say yes:  I would not stand in your way if you tried to remove yourself from my life. 

Let me really think about this, though, because you deserve an honest answer.  And, I suppose, this answer should then become a promise to you.  Here is the truth, then.  Some people who have left my life, I've had to kill very shortly after.  I wouldn't ever kill you, Sasha.  This is because I want you to live long and prosper; even if you do turn away from me, I will always see you as my rightful Son as I have from the beginning.  Your survival is my ticket to a kind of immortality, I suppose.  I don't know if that really makes sense when you have turned yourself away from everything that I am about... but I don't believe that you could ever truly turn away from that, because it is so much a part of you.  I think you know that.  I think you also sense that my goal is to protect you and to teach you how to be strong and powerful like myself.  I do this through sharing the means by which I have achieved my success.  And of course, through my love for you.

How then, could we satiate your professor?  Or at least convince him to keep our secret so that he or others do not try to interfere with our alliance?  I'm curious what ideas you will come up with.

You asked about Necromancy in your last letter.  I have a lot to say on the subject.  Perhaps this would be a good conversation for us to have on the coming weekend.  You can find me incognito in the back of the Hog's Head around four o'clock on Saturday; I'll give you a friendly little wave.

Love,
Kronos

Sasha S.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

VIM for M., K. H.
Strathaird, Isle of Skye

1^st October, 2009

Dear Kronos,

I apologize, sir, if this letter seems overly brief or even rushed.  Thursdays, I'm afraid, are my longest day with a solid block of classes until well after dinner.  I only have a few brief hours before the late night Astronomy class.  But, I did want to, at the very least, confirm that I'll be looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.  There's a birthday celebration earlier in the day that I helped plan for a friend so I'm afraid an appearance is only proper.  Casual teenaged parties aren't exactly my forté so I don't think I'll last very long at this party.

Thank you for your congratulatory words.  The Triwizard Task was exciting and time will tell if I will be chosen, again.  I do hope so and I do intend to continue to submit my name.  But, now things have switched gears towards the next task which means I have to find a way inside the box I obtained from beneath the acromantula queen.  Just this morning, an intricate thestral appeared on the box - presumably a clue.  I'm sure, with a little time, I'll be able to figure the thing out. 

I haven't had many dealings with the new Headmaster.  I will continue to do my best to avoid the counselor, though.  I have been seeing her less, lately but on occasion she still manages to corner me with food.  I'm also hoping the professor I've referred to before might be able to appease her some.  I will give some thought as to how we can convince this professor that his concern and apprehension is misplaced.  He has not, to my knowledge, told anyone else and, in fact, he has yet to broach the topic again.  But, as I said, I'll give this some thought and maybe we can discuss it. 

With that, and with four essays to write before the week is through, I must sign off.  I am very much looking forward to seeing you on Saturday and I hope this letter finds you well.


Yours Truly,

Sasha S.

This package is hand-delivered to Sasha and is much different than the usual, thin envelope he is usually given.  This is a package weighing a few pounds with no other markings on the outside than this:

S.

Inside, there are jars filled with potions supplies, along with this note:


Dearest Sasha,

Within this package you will have found the ingredients needed to create a standard Polyjuice potion; all that is not provided is a hair.  Make sure it is absolutely the right person's hair when you do it.  Do be careful, of course, and ask your tutor if you need any assistance.  I've enclosed instructions along with a list of the ingredients given to me by the potioneer who secured them for you.

Let us know when you'll be needing more supplies for your lovely experiments.

Lots of love to you,
your paw, Kronos