Daniel Pratt
Fourth Floor,
Permanent Spell Damage ward
St Mungo’s
London

August 29th

Dan,

So apparently I’m supposed to come and see you, something about brotherly support. But I’d rather not to be honest. That minute normal part of you will probably understand while the weird part of you won’t actually care. So after so much nagging from mum (you still remember her, right?), I’ve decided I’ll just write a letter. Not that I’ve got much time. I’m a busy man.

Dad’s told me there’s some new thing your healer has found that might make you normal again. He won’t mention it to Mum though, she’s kind of lost hope now. But even Quincy (you know my wife) says that you seem to be getting better so maybe I’ll actually get a normal response out of you.

In case you care, you niece and nephews are doing well. Noah literally can’t wait until next year when he gets to start Hogwarts. He’s convinced he’ll be miles ahead of everyone else when it comes to flying lessons. Tash is turning into a right little madam and stubborn two. Like both of her parents. Charlie’s getting a big boy now and never seems to stop causing mischief even at his tiny age. Just like his Dad.

I guess I’ll just wait and see if you want to reply to me. I shan’t hold my breath.

Your brother,

Eddie

EDWARD PRATT
Level Two
Magical Law Enforcement
Ministry of Magic, London, England

Ed I can’t believe you wrote to me. I don’t need visitors. I can DO IT ON MY OWN. Who are you to presume you know any [Many scribbling and marking through that goes down a good portion of the parchment, one tear through the parchment. The next is written neater]

I don’t know if I will really benefit from the over excitable healer’s tactics. The me in me lost hope long ago. It’s good that mum stays home. I can’t believe Noah is almost old enough to start Hogwarts. And I would imagine Tash is just like her dad and being a right little madam.

[Written in a different hand-] The whole world gave up in one tiny moment, and that’s where my loyalties lie. With the fallen who are so desperate to do anything… I shall find a way.

Don’t wear mismatched socks.

Dan

Daniel Pratt
Fourth Floor,
Permanent Spell Damage ward
St Mungo’s
London

August 29th.

Dear Dan.

It's me again. [Quincy, if you don't remember - and why would you? I don't ever have anything particularly important to say when I write/visit - I just ramble on about nothing, really...]

I spoke to Eddie again. I'm trying to convince him to come and see you, but you know what he's like. He's as as stubborn as a flobberworm, and I'm worried that Natasha is starting to become a little too much like him. She threw a temper tantrum the other day that even I was scared of - and I can throw a mean temper tantrum when I want to.

I want to come and see you again soon. My tomorrow finishes at five, and I would very much like to see you, if you'd let me? Write to me and let me know if I can come, and if there is anything I can bring for you.

Love always,

Quincy. x

Daniel Pratt
Fourth Floor,
Permanent Spell Damage ward
St Mungo’s
London

You can do what on your own, Dan? Make yourself worse? Apparently contact with family is supposed to help so here I am, helping. I’m even making time for you during my coffee break. What a great brother I am.

Quincy keeps going on about visiting you so you should expect her again soon. This time don’t say anything hurtful to her again. She’s being nice and doesn’t deserve those comments. If you want someone to insult with your unsanitary comments, do it in these letters or to those healers helping you. Don’t push your sister-in-law away as well. Especially since things are getting back on track with me and her again.

And who in Merlin’s name are you going on about? The fallen?

Ed

Quincy Pratt
St. Mungo’s
London, England

Quincy I think you say a lot of nothing sometimes but it helps me concentrate. Eddie thinks I’m a nuisance, don’t bother telling that good for nothing mudblood wannabe to disgrace me with his presence.

[Fresh ink, steadier hand] You don’t have to try so hard, Quincy. But if you’d like, you are welcome to come. I can’t say I’ll be much fun [ink blots fill the space before scratchy letters are made out]

Socks with green stripes and an oatmeal raisin biscuit.

Dan

EDWARD PRATT
Level Two
Magical Law Enforcement
Ministry of Magic
London, England

Why waste a perfectly good insult on my cowardly brother? I’m disgusted to even share the same parents, the same blood. Some just pay the ultimate



Sometimes it takes me a while to get through your letters. They make me angry. And sad. Lost. If you could see what I see.

When it’s your turn to know you’ll know. Until then know that they watch and wait and survive off hate. It’s the only way to live.

You know what keeps your feet warm in the winter? Socks.

Dan

The handwriting is scruffier than usual with several ink blotches dotting the small scrap of parchment.

Daniel Pratt
Fourth Floor,
Permanent Spell Damage ward
St Mungo’s
London

Dan,

I’ll be around tomorrow when I get a chance. There’s something important I need to tell you. Not that you'll remember after I do

I’ll bring socks.

Your brother,
Eddie