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Dear Lily-Lou,
I think I could get used to this travelling lark. It's been nice not to have people staring, going, 'Isn't that Harry Potter's son? The one who got into all that trouble?' No one knows who Dad is out here, let alone me. Don't tell him I said that though. You know what he gets like about feeling guilty about the way it affects us lot, and how he thinks it's his fault when I screw up. In fact, probably just best not to mention I've written. I'm guessing Mum's probably still mad about the way I left.
Anyway, we're briefly back in civilisation now, which feels sort of odd after two weeks up-river. It was nice to have a proper shower at least though. I must have really stunk! Scorpius somehow still managed to look as if he were just off to a dinner party though, even in the middle of a jungle. Not, I'm sure, that you'll find that much off a surprise.
We saw the most amazing waterfall a couple of days back that just vanished into the clouds. I couldn't even see the top, and I swear I saw some sort of big cat slinking along the edge of the tree-line too. Scorpius keeps saying I just imagined it though. I think he just doesn't want to think of the mess that running away from it would make of his hair! I don't know why I ever thought going travelling with a man who considers South London to be the wilds of civilisation was a good plan. Roughing it isn't his style. Although, to give him his due, he's a * surprisingly good navigator and he has got us out of a tight spot or two.
When we got back to the hotel, I found a letter from James (was it you who gave him the address? Make sure he doesn't give it to Mum, won't you, because I have a nasty feeling she'd turn up and try and drag me home like I'm some sort of kid still). He says you've got a new boyfriend, and he doesn't like the boy much. Look after yourself, kid. I know you won't listen to me, but bad boys aren't worth the effort. I know. I used to be one after all. Don't make me go all big brother on you - I'm not very good at it. And you are going to want to throw something at me for this: but don't let this boy get in the way of your NEWTs. You are smart, kid, and don't going throwing that away on some boy.
Anyway, I'd better go dress for dinner (Scorpius insists on jackets and ties!), but take care and I'll try and write again soon.
Al
Dear Al,
I’m very glad to hear that you are enjoying your trip. Sometimes I wish that I could just hide away from all the eyes and whispers. It wouldn’t matter what I said to Dad, he blames himself for you leaving. Mum’s not so much mad as she is sad. I think that she wishes you’d just come back. She hasn’t touched your room yet. I think she just wants the family back to normal again.
I think that you should tell me all about your jungle adventures. I would love to do something fun and exciting, but I don’t think Mum and Dad will let me out of their sight for awhile, after this whole fiasco. I don’t blame you, I understand why you did what you did, but I think that I wish you’d just come back. But really, the waterfall sounds lovely, and I wish I could have seen it.
I will still never understand why you chose Scorpius, of all people. He is perhaps the least adventurous guy I know. And suits really don’t do you any justice. You were always more of jeans kind of guy.
Yes, I did give James your address, but he wanted to write, and you needed an older brother again! And he promised to keep it a secret. And he would tell you about Ulysses. He really isn’t that bad! I mean, yeah, his dad is Blaise Zabini, but, I mean, you’re with Scorpius Malfoy. He really, I don’t know, he’s really not all that bad, and no matter what James says, he is not too old for me. And no worries on the NEWT front, he isn’t even at Hogwarts anymore, so I’ll only see him on Hogsmeade weekends.
Please come back soon. I understand why you left, but I miss you, Mum misses you, and everyone misses you.
Oh no, I can hear Mum coming up the stairs. Keep writing, I love hearing about your adventures!
Lily