He's likely gone. Sirius, that is.

I thought you ought to know.

The King has, shockingly enough, not only extended his thanks for me finally growing beyond bored and making a shop, but an offer of any supplies I need.

It's certainly generous, but I can't help be a bit suspicious. I've no problem with the arrangement I had, supplies from the palace in exchange for brewing potions they need, fresh ingredients from the plot in the back and anyone willing to trade or give, such as Lizzie. It felt more above board than accepting more for free from him, and somewhat safer to, as we've no idea what he might have done to anything sent out of the palace.

But I'd be mad not make use of his offer, wouldn't I? Everyone deserves to be able to walk into the shop and get any ingredient they need, after all we've been through.

I've a surprise for you, love.

While I know it isn't what you'd choose to be doing if you had choices, you're doing a lovely job with everything growing in the back. Are those modified shield charms holding all right to keep too much rain from washing us out?

How did it go today, with Lena?

Given I promised not to engage, I'd love to destroy that sodding cow's journal. From a safe distance, of course, so as not to break the promise.

Dorea's been sent back. I wanted to be certain that was the case before I contacted you.

Firstly*, I'd like to apologize for not answering the bit you warded to me prior to this, about the love potion ordeal. The whole situation was mortifying beyond belief, to be honest, and I would have had James contact you about your questions, but it wasn't easy for him either. I'm happy to answer your questions now in regard to Dorea.

Secondly, I've reason to wonder if there's been some confusion or if your son simply snoops without having any actual reading ability over a request I made of you when you first arrived, and I wondered if we could set that to rest.

Where are you? I can't properly carry on about something if you're not here to be annoyed with me!

I'd like your opinion about a potion I've been working on. I wasn't able to stick entirely to its instructions, due to being thrown in prison and then drugged, but I can only improvise so far with my own brain.

Everything sorted out or still complicated?

I'm so sorry, love. Please forgive me.

I'm not certain I even know where to begin.

I'm not ashamed of how I feel and I couldn't hide it any longer.

Shops in town, can they only be started, owned or run by the original residents of this place?

Where are you? You need to come back to the palace now so we can talk to Dorea.

So, when can I see this creation of yours? Or do only the boys get a peek?

Peter's gone. I'm sure of it.

Not that any of yo

What are the odds I can tempt you away from the journals with freshly-baked biscuits? Just on the off chance you feel moved to write something in the general area of any new arrivals.

Either someone said his name one too many times and he arrived, or this wretched King really is intending to collect you all.

I'm here if you want or need to talk or shout or toss breakable ornaments against the walls.

You've been quieter than is usual for even you. Take a moment and let me know you're all right, yeah?

Things seem to have settled down, at least for now. Save, of course, this masquerade, but beyond that bit of enforced socialization, my schedule's quite free.

Are we still having this talk?

How are things with you of late?

Where are you at the moment, love? James and I need to have a little chat with you. Nothing serious, really, it's just that your brother's asked to have dinner with you soon and James and I would like to how you feel about that.

BLOODY WANKERS.

Any chance you're feeling more than a bit territorial of Cassie right now? Merlin knows these people have my dander up about Dorea. The nerve, honestly!

When you're done telling everyone you know, we need to talk. What are we going to do if Sirius was chosen? We can't just leave Remus!

Was it a yes or no?

You've been very quiet. I suppose you were so when you were only 'Paul' to me, but even still. How are you doing?

Though this custody business was priority as it should be, I think it's important that we make time for each other just the same. The weather is still nice enough, strange as this is for England, so we might be able to make a picnic out of this?

Is there a way to make this stop, short of sodding locking up everyone with Black blood or name?

Someone is going to kill someone if they continue like this.

I'll admit, I'm more than a bit tired of placing this in the journals again and again, and if you're reading it no doubt you're tired of reading it, but I'm not about to attack anyone if that's the concern. I only want to be heard and have a conversation about this. As before:

I'd like a meeting or audience or whatever you'd call it with the King over what was done to a Remus while he was held in the castle. There are things the King doesn't know that he very much needs to know about Remus not being any sort of threat if treated properly.

In addition, I know of a potion that, in the future since the next full moon is upon us, can help not only Remus, but any other werewolves, which I think is something that might suit your King. If only he could bring a potions book from the 1990s or after with the Wolfsbane potion inside it, I could make it every time for whomever needs it.

I still haven't gotten Lena to respond to any of my inquiries about meeting with the King over this full moon business. I'm beginning to be concerned something happened to her.

Things have been quiet. A bit too quiet given where we're living and who else in the town no doubt wants the place.

How are you holding up, love?

I've been so buried in the fun to be had in changing this place completely about that I missed the recent entries in these journals. It's only a matter of time before we aren't the only ones who want to live here, so I think we ought to decide what to do about that, and quickly.

Is that bloody tapestry connected to the wards directly?

Do you remember Spain, and how it felt for a bit like the world wasn't truly decaying at the edges? I always wanted to go back, Jamie. I wish we could now.

I'd like a meeting or audience or whatever you'd call it with the King over what was done to a member of my family while he was held in the castle.

There are things he doesn't know that he very much needs to know about Remus not being any sort of threat if treated properly.

After what's happened to Remus and having Lestrange arrive, I think we ought to decide if we even intend to stay in this building or if we're putting our heads and wands together to protect our living space against anyone coming near it.

I am so very, very sorry for earlier. I don't quite know where to begin to apologize and explain. You must think I'm completely off my rocker.

I've spoken to Ginny about the things that happened after 1981.

Could we talk a bit?

If it wasn't the king, his people or us, who could it be? Did any of you manage to keep your wands somehow?

Not that I mind if someone was behind egg pranks, but dead birds are a bit dodgy.

We can't outrun them, but we could make it much more difficult to find us if we move place to place. I spent a bit of time inspecting that rundown Leaky and a few smaller spots. Do any of you have any other suggestions?

I didn't press before because of what was we had to tell Remus, but I am now and you're perfectly free to call me a meddling bint for my efforts. It doesn't and won't change that I'm worried.

Will you tell me what's going on or am I supposed to play the usual guessing games until I sort out what it is?

THE YEAR ONE THOUSAND AND BLOODY ONE.

I think it's time to request an audience with this mad King.

There is sunshine outside that I think we ought to be enjoying. A walk around this place away from it all might do us all a bit of good, yeah?

Are you both doing all right?