Chapter 9: Natalie’s Letter

Harry opened his eyes, drenching with cold sweat, his shirt sticking to his body.

“What happened to you, mate?" said a most familiar voice. It was Ron.

Harry looked up, smiling, and replied, “You back already?”

Ron nodded. He had drawn up a chair close to Harry’s bedside, looking worried. After putting on his glasses, he recognized Hermione, who was sitting next to Ron.

“But what about you mate? Why are you sweating?” asked Ron, inquiringly.

Harry simply replied, “I don’t know.”

He didn’t want to tell anyone about his dream quite frankly, especially within ear range of Hermione. But to Harry’s dismay, Hermione said, fervently, “Oh come off it! We know you were having one of those odd dreams again. You were mumbling in your sleep.”

“No, I’m fine,” said Harry, though Hermione looked at him with piercing eyes. Harry continued, “It was only a dream, Hermione! It had nothing to do with Voldemort, okay!”

“Harry, calm down. I never said that it had anything to do with Voldemort,” said Ron, quite timidly. Harry fell silent and took a deep breath. After a short moment, he began to describe his dream, in quite vivid detail, to Ron and Hermione.

Once he finished, Hermione looked like she was lost in deep thought, while Ron, on the other hand, continued to stare at Harry, mouth wide open.

“Huh?” said Ron, “It just doesn't make any sense, Harry!”

“I know. Why would I be getting dreams like these again?” said Harry, after which, looked at Hermione inquiringly, “What's up, Hermione?"

“Well," she said, “you said something about being chosen to get this thing, right?"

Harry nodded. Hermione continued, “I wonder what—“

But before she could finish, an owl soared from the open window, landing quite obediently on Harry's leg. For a moment, it stood quite still. However, it fluttered its wings, dropping the letter, and flew back out the window. Harry picked up the letter, ripped it open, and read:

Harry,

Ever since the death of Remus and Dora, Ted Lupin has been living with me. I am Natalie, Nymphadora's grandmother. Now that Remus is gone, it is your duty as his godfather visit him from time  to time. It would really be nice if you could very soon.

With warm regards, Natalie

After Hermione, Ron, and Harry read the letter, Ron exclaimed, “I totally forgot about Teddy! We should all visit him sometime.”

But Harry didn’t reply. He was thinking about how Sirius had risked his life just to meet Harry, even though Harry had warned him that it was too dangerous. Sirius had lost his life while protecting Harry, and Harry looked quite disappointed; after all, he had not been a great godfather to Teddy so far.