Dear Harry,

I hope this finds you before you reach your aunt and uncle. I don't know whether they're used to owl post.

Buckbeak and I are in hiding. I won't tell you where, in case this falls into the wrong hands. I have some doubt about the owl's reliability, but he is the best I could find, and he did seem eager for the job.

I believe the Dementors are still searching for me, but they haven't a hope of finding me here. I am planning to allow some Muggles to glimpse me soon, a long way from Hogwarts, so that the security on the castle will be lifted.

There is something I never got round to telling you during our brief meeting. It was I who sent you the Firebolt. Crookshanks took the order to the Owl Office for me. I used your name but told them to take the gold from Gringotts vault number seven hundred and eleven - my own. Please consider it as thirteen birthdays' worth of presents from your godfather.

I would also like to apologise for the fright I think I gave you, that night last year when you left your uncle's house. I had only hoped to get a glimpse of you before starting my journey north, but I think the sight of me alarmed you.

I am enclosing something else for you, which I think will make your next year at Hogwarts more enjoyable.

If ever you need me, send word. Your owl will find me.

I'll write again soon.

Sirius

P.S: I thought your friend Ron might like to keep this owl, as it's my fault he no longer has a rat.

Howler,

B and I are well and have been traveling. Don't worry; we are being careful. Haven't seen any "Spookies" in days. I miss you. I'm still planning on job hunting someplace warm.

- Snuffles

Snuffles,

I saw the papers the other day. Careless, that. You'll give an old man a heart attack if you're not careful. I need to get a few things organised. Warm sounds good. Let me know what the job prospects are like. Looking forward to seeing you again.

- Howler (apparently)

Howler,

That wasn't carelessness, but a Bold, Brilliant, and Carefully-Calculated Strategic Move. I'll tell you all about it later, and you can tell me how Clever I am, "Old Man". I'm looking into the jobs I mentioned in the SW, on the fair isle of Norris-by-Crookshanks.

- Snuffles

Snuffles,

Your cleverly coded message is received and understood. And there you go with the emphatic capitalisation again. I thought I cured you of that years ago. Will have to have another go at it soon, I expect. Anyway, I shall be traveling in the company of a certain Portuguese royal of dubious parentage. Look for me before the next marauding. Two can play at this coding game.

- He-who-is-resigned-to-being-called-Howler

Dear Headmaster Dumbledore,

I shall be taking an extended summer holiday very much by myself in a place with many warm and sandy beaches. I hope you will keep an eye on the rodent situation, and send word if anything develops. I am always happy to receive news about Harry, too, if there is any. There was a time when he was family, and it is my hope that he may be so again one day.

Warmest Regards,
Remus J. Lupin

Dear Remus,

Our mutual friend wrote to inform me of your travel plans (using highly-circumspect language, I might add!), and I have replied with a few accommodation suggestions which might prove useful in your unique circumstances. I do hope you will enjoy your tropical holiday. I myself have never seen the point of visiting any place where the wearing of socks is impractical. If there is any news of Harry or of any interesting members of the Muridae family, you may count on me to keep you informed.

Many grand adventures,
Albus Dumbledore