Summer Day Ⅱ

The bedroom of Rowan hasn't much changed over the years. The ceiling of Rowan's bedroom is still enchanted to gently glow at night matching the starry constellations in the sky. The once-empty grand bookcase is now nearly full. The clothes closet she had had magically expanded to accommodate her growing wardrobe along with her dresser. The rest of the bedroom remains the same including the expensive red oak study desk that directly sits before a grand windowpane.

Sitting at her desk, Rowan studies for a time, before taking a break. She glances up only to see the proud strutting peacock across the lawns, Fidel. She and Severus hadn't even seen him when they were outside. It would figure that Fidel would come out of hiding and patrol once they were off the grounds.

"Clever bird," Rowan mumbled under her breath, before reaching for the opened, but unread letters on her desk. She had opened them previously but had not truly had the time to read them with a calm mind. She had been too distracted with the thought of meeting the goblins.

The first is from Peter. 

"Dear Rowan,

Things have gone as well as can be. Mum gave me an earful after learning that I got Quyen up the duff without even a wedding. I think she would have disinherited me if we hadn't gotten married at the Ministry of Magic at the behest of Quyen's father. Still Mum is pleased as punch to have Quyen as a daughter-in-law and more importantly a grandbaby. A contradiction if you ask me. 

I've got a job with Information Houses that belong to your aunt. I won't be officially starting until next week since I had to register as an animagi with the Ministry of Magic. Let me tell you the paperwork alone is a nightmare. Never again! Anyway, the offered pay is good, and the job isn't too difficult. Please express my sincere gratitude to your aunt for her generosity.

Nothing much on my end, Quyen has been feeling remarkably better with the Gin-Boo. She's got a spring in her step and has started learning from mum how to cook and clean at home. Why she's even helping out in mum's herbal store and talking to the muggle customers? They get along so swimmingly swell that I often feel like the third wheel…

The only black cloud on the horizon is Cousin Euphemia Rowle's house visits. Ug, I don't even know why she bothers! She's always so smug and rude! If only mum weren't so nice, I'd tell her to never come back! But mum says, Cousin Euphemia is misunderstood. What utter rot! She's just arrogant and rude!

Still please write back. I feel like an utter tit. Where's that famous Gryffindor bravery when you sorely need it the most? Isn't that ironic.

Sincerely,

Yours truly,

Peter Pettigrew."

"P.S. Mum's wondering if she can sell the Gin-Boo in her shop. She thinks it will be quite popular among her muggle clientele. She knows your aunt opened a store of imports and already has a partner and wonders if she could apply as the sole muggle retailer. Mind you, Mum does have magical folk clients, but they're mostly muggleborns and those living nearby.

P.P.S. James wrote to me, I have yet to reply, but I think he knows more than he lets on. He hinted rather strongly at it. Did you say anything to him about Quyen and me?"

A genuine smile appears on Rowan's face as she chuckles at Peter's words. She knew the situation wasn't as lighthearted as Peter made it appear to be. With Peter's limited education, there weren't many positions available to him. His only saving grace is his animagus ability.

Knowing the purpose of the Information House, Rowan knows that Peter had been hired as an intelligence collector, in other words, espionage. Being a spy can be dangerous, but it is very profitable. Peter likely wouldn't be doing anything dangerous in his rat form except for listening to information and recording it. It was a pretty good job offer in retrospect.

Knowing her Aunt Georgine, Rowan did not believe Peter's request would be denied. Rather her Aunt Georgine would demand a share of the herbal business run by Peter's mum, Mrs. Pettigrew. If anything, Rowan would hazard to guess if the business ran well, Aunt Georgine would expand the business even further to include the muggle realm. It would be a win-win solution for them both.

Though Rowan most certainly had not written to James about Peter. She sighed and rubbed her face. However, she had no answer for Peter as to how James had learned of the circumstances between him and Peter. James might have noticed, or he knew someone who knew. In this case, that was limited to Severus and Rowan, but neither had written to James, so that left the most logical person who would have access to a student's records, Dumbledore.

Yet Rowan couldn't understand how James would be in contact with Dumbledore. Rowan's expression froze as she began to quietly connect the dots in her head. The creation of the D.A.D.A. club and the swift approval from Dumbledore. Her expression stiffened, but she put aside her conjectures for the moment. She would have and demand answers, if necessary, but now was not the time.

Glancing back at the letters, Rowan sets her questions aside. She would pen back a response to Peter once she had finished reading all her unread letters. The next letter to be read is from Tiffany.

"Dear Rowan,

Sirius's recovery is coming along quite nicely, but he's struggling on crutches. The other day, he fell hard and bruised himself rather severely. There is talk of getting Sirius a wooden peg leg or a combination of leather, metal, etc. There are even several options made by the goblins although expensive will guarantee a far more normal function.

Naturally, Sirius will never be able to play professional quidditch, but he may rejoin the Gryffindor Quidditch team once he regains control of his limbs. Right now, he is just trying to relearn how to walk and move about on his own. He is having trouble keeping his balance, he is often quite off balance.

I am worried, Rowan. Sirius seems just so lost as if has lost all his purpose in life. I don't know what to say to make him feel better. He is so quiet and withdrawn lately that I fear leaving him alone lest he harms himself.

Please come and visit soon, Sirius could use some cheering up.

On a brighter note, I am officially betrothed! I didn't ever expect to be betrothed at St. Mungo's but there you have it. And I wouldn't change it for the world!

So is Bethanie! The official betrothal ceremony was to be postponed until after Regulus's 6th year, but with the attack on Hogsmeade, it was rapidly moved forward. It was a rather simple dinner affair, but Bethanie looked oh, so happy. And I am thrilled to know that we will be sisters! Well sisters-in-law, but that is close enough.

Though Spurgeon and Esmond didn't seem to be thrilled at the early official betrothal ceremony. I could tell they felt worried and a little jealous had just gotten their sister back and now she was to be wed in a few years! Poor poppets.

Still, I was glad to meet with their Great-Uncle Adelmar Fawley. He is a scholarly sort, but he is kind. He is rather patient with Spurgeon and Esmond. I could tell he is a good one, unlike some people.

Write back, please.

I hope to see you soon,

Sincerely,

Tiffany Topsy, (the future Mrs. Black)."

Rowan could sense that Tiffany left several things unsaid. Sirius must be faring well at all. There is a high possibility that he is lashing out in frustration. It is common enough after having experienced a major injury including self-harm. Perchance, she needed to visit Sirius sooner rather than later.