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[alt_poppy]

We were so relieved to see you, Padfoot.

Well, Pomona was distraught at how thin you are, and of course she's right. You are obviously not getting enough to eat regularly enough.

For my part, however, I was pleased to see you in one piece. I'm not a creatures specialist, but I took encouragement from the fact that your coat has a healthy sheen, your breath is no dodgier than I expected, your teeth and gums and ears seem healthy, and your reflexes are good. I trust your human form is as fit.

I hope that my charm will help a bit with the itching. I'm sorry I hadn't thought to prepare a flea potion for you; it just never crossed my mind. I'd be happy to brew one this week: we'll have access to all the necessary ingredients while we're here with the Apothecaries in Chelsea. Say the word, and we'll meet you wherever you'd like.

At any rate, it was lovely to see you. To throw the ball for an hour. And share a meal. We're very glad to know you have the polyjuice. Please do let us know if there's anything else we could provide you.

Comments

[alt_alice]

That's good to hear, Poppy. I'm glad you had a good visit.

We'll be sure to add some extra nonperishables to the next package we send up to the drop point.

[alt_poppy]

Oh, it was such a relief to see him trot up to our little rented caravan. But he was so hungry! He ate literally everything we had to put down for him.

He makes an endearing dog. Have you seen him as Padfoot before? Neither of us ever had, but it was no surprise that he's a terrible tease. He begged us to throw a ball for him, but then would he bring it right back? Not at all. He'd bring it and drop it just out of reach and then whine for one of us to come pick it up and throw it, but as soon as we'd step towards him, he'd pick it up and dance just out of range and drop it again. Of course, he couldn't keep it up because he really did want us to throw it so he could chase and fetch it. He had us in absolute stitches.

But he left far too soon. He seemed to think so, too--his tail was tucked between his legs and his ears flattened so he looked absolutely forlorn--but he wouldn't stay no matter how we tried to convince him.

[alt_sirius]

Oi, I wasn't as pitiful as all that, was I?

Fine

Thanks for the potion - and everything else, really. My food situation isn't that bad, though, honestly. Padfoot's not very particular about what he'll eat. Moony could tell you about the time James challenged me to eat one of McLaggan's shinguards. I don't think he figured I'd change to Padfoot to do it. Still, I haven't had to resort to old leather yet! And Pomona's pickled beets are far tastier than a lot of the fare round Leicester.

And the fleas are already better. It's much harder to find a hot shower in these tenements than one would think. I've been leery of bathing in the ponds at the gardens; I'd rather have fleas than leeches.

[alt_poppy]

Well. Pomona tells me I made you out to have been a bit more hang-dog than you were at leaving. She reminds me that at the last, you turned around wagged your tail and gave us a strong bark.

As for bathing. We've just been invited along with some of our newfound friends here to a picnic this evening at the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park. Apparently it's a lovely bathing area that's part of the great Serpentine lake in the park, and I assure you that there's no chance this lot would consider swimming anywhere they might be threatened by leeches. I feel sure you could trust the waters there after hours--and it's not far afield for you.

I wouldn't encourage you to take any undo risks, of course, but if you happened to be in Hyde Park this evening, we'll be there from half-six, and I for one would happily share the contents of my hamper with a friendly stray.