"Huh?" Harry stared at the letter in his hand.

"But... I thought it was-"

"What?" Esmie asked sweetly.

"Boy! What does it say?" Vernon demanded.

"J-just..." Harry handed the letter to Vernon.

"You'll have to see for yourself."

Uncle Vernon squinted at the words. He read them aloud.
"Dear Esmie,
I've always wanted to write a letter, but it's been SO inconvenient. So, I tried calling you everyday. I got the wrong phone number, and you can imagine how that ended. Then, your aunt and uncle phoned me for a fun day at the park. I didn't get to say anything, because THEY assumed they got the wrong number and hung up. Mum wouldn't let me actually write letters. So, I snuck this out. Hope you enjoy reading the letter!

Hi Esmie! See you at school.

Sincerely,
Emily Parli"

Vernon raised his eyebrows. "Well, this changes things."

He shooed Harry out.

"Bye Lily!" Harry yelped as he was dragged out the door and into the hallway.

"Lily?" Vernon asked.

"Another nickname." Esmie said simply. "Now, how are you going to explain this letter to me?"
She reached into the drawer, took out an enormous book, and got the letter out.

"Ah. Well, first of all, these letters have been coming since your birthday."

"What!"

"And, someone is supposed to come pick you up tomorrow morning."

"You didn't think this was important enough? I have to pack!"

"If that's your primary concern,"

"Yes it is!"
Esmie ran around her room, took out her pastel yellow suitcase, then glared at Vernon. "If this isn't big enough..." she warned.

"You can get money from your parentes' vault." Vernon said, quavering under Esmie's look.

"Why don't you access that vault then?"

"Because we wanted to keep it for you! And maybe Harry. If he gets the letter."