BLAISE ZABINI, letter, 1996
Name: Blaise Zabini
Format: Letter
Date: 1st August 1996
Relevance: Proposition to join the Order of the Phoenix
Dear Professor Lupin,
I hope my name is not unfamiliar to you. I was only a lowly third-year when you taught at Hogwarts, but your teachings, both in their precepts and their methods, have had a pervasive effect on my studies since then, and I have many fond memories of your lessons. I dare to hope you did not find me unmemorable either. Although I did not raise my hand in class often (there were others for whom such things were more important), you always had my rapt and undivided attention.
But to business.
I assume you are aware of my House affiliation, and perhaps of the reputation of my family. You will understand, then, that what I am about to suggest is something I would not do lightly, or in ignorance of the consequences. I'm writing to you because I know you to be a member of the Order, but also because I can trust you to be fair and not hold my House or my family against me without reason.
My proposition is this: I wish to join the Order of the Phoenix. That is, I want to support your side in the coming war, and if orgiastic rituals on Godric Gryffindor's grave while swearing allegiance to Professor Dumbledore's beard are necessary for that purpose, than I'm prepared to do that (although preferably not in Scotland, or in winter, if I may have any choice in the matter).
There are a number of reasons for this (I won't go into them now or in paper), but suffice it to say that I disapprove of Lord Voldemort's ideals and would not have him gain control of this country. I appreciate that you have no reason to trust me, and I am happy to meet with you and undergo any tests you may deem sufficient to prove my intentions. I imagine there are things I can do that would be of use to you.
This owl is secure. It can stay with you until you have an answer for me.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Blaise Zabini
Format: Letter
Date: 1st August 1996
Relevance: Proposition to join the Order of the Phoenix
Dear Professor Lupin,
I hope my name is not unfamiliar to you. I was only a lowly third-year when you taught at Hogwarts, but your teachings, both in their precepts and their methods, have had a pervasive effect on my studies since then, and I have many fond memories of your lessons. I dare to hope you did not find me unmemorable either. Although I did not raise my hand in class often (there were others for whom such things were more important), you always had my rapt and undivided attention.
But to business.
I assume you are aware of my House affiliation, and perhaps of the reputation of my family. You will understand, then, that what I am about to suggest is something I would not do lightly, or in ignorance of the consequences. I'm writing to you because I know you to be a member of the Order, but also because I can trust you to be fair and not hold my House or my family against me without reason.
My proposition is this: I wish to join the Order of the Phoenix. That is, I want to support your side in the coming war, and if orgiastic rituals on Godric Gryffindor's grave while swearing allegiance to Professor Dumbledore's beard are necessary for that purpose, than I'm prepared to do that (although preferably not in Scotland, or in winter, if I may have any choice in the matter).
There are a number of reasons for this (I won't go into them now or in paper), but suffice it to say that I disapprove of Lord Voldemort's ideals and would not have him gain control of this country. I appreciate that you have no reason to trust me, and I am happy to meet with you and undergo any tests you may deem sufficient to prove my intentions. I imagine there are things I can do that would be of use to you.
This owl is secure. It can stay with you until you have an answer for me.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Blaise Zabini