Secret Beginnings

Secret Beginnings

Chapter 11 Title: Summer Letters (11/18)

Pairings: Harry/Draco Fred/Pansy

Summary: Harry receives some letters during the course of his summer.

Warning: AU, OCC, Slash. Don't like? Then what the hell are you doing in this part of the website?

Disclaimer: JKR is a Goddess, I am nothing but a mere mortal who prays to her daily. JKR owns everything. I own nothing but the plot.

Charlie

'hchjfds' Harry's thoughts

Friday July 20th, 1994 7:00 A.M.

'Somethings pounding on the door.' Harry thought stupidly rolling onto his stomach and putting a pillow over his head.

BANG...BANG...BANG...

'There it is again. Should I see what it is?' Harry groaned trying desperately to go back to sleep. Hearing once again the pounding on the door, he sighed in defeat as he stood up and grabbed his glasses off the nightstand.

“It's about bloody time, boy.” His uncle sneered when Harry opened the door tiredly, “Get dressed; you have chores to do before breakfast.” Ordered the walrus-like man before walking off.

Rolling his eyes, Harry retreated back to his small bedroom to get ready for yet another long day of his horrible summer.


Same day 8: 30 A.M.

An hour and a half later, you could find the boy-who-lived on his hands and knees, panting and sweating from pulling weeds out of the backyard garden.

Panting Harry braced himself before gripping the onto a rather large weed and expecting a struggle, he put all his strength into it and pulled, only to go flying backwards onto his back as the weeds came out of the earth easily.

“Stupido, son di una...” he cursed in Italian.

Growling in frustration, Harry stood and wiped his pants and was about to bend back down when he heard a popping noise from behind him. Quickly putting his hand in his pocket, Harry whipped his wand out and turned to the sound thinking he was going to be attacked only to be surprised to see a very frightened house-elf by the name of Dobby.

“Dobby! What are you doing here?” Harry questioned putting his wand away, “You shouldn't sneak up on people like that?

“I sorry, Mister Harry Potter, sir. Dobby didn't mean to frighten you.” Dobby replied wringing his ears.

“It's okay, Dobby,” Harry said looking around nervously, “Just don't do it again, but why are you here?” But before the house-elf could speak though, Harry heard the back door open.

“Dobby go wait for me in my bedroom,” Harry frantically told the elf before throwing himself on his knees in front of the garden. Nodding his head, Dobby disappeared with a pop just as his aunt appeared on the first step.

“Harry, get inside and wash up! Your breakfast is on the table.” She ordered before going back inside, slamming the door shut as she went.

“That was close...” He whispered to himself before rushing inside to get to the clumsy elf before he got himself noticed. Climbing the stairs, Harry wondered what the house-elf could be doing there.

'It's not if anything could go wrong this year...could it? Ugh, I hope he doesn't try to stop me from going to Hogwarts again.' Walking faster, Harry walked into his bedroom to see Dobby waiting at his desk looking at a Quidditch book in mild interest.

“Okay, Dobby.” Getting the elf's attention, “Why are you here? You're not trying to convince me to stay away from the school again, are you?” He asked worriedly sitting down on his bed and crossing his arms in stubbornness. He'd hex him if he had to, no way was going to stay away from school...from home...from Draco.

“No, no I is not here for that. Master Draco sent Dobby here.”

“Draco? Is he okay?”

“Master Draco is okay, Mister Harry. Master Draco sent Dobby to give you this.” Dobby answered giving Harry a letter that he had under his bright orange tea cozy.

Curiously looking at the parchment, Harry laid himself down on his stomach and smiled when he recognized Draco's tiny scrawl. Opening the letter, Harry began to read:

Harry,

How are the muggles treating you? Not too bad I hope. Before you worry; don't. I just remembered that Dobby is connected to our house still; so he can come unnoticed and that he's been to your house, so I decided to write and send Dobby to you. I hope that's okay?

I've been doing well, especially since Lucius hasn't been home lately. I don't know whether or not that's a good thing, though. Particularly, since he's been coming home smiling and happy—well as close as he can get—a couple of times this week. When I asked my mum, she said that he's been like this for the past month; we think he might be up to something. My mum hope he's having affair...I hope so, too. If he's not than I'm afraid of whatever he's planning, it won't be pretty. Last time, he was like this; he had bought forty house-elves so he could teach me the unforgivables...I'll tell you if I find out anything.

I told my mum about you, was that okay? She told me to tell you that of what she has heard about you that your parents would've been proud of you; she's proud of you. She wishes that she could've been there for you while you were a child. And one day she wishes to meet you...I hope so, too.

Now on to other things...TWENTY days. Twenty whole days since I've seen you and I'm already going crazy. I miss talking to you face to face about everything, anything and nothing at all. Does that make any sense? I miss getting lost in those gorgeous green eyes of yours each time you look at me, but do you know what I miss the most?

Your lips against mine...

Merlin! How you would lick my bottom lip gently almost shyly asking for entrance and me giving in immediately. I swear when we get to back to the Room of Requirement; don't be surprised that I jump you as soon as you enter the room!

Sorry love, I have to go. Pansy and Blaise just got here; there telling me I have to go get ready. Supposedly, Pansy is taking us shopping again...HELP ME!

See you in September, Love

Draco

P.S Blaise and Pansy said hi.

P.P. S Have you heard from Sirius yet?

Smiling, Harry gently folded the parchment and hid it underneath his pillow before grabbing a clean piece of parchment and began writing back:

Draco,

It's more than okay, I was going crazy as well. Lucius happy? That's a bit creepy, be careful around him. You're right to be suspicious, I don't want you and your mum to get hurt. He hasn't hurt you, has he?

The muggles are treating me a bit better, probably because I forgot to mention that Sirius was innocent after mentioning that he was my godfather...oh, well. Dudley is on a diet meaning we all are as well. Thank heavens, Hermione, Ron, and the others sent reinforcements; otherwise you'd have a very skinny boyfriend by the time you'd see me again. (Even more skinny...)

Ron wrote to me telling me that his dad is trying to get tickets to the World Quidditch Cup and invited me along. Are you going, too? If so, hopefully I'll get to see you there.

Tell your mum thank you, for everything and I hope it's true about my parents. And hopefully one day I'll get to meet her and see if I can find you within her. Beauty has to come from somewhere right?

Okay, enough sucking up to your mum, did I mention that I missed you?

I miss your kisses, too Dray. How you would run your fingers through my hair as I'd wrap your legs around my waist; just to get a little bit closer. Gods, how each one of your moans never failing to send shivers through my entire body...hmm, I think I'm going to have a good—really—good dream tonight.

Ugh, listen I've got to go, the walrus is calling. (Talk about a mood breaker...) But tell Blaise and Pansy I said hi, and Pansy stop torturing my boyfriend!

Bye, Baby

Harry

“Here you go, Dobby. Make sure Draco gets this without Lucius knowing okay.” Harry said handing the waiting house-elf the rolled up parchment.

“Dobby is doing what he is told, Mister Harry. Dobby take letter to Master Draco after he takes Miss Pansy Parkee her Freddie Wheezy's letter.” Dobby said before popping out of the bedroom.

Tuesday July 31st, 1994 12:01 A.M.

POP

“Mister Harry...” Dobby the house-elf tapped the boy's sleeping form, “Mister Harry Potter, sir!”

Opening his eyes tiredly, Harry looked at the smiling elf who had on the new tea cozy Draco had given him for playing messenger, “Hello, Dobby. Just minute...” Harry smiled as he grabbed his glasses from the nightstand.

“Happy Birthday, Mister Harry!” Dobby whispered excitedly.

“Thank you, Dobby. Do you have any letters for me?” Harry asked excitedly; he and Draco had exchanged letters everyday at midnight ever since Dobby popped in on Harry eleven days ago.

Not one to disappoint, Dobby handed Harry five letters along with six boxes; each a different color before sitting down to look at the Quidditch book the Gryffindor leaves out for him. Smile getting wider, Harry set the boxes carefully down on his bed and opened the first letter:

Harry,

Happy Birthday, Ragazzo Dorato! Hope the muggle treat you halfway decent; but then again it's only your birthday, so probably not. You should let me send them some of the twins inventions, then they'd know not to mess with you. Tell me if you need any help in dealing with them okay?

So you might be going to the WQC with Mr. Sexy and his family, huh? I'm going along with Pansy and her family; supposedly we're to meet Draco and his familia there. Hopefully, we'll get to see you and the rosso-testa sexy.

You'll never believe what your Dragon is into right now...cooking!...but then again he's always been into potions. He cooks every time Lucius leaves the house; his food is amazing. (Even better than the house-elves, I admit.) Pansy even took a photo of him cooking in an apron in his kitchen for you. You should've been there; the house-elves didn't know what to do with themselves.

I sent that picture along with a whole bunch of others; one that I think you'll enjoy very much...especially on those lonely nights. They're in the red box, mate!

See you at the match!

Blaise

P.S. Are you sure Ronnie-Boy is straight?

Opening the red box, Harry opened it to reveal dozens of photos; some of them were of the Slytherin trio together, some with just Draco and his mum, some with Severus, Draco and Narcissa, and some of them were of Draco alone; each of them smiling and waving at Harry from inside the box.

'Pansy you've been busy.'

Grabbing the top photo, Harry smiled at his boyfriend who was in an apron smiling and blowing kisses at Harry with flour on his nose and cheeks. Harry thought he looked adorable. Putting the photo back and grabbing another, Harry's mouth fell open in shock.

There in his hands was a picture of Draco in all of his glory, blushing furiously with Blaise behind him smiling victoriously holding up a towel in his hands, while Pansy laughed from the bathroom mirror's reflection.

'Damn, Baby' Was Harry's first thought before sending a thank-you prayer to the Gods for his gift of a boyfriend. Quickly licking his dry lips, Harry hid the photo underneath his pillow before grabbing a quill and a piece of parchment. Hands shaking a bit, he began writing the sneaky Italian:

Blaise,

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! A thousand times thank you! I love the gift especially a certain revealing one; if you didn't notice. Does Draco know about you sending me the photo? Hope he's not too angry.

I think I might go; it all depends on Arthur Weasley getting the tickets. Speaking of Weasley, please don't describe Ron as Mr. Sexy or the sexy red-head to me ever again. I really don't want to think about one of my best friends like that...EVER!

Do I tell you about how I think of Draco? I don't think that you'll like what I'm about to say, since you've been in denial about in school, but I think that Ron may have a crush on Hermione. So, I'm almost one hundred percent sure that he's straight...but I could be wrong...you never know.

But enough about Ron's sexual preferences, I just wanted to thank you for the gift and I'm already planning on sketching them all into my drawing pad back at school.

Thanks again and sorry about Ron.

Harry

P.S Did I mention to thank you about giving me one of the greatest photos ever?

P.S.S And as for you sending the Dursley's one of the twin's inventions...send them one on the second of September. They won't know what hit them!

Laying the paper down to dry, Harry began to read the next one:

Harry,

Happy Birthday! Are the muggles treating you well? Or do we have to send Papa Sev over disguised as Sirius to straighten them out? Please say yes...I'm still ticked off about the whole bars on the window thing.

They didn't replace them did they?

Sorry for getting carried away, it's just that I worry about the lot of you. Have you been eating? You better be. I just hope that you have a wonderful day even though none of us can be there with you. I sent some new clothes and shoes in the blue box; that I had better see you wear at least once outside of the Room of Requirement, Harold James Potter!

Now on to other things...did Blaise really send you the photo of Draco naked? I told him it was a bad idea, no matter how funny it was at the time. Ooh, Draco must be pissed!

Again sorry about being uptight, I just worry about you and the others so much. You'd better be at the game, Potter!

Love,

Pansy

P.S. I hope they're the right size by the way.

Shaking his head in amusement, Harry opened the blue box and found three pairs of pants, along with three expensive shirts and new a pair of black and dark green with his name and a lightening blot on the sole of the shoe. Smiling happily with her choices, Harry put them back into the box and hid them underneath the floorboard along with the rest of the photos.

Pansy,

Thank you and you don't have to worry so much about me. I'm the one that should be worried about you, Draco, and Blaise. How are you by the way? Draco told me the other night that your dad 'spoke' to you. Along with Lucius on my list of people to kill are yours and Blaise's father. I hope your doing well, ducks.

Uncle Sev coming over disguised as Sirius? Oh, Gods that would be priceless. I could just imagine their faces as Sev/Sirius threatened to hex them if they didn't treat me better. But no, they didn't replace the bars, I'll be fine besides I'll be heading to Ron's soon...hopefully.

The clothes are brilliant and they look to be about the right size. I'll try them on and if they do fit I'll wear one of the outfits on our first day back; I promise. Hope they weren't too expensive.

Yes, Blaise did send me the brilliant amazing gorgeous photo and I'd be surprised if Draco didn't get pissed off. Can't say that it wasn't good idea either, I want to thank you for taking it.

Again thank you for the clothes and I'll see you at the match, ducks.

Harry

P.S. What are you trying to brand me now, Mum? And do you know that you remind me of Hermione?

Laying the scroll next to Blaise's, Harry grabbed the scroll with the handwriting that he recognized as one of the Weasley twins:

Harry,

Happy B-day, mate! We thought we'd send you a little gift that your boyfriend of yours and you might enjoy sometime in the future. Study hard, Goldie! Your gift is in the white box.

Your beloved 'brothers'

Forge and Gred

'Study hard?' Harry questioned to himself opening the box only to come to an embarrassing understanding.

Inside the box was a book—not just a book, because it would never just a book with the twins—but an instruction book on having gay sex. Reading the title, 101 Ways to Enjoy and Satisfy Your Partner: For Beginners from the Experts, Harry blushed before bravely opening the book. Reading the contents ranging from blow jobs, sixty-nineing, to anal and finally to sex, Harry slammed the book shut and after making sure that Dobby wasn't looking, he slipped it underneath his pillow along with his new favorite photo. Still blushing fiercely, Harry grabbed another parchment to thank his 'brothers.'

Forge & Gred,

Uh, thanks? But remind me either to hit you or hex you guys next time I see you two, okay?

Your embarrassed beyond measured 'brother'

Harry

Again laying the scroll down with the others, Harry grabbed the letter with tiny delicate handwriting that he had never seen before. Curious, Harry opened the letter:

Harry,

While you may not know me personally, I know you through my son; Draco. He has told me many things about you that shows me what a great man you are becoming. To know that two of my best friends' son is not only dating my only love; my son but showing him that he can live without fear means so much to me. More than you would ever know. Of what Draco has told me of you; I truly know that you are James and Lily's son and I am both honored and grateful to have you in my Draco's life.

I thank you, Harry Potter for being who you are and I wish you a very Happy Birthday. I sent you something in a violet box that I know you'll like.

With all my all my love,

Narcissa

Harry put the paper on the desk completely stunned. He never thought that Draco's mum would write to him. Especially to thank him for dating Draco, it was extremely unexpected of her. Still stunned Harry grabbed the violet box off the bed and opened it to reveal several items. Grabbing the first item; a white cloth that was wrapped around a silver spoon and fork with the initials DM engraved on the handles.

'Why on earth would I need a spoon and fork for?'

Looking puzzled at the opened item he went on to the next which was a small velvet ring box. Opening it he gasped in surprise; it was three gold rings hanging from a long gold chain. Taking the chain out, he looked at each ring carefully before putting it around his neck. Looking back into the box, Harry found a small note that was hidden underneath the necklace:

Harry,

These were given to me by your parents the day before they went into hiding. I was to watch over them till they were safe once again. I was never able to give them back and I vowed that I would keep them safe until I could give them back to it's rightful owner. I give them now to you; take special care of these rings. They were your mother's engagement and wedding ring along with James' wedding ring.

Love,

Narcissa

'Oh, Gods...' Grabbing the rings he began to cry softly as he gave each ring a loving kiss, and then hid the chain and rings under his shirt. He vowed never to take them off. Making sure the rings were hidden properly, Harry went to the last item which was a large leather tan photo album that had a small poem engraved on the cover that read:

As we walk our path of life, we meet people everyday.

Most are simply met by chance, but some are sent our way.

Those become special friends, whose bond we can't explain;

The ones that understand us, share our joy and our pain.

Their love contains no boundaries. So, even when we are apart;

Their presence enhances us with a warmth felt in the heart.

This love becomes a passageway, when even the miles disappear.

And so, these friends, God sends our way; Are forever near.

Flipping open the book, he found it to be completely empty except for a small note written on the inside cover;

Harry,

Hello, my beautiful son. Today is your fourteenth birthday and like every Potter child you are given something on your birthday that shows an important life lesson. My life lesson for you is to know who are your true friends and to never let them go. They are the one's that will stick with you through everything; even if you maybe wrong. They would sit next to you at the headmaster or headmistress' office waiting for your punishment all the while saying how much fun they really had. They will except you for you...and I hope and I pray that you will be a true friend to another as I was to mine. We may have had our up and downs but in the end we have and will always stick together. This photo album is where I hope that you may put your true friends in so that when you all are old and gray; you can look back in happiness and thank the Gods that you picked the right ones; just like I have.

Remember my son; love, trust, dream, believe and above all live.

No matter who you become, how you live, and no matter who you love I will always love you, my Harry.

Your father,

James

Hugging the album close to his chest, Harry fell to his knees and cried. Cried over how much he missed his parents, of how many stories he missed out on, how everything would be different if they were alive. And he cried for making the right choice and knowing that his father would accept him no matter what.

“Mister Potter, sir?” Dobby asked startling the crying boy, “Is you okay?”

Smiling, Harry wiped his eyes, “I'm fine, Dobs. Could you do me a favor?” Seeing the elf nod in agreement, “Could you take this to my real room in Hogwarts, please?” He asked before handing the elf the book, “Be careful, okay? I don't want nothing to happen to it.”

“Dobby take good care, sir!” Dobby smiled before popping away. Taking a deep breath, Harry grabbed a parchment and began the letter to thank Narcissa:

Dear Narcissa,

I don't know where exactly to start so, I'll start with thank you. Thank you for taking great care of the rings, thank you for sending me the album when my father couldn't, and thank you for letting me date your son. And most of all; thank you for being a great friend to my parents.

As for me letting your son live without fear; he does the same for me everyday. I thank you for giving birth to him and for raising him to be the beautiful dragon that he is.

One day, hopefully soon, I wish to meet you. To see everything that my parents had seen in you. It is my honor to be even to writing to you; so I thank you for your letter and gifts.

Harry

Sighing, Harry grabbed the last letter and smiled when he realized that it must be from Draco:

Harry,

Happy Birthday, Love. I hope the muggles won't be making complete arses of themselves today, but one can't be too hopeful. Tell Sirius hello and to stay safe for me, will you?

Um, Harry? Did Blaise send you a certain picture of me? If not; never mind...but if so; could I please have it back? You don't know how mad I am right now; he's just lucky friends don't hex friends!

I wish I could be there with you; I suppose I'll have to give you your fourteen kisses when get back to Hogwarts, huh? You'll just have to stay busy with what I got you in the green box for now, my lion. I also spent all day yesterday making you something; so you better enjoy it Potter! That one is in the black box.

Draco

P.S. Please send the photo back; I'm practically on my knees begging.

Laughing, Harry went to the first box and found a new leather bound sketchpad, drawing pencils, pastels, and charcoal making him smile happily in relief.

'Oh, thank heavens; I still can't believe I left all my art stuff at home.' Taking each item and laying them down on his desk in appreciation; Harry went on to see what Draco had been working on in the next box.

Opening the box, Harry was surprised to see that Blaise had not been kidding when he said Draco was into cooking; inside was a medium sized chocolate cake in the shape of his favorite candy; chocolate frogs. Harry was impressed and became instantly hungry after getting a whiff of the cake.; it smelt as if it had just came out of the oven.

'Now I know why Narcissa sent the spoon and fork.'

Licking his lips in anticipation, Harry grabbed a new scroll to write his boyfriend so he could eat his cake:

Draco,

Begging on your knees for what? I'm just kidding, baby. I'll give the picture back...eventually. After I make good use of the new book you gave me that is. Don't be so mad at Blaise; I think you look quite yummy in the picture actually.

When Blaise told me that you had become interested in cooking; I really didn't believe it until I saw the cake you made me. It looks delicious and I plan enjoying it after I finish this letter. I can't believe how good you are at it; but why didn't you tell me that you were interested in cooking? But then again...I knew you were watching those cooking shows on the telly!

Fourteen kisses, you say? Hmm, you're right I'll just have to keep myself busy otherwise. One month 'till I can kiss you again and three weeks until I can see your lovely face, my beautiful dragon.

Harry

P.S. Did you know your mum sent me something?

Finishing the letter, Harry turned to back to the cake just as Dobby popped back, “Is Mister Harry ready for Dobby to deliver letters?” Dobby asked dutifully.

Nodding his head, “I'm done Dobs, but before you go how would you like to have a piece of my birthday cake with me?” Harry smiled.

“Mister Harry wants to share birthday cake with Dobby?” the elf asked excitedly tears steadily forming in his large eyes, seeing the birthday boy nod, “I is honored, sir!” Dobby whispered excitedly.

Laughing, Harry cut each of them a piece of cake and sat on the foot of his bed basking in happiness for the best birthday he had ever had.(1 )

Friday August 19th, 1994 7:30 A.M.

Draco,

I know I just sent Dobby a letter to you a couple of hours ago; but I just awoke from a dream and my scar began hurting. As you know the last time my scar hurt in the slightest was in second year when Tom Riddle was in the chambers...you don't think he could be close by, do you? I have no idea on what to do, I just have a feeling that something is wrong.

I'm sorry, baby if I woke and worried you, my dragon. I just really needed to write to someone.

Harry

Harry,

It's okay; I ahd just woke up so no need to worry and I'm glad you wrote me. I don't really know what to say or do about your scar but I do plan on looking it up at the library here; maybe your scar is connected to Voldemart somehow. The only thing I can tell you is to write to Sirius, maybe he knows about scars and their connections through them.

Just be cautious, Harry. I don't want anything to happen to you; I can't lose you.

Draco

Saturday August 20th, 1994 12:06 A.M.

Dray,

My uncle received a letter yesterday morning from Mrs. Weasley asking if I could go to the Quidditch game! She sent the letter through the muggle mail, you should have seen the letter; it was completely covered in stamps. While I thought it was hilarious my walrus of an uncle was livid.

At first he wasn't going to let me go but just the brief mention of Sirius; I managed to change his mind. I can't believe I'm related to such cowards!

Ron and his family are coming to pick me up tomorrow, so if you decide to write; I'll be at the Burrow for the rest of summer holiday, my drago.

Harry

Harry,

Yes! Do you know where you guys are sitting? Hopefully by me, Blaise and Pansy...I can't wait to see you again. If only I could touch though...

Blaise and Pansy are going to be so excited; they're going to get to see their Weasley men. I still think it's quite funny with their obsession of red-haired men; although at times it's annoying when they start arguing about who they think is sexier, ugh!

See you in two days!

Draco

Tuesday August 23rd, 1994 10: 01 P.M.

Harry,

Are you okay? I'm sorry about being so awful at the match but I had to see if you three were okay. Do you know how hard it was to act as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening when all I wanted to do was pull you into my arms?

Pansy yelled at me for over an hour after I told her what I called Hermione; even though I was already feeling guilty as it was. I wish that I could tell Hermione her self but...

Merlin! Harry you don't know how scared; I thought the Death Eaters were after you; but now I know why Lucius was so happy. At least I hope that's the reason...

I can't wait until we get back to Hogwarts; to hold you in arms knowing that you're safe. Again, I'm sorry for what I said yesterday.

See you in a week, my brave lion

Draco

P.S. HAROLD JAMES POTTER YOU BETTER SEND THAT PHOTO BACK SO I CAN BURN IT!

Draco,

I'm fine; you don't have to worry so much. And you don't have to apologize; you did what you had to do and I don't blame you one bit but...can you lay off calling Mione a mudblood? I know you don't mean but all the same I don't like that coming from anybody; especially you. And I do know how scared you were because I was scared for you; I'm just glad Lucius didn't make you join the activities.

I wish that I could tell Ron and Hermione about the real you but I know that they're big risks; so I'll keep our secret as long as I have to, love. You're important to me and I won't lose you even if no one outside of our 'home' knows that I have you.

I can't wait to see you and I hope your careful around Lucius, baby.

Harry

P.S. Okay, okay I'll send the photo back now, and go ahead and burn it for all I care...I sketched it into my book anyways, so ha! I'm going to pay for that aren't I?


And now on to type chapter 12...

Chapter 12: Coming back to you...: Our favorite students go back to school and to their loves...

Remember...

Read+Review equals a happy Charlie

Read+Flame equals an even happier Charlie

...hint...hint...

Love ya,

Charlie Karina


1. I was going to end it here but then my friend; Ray asked about August so...thus began my writers' block. Therefore I decided just to write the rest of the chapter in just letters so; sorry if you didn't like the rest. (I still skipped most of August...sorry Ray!)