Second Note
It was a nice day outside, and so the Marauders crowded around their favorite tree, in their usual positions. They were enjoying themselves, up until Remus accidentally brushed his fingers against what seemed like parchment. That was when he pulled out said parchment out of the hollow space in the tree trunk.
Just as they were about to read it, Snape made his way over to them, but this time, he didn't look smug at all. Instead, he looked contemplative.
"Meet me at the Divination Tower, at six o'clock tonight." Snape says curtly. "Don't be late."
Then, before anyone could say anything, he is gone with a swipe of his cloak. The Marauders looked at one another and shrugged, before they unrolled the parchment.
I don't know why I initially did what I did, but I suppose I did it with good intentions. There is a reason why 'The road to Hell is paved with good intentions' is something people say. But I am getting ahead of myself. The more I tried to do things right, the more I fucked up, and so it continued, until it was too late to repent. It was too late for me to back out without getting killed. I thought about telling you everything, but I was scared. I should have known that you would have tried to help me, but I couldn't bring myself to believe it at the time. I was scared that you would turn your back on me, and so I went further into the darkness. And that cost all of you, and the cost you paid is a steep one. I am truly sorry for being the reason you had to suffer that cost. Don't worry, you'll only have to put up with me for seven more years, and then you'll be free of me.
Just like with the first note, there was no signature or any other identification.
"Well, that was heavy stuff," James says, biting his lip.
"You're telling me," Sirius says. "I understand a cry for help when I see one. We need to find out who is writing these before we graduate."
-x-
Snape looks up at the new arrival, who is looking breathless.
"Glad you can make it," he says tonelessly.
"What did you want to talk about?" the new arrival asks.
"What do you think they will do once they find out?" Snape asks in return. "And they will find out, make no mistake. Even if you don't want them to. Unless I can keep them misdirected."
"And how do you plan to do that?"
"Simple, we'll take turns writing these notes," Snape says with a small smirk. "But I want something in return. I want you to help me keep Lily's friendship."
The other party simply nods, and the deal is sealed.