My dear friends,

I write to you in a rational and well-considered state of mind, having been advised by Miss Becket that this is the proper way to address this matter. Let me first reassure you that I have not been concealing some illness from you, nor am I planning to take any reckless course of action. I plan here for a hypothetical future that I hope will never come to pass.

The essence of it is this: in the event that I am struck by disease or injury, it is my fervent and express wish - further, my direct and binding instruction - that I am never taken to the 'medbay' on this station. I wish to be treated in the comfort of my own home, attended only by magical healers and any among you who might be kind enough to visit me. I understand that we have no fully qualified mediwizards resident on the station, and that my choice means I will likely not have the same care I might have found at home.

No matter what state of unconsciousness or delirium I may be in, I do not permit anyone to tie me down, to draw out my blood, or to attach machines and tubes to my person. I reject it. It seems to me no better than torture, and if I am to die, I would sooner die with what dignity remains to me. Should I be in pain or distress, there are strong potions in the cabinet in my study that may be used to alleviate it.

There will be, in due course, a version of this statement on parchment which I will ask some of you to bear witness to - the 'contract', as Miss Becket puts it. I thank you for your attention regarding what I know is an unpleasant subject, and for your respect of my decision, even though I know you may personally disagree.

Yours &c.

A.C. Black

[Followed by a shorter note to Darcy]

Darcy,

While I'm in the morbid business of putting things in order, may I ask you to stand as Sirius' guardian in the event that I should depart the station, for good reason or ill? I have an arrangement with Mrs Blishwick which means that he may go to live with her, and she will see to his magical education, but I know unfortunately well how difficult it is to be a boy here without the protection of family. I want to make what provision I can for him, and he needs a gentleman who will stand for him, manage his interests and teach him the proper values of our time. Would you be willing? He seems fond of you.

- Black