Chapter Text

The Letters

Dear Hermione

I am sorry it has taken me so long to write to you. I was very angry when I left. I know that is nothing new, but I think I had some justification. I was railroaded into a life-or-death competition, and given no assistance by any adults. Your initial help, saved my life in the first task. For that I must thank you.

When I was told I had to attend the ball, I had to dance the opening dance, that I had to take a partner. I was equally depressed, another time Harry J Potter was shat upon by the world. My immediate thought was to ask my then very best friend. My only remaining friend, if she would accompany me. To be told by you, that you were already going to attend with one of my opponents. I cannot lie, that felt like a betrayal. First the Weasel, and then you.

His fickle friendship was not a huge loss. Losing yours broke something inside of me. I am told this was almost certainly Krum’s motivation, but that probably sounds like sour grapes. To discover that you already knew about the Ball, and had not said anything about it to me, made it obvious that you wanted to ensure I would not ask you before you had another date arranged. I did not realise I was such terrible company.

I hope you enjoyed the Ball. I did not. Watching you with him, frankly I wanted to kill him. To watch him, an international sports star, who has witches throwing themselves at him all the time, with you, made me feel slightly sick. I hope nothing happened that you will come to regret in later life. I see from the papers that you are no longer involved with Krum. I am sorry if he hurt you. I am not sorry that you are no longer with him. He has a very poor reputation around the world. He likes young, impressionable witches, and doesn’t take no for an answer.

The events leading up to the second task convinced me that the ‘grand plan’ for my life was for me to die a martyr’s death to the schemes of Albus Dumbledore. Frankly losing my magic, but being alive, didn’t seem like the worst deal available. I can honestly say that I hate that man with a passion.

“What, Dumbledore? Leader of the Light? Surely not?” Let me explain.

The night of my parent’s murder, aged fifteen months I was taken from the wreckage of the cottage, by Hagrid and carried to Privet Drive, to be left on the doorstep like a milk bottle. Consider this. It was November, below freezing, there are urban foxes around Little Whinging, it is a minor miracle I was still alive to be found the following morning.

The Dursleys were never asked to take me in, never offered a choice. Petunia hates all things magical, Vernon is afraid of them. His response is to lash out, hers to pretend it does not exist. As a result, from the day I arrived, until I finally left England, I was either ignored, or punished for existing. Petunia fed me once a day or less, whatever was left over. Vernon would hit me for anything and banish me to my cupboard for days. Without food. Without access to a toilet.

Dudley, once he was mobile took every opportunity to hit me. His father encouraged it. He and his gang had a game called Harry Hunting, chase me until caught, beat me until they grew bored. This was my life before Hogwarts. This was what the ‘Great Man’ Albus Dumbledore delivered me to. This was what he insisted I return to year after year. I told him about my treatment, he dismissed it.

The Weasleys rescued my one year, did they do anything about it. No. Albus said it was fine. That was the end of it.

In my first year of primary school, one of my teachers recognised me for what I was, an abused child. She reported it. I never saw her again. Did someone alter her memories? Someone wearing a gaudy robe and a silly hat? Vernon beat me senseless for telling her anything.

My letter from Hogwarts was addressed to the ‘Cupboard Under the Stairs’ – They knew and did nothing.

How convenient that the Weasley family were heading to the portal, so I would know how to enter Platform 9¾. I once asked Fred about that. It was their first ever time in muggle Kings Cross. Looking back Ron is no better than Malfoy. Actually, I owe Draco an apology for that comparison, he has impeccable table manners.

Then there was the Philosopher’s Stone, those defences, that so perfectly suited our abilities. So taxing that first years could get past? So that I would face Voldypants again. I wonder if I was supposed to survive? and if you would just have been collateral damage?. A quick memory charm, and your parents would have thought you died crossing the road.

Second Year. How did Dumbles not know what was happening, there are portraits everywhere, and they report back to him. Mandrake draft is stocked by most apothecaries, and the required potion could have been available within twenty four hours. Did Ginny set the snake on you and Penny deliberately? She has a weird fixation on being Mrs Potter. For the record that is not happening, ever.

Third Year. The Chief Warlock, and Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, cannot arrange a man to have a trial? Pull the other one. Snape knew Sirius was innocent, and wanted him murdered, because the sick bat is obsessed with my dead mother. Do not be in a room alone with Severus Snape.

Then the Tournament. Again, Dumbledore set the security, and I was entered by, I assume Barty Crouch Junior, as the papers reported him being squibbed out at the lakeside. Dumbledark could not reset the cup? He even had the gall to accuse me of entering my own name. Ron thought I wanted the fame? The fortune? I am already far more famous than I want, and the prize was frankly pathetic. Risking death for five grand. Sirus spent more than that on my broom.

Albus Dumbledore is responsible for every awful part of my life. I am suspicious that he deliberately allowed Voldy to find us, and I am equally sure that keeping Sirius out of the picture was part of his schemes. Do not trust the old goat.

As you can see, I am rather bitter regarding your Headmaster. I hate him. I will never set foot in Hogwarts again as long as I live if he is there.

When I was told, the thing I valued most, was Ronald Weasley. Something else snapped. If it had been you, I think I would have dived in and been a good little soldier. Ron, I assume he survived. I do not honestly care, I was not risking myself for him. After my argument, and after I disarmed Dumbledore. I thought I caught him by surprise, but his wand is a Potter family heirloom, so it wanted to be mine. We descend from the Peverells.

After the little scene on the jetty, you missed I suppose. After that I went to the dorm, grabbed by broom, my cloak and my album. The few things I truly cared about by then and I left. I went to the bank. It was an education.

Most of what happened is covered by oaths, but I can tell you, my scar is healed, Sirius is with me, and we live on the Black Island. I am studying, and without the bindings that our great and good leader had applied to me, I find I can concentrate a lot better, and I am doing OK at school. Not Hermione levels, but not Ron levels either.

I do not know what the future will bring, and in truth I don’t suppose we will ever meet again, but I wish you well Hermione. We have left you some things at Gringotts, pop in over the Summer Holidays and tell them your name, they have a few items I hope you will have a use for.

Be careful. England is turning dark, and you and your family may be at risk. Look after yourself and live a full life.

Yours

Harry.

Hermione wiped the tears from her cheek, and placed the letter on the sofa next to her. Her mother looked at her daughter for a few minutes. “What is it Hermione?”

“Harry. He finally wrote and explained why he left.” She passed her mother the letter. “I don’t like the person I see in that letter. Every word of it is true, and I don’t like myself. I thought I was better than that. In the end I abandoned him, because I was flattered. He is right about Krum. He laughed in my face before he left, called me a ‘stupid little girl’ and told me he had only asked me to get under Harry’s skin. Stealing his girl.”

Helen Granger was reading the letter, she too did not like what she saw. “Can you transfer to another school?”

“After my OWLs. If I leave before then, they will snap my wand and obliviate us all. I don’t trust them not to damage our minds. I can keep my head down for a year. After that I can go where I like. I am of age in their world once I turn seventeen, so they can’t force me to do anything.”

“Where is this Island? Do you know?” Helen asked.

“No, it’s completely hidden. At least he is safe.” Hermione was hugging a cushion, her eyes red-rimmed, and an occasional tear trickling down her cheek.

“Why didn’t you go to the Ball with him. Wasn’t that your plan?. You have been friends for years?” her mother asked.

“I don’t know. When we bought the dress, I was planning to ask him if he didn’t ask me. I do wonder if someone slipped me some sort of potion or cast a compulsion spell on me. Looking back, I can’t understand what I did.”

“Is there any way to protect yourself against that sort of thing?”

“I don’t know. I can ask the goblins at the bank perhaps. Harry says they have left me something there. I would like to go sooner rather than later.”

Her mother folded the letter and placed it on the coffee table. “We can go after lunch.” She looked at her hands for a while. “How could he be left to be abused for years. There are so many safeguards. When we saw him at the station that time, I should have been suspicious. His clothes were ill-fitting, he is small, and he does not look healthy.” She looked her daughter in the eye. “Are you going to write back to him?”

“I don’t know how?”

“The bank, perhaps? If he is a customer, maybe they will pass on a note?”

______________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Dear Harry.

I am sorry. I was stupid and naïve, and I let you down. I cannot explain why. I do not understand why I did the things I did last year. I hope one day we can meet again, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

I am glad that you are safe. I agree with you, risking your life in that stupid competition was not worth the effort.

You are correct about dear Viktor. He dumped me once it was clear you had left. He laughed at me and taunted me that he had only done it to mess with your head. I was upset, not so much for him, but for being duped into letting you down. I have no excuses; I do not know what came over me.

The third task was a bigger fiasco than the press reported. Krum was first to the cup, which was a booby trap. It took him to a graveyard, where Pettigrew was waiting for you. They had some convoluted plan to use you to resurrect Riddle. Viktor killed Pettigrew immediately, and reappeared at the school with his body, and the thing that held Voldy. I don’t think this was reported. Fudge tried to cover it up, but seeing the Dementors, Viktor stunned Fudge. The dementor had a snack on Fudge. The other one went rogue and kissed some awful woman from the Ministry, Umbridge. Half toad, half pig.

Susan Bones’ aunt took charge after that, at least she knows what to do.

Ronald and I are not on friendly terms, and Ginny is acting as if you left her at the altar. The Twins are still mostly Ok with me, but a lot of people turned on me as they saw my actions as a betrayal of you. I am once again alone at Hogwarts. The girls from the quidditch team were quite blunt about things, but at least it wasn’t threatening.

My mum is taking me into London later, I will ask at the bank, and I hope they will forward this letter to you. Once again, I am sorry. I should have been there for you and I wasn’t.

Sorry.

Hermione.

The visit to the Bank was interesting. They took the note, and told her to write to Harry care of the bank. Hermione was presented with the keys to a vault. It contained a stack of books, the duplicates from the combined Black and Potter libraries. She was also given a bracer for her left wrist. It contained a pocket dimension store, so would hold the contents of a house if required. More importantly, it would protect her mind from compulsion spells and would force her magic to purge out any potions.

A week after the visit, Hedwig appeared in their garden. She had a simple note attached.

Hermione.

Moony has joined us for the foreseeable future, could you look after my girl please? She will take letters, don’t send her to the Burrow though, I don’t trust them not to try and keep her. She will take notes to Gringotts for you. If you write from school, be careful what you say, I imagine all mail is read by the bearded blowhard. Be wary of McGonagall, she is his poodle.

Writing my letter was a bit of therapy I think. Cathartic Remus called it. Anyway a lot of my anger is gone. I am no longer cross with you, I think you were manipulated by the lilac lunatic that runs that school. He didn’t want me to succeed or have people who care for me.

Be careful and be safe. I would like to meet up with you again someday. I can’t risk England, or Europe if I am honest, for a while. So it will be a bit of a wait.

Sirius says if you feel the urge to date Ron Weasley, go see Madam Pomfrey for a purging draft. I think he is joking, but I am not sure. Look after yourself, and don’t go anywhere alone in that school.

Your Friend. If you will have me?

Harry.

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Dear Harry.

Thank you for responding to Hermione. She was despondent at the loss of her friend. I am grateful for you being at least polite to her. And offeringher your friendship. I am not happy with her behaviour, and the only reason I have not remonstrated about it to her is the suspicion we both have that she was somehow compromised to betray you.

I have grown to know Timothy Flourish rather well, since my daughter is a good customer of his, and he recommended some books. Hermione’s behaviour resembles someone dosed with a mind-controlling potion. One that has stopped working since she is back to how we remember her.

I doubt she would dare tell you, but when she boarded the train, with her gown in her trunk, she was intending to ask you to the Ball, and if you said yes, ask you if you would be her boyfriend. The fact that none of this happened is troubling me.

Thank you, as a parent, a woman for the wrist piece you have given her. RedBlade, the goblin we met at the bank explained all its protections. I shall sleep a little better this year, although I wish we could remove Hermione from that awful place a year early.

Richard is teaching her to shoot, and intends to send her off to school with his old army pistol tucked away inside her wrist locker bangle bracer?  

Look after yourself. If you are anywhere near underland, perhaps we can meet up next summer.

Kindest regards

Helen Granger.

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Harry.

Just a short note to tell you about the most marvellous thing I saw in Paris this week. We visited the magical shopping district in the city, and I bought this gift for you. It’s a new product called a chat parchment. Whatever you write on yours will appear on the one I have, and if I write on mine, it will appear on the one attached. Since I am hand delivering this into the Gringotts Paris branch, I am confident that no one wearing lilac will ever read it.

My parents have a plan for next year, so I just need to keep my head down, perhaps we can meet at a beach barbie next summer.

Your Friend, always.

Hermione.

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Hermione

We have checked out the chat parchment, as long as you keep yours inside your store, and never write on it anywhere near a Hogwarts Portrait, it will be secure. Sirius tells me that he has a pair of rune-charmed mirrors that allow you to talk, like a fancy video call. I will see if Dobby can track them down and get one to you.

Dobby says hello. He asks if you can look out for Winky at Hogwarts, she really need a family. I know you believe House Elves are slaves, but Dobby is family. Perhaps there is room for Winky Granger? She will die without a proper bond. Dobby says – and I quote, “Miss Harry Potter’s Grangy should bond with Winky. Winky be a lady’s elf and can charm any hair to look nice for her mistress.”

I think he likes Winky.

I managed a partial transformation last night – I am working on my animagus form. Give Crookshanks a chin scritch from me, and we will be happy to chuck a prawn or two onto a barbie with you all.

Be safe, your friend.

Harry.

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Harry.

Interesting times.

Kinglsey Shacklebolt and Arthur Weasley turned up at our house and more or less kidnapped me, ‘for my safety.’ They are using one of Sirius’ properties in London. It is covered by a fidelious, but I realised the magic is worthless. I cannot write or even speak the address.

BUT

The house is between 11 and 13 Grimmauld Place, London.

I am sure Sirius will recognise the real address. His House Elf Kreacher is really grumpy. Called me mudblood and other insults. Then appeared in the room I am sharing with Ginny and warned me not to eat any snacks. He was preparing my food himself and swapped it out for me.

I put up with Molly for about a day, she thinks I don’t remember her calling me a whore in so many words in that howler. I bided my time then slipped out the front door when they sat down to eat, and took a cab home. Tonks turned up about an hour later. She told me that Dumbledore thinks I am the key to making you come back to England. She has completely lost faith in him and this ‘Order of the Phoenix’ cult he has.

With her help we organised a set of simple wards on the house, at least they can’t apparate into the building anymore. That might not stop Dumbledore, and that bird of his, but at least I feel safer at home.

Tonks wants to ask Sirius if he has taken up his position of Head of the House, she says, and I quote, ‘The Goblins will not give two fucks about what the Wizengamot thinks.’ Tonks hopes that Sirius will reinstate her mother into the family?

I think she might like Moony, she asks a lot of questions about him.

I wrote to Madame Bones, she is acting Minister as far as I know and enquired about getting Sirius’ case looked at, but I haven’t heard back.

Neville sends his regards, I think he might be my only friend at school this coming year. I am meeting him and his Gran to do our school shop in a few  weeks time.

Ron asked me if I had your Firebolt? He thinks you are a squib now, so you won’t need it. Why were we friends with him? I do wonder. Ginny is still in mourning for you. Someone has told them you lost your magic and are in hiding as a muggle.

I am trying to think up a name for your secret identity. I thought of Barry Trotter, or Gary Rotter, then maybe Perry Hotter, or James Harrison. My mum thought Clark Kent, or Peter Parker, as they would never get the muggle references. My dad suggested Fred Gumby, or Dinsdale Piranha, from Monty Python. Tonks suggested Albert Alucard, or Frankie Fullerstein.

That led to Reginald Fuller-Shyte or Robert Swaruncle. They made us laugh.

At the moment, I don’t know who the bad guys are anymore?.

Missing you. Be safe.

Hermione.

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Hermione.                                                                                                                                                                         20 July 1995

That letter was a tonic. We all had a great laugh. Remus is in denial about Tonks possibly liking him, and Sirius is teasing him still.

Remus thought Flash Gordon would work, he agrees the ‘bloods won't notice. Sirius wanted Snakey Snivelmouse, but I am never naming anyone after that git, not even in jest. I had to get a video to show Sirius Monty Python. Now the pair of them are going around doing the parrot sketch among others, non-stop.

Worrying that Dumbles is still wanting to control my life, even after we spread the rumour that I was a squib. One of Remus’ old friends runs a quirky paper called the Quibbler. They were at school with his wife Pandora Lovegood, so they dropped him a line and he is going to post spoof sitings of me and Sirius around the world to keep Dumbledork on his toes.

They are convinced Sirius is Stubby Boardman, a sort of magical Elvis character, which is good for a few laughs. Look out for the daughter, she is in Ravenclaw, and has no friends at school. We know a song about that don’t we? She is called Luna, and if her dad is anything to go by will be a bit spacey. Sirius reckons her mother was a proper seer and Luna might be a latent, so she will see things she can’t explain. She gives them random names, so if she tells you that you have a wrackspurt infection, smile and ask her to make you a necklace to ward them off.

Honestly I am not making this up.

Apparently Luna was a close friend of Ginny’s until her mother died, when she was nine, and Ginny hasn’t been anywhere near her since. Remus reckons it has sent her dad a bit off centre, so Luna is almost certainly starved of friendship. Oh, and before I forget. Ron calls her Loony, which upsets her, but she never rises to the bait.

Have the order of the BBQ chicken given you any more grief?

Sirius took up the Head of House, and Kreacher turned up. Isn’t he delightful?

We managed to complete a task Sirius’ brother was attempting, so Kreacher loves us all now. Sirius has Kreacher adding all sorts of things to the food people are eating in Grimmly Place, so they aren’t enjoying themselves.

Have to go now. Write back when you get this. Miss you too.

Harry.

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Harry

Happy Birthday. I hope you got the present I sent you. I can only write a short note, we are in a hotel in the Lake District. Dumbledore’s people will not leave it alone.

You asked Dobby to watch over us. Thank you. My mum says you deserve, I am going to say a special hug. A couple of his ‘order’ turned up and tried to force me to go with them. I stunned one and Dobby got the other. We strapped them up in about half a mile of duct tape, and Dobby applied elf magic to prevent them removing it magically, then delivered them right into Grimmly Manor.

Dumbledore bounced off our wards ten minutes later.

McGonagall turned up after that, at least she didn’t pull a wand. She eventually accepted that they have no authority over me, or you, and left. My parents decided a holiday prior to school was in order.

After Dobby saved the day, I am going to bond with Winky. She is sobering up at the moment. She will be with me at Hogwarts, I will not lie, going back to that school is worrying me. Once they finally realise that I do not know where you are, perhaps they will leave me alone?

Anyway, give yourself a big hug from me.

Love

Hermione. (and Dobby)

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Hermione.

I got the card and the present, I love it, thank you. It sits on my bedside table as a reminder of one of the very few happy memories of my time at the school. We do look young in it, don’t we?. I didn’t realise Colin had managed to get a picture of that moment. Did you know that was my first ever hug?

Andromeda Tonks – (Don’t call me) Nymphadora’s mother wants to meet up with you and your parents before you head back to school. She is a Senior Healer, used to be at St. Mungo’s but is independent now. That’s roughly equivalent to a Hospital Consultant, Remus tells me. Her Husband Ted is a Solicitor, works on both sides. I have asked him to represent you all legally.

Sirius is worried that Albus ‘too many titles’ will try and put you in some sort of forced arrangement before you turn seventeen, as a muggleborn, during term time he is able to claim guardianship. Andromeda and Ted can help you with this, so please agree to meet with them as a family.

Got to go, Remus is making me exercise and we are going for a run around the Island.

Catch up soon.

Harry.

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Harry.

It has been a crazy few weeks. I am staying with the Tonks now, as my parents are busy with their work. They are selling up their practice and the house is on the market. They will be out of the country as quickly as quietly as possible.

Ted and Andi are a delight. Along with Dora, (I can’t call her Tonks in a room full of Tonks can I?) I haven’t laughed as much in months.

Andromeda is officially my magical guardian, and I am a protectee of the House of Black. Ted has filed all the paperwork in the Ministry. My parents have also signed limited rights over to them in the mundane world. It anything happens to my mum and dad, or they are not available, Ted and Andi can act in loco parentis for me.

I got an invite to spend the rest of the summer at the Burrow, along with some chocolates. Andromeda checked them and they were dosed with loyalty potions to Dumbledore and Molly. She made me do a purging routine. Not a fun way to spend a night……..

I am clear of everything now, and she is looking after my potion needs, - girl stuff, don’t be worried.

It has been quite a depressing realisation for me to discover that all I am to my so-called friends and mentors is a womb. One that is irritatingly opinionated and refuses to be quiet. I am meeting Neville and his Gran tomorrow. Andi is coming along to ensure no one from the Order turns up and tries anything stupid.

Do you get the Prophet? Walden McNair and the Carrows were murdered, Ted tells me they are all Death Eaters. He says it isn’t Dumbledore's lot.

Keep safe, looking forward to seeing a new hunky Harry with all this running.

Love

Hermione.

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Hermione.

Brilliant news that you are safe with the Tonks. Maybe see you at Yule then?

I have more than one form. I transformed fully, into a sort of big cat. Leopard or Jaguar, black of course. Then I tried again today, and I am an Eagle. Sirius wants me to visit a shaman to develop my abilities.

Miss you

Harry.

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Harry.

I may not get through the school year without killing Ronald Weasley. I was sitting outside Fortescue’s at a table with Neville, Susan Bones and her friend Hannah Abbot, when he turned up. He tried to push his way into the table to sit next to me and kept talking to me as if we were an item. He then took hold of my arm above the elbow and tried to drag me away, ‘back home’ to the Burrow. I slapped his face so hard that I think Ginny will behave for a week as well.

Susan and Hannah were amazing, standing at my side, and bless him, Neville was nose-to-nose with him telling him to leave me alone. Ron came out with some guff about me being ‘his’. Thankfully the twins appeared and pulled him away. What has got into his head?

I have sent a note from Neville via the bank. He is worried for you. I think he is a bit sweet on Susan Bones, but her friend Hannah likes Neville, so it’s a bit complicated, but in a fun teenage way, not in a save-the-world way, so it’s quite nice.

Neville has a new wand, Andi saw him with his father’s and gave his Gran a bit of a talking to about it, in private, but she caved, and he can do so much more – he now needs to learn to turn it down.

The new DADA book for our OWL year looks like we might actually learn something. Neville reckons we have an ex MaCUSA Auror Instructor for this year. We might actually learn something!

Andi won’t tell me about the plans for Yule, so that Dumbles can’t read them from me. She is going to wipe that thought as well, with my blessing. I am learning Occlumency, but I don’t think I could block Dumbledore.

Keep Running!

Love

Hermione.

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Hi Harry.

Hermione said she knew how to send you a note, now I know it’s via Gringotts I am a bit embarrassed, I should have tried that myself.

I just wanted to tell you that I believed you, when you said it wasn’t your choice. I am sorry I was too timid to stand up and be counted, I will do better.

Without you in the dorm Ron is lording about as if he is the king. I don’t think it will be long before either Seamus or Dean smacks him one. Perhaps after Summer he will have calmed down a little.

My Gran has told me a few of the things happening in the Ministry, the bits I am allowed to share. Madame Bones has been granted emergency powers, and is working with the Unspeakables and some ICW specialists to rid the country of the Death Eaters.

Barty Crouch Jr, was pushed through the veil, I cannot say I am sorry. He and the Lestranges are responsible for my parents’ fates. All the Death Eaters in Azkaban have been executed so that they cannot support a returned Dark Lord.

Hermione has told me that you are safe and with Lord Black. I see a story circulating that you have lost your magic. I shall not deny it publicly, but I know it’s a cover story. Crouch was squibbed out during the second task.

I hope this finds you well. We miss you in Gryffindor. Be safe.

Best Regards

Neville Longbottom.

P.S. We just had a visit from Ron, I think he is on something?

He arrived talking to Hermione like she was his property, you can imagine how that went.
I faced the oaf down, I might stop shaking soon.
I will make sure Hermione isn’t ever caught alone, and Seamus, Dean and some of the others will rally around. We will keep your girl safe Harry.

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Neville

Thank you for your trust. It means a lot, when I left I truly believed I had no friends in the Castle. I think I was being deliberately isolated by some people. I hope we can be friends again.

Calling Hermione ‘my girl’ is probably going too far. If I acted on that I would be getting a slap like Ron I suspect. She always has been my closest friend and perhaps one day might be more, but I am a long way away from England and I may never see her again, so I can’t lay claim to anything more.

Look out for her, Dumbledore has a weird fixation on being in control of my life, and I am afraid he will use Hermione to try to regain control. I do not want her harmed because of me, but equally want nothing to do with that bearded git Dumbledork.

I think Ron is reacting to something Dumbledore is plotting, keep an eye on Hermione, if she starts to show any sudden changes of loyalty, contact Andromeda, Ted or Nym Tonks immediately. We are worried she will be magically compulsed into acting against her wishes.

Thank you

Harry

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Harry.

Just a quick note, I got my results! I will not bore you with them, but I am very happy.

I am the fifth year Gryffindor Girls Prefect. I assume Neville is the boys, no one else is really suitable without you in the dorm. Can you imagine if it was Ron!!!

Love

Hermione.

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Harry.

I am using the chat parchment on the train.

The boy’s prefect is RON!  What the Blazes!

Do I keep the badge – for a little safety, or do I resign straight away?

Worried

Hermione

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Hermione

It’s not really my decision to make. I guess talk to the other Prefects, the Head Girl/Boy. If they assure that you never are alone with him, maybe keep it. Talk to Minnie?

Harry

Minnie? Would you dare call her that if you weren’t on the other side of the world?

Laughing

Hermione

Hermione

No. She would turn me into a frog and leave me in the Greenhouse. Pads and Moony both reckon if you talk to her, and explain the potions' worries, she will be on your side. It’s your call, I am too far away to be able to do anything.

Harry.

Harry.

I will talk and see if I can get a guarantee from them. The Head Girl and Boy are both ‘puffs so they have no shiny illusions about Ron or the Headmaster. They asked me to keep a journal of his attendance to his duties, they want rid of him. It’s a bit of a shock to discover how unpopular Ron is. I think half your problems were because of him upsetting everyone around us. Neville is being a delight, he accompanied me on my rounds since Ron immediately skived off.

He has realised Hannah likes him. Judging by the blushes and stammer. Delicious.

Got to go, we are near the Station now.

Look after yourself.

Hermione.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry

Winky has cleaned off all the tracking and listening charms from me and in the dorm. I am feeling a little disgusted at how many surveillance charms are in the girls’ dorm. They are all Dumbledore’s.

There is one of ‘Minnie’s’ in the doorway, checking who enters – no sneaking a boyfriend past her.

We moved them into the common room so he will still hear voices. I feel slightly sick to know how much that man watches us.

I talked to the other Prefects, and I managed a decent conversation with Professor McGonagall. She actually apologised for Ron being the other prefect, Dumbledore changed it. She wanted you, or failing your arrival, Neville.

I am having ‘tea’ with her tomorrow. She want’s to know you are safe. I think she has had a bit of an epiphany regards Dumbledore. She told me she has resigned the order. Tell you more tomorrow, I guess it’s middle of the night at your end.

School feels wrong without you.

Hermione.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Morning Hermione

We are about eleven hours ahead, I think. So it was breakfast, if I have my times worked out you should be up?

It’s nearly bedtime here, we get up with the sun, so early.

Tell Minnie (Pads says to pass on the message verbatim from him) ‘Dear Auntie Min. Harry is safe and is doing very well, he will take his OWLs in Japan this Summer (That’s basically December to you). As long as Albus Dumbledore is convinced that Harry must be sacrificed to his idea of ‘the Greater Good’ then he will never be anywhere near Dumbledore, or Hogwarts whilst he is in the Castle.’

I hope your ‘tea’ goes well. Remus says make a show of checking everything you eat or drink for potions, and use the spell Dora taught you to prevent switching.

Worried about you.
I wish I was there to make sure you are safe.

Miss you

Harry.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry.

Don’t be a prat. If you were here then nothing would stop ‘He-Who-Needs-a-Shave’ from getting control.

I will be careful.

Miss you too.

Hermione.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry.

I know you will be sleeping, but I wanted to write this down before doing my rounds. I had ‘tea’ with Prof, McGonall. She was rather forthright.

The Order is in disarray, half of them resigned. Remus – you know, and Tonks. But also Moody, Shacklebolt, McGonagall, Bill Weasley, Arthur Weasley, and a few names I did not know.

Albus is using them exclusively to find you. I told her that you can be reached via Gringotts, as that’s a letter drop really, doesn’t lead anywhere.

She endorsed the idea of keeping a Journal about Ron’s performance, and we went to the prefect’s room as she escorted me back to the common room, and asked the rest of the Prefects to do the same. She is openly against Dumbledore it is the strangest atmosphere in the school.

Greg Goyle and Vince Crabbe’s fathers were killed at the weekend. McGonagall told me it’s a cleanup of Death Eaters. I wonder when Malfoy will meet his deserved end?

Prof. McGonagall told me to refuse a meeting with the Headmaster unless she was with me. If he tried to make it at a time she was not available, Profs. Sprout or Flitwick will step in. Basically anyone but Snape.

Yeurgh. Potions in the morning. What fun!

I am patrolling with Angelina tonight, at least I feel safe with the girls from the team, they approached me and apologised for being nasty to me last year. They send their love.  

Later.

Hermione.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry.

It’s curfew here, and I have a guest sleeping in my bed tonight.

It’s the girl you mentioned, Luna Lovegood. Angelina and I ffound her walking the corridors naked. She is bullied. I gave her my robe to wear and we brought her back here. She is very strange. She walked up to us on the fourth floor, without a stitch of clothing and asked us for help. No tears, no anger, she passes off horrific bullying as a prank.

Angelina is fuming. I think the Ravenclaw girls are going to get it in the neck at breakfast.

I offered to be her friend and she burst into tears. Oh God, it’s set me off again. She is tiny, even to me. How can anyone hate her this much?

I think I have been adopted, Crookshanks is curled up with her like a teddy bear.

Time to sleep.

Hermione.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry Potter

Hermione Granger is allowing me to use this wonderful parchment to thank you for asking her to look out for me. Is this what friends do for each other? It’s new to me, but Hermione Granger assures me we are going to be friends and has loaned me some clothes to wear today. I am a Gryffindor for the morning at least.

Can you ask Stubby when he is going to tour again for me?

Lots of Love

Luna Lovegood.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Hermione.

Sounds like you had an exciting first night patrol?

Did you get Luna sorted, or is she sharing a bed with you now?

She sounds lonely

No running today, monsoon season!

Chat later

Harry.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry.

Luna is in the next bed. Bizarre week. Angelina and the other chasers were waiting for us at breakfast. Ginny was there as well, she is the Seeker this year. They all gave Luna lots of hugs and me as well, I nearly lost it, I have been feeling terribly lonely lately. We all went to see Prof. McGonagall about it, so she could report it to Prof, Flitwick.

Flitwick was absolutely furious when he found out. None of the Ravenclaw girls were at breakfast when we got there. McGonagall handed Luna the Sorting Hat, and she is now in Gryffindor. Since Sally-Anne hasn’t come back this year, we have a spare bed, so she is sleeping between myself and Lavender. Parvati keeps apologising as Padma must have known and said nothing. It’s causing a bit of a stink at the school. Cho Chang has been suspended. Sorry I know you had a crush on her.

Luna spent the week doing exams. She has skipped up a year, so she is basically my classmate now.

We didn’t get to potions first thing, so that was a bonus, but the rest of the day was OK. Except for Ron shouting at Luna and calling her Loony when we entered the common room that evening. Ginny put him in the infirmary. McGonagall gave her a weeks detentions, and she told her, ‘make it two, because I will do it again when he gets out.’

Luna tells me there is something evil in Ginny’s aura. I was dismissive at first, but she told me something I had been thinking over the last week, and had barely admitted to myself, as if it was a fact like water is wet. She isn’t a seer, so she tells me. She eventually explained she can actually see magic. Mage sight. That’s as rare as your Parselmouth ability.

If it’s true, and as per Sherlock, When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth, I am accepting it as truth. It means some of the things she has told me are quite important. So much so I can’t think how to explain them, except face to face. I will figure it out. Please be patient with me.

How has your week been? Please tell me something funny.

Yours

Hermione.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Hermione.

Funny? I might struggle. It has rained for about three weeks now, without a break. We actually go for a run in it now, or else submit to cabin fever.

The place basically smells of wet dog, between Padfoot and Moony, and myself accompanying them on their moonlight runs we don’t really dry off.

I am pleased you and Luna have hit it off. I don’t know her, but Moony tells me about her mother, she was one of my mother’s study group apparently. Pandora was a hippy chick from what I can gather, what the kids at my old school would call a ‘space cadet’. She was all about instinct and feelings, and my mum was all about logic and proof, and they used to argue for hours. Remus said Pandora never ever got angry with Lily, and after a while they became close friends.

It made me a bit sad. If it wasn’t for Voldy and the Whiskered Wanker Bearded Banker I would have grown up knowing Luna and Neville pretty much from birth. Tonks used to babysit me as well.

Not much fun to read, sorry. Stuck indoors because of the weather gets a bit much.

Hope things are better at your end.

Harry.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry James Potter.

This birthday present is too much. How much did you spend on it? I don’t know if I dare even wear it.

It is of course absolutely gorgeous. You are in so much trouble when I finally see you again.

Luna says it is steeped in magic, she says it’s really old. Older than Hogwarts, old.

I can’t decide if you are in lots of trouble or if I owe you an extra special hug.

You are impossible.

Love

And thank you very much

Hermione.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Hermione

The necklace is from my family vaults, and it is one of dozens of similar items. I picked it because the gemstones are your favourite colour. I have no idea what it is worth, and I don’t care. It is described in the family ledgers as mythril and various gemstones. It is from the Peverell collection, and the other reason I sent it, it will guard you against anyone trying to read your mind, or use a spell to make you behave in a certain way. Like your bracer it will use your own magic to burn off a potion in short order and will warn you if it senses one nearby. I don’t imagine that works for potions invented since they made the necklace, so I don’t see how that helps?

I have a matching set of earrings for you for Christmas. Should I put them back in the vault? (joking)

Be wary of any food sent to you, let Winky check things.

Happy Birthday

Harry.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry.

I am wearing it now. You are impossible to stay mad at. It is beautiful. It does work against potions, I am pretty sure it warned me off one of the cakes in the common room. It was a double chocolate, and you know how much I like chocolate. It made it smell bad. So I had some lemon drizzle cake instead.

Ron must have eaten half of the cake himself. He is in the boys' dorm toilets, quite ill by all accounts.

Your Very Happy Best Friend

Hermione

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry.

Why is Halloween such a night for Drama? Every year?

The summons we have been expecting finally arrived after lessons yesterday. Luna accompanied me to see Prof. McGonagall, and Ron tried to stop us, tried to make me go to Dumbledore with him. Luna stunned him, and left him in a spare classroom in a pink unicorn onesie. She is scary sometimes.

We dropped Luna back at the Common room and I went up to the Headmaster’s Office with Prof. McGonagall. He tried to dismiss her, and got quite snippy about it. When I asked why I was summoned, he talked all around everything, until finally telling me, that he had signed a betrothal agreement for me, to Ronald Bilius Weasley.

I declined politely. He insisted. Minerva, (ooh look at me) tore into him like he was an errant firstie. He kept insisting it was for my own good. It was a done deal. I would be happy. Eventually I told him to send it to Andromeda for her to decide and he asked why.

I should not gloat, but when Minerva McGonagall is angry her Scot’s Brogue is thicker than pea soup, and this sounded like a bit of Rabbie Burns. She tore into him pointing out, I was a protectee of the House of Black, and Andromeda Tonks-Black my assigned guardian and mentor. Minerva grabbed the parchment. She accused him of being nothing more than a pimp. She took me back to the Common Room, and, oops I forgot about my not to be betrothed Ronald sleeping in a classroom.

He was out after curfew and the sixth form ‘Puff prefects found him. He has finally lost his prefect’s badge. I feel guilty about being pleased.

No I don’t.

Neville is the new prefect. About time.

We are headed off to potions, quite fun being a lab partner with Luna, her mother was a potions master, and she is amazing. She just smiles at Snape all the time, he hates it. I love it.

Bye for now.

Love

Hermione.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Hermione.

The House of Black is going to press charges against Dumbledore for attempting to kidnap you, and a host of other things. Remus says get some popcorn, it will be fun.

Really Happy you are protected.

Harry.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry

The school is full of Aurors and Unspeakables. Dumbledore was arrested by Madam Bones herself at breakfast, in front of the whole school.

What are you up to?

Curiouser and curiouser?

Hermione.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Hermione.

I can tell you everything soon. Please keep a low profile.

Life might be interesting at Hogwarts for a couple of weeks.

Yours.

Harry.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry.

I thought you might enjoy this snippet. Snape has just been led out of the school in handcuffs.

Smiling too much

Hermione

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

HARRY JAMES POTTER.

You told me you fought a big snake. THAT BASILISK WAS A MONSTER.

How did you live? You killed that thing with a sword?

I nearly passed out when the Goblin team brought it out through the school. I told Luna you fought it, she knew. Of course she was a first-year. I feel guilty that she suffered and we didn’t know.

That does not excuse how scared you just made me.

I will be talking to you Harry James.

Almost petrified a second time.

Hermione

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Hermione

Sorry – exams.

I didn’t really see it, I had my eyes closed most of the time, because of its death stare. You having the information that it was a basilisk saved me you know. When I knew it was dead, I remember thinking it couldn’t hurt you anymore.

The Goblins are frankly taking the micky. They could portkey it out of the Chamber. I think they were making a point about pupil safety under Dumbles. I bet it caused a commotion going through the school.

Once it’s sold, I am going to give all the victims some of the proceeds, so expect a top up in your vault.

Harry.

PS – meant to warn you, thought they were collecting it tomorrow – got the time zones mixed up.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Hermione.

That’s my OWLs done. My Defence examiner was a sadist, I can barely walk.

It’s the start of our Summer holidays out here, fancy a beach barbie for Christmas Dinner?

I think Hogwarts might even be safe next term?

Yours

Harry.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Harry.

I am at Charles de Gaulle Airport, with my parents and Dora, waiting for a flight to Fiji. I am coming to see you. Please be kind I am really nervous about meeting you again.”

Worried

Hermione.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

Hermione.

You are waiting for a portkey.

I will see you in about half an hour, and I can’t wait for a hug from my Hermione.

Excited

Harry.

_____________________________________ᓚᘏᗢ

“Harry!” she screamed as she ran across the arrivals floor and glommed him into a hug, all nerves and fears forgotten. “Oh my God, Harry, you are ripped.” She could not contain her smile and as Harry closed his face to hers she realised what he intended to do. The kiss was everything she had dared to dream about. Perhaps more. “Am I forgiven then?”

“Only if you kiss me again,” she did, “and again,” she did, “and” once more.

A throat clearing behind them brought reality home. “Harry, I presume.” Helen Granger’s grin was almost maniacal.

“Hello Mrs Granger. Thank you for coming.” He said nervously over Hermione’s shoulder. “Sorry for all the worry.”

“Don’t apologise young man. Andromeda has kept us informed all the way, and since we are moving out here as a family, the idiots in England can sort their own mess.” She looked at Remus and Sirius who were chatting to her husband Richard and Tonks respectively. “Shall we go?”

They used another portkey to the beach house, and since no one could sleep sat outside, the adults with a cold beer or wine, and the kids with a coke each. Hermione was practically draped around Harry like she was a jumper and showed no signs of letting go.

Morning brought everyone outside for breakfast, Hermione once more was attached to Harry. A dreamy voice commented from the beach, “I see you have realised the truth of your bond to Harry then, Hermione?” Luna stood wearing a huge floppy hat and a lemon yellow sundress, with her father whose clothes looked like an accident in a paint shop.

“Luna, I didn’t know you were coming here, you never said a word?” she admonished.

“I didn’t know either, but the Ministry is in uproar, Madame Bones is cleaning house, and daddy thought it safer to get any friends of Harry’s out of the way until the dust settles.”

“Welcome to our Island home, Luna, lovely to finally meet you.” Harry said from under Hermione.

“Thank you, Harry Potter, that is so kind. You should ask Hermione, she will say yes.” Luna skipped away after that statement to collect a glass of cloudy lemonade and sit in the shade for a bite to eat.

The days slipped by, swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, sailing.

“What is the question you want to ask me then Harry?” Hermione enquired one afternoon.

“Sorry?”

“Luna. She said you should ask. I would say yes. What is the question?” Harry sat and even under the sun, she could see his blush, “I think we are a bit past ‘will you be my girlfriend?’ so what is it you are thinking of asking?”

“I want,” he stopped. “Will you marry me? ~One day?” he licked his lips. ”Not now, someday, I knew as soon as I left England, you were my one. I thought I had ruined everything. After holding you again, I do not ever want to let you go, and I cannot face the thought of you being with another man.”

Hermione sat staring at him, open-mouthed. “Wow, Harry, that is a lot.” She swallowed, and looked nervous. Kissing him gently he steeled himself for the refusal. “After University. Engaged after my, our, NEWT’s. Married after University, kids after a couple of years, I want to travel.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Mm’mmm. It’s a later. But a yes, later.” They kissed.

Standing a little down the beach Luna smiled, she could see their magic swirling around them, weaving it’s pattern, intertwining their lives, and ensuring their futures. Luna felt the pleasure they shared, as she watched her found family forming in front of her eyes. An image formed standing looking at her, a small child, masses of dark curly hair and piercing green eyes. The child smiled and waved before fading away.

“Everything OK moonpie?” Xeno asked his daughter.

“Yes Daddy, everything is going to work out just fine. Even the Wrackspurts are happy.”