Dear Harry,
I can't believe it's only been a week. It seems like there's nothing to do now that I can't see my friends or do some schoolwork, and yes, that means I've finished it already. I was bored out of my mind and had nothing to do until my parents finally let me walk to the library. They're very busy this summer, and I'm very glad they let me keep Crookshanks in the house for company.
How are you? I hope things are calm over there. (Harry smiled at her worry and delicate phrasing, for he'd never come outright and told her exactly what went on at his summer house with his extended family.) And please try to attempt doing your homework; I can't help you if you haven't done anything!
Well, see you at the end of summer!
Hermione
…
Dear Hermione,
It feels like it's been months, doesn't it? Thanks for writing a letter, I was bored too. Though, I haven't done my homework…yet. I hope you don't stay locked up in the house, we need to get sunshine once and a while. But you are an observant witch- surely you can go into the yard more often. I actually got out of the house to the library myself, though don't be so surprised. I didn't do homework. I only looked up some sign language, but I got so hooked on the stuff. It's amazing! You have to teach me more when fall semester starts!
Seriously though, I have had a surprisingly nice time…we'll see how that goes.
See you,
Harry
…
Harry,
Hey mate, how are you doing? I heard the muggles were treating you better. Must be nice now. Mum's going spare thinking that they're starving you, and Dad had to calm her down before she sent a very generous care package that would have killed the owl.
Ginny's being annoying again. She keeps on asking if I knew you were friends with Neville and them, and she's being air headed about talking to Luna. I think she's insane, but she said something about an old friendship…do you know anything about that?
Have a nice summer.
Ron.
…
Dear Harry,
I'm sorry your summer's not the best. Don't lie to me I know you wrote that so I wouldn't worry. (Harry smiled softly.) I have been getting some sun in our atrium; it's not the same, though I'm glad there is no wind to blow the pages of my books about!
I got a visit from professor McGonagall and Mme. Pomfrey. They were finally able to work out the magical combination that corresponded to my injury…they came over to do some tests and talk to my parents before they attempt anything to fix it. I'm kind of scared.
Anyway, the Dursley's better treat you right this summer! I know quite a few hexes that can be sent by muggle mail.
Best Regards,
Hermione
…
Hermione,
I'm sorry I can't be there for you, but I'm sure you'll do fine. You're right about one thing though- the Dursley's are being horrid. I don't think they'd let me leave to visit another `freaky' friend. But I'm sure McGonagall will look out for you, and you can do anything.
You'll be happy to know I am almost finished my homework, I left transfiguration for last though- you know me and those wand movements. Tricky little buggers they are.
And I'll be sure to warn the Dursley's- I don't think they've contemplated curses sent by muggle mail.
Be sure to get outside won't you? I can't have you cooped up all summer; even I get outside to trim the hedges once in a while.
Harry
(Harry paused in thought, and then hastily scribbled on his last thought before moving to answer Ron's
letter.) PS, Ron said Ginny's been talking about an old friendship and Luna, do you know anything about
that?
…
Ron,
Yeah, my summer's pretty good. I wouldn't mind getting your mum's food though, and yes the Dursleys are
feeding me. I don't know anything that goes on with Ginny, why don't you ask her?
Harry
…
Dear Harry,
Thank you for writing me again. I was kind of lonely- a couple of the neighborhood kids decided to have a picnic at the park, I chickened out and didn't go. Instead I'm writing you- which is more fun let me assure you.
It's awkward being around the kids who I used to attend primary school with. They still look at me oddly even though I've been deaf for some time. I think it's even harder on the boys, and it would be very mean of me to make them uncomfortable just so I could get off the property. And I'm making excuses aren't I? You must think I'm a very pathetic Gryffindor, scared of a little socializing. But I'd rather be spending time with you, at least you understand me and I wouldn't have to hide all the things I know about magic.
Even when the kids came to invite me they couldn't look me in the eye and instead asked my mother for permission (and I was the one to answer the door!).
So I'm sorry I didn't get out- but I did play with Crookshanks out on our grounds. He's quite happy to be chasing butterflies and messing with my hair, but I think he misses Hagrid's treats. He took a liking to my cat when he heard his story; he has such a soft spot for abused animals. And Crookshanks is very good about alerting me to strangers on the street; I don't know what I'd do without him here.
I'm sorry I rambled. I've been jittery waiting for Mme. Pomfrey…and the neighbors aren't helping.
About Ginny and Luna, they're in the same year. I think Luna calls it `friends by default'- but they drifted apart some time ago and she hasn't talked to the girl in a while. Maybe that's it? I'm not sure if that helps, sorry.
Hope to see you soon!
Hermione
…
Hermione,
Your neighbors sound as stupid as mine, but at least Crookshanks can cheer you up- Hedwig got locked up so I wouldn't cause any mischief.
Never apologize for feeling nervous. I think everyone does at some point so there's no point in fretting more. I think we've had a similar conversation, haven`t we-About first years and being frightened? But I guess it's different if it involves Pomfrey and McGonagall.
I'm not sure how to ask this, but I guess I'll just do it. You've never nagged me for asking a question or looking stupid. But I feel stupid right now…how did you lose your hearing? The way you talk about it sometimes…it's weird thinking of it like that though- I'm so used to you being as you are. But I feel like a bad person for not knowing about you, and then I feel even worse for having to ask and maybe hurting you.
But the truth is I don't know much about you. I don't know your favorite color or just how you saved Crookshanks; I don't know how you reacted to your first owled letter or how your parents took your magic. I don't even know if you had accidental bursts before you received the letter!
We've never talked about it; actually we've never talked about a lot of things. It seems we forget everything else when we're in Hogwarts.
Did you try at first- when you came to Hogwarts? I don't think I could've, Ron and I became friends by accident, sort of. And Ginny kind of just tagged along when she came. I don't think we were an accident, I tried so hard to figure you out- but look how much I still don't understand. But I'm glad in a way; I've had enough of accidents.
So I'm sorry, I haven't been the best friend to you.
Forgive Me,
Harry
…
Harry, you won't believe what I found out! It turns out Luna and Ginny were friends before she started hanging out with us! That's so weird! But Gin said that Luna drifted off, didn't spend so much time with her while she made friends with us. (So Ginny wasn't the one to drift away? As good as he knew Luna he thought she wouldn't drift from a relationship- though she was prone to drifting in thought.) That must be how Neville made friends with her, eh? (But you didn't mention Hermione, Harry frowned.) The guy's the shyest I've ever seen, and he hangs out with that Hermione girl so it's not like they'd make fast friends.
Well, other than that shocker summer's been going pretty normally. But mum wants me to degnome the garden again (Harry could practically see Ron's eyes roll). So I'll see you later.
Ron
…
Harry,
You can't conclude such idle comments with a poignant observation and expect me not to notice. I'm very sorry to write this, but I don't think Cedric was an accident. And, if anything, stop blaming yourself.
Blame Voldemort.
My favorite color is orange-red, like alpine lilies you know? (Harry's smile slowly overtook his shocked face as she abruptly changed the course of her letter, distracting him with pleasant observations and trusting him to accept her blunt dismissal of his guilt. He enjoyed the way she focused on what was light and humorous, though she still paid due attention to what was needed and serious. He found that it was purely Hermione to giggle as she got over something, to understand that there was more than just the moment and see the oddity that would later make it okay- make everything okay.) And the rising sun, pumpkins and Crookshank's tail- it's a vibrant living color don't you think? Maybe that soft periwinkle blue color is a close second- at least I can wear that one, orange makes me blend into those Cannons posters someone put up in the common room.
I don't believe I dislike any color, and I know you feel the same way- wasn't your preferred color brown? Like broomsticks and chocolate? (Harry grinned openly, fond of her keen recollection and her odd way of phrasing.)
There's something silly about associating everything with colors and then judging them. So I don't believe in hating a color. But I guess I do like orange-red because it reminds me of home- Crookshanks is always ready to cuddle, my dad sits with me to watch the sun rise from the atrium where Mum grows those lilies…
Anyway, I got Crookshanks in a side street of Diagon alley- he was so scraggly and wet that I couldn't just leave him! And my mom fainted when the first owl letter arrived- my Dad jumped up and ran for the broom. (Harry grinned wider, his cheeks hurting as he pictured the motherly slight frame of Mrs. Granger reacting to the owl and Mr. Granger's frantic swinging of the muggle broom.) He was a darling owl though, and so gentle! He didn't mind me petting him or anything! (Harry thought Hermione must have been quite attached, her parents had bought a family owl- it seems they'd gotten over their scare enough to spoil their daughter with some feathered company.)
My first accidental burst of magic was on my birthday- I blew up the cake when I made my wish. (Harry laughed quietly, quickly darting a glance to the light under his locked door to make sure the Dursley's weren't coming at the noise before returning to the letter and the moonlight.) It was okay though, because my wish was that my parents could actually be there- so only my nanny witnessed it. She was very confused afterwards - enough to write it off to the alcohol I always saw her nipping from the wet bar in Dad's office - so my parents never heard of it.
And Harry, despite the questions and unknowns…you are the best friend I've ever had. I've known Neville and Luna for a long time, and it might be something to do with how they were raised but they never are curious about who I am out of school- as a muggle. You are. It's nice to know that you care enough to wonder- and we have that understanding.
You know I'm not stupid just because I can't hear…and that I am powerful even though I'm muggleborn. You pay attention to me and what I want to say, what I can't say sometimes…it's nice to have someone who can do that. So thank you.
I've never really had friends…when I was in primary school I was the quiet girl in the corner. (Harry's face softened, his hands shaking as he pursed his lips and continued.) I got teased a lot, and it didn't help that I had bushy hair and buck teeth and loved my books…I got the teeth fixed after a hex in the hallways; Mme. Pomfrey was very fussy over it. But she's very attached to me so it shouldn't come as a surprise. And it's nice to have you as a friend- it's harder for me to make friend's my age than most would believe.
Harry, this makes you one of the best friends a person could have. You looked past everything and saw me- so
don't ever feel bad about wanting to know more, you're one of the few who even bother.
Missing you,
Hermione.
…
Dear Harry Potter,
My summer is going well, but Daddy and I haven't found snorkacks yet. They're very shy aren't they? We spent a whole weekend camping just to see no sign of them. It was very disappointing. But the jackalopes were very nice, and they said that I would have a good year at school. How's your hair? It must be very hard to control with all your magic coursing through you untouched- you're very powerful that way, like Hermione. Poor girl.
Daddy lets me use his wand so my magic doesn't build up so obviously.
Oh, Happy Before Birthday! I know it is coming up soon, and I hope that you don't run into any Snoodleburrs. They really like to bug people on their birthing days.
Luna
…
Harry,
It's so boring at the burrow! Ron's been really testy lately and mom's running around the place still complaining about the tournament and Ron's underwater stint. I swear she's too weird sometimes. Nonetheless, summer's going as usual and I can't wait for term to start- it's getting rather tedious with all the family at home.
Well, Happy Birthday and see you soon,
Ginny
…
Hermione,
Thank you.
I'm sorry I had to fumble my way through that before realizing you wouldn't be offended. I also realize you never finished answering my question, but that's alright. You can answer whenever you feel like it. I don't think it will change anything about you, so don't worry about anything like that. You're Hermione- and you're the best friend I've ever had. It's odd to say that since, really, you are the person I've known for the shortest length of time. So, if it really doesn't bother you- let me get a few things onto paper. I really don't think I could ever ask all this to your face, but that's nothing to do with how I feel you'd whap me over the head …more that I'd be worried to see you trying so hard to get this out when I know you'd be hurting. I've read too much on the subject now, I know you're very special in this. So humor me, please?
So, what is it like- the difference I'm sure you've cataloged between hearing and then trying to lip read all the time? Does it make you pay more attention to other things? Did it take a while to learn? I can't very well imagine the abrupt change- the closest I've come is being introduced to the magical world. But it must have been doubly hard for you; I didn't have to deal with losing anything really important.
So, I'm really looking forward to seeing you at the station- the summer seems to be dragging on far longer than the others…
Missing you,
Harry
…
Dear Harry,
I realized it was your birthday soon; it's strange that we both were born around the same time and yet never really knew. Hermione wrote to me about it- she's very disappointed that she can't bring you anything. (I swear she was ready to march to your relative's door! She's scary like that sometimes.) So I am writing to wish you a happy birthday, and I hope your summer went well. It will be back to the books soon, and no more lazing about the library trying to find a question to stump Hermione.
Strange game, I know, but she's never disappointed us yet. It's kind of fun, the things you learn- and we always have a good laugh. Also, Hermione seems to know a little something about everything, so it's always interesting.
Maybe that's why she knew we'd make good friends. I don't think anyone else could have fallen into place quite like you have.
Regards and Best Birthday Wishes,
Neville
…
Neville,
A Happy birthday to you too. And I hope you've still got a hold of Trevor- my aunt says there's a cold snap coming in that could hurt him if you're not careful. I'll have to say thanks to Hermione too, it seems she's very worried about me.
Thanks again for the thought,
Harry
…
Harry,
Happy Birthday mate! Sorry I couldn't get you more, but I only had enough time to stop in for some candies before mum rushed me- she's getting very paranoid. Well, hope you don't get a stomach ache from them!
Ron.
…
Dear Harry
Apologies. I drifted off in my last letter, I realize. But really, that shouldn't mean that I didn't want to tell you- just that it was harder to find words. Sometimes I think I read too much, and that all the words I know are fighting each other to get out so that I don't know which to choose. It makes me feel pretty stupid, actually. And Mme. Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall made their last visit…I don't think it worked quite how they wanted it to. My parents have been moping about they house when they come home from work, and everything seems so tiring. I hope they're not too disappointed. (Harry's features tensed as he read her dry description, his mind wandering to what she thought about it; if she was scared and frightened and maybe a little disappointed in herself…he wondered if that was why she didn't say anything.)
I still can't hear, though sometimes there's a hum- and it fluctuates in pitch. I've gotten so used to silence that it's almost annoying. I'll survive though. If I learned to live with silence I can easily continue to do so. Really, I don't know what I'd do if I could actually hear again. And my parents would have to get used to another change, it took so long for them to learn sign language and how to get my attention, even with my magic helping. But they're very scared to let me do things, even though they try to encourage me to get out and do more. It's the way it works I guess. When I was younger and got teased, well, bullied a lot it was only staying after school and avoiding the other kids that let me get by relatively safe. And one of those times I didn't stay late enough. That one time there was an accident and I hit my head- it was odd hearing silence after their taunts, almost like a blessing for one quick moment. And then it was permanent.
(Harry felt his eyes burn and the swallow got stuck in his throat- and he wondered if his `accidents' were anything like hers. If they were more accidents because of some other devious design in some one else's mind. A part of him just knew they were and wanted to rise and protect her all the more for it- though he knew she could survive without his involvement.)
It created quite a fuss in the neighborhood. The boys apologized, but it's still so weird to be around them. I don't think they know how to act around me. It took a while for the neighbors to figure out how to work around my deafness, and sometimes they still forget. My parents are very supportive and are always reminding people that I can't hear them, but it throws them off to be reminded. It's painful to be the cause of that.
At Hogwarts there are spells to make sure I can `hear' all the teachers are saying, even when they aren't facing me. Professor Snape even has a talent that lets me hear him better; I'm thinking I'll try to learn it so I don't have to watch other people struggle so much when they try to talk to me. But the professors do work with me and my magic, it seems that the accident awoke my baser magic…I have a tendency to use small wandless silent spells when I get overly emotional and let go of the restraints I've been taught. Otherwise my magic likes to drag my senses into overdrive over every little magical thing…and the castle is absolutely covered with spell work, it makes my eyes tired. (Harry slowly smiled- his heart lightening as he realized that Hermione was okay. Certainly he would still make sure to relay his support the next he saw her, but life had taught her to stand up again and again…and this time he would be standing up beside her, helping her if she so needed it)
It's almost time to meet at the train! I hope you have all your school supplies handy, and I'll help you with that transfiguration as soon as possible.
Lots of hugs,
Hermione
………………
AN: Sorry for the long wait, but this was actually supposed to be a part of the last chapter…and the muse took the letters and ran with them. The reason there is no flashback is because, there is some revealing in the letters already, and of the two flashbacks I have I reaaaa~ally want to delete one. Ahah. So you'll only see the other one.
I'm also sorry for mistakes and any confusion, I'll take the time to reread this later and edit…right now I'm sick, my eyes are burning, and I have to get to work.
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