-CHAPTER 1-
OWL POST
Hermione attached the parcel to the large snowy owl's leg and reached for a pen and paper.
Dear Harry,
Ron wrote to me and told me about his phone call to your Uncle Vernon. I hope you're alright.
I'm on holiday in France at the moment and I didn't know how I was going to send this to you-what if they'd opened it at customs? -But then Hedwig turned up! I think she wanted to make sure you got something for your birthday for a change. I bought your present by owl order; there was an advertisement in the daily prophet (I've been getting it delivered, it's so good to keep up with what's going on in the wizarding world.) Did you see that picture of Ron and his family a week ago? I bet he's learning loads, I'm really jealous-the ancient Egyptian wizards were fascinating.
There's some interesting local history of witchcraft here, too.I've re-written my whole History of Magic essay to include some of the things I've found out. I hope it's not too long; it's two rolls of parchment more than Professor Binns asked for. Ron says he's going to be in London in the last week of the holidays. Can you make it? Will your aunt and uncle let you come? I really hope you can. If not, I'll see you on the Hogwarts express on September the first!
Love from
Hermione
P.S Ron says Percy's head boy. I'll bet he's really pleased. Ron doesn't seem too happy about it.
She crossed her last 'T', placed the letter in an envelope and printed 'Harry' on the front. She hoped he would be pleased with her present as well; a broomstick servicing kit. Hermione was sure Harry would be missing Quidditch and she hoped that it might cheer him up. She put the letter in Hedwig's beak and no sooner had Hedwig left, a tawny owl flew in through the window. In it's beak she found a letter, presumably from Hogwarts.
Dear Ms Granger,
Please note that the new school year will begin on September the first. The Hogwarts express will leave from Kings Cross Station, platform nine and three-quarters at eleven o clock. Third years are permitted to visit the village of Hogsmead at certain weekends. Please give the enclosed permission form to your parent or guardian to sign.
A list of books for next year is enclosed.
Yours Sincerely
Professor M McGonagall
Deputy headmistress
Hermione's mother knocked on the door, came inside and sat on Hermione's bed. She put her arms around her daughter and gave her a big hug.