Disclaimer: Nothings mine, its all Rowling's.

Chapter 1 – Harry and Hermione

The drive back from Kings Cross after a disastrous fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was a quiet one. Due to the threats given to them by various members of the Order of the Phoenix the Dursley's were now quite afraid of upsetting Harry and having additional 'unnaturalness' arrive at their home on Privet Drive. Harry stared blankly out the window reliving the death of his godfather yet again. He had been told repeatedly by all his friends and mentors it was not his fault but he couldn't quite believe he hadn't had a hand in his godfather's death.

After pulling to a stop in the driveway of number four Harry removed his school trunk and Hedwig's cage from the trunk of Uncle Vernon's car and proceeded to the smallest bedroom for another long summer. He placed Hedwigs cage on his dresser and let her out, opening the window so she could come and go as she pleased. Hedwig flew to Harry's shoulder and hooted softly nuzzling up to him in a clear display of affection which while he appreciated he could not help but feel he did not deserve.

Uncle Vernon's voice echoed up the stairs as he yelled at Harry. "Boy, get down here now or you'll get no supper!"

"Yes Uncle Vernon." Harry said as he got up from his bed heading downstairs.

Harry sat at the dinner table dreading what was coming but was pleasantly surprised when instead of stale bread or a portion fit for a two year old he received a plate of food almost equal in size to everyone else's.

"Now you listen here boy," began Vernon, "We may not have any choice but to let you eat us out of house and home this summer but I will not put up with any of your foolishness. You be sure to send those letters every three days so those freaky friends of yours do not come to our home and we don't want to see you other than meal times. Any of your unnaturalness and you'll find yourself straight back in your cupboard for the rest of the summer. Do you understand?"

Not even a little surprised at what his uncle was saying Harry simply replied "Yes Uncle Vernon." and quickly finished his dinner wanting to return to the seclusion of his room.

The days passed slowly and Harry fell in to a melancholic routine consisting mainly of brooding alone in his room over Sirius and being woke several times a night by his usual nightmares. The Dursley's continued to ignore him only tolerating his presence at mealtimes. They were giving him plenty to eat for a change and not assigning him any chores. Even though it wasn't asked of him, Harry still spent time working in his aunt's garden in a futile attempt to get his mind off the events of the past year.

On the third day back Harry wrote a letter to the Order letting them know everything was fine.

To Whom It May Concern:

Everything's fine here. I'm fine.

Harry

He tied the piece of parchment to Hedwig's leg and sent her out the window. As he watched her disappear he couldn't help but feel a little bit sadder. With Hedwig gone he was truly alone at Privet Drive.


Hermione arrived home with her parents and dragged her trunk up to her room. She unpacked putting away everything save two books on Occulmency she had borrowed from Professor Dumbledore. She was about to begin studying when she spotted a wizarding photo on her desk of her and her best friend Harry Potter. It was taken after the final Quidditch match during their third year. Harry had just caught the snitch winning another Quidditch match for Gryffindor when she had run up and hugged him in congratulations. The picture was one of her favorites showing a grinning Harry and Hermione each with one arm around the other occasionally hugging.

Harry Potter. She had grown especially close to Harry over the years. At one time she had a bit of a crush on Ron and thought she might like him as more than a friend but the constant bickering, lack of maturity and jealousy he often displayed had grated on her. It hadn't taken her long to realize she saw him as more of a brother figure and could never be more than a friend to Ron.

But Harry, Harry was different. She had always felt a special connection to Harry and over the last year came to realize she was in love with him. He was the most handsome, selfless and amazing person she had ever met. Yet she hid her feelings for her best friend scared that if she confessed he might not feel the same way and their friendship would be ruined. Hermione picked up another picture this one of the trio eating lunch in the great hall towards the beginning of their fifth year. It was a typical day and they were eating and chatting happily with each other. Upon closer inspection Hermione could be seen surreptitiously sneaking glances at the boy who lived when he wasn't looking.

She felt so bad for Harry. He had lived such a hard life. Just when it was looking like he would have a real family in the form of his godfather Sirius Black who would love him and take him away from those awful Dursley's he too had been taken away from Harry.

Hermione knew Harry blamed himself for the death of his godfather even though it was clear to her and everyone else he was not to blame. Harry had his godfather's best interests at heart when he'd run off to the ministry to rescue him thinking he was being tortured by death eaters. She knew Harry would have laid down his very life to help Sirius the fact that Sirius had done and risked exactly the same to save him didn't seem to occur to Harry.

Emerging from her thoughts she replaced the picture and sat down to begin studying the large volumes on Occulmency. She knew Harry was unable to learn from Professor Snape and felt she had failed him by not helping sooner. She was now determined to learn this obscure branch of magic so that she could help Harry to understand and master it.


The morning of her fourth day back, a school owl arrived with a note and package attached. Hermione jumped up and down in excitement knowing what the package contained.

Miss Granger,

I must thank you for allowing me to help you with this project. It was most exciting and enjoyable to work with you in the creation of these journals. You are my most talented student and I just wanted you to know I have given you extra credit on your charms grade for this project not that you needed it as you were already well over 100 percent.

The set is now complete and will work exactly as you have envisioned. I apologize as I know you wanted to keep these secret, however I had to enlist the help of Professor Dumbledore to create the final blood bonds to make the set work properly and be secure. Be assured no one else is aware of the existence of these books.

Sincerely,

Professor Flitwick

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

'Yes! There finally complete!' Hermione was worried about Harry withdrawing and not dealing with the loss of his godfather. In her opinion sending Harry to the Dursley's away from the wizarding world and his friends was the worst thing that could happen to him after the events of the previous year. She decided owl post would be to slow to carry a real conversation and knew the Dursley's would never allow Harry to use their telephone. Shortly before school let out for the holiday she thought of the journals. The journals were magically connected so when you wrote in one it would appear in the other thus allowing her and Harry to converse. It was also possible to write in the journal in such a way that your writing was not copied to the other book. This allowed them to record their private thoughts without the other being able to read them. She couldn't wait to get one to Harry!

She began wrapping Harry's journal for the trip to the Dursley's when she heard a tapping on her window. She looked up to find Hedwig and opened the window to let the owl in.

"Hedwig! I was just wondering how I was going to send this to Harry."

Hedwig hooted in a manner suggesting she was offended at Hermione for thinking she might not come get this for Harry.

Hermione fetched a bowl of water for Hedwig and gave her some owl treats before sitting down at her desk.

"I just need to write Harry a quick note and you can be on your way."

Hedwig hooted grateful for the water and treats and settled down to wait.

It took her several tries to write the letter. Once she was happy with the final draft she placed it in an envelope and addressed it to Harry.

"I'm done Hedwig, are you ready to go?"

Hedwig flew to the desk and held her leg out in a very dignified manner. Hermione attached the letter and gift and Hedwig flew out the window in the direction of Privet Drive.

Hermione watched Hedwig as she disappeared into the distance. "Please write soon Harry." she said to no one before returning her attention to the remaining journal.

Opening the journal to the first page she inked her quill and wrote two names inside the cover.

Hermione Ann Granger

Harry James Potter

After writing both names she picked up a pin and poked her finger. A drop of blood appeared and she pressed her finger between the names she had written. The book glowed for a few seconds before returning to normal. The writing and blood had disappeared from inside the cover. Closing the journal she set it aside saying "Now it's up to you Harry."

With her task accomplished she returned to her study of Occulmency.


Harry was sitting on his bed lost in thought when Hedwig flew in carrying a small package with a note attached. He removed Hedwig's burden and placed her in her cage with some water and owl treats where after a drink and a snack she settled down for a well deserved rest. Returning to the letter he recognized the tidy script on the envelope as being from his best friend Hermione Granger.

He paused briefly thinking about Hermione. She had always believed in and supported him regardless of the feelings of others. Even when Ron failed him or was overcome by one of his bouts of jealousy Hermione had always been there for him without fail. His thoughts wandered to her a lot lately. He had always thought she was pretty but he had noticed over the last year she was growing into a very beautiful woman. Harry knew Ron had a crush on her and had been suppressing his feelings because of this but since she'd kissed him on the cheek at Kings Cross several days earlier he couldn't help but think about her more and more.

Shaking himself out of his daydream he opened her letter.

Dear Harry,

Hedwig just showed up as I was wrapping this gift for you. I hope everything is ok and the Dursley's aren't giving you a hard time. I know I've told you this before and you don't believe me, but IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT HARRY!

Well, I'm going to try to keep this letter as short as possible and get right to it. The gift I've sent you is a Matched Journal. Professor Flitwick helped me create them but we were unable to complete them before the end of term. I just received them today.

Harry stopped reading and opened the package finding a simple blue journal filled with blank pages. Curious why Hermione would need Professor Flitwick's help with something as simple as a journal he returned to the letter.

You're probably wondering why I would need a charms professor to help me with a journal, well I'll tell you.

A brief smile passed Harry's lips as he realized how well his best friend knew him.

This journal is part of a magically matched pair of journals. I have the other one here with me. There are a couple things you need to do to activate yours and then we'll be able to write to each other. Everything written in one will appear in the other one. Also we will be the only ones who will be able to read them. Anyone else looking will just see a blank journal.

This was amazing! For the first time since leaving Kings Cross the weight of the holidays seemed to lift ever so slightly from Harry's shoulders. He would be able to talk to Hermione this summer!

To activate your journal and connect it to mine write both our names on the inside of the front cover and add one drop of your blood between our names. That's it!

I can't wait to hear from you, please write soon.

Love,

Hermione

Harry looked at the journal in awe; he couldn't believe what a wonderful friend he had in Hermione. Clearly she had put a lot of thought and effort into this. Thinking of being able to talk with her in journals this summer he developed an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach almost as if there were several snitches loose. Pushing these feelings aside he picked up a quill. Opening the journal to the inside of the front cover he began to write.

Harry James Potter

Hermione Ann Granger

Setting down his quill he found a sharp edge on one side of his desk and made a small cut on his finger. Once he had a drop of blood he pressed it to the cover between the two names causing the book to glow for a few seconds. As the glow faded there was an almost blinding flash of light.

Harry blinked several times rubbing his eyes to help clear the spots from his vision. Focusing on the journal he noticed the writing had disappeared from inside the cover. Curious he picked it up and closed it revealing the cover which now read in an elegant script 'Journal of Harry James Potter and Hermione Ann Granger'. "Wow!" Harry said out loud and then thought to himself 'Now what I wonder. Hmmm I guess I'll try writing something and see if Hermione gets it.'

Opening the journal to the first page Harry inked his quill and simply wrote 'Hermione?'


At the Granger's residence Hermione was deeply involved in the study of Occulmency only looking away from her book occasionally to take notes when there was a bright flash of light from the journal on her desk. She squealed in delight as she realized that Harry had activated his journal. As she reached for the journal she noticed the cover now read 'Journal of Hermione Ann Granger and Harry James Potter'.

Before she could look further her mother burst into the room "Hermione! Are you ok? I thought I heard you scream."

"Sorry mum, I'm fine. I just got a little excited about something I read that's all."

"Dear you gave me a fright. Well as long as everything's alright I'll leave you to it then."

"Ok mum, thanks for checking."

As soon as her mother closed the door Hermione opened the journal practically bouncing up and down in her seat in anticipation of writing to Harry. Shortly after opening her journal she saw her name fade into existence on the first page and they began to write.

Hermione?

Harry, I'm so glad you received the journal ok and decided to write to me!

This is the coolest and nicest thing anyone has ever done for me Mione I can't begin to thank you enough for this.

You don't have to thank me Harry. I just hated the thought of you being stuck back with those awful relatives of yours all summer with no one to talk to after everything that happened last year.

Well I still want to thank you. To be honest this summer was starting off pretty lousy, but this makes it a lot better.

Hermione grinned to herself she was ecstatic to know he appreciated her gift and that even though they had only just begun using them it was already helping him.

I'm glad you like it Harry, I was hoping you'd want to do this with me this summer. I was trying to figure out a better way than owl post to keep in touch with you. I love seeing Hedwig but sending letters just seemed to slow to really be able to talk and I didn't figure the Dursley's would let you use the phone much.

Your right about that, they'd have a fit if one of my 'freaky friends' called me on the phone. (Their words, not mine by the way)
Wow, I just can't get over this. Your amazing Hermione! It must have taken a lot of work to pull this off.

'Amazing! Harry Potter said I'm Amazing!' thought Hermione as a big grin appeared on her face.

Well, it wasn't too bad, Professor Flitwick helped a lot and Professor Dumbledore helped with the blood charm. Professor Flitwick even gave me extra credit towards my grades for this project!

Harry laughed as he thought to himself 'Leave it to my Hermione to get extra credit for making me a gift. Wait a minute… 'my Hermione'?'

(Smile) Leave it you to get extra credit in school for making me a present.

Stop teasing me or I won't tell you what else these journals do. (Giggles)

You mean they do more than this?

Of course silly. It wouldn't be much of a journal if you couldn't record your own personal thoughts without me being able to read them now would it.

Ha. I guess that's true, I hadn't thought of that, I'm just excited I can talk to you this summer anything else is just a bonus.

Thanks Harry, It makes me very happy to know you like it.

Well I should probably tell you what else they do, there's not much but here it is. If you want to write something that you don't want me to read (now what would that be I wonder) at the top of the next blank page just write -Harry- and anything you write on that page will not appear in my journal and will only be able to be seen by you, even if I look in your journal I will not be able to read it. If we manage to fill all the pages, more will be added to the end. Also, no matter how many pages we add the book will never get any thicker or heavier.
I almost forgot, if a journal is written in while the other is closed the lettering on the front will glow faintly (don't worry, only we can see the lettering and the glow) and thanks to the blood charms if we're somewhere else we'll still know the journal has been written in. We'll have to try it but you should get a kind of feeling that you need to check your journal.
I think that's all.

I'll say it again Mione, you are amazing! I don't know what I'd do without you.

Thank you Harry and you know I'll always be there for you if you need me or just want me for anything.

-Harry-
I can't believe Hermione did this for me she really is incredible. I wish she was here now. We've only just begun writing in these journals and yet the more we write the more I feel like she's more than a friend to me. A few minutes ago while we were writing back and forth to each other I thought of her as 'my Hermione', I wish she was. I kind of feel bad thinking like this I know Ron has liked her for a long time. To be honest with myself though I've been thinking about her a lot since she kissed me on the cheek at Kings Cross. Actually I've been thinking about her a lot the last year or so. I'd truly be lost without her.

Harry? Are you still there?

Sorry Mione just thought I'd try putting some of my personal thoughts down.

Oh, I see. So, what did you write about? It must be about me since you used a private page so that I couldn't see. It is about me isn't it!
Harry James Potter, what did you write about me?

Sorry, that's privileged information. Maybe someday I'll tell you, but not today!

Pleeeeaaaassseee Harry! (Pouting with puppy dog eyes)

No, absolutely not. And please don't use the puppy dog eyes, I can see you in my minds eye and it's killing me.

Sorry, I had to try. (Smile) You do realize of course that I will get it out of you the next time I see you!

Maybe, maybe not. I do look forward to you trying though. (Wink) Just promise me you won't use the puppy dog eyes when you try.

Sorry Harry but I can't promise you that now that I know your weakness. (Evil grin)
Be right back Harry…

Ok.

-Hermione-
I'm so excited! Harry loves the journals and almost seems to be flirting with me. Probably not though, I should be so lucky. He's so gorgeous! I'm so pathetic, lovesick Hermione pining away after her best friend. Still I do wonder what he wrote about me. I almost wish this feature wasn't a part of these journals now this is going to drive me crazy!
Oh no, I just noticed the clock and it's getting pretty late, I should probably let him get some rest. I need to talk to him about Sirius and find out how he's really doing and how his dreams have been but I think I'll wait until next time, he seems so happy right now.
Arrgg, I Love Harry Potter.

I'm back, Harry are you still here?

Yep, where did you go?

(Smirk) I just wrote a private page of my own.

And what did you write about Ms. Granger? Hmmm?

As a great wizard once said, 'Sorry, that's privileged information. Maybe someday I'll tell you, but not today!'

Ouch, well I guess I deserved that. I'm sure I know what it was though. No doubt you filled a page outlining the virtues and wonderfulness that is the great Harry Potter.

Hermione flinched at Harry's last entry realizing that in fact much of her entry was exactly that. She decided that maybe it was time to finish up for tonight.

Well Harry, it's getting late and we should probably get some sleep, can we write some more tomorrow?

Of course, I hope we can spend a lot of time writing this summer. I mean if you want to that is.

I definitely want to! Well I guess I'll talk to you tomorrow then.

Goodnight Harry, sweet dreams.

Night Mione. Thanks again, for everything.

Harry closed his journal but stopped as he was getting up to re-read the last several entries. 'She never responded to my joke about her writing how wonderful I was. I wonder why that is?' Shrugging to himself Harry mentally filed away the information for later and lay down to sleep. For the first time in weeks Harry slept soundly and instead of the usual nightmares dreamt only of a bushy haired brown eyed witch.