Dear Ron,
I haven't heard from you in a while, so I got to wondering if perhaps the school owl got sidetracked and didn't end up delivering the letter. I haven't heard of that happening before, so I doubt it, but I couldn't help writing to you again anyways. It's so different here at Hogwarts without you and Harry. I miss you both incredibly. I still go down to visit Hagrid all the time, and we laugh at all the old memories of the four of us. But it would be far better if you were here. Though I must admit, Hogwarts has been much quieter (and safer?) since you both decided not to continue.
Neville, Luna, Ginny, and I still hold DA meetings once a week. We hope we won't actually need to use the spells we are learning, but we all missed the meetings too much. I guess it's also our way of keeping Dumbledore's memory alive. Most of the old group still show up, and a few others. Draco showed up one time, which was entirely unexpected.
It's strange, but Gryffindor and Slytherin have gotten along far better this year. I didn't expect that, after the Slytherins were sent away for trying to give up Harry last year. I honestly think that even Draco has changed. I know it sounds impossible, but we actually had a short conversation without insulting each other. Of course, it only consisted of "Hello" and "How are classes going?" and lasted about a minute. But it got me to thinking that maybe we judged him a little harshly. Not that it really matters now.
Oh! I almost forget to mention it, but SPEW membership has increased. We now have six members, plus you two. Of course, house elfs have been treated far better since Voldemort's death, but there's always room for improvement. I considered changing the name to RD, or something. You know "Remember Dobby." But I cried every time I thought about it, so I decided I couldn't do it.
I wonder if it's loss that has somehow brought all of Hogwarts closer together. I mean, practically everybody has lost someone that they love. Sometimes it hurts so bad I feel like I am going explode. But everybody understands, and everybody feels the same way. In the large scheme of things, I suppose I didn't even lose family. Though Fred was like a brother to me, and I guess he would have become a brother-in-law one day. I don't know how you deal with it.
I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't have mentioned that, but it feels wrong not to talk about them, you know. Like, if nobody remembers then their sacrifices were for nothing.
Did you hear that Neville's mom finally remembered his name? He was practically glowing when he told me. I guess they have hope that she might recover. His dad, too. Isn't that amazing?
Well, I have a bunch of Transfiguration homework. McGonagall's as merciless as ever, though I love her of course. Please write soon, and tell Harry he'd better write as well. I miss hearing from you. You should visit sometime, I'm sure they wouldn't mind. I promise not to hit you with my books for taking so long to respond.
With love,
Yours always,
Hermione Granger
