Dear Tom

* * *

Dear Tom,

Are you there? I hope you are. It's so great to have a friend to talk to, especially when no one else seems to notice. Ron thinks I'm just some little kid, you know. He says I'm annoying. I don't mean to be annoying, Tom, really. Do you think I am?

Anyway. I don't care about Ron, not really. Who ever said he was so great? He's just one year older than me, besides. That doesn't make him so special. And he doesn't understand anything.

No one does.

...

But you do, don't you Tom? You're old, besides. I bet you know a lot.

...

Do you know about being in love? Because I am. His name's Harry and he's... well... he's perfect. But everyone else thinks so too, which means that he'll never notice me. I sent him a Valentine, you know. It was rather embarrassing... I can't quite remember why I did it. I'm sure he thinks that I'm stupid now.

He wouldn't want to talk with me anyway.

Why would he, really? I'm just a silly little first year, while he's practically famous for getting rid of You-Know-Who again last year. I can't even imagine doing what he does. I can hardly get my Potions lesson ri--

Virginia.

Oh, there you are Tom! I thought maybe you didn't want to talk to--

Tell me about Harry, Virginia.

Harry? Oh, like I said, he's perfect. He's so nice and smart and brave and--

That's not what I meant. Tell me about him.

What do you mean? I don't understand.

I'm sorry. Let me make it simpler. Tell me everything you know about his past... what he did last year. Do you think you can manage that?

Are you mad at me, Tom?

No, Virginia. No. I am not mad. Just... talk to me. It's me, Tom. You can tell me anything. It won't hurt anyone. Who am I going to tell?

I suppose you're right. I just don't want you to be mad.

I'm not. Go on.

Well... Harry... his parents were killed, you see. And so then he went to live with his--

Details, Virginia, details. How were they killed?

You-Know-Who killed them. And he tried to kill Harry too, but he was so wonderful that he couldn't do it. He couldn't kill Harry and now he's a hero and everyone knows him by the scar on his forehead. They say that Harry beat You-Know-Who, one of the most powerful wizards of the time, and he was just a baby. Everyone loves him and calls him The Boy Who--

SILENCE.

...

I don't wish to hear lies from you, Virginia. I thought we were friends.

Oh, but we are, Tom. I mean, I want to be.

Then do not lie to me again.

... But... I wasn't lying.

...You mean to tell me that a child, a mere pathetic infant, managed to defeat Voldemort, the world's greatest wizard? Speak carefully, Virginia.

Oh, but I am telling the truth. You have to believe me. Harry's so wonderful. He's going to be a great wizard... maybe greater than You-Know--

I'm weary of your senseless chatter, girl. If you cannot be useful, I see no point in my continuing to listen to your banter.

Oh, no, Tom, don't say that. Please don't go away. You're my friend.

Am I?

Yes.

And what would you do for our friendship?

Whatever you wanted, Tom.

Truly?

Yes. Just... don't leave me. Please.

...

I have a special errand for you to do, Virginia. I am trusting you to complete it. But you must be very careful and not allow anyone to see you. Do you understand?

Will it hurt anyone?

Of course not, my dear. I would never hurt anyone. Especially not... Harry. ... What is his full name, Virginia?

It's Harry Potter.

Harry Potter. I see.

...

Are you there, Tom?

Yes.

What... what do you want me to do?

Are you certain that you are prepared to do this?

Oh, yes, Tom. I want to be your friend.

Good. Then relax and listen carefully.

...

Listen very carefully.

* * *

END.