Chapter Nine

Midnight Letters

Hermione dropped her briefcase haphazardly on the floor in her lounge. She had been looking forward to firing Malfoy that day, but he kept to his promise, and finished going over every document, even making some improvements. She didn't know why she was angry if he was doing the job well. It was just... Malfoy. She had put up with him enough during Hogwarts, she didn't want to see him now.

She went up the stairs, and smiled lightly at the owl perched on her desk. She fished out a some treats, and left them at his feet.

She went into the bathroom wanting to cool down before she read her pen pals letter. There was no better way to do that than take a long bath. She lit the scentless candles, and filled up the tub with lukewarm water, and lots of lavender bubbles.

The more she soaked the more she calmed. It was Malfoy after all, there could be plenty of opportunities to fire him, and if they didn't come along, perhaps he would quit. If that didn't work out either, then she would get used to having him around. If he was helping cases involving magical creatures, then she could grow to the idea that he had changed. What other choice did she have?

It was midnight when she stepped out dressing in a blue camisole top, and matching boxers. Hermione settled at her desk picking up the envelope Lunus dropped. She ripped it open with apprehension. This might tell if it was Malfoy.

Hermione,

That is funny. It sounds as if he had it coming.

Once in Hogwarts this beautiful girl made a joke in Herbology about a plant. I can't recall the joke, but I do recall her smile, and laughter. I laughed too, though no one noticed, and at the time it was a good thing, because if I had others would question my loyalties, or my sanity. She had dirt smeared over her cheeks, her hair its usual mess, but I thought she was beautiful. Just as beautiful as she was when she came into the Great Hall at the Yule Ball.

Your Friend

Hermione's eyes narrowed reading the letter again. So, he did go to Hogwarts, and apparently was in her year. She had told a joke in Herbology, everyone looked at her shocked that was the reason she remembered. It didn't mean that she was the girl he was writing about, but they had been together at some point in a six year proximity. They had to be enemies... Malfoy... No, she had already resolved that, it couldn't be, his response to her story was… Unfulfilled.

My Friend,

Sounds like this girl means a lot to you. If you do not mind me asking, what happened?

Your Friend, Hermione

Hermione sent Lunus off with her letter, and stood to dress. She pulled on a long periwinkle nightgown, brushed her hair back into a ponytail, and turned around to get into bed when she saw Lunus back with another letter. That was quick, usually her pen pal waited until morning to write back. She sat back at her desk.

Hermione,

She was too good for me. I was a foolish kid. I didn't like her one bit. I loathed her, but recently I've seen her, and I can't believe how blind I've been to how wonderful she is. She's still too good for me.

Your Friend

Friend,

I think it should be her decision of who's good for her. You should give her that choice. Tell her.

Your Friend, Hermione

She waited in case he was still up, and indeed he was. Lunus flew back in within minutes time. He had to live close to her.

Hermione,

Unlike you, my dear friend, I'm not brave. I'm a coward. The day I tell you who I am, I'll tell her my feelings. That's a promise, and I always keep my promises. Tell me more about yourself.

Your Friend

Friend,

I love the color blue. I love cats; I have one, his name is Crookshanks. I can never seem to manage my hair, but you should know that. I like to laugh, but who doesn't? My middle name is Jean, after my mother. I'm a lawyer, and active in magical creatures rights. I'm a muggleborn, and only child. I'm a flutist, I took eight years of lessons. I have a hallway full of pictures. I possibly have the cleanest teeth known to anyone (my parents are dentists). I love white carnations.

You say you know me. I can't imagine that I know you. Tell me about you.

Your Friend, Hermione

Hermione,

I love green. Lunus is my only pet. My middle name is after my father. I work shuffling papers. I'm a pureblood, and only child. I'll share a secret with you, I've played muggle guitar since I was seven. I found something compelling about it. I love flying.

Your Friend

Friend,

Flying scares me. I don't like being up that high without anything to catch me. One of my greatest fears. What are yours?

Your Friend, Hermione

Hermione,

A repeat of history. Dying without change. Being alone.

Your Friend

Friend,

I'll make you a promise now that you'll never be alone. I'll be here. There, that's one less fear you have.

Your Friend, Hermione

Hermione,

I'll take you up on that promise. Thank you.

I hope you'll do me a favor, and keep Lunus until night when you send me a letter back. He looks like he's going to keel over. Thanks for the trouble. I'll talk to you soon.

Your Friend

Hermione glanced at her watch. It was nearing five in the morning. She had to be up in three hours. She couldn't believe how late they had stayed up simply writing back, and forth. She had never done such a thing, not even with Krum. Their letters had been sporadic, nothing so routine, nor deep. This was different, and she liked it.

Lunus had his head turned, and eyes closed. She felt bad; they did wear him out. She closed the window, and latched it. She would feed him in the morning, and let him rest for the day until she came home to write her friend.

Hermione climbed under the heavy covers, and set her mind to figuring out her pen pal. He didn't tell her anything that could possibly identify him. Of course, he wouldn't tell her anything that would give him away. If he wanted her to know he would outright tell her his name.

Despite that, she felt she felt closer to him. She loved writing him. She cared for him. She didn't even know him. No, that's not right, she did know him, just didn't know who he was. How could she possibly hate him? Before she could contemplate further she fell into slumber.