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Chapter 12

*Summer before Hermione's 6th year*

D,

It has only been two weeks and I already miss you. I am so lucky to have you in my life.

The old man is not letting me contact H, so I fear that all of my letters are being tracked and read. I want to talk to him, but I know that he needs time to process what happened with S. Speaking of, are you okay? While I know that you weren't close, he was still family. I am still shocked at what happened— I have no idea how everything got so intense so quickly, or how H convinced everyone to go. I should have known it was some type of trap. We were lucky that your father was there and that he wasn't there for long. The old man really saved us. What are we going to do about B? I know there is no way she would ever accept our union, so I have no idea what we should do. Do we have to hide, even after this spring?

I am so glad that we were able to celebrate and had the approval of our parents— I was terrified that your parents had changed their mind and decided that I wasn't worthy enough to marry you. P told me that I was being ridiculous and of course she was right.

My parents are worried about me and this upcoming year. They don't want me to go back, but they know that you will protect me. (I think the only reason they even considered allowing me to return is you, and my last name.) Please let me know that you are okay.

I love you.

H.M.

H,

You're the one who has made my life a life worth living. I love you and am so lucky to have you. Does he really believe that isolating him from his friends and family is the best way for him to heal? I swear he gets battier the older he gets. Do you think he will be okay? (Yes, contrary to everyone's belief I do care, if only for your benefit.) I am furious that H brought you along with, but I agree, we are lucky that he wasn't there for long. We need to make sure that our minds are protected. I know that we have all been working on it, but I think that we really need to step up our game. I am doing okay with it, as you said I didn't really know him. But my mother is taking it even harder, especially since it was B who did it. It shouldn't matter what side the other was one, you don't hurt family. My father is livid; I have no idea what he has plans for her, but it is not good.

We are going to have to hide until everything is over and we have won. Otherwise we would have everyone out for us and everyone would know who I served, which would not help anyone of our friends. I don't want you to think for a second that I am ashamed; it is the opposite. If it was up to me, everyone in the entire world would know, and we would run away and start a family. I've always wanted a little girl.

Your parents are right to worry. I have no idea what is planned, but I don't think it's good. The only thing stopping him from storming in is the old man. But I hope that he trusts me enough to give me a glimpse into some of his plans so that we can be prepared. You and I will do our best to be prepared for whatever he throws our way.

I love you.

D.M.

-00000-

B,

We need to move up our plans. He has given me a transfiguration project that will take up most of my time this year— it is most interesting and believe that you, P and H will find most intriguing. While I am not allowed any partner work time, I think he would understand if I referenced the brightest of my friends— especially if they had the right viewpoints.

While I am busy with my new project, would you be willing to pick up my slack on my other project? Of course, you can ask P, C or G, but I think H will be too busy helping me with my other project to help you with the other one. Also, we need to focus more on our potion work—there are a few potions that will be on our N.E.W.T.S. that I feel we need to work more on. I will have Father order us enough for the four of us. H says the room can be turned into a full lab— how, I have no idea, but you know how inventive women can be.

If you want to get ahead a little, I would love to give you some information that would be most helpful. Unfortunately, after the end of my project, the old man will no longer be useful. But I've heard a rumor that he won't be useful for more than a year anyways. He has found the most beautiful piece of jewelry, a piece that I think would look lovely in my collection— would you look into where I can find such a piece? Or, if that is not possible, perhaps a piece with similar properties? I have a few, but I think seven would be enough. Also, do you still get headaches? Because I think I have a mind exercise that could help.

Best,

D

D,

I look forward to hearing more about this project of yours. I know H will be the most interested. Have you had a chance to let her know about it? It does make me nervous that there is no partner work allowed. Are there enough resources in the library? Or would you like me to ask my mother for some informative books? Do you believe you can get a good enough grade to move on in the class?

Because I hear this professor does not allow repeats. Also, while on the topic of school, have you had a chance to go to Diagon Alley for supplies? If not, P and I plan to meet up next week for some shopping and would love to have lunch.

You know that your other project has always interested me, so yes, I would love to take over. Do you mind giving me your notes over lunch? I am a little rusty in this particular project. It is unfortunate that he will no longer be useful after this year, I know that H is particularly fond of him. Have you had a chance to warn her yet? It is unfortunate she is on holiday at her parent's château and is unable to meet us for lunch. Perhaps P would like to take a trip; she is always looking for a reason to practice her French.

Surprising, I know the exact jeweler you are looking for. I would be more than happy to give you their name and address the next time we meet. I even know where you could find some pieces that are similar, if that one doesn't suit H.

Also, congratulations. I had a chance to sit down with P for dinner last week. While I am sad that I couldn't attend, I understand why it wasn't possible. Extend my congratulations (or condolences) to H. Also, yes. I have read up on it, but I would love some help with my headaches.

B,

Lunch was most informative. Thank your mother for me; the books will be very helpful for H and I. Of course, H is sad that she was unable to make it, but you know how the French country side calls to one's sense of wanderlust. I always find it hard to leave myself, whenever I get a chance to go. I am glad that P decided to take the trip out to visit, but I know that she will be most displeased with the news.

I am sorry for the old owl, but you know how bored owls get when they are flying the same routes. Makes them lazy and susceptible to the thieves of the air. I was unable to reach the original jeweler, but I was able to find two of the pieces that I was looking for and found the name of the owner of the third— so it was a most efficient summer.

H misses you and wants to let you know that our favorite room is back up and running. I have no idea how she knows, but you know how she is with her informants. Scary.

I hear congratulations are in order for you as well. You will make a lovely couple. I will see you in a few weeks. Stay safe.

D

-00000-

Hermione,

I am a little worried about Harry. Are you worried about him at all? Are you sure that we should be leaving him alone, especially after Sirius just died? I think it would be better if he was able to get his mind off of it by being able to talk to us. But Mum says that Dumbledore knows best, but you know how he reacted to being left alone last summer. Mum is usually right, but he wasn't in a great place after Cedric died and I am worried that he will go back to that this summer.

How is your summer going? I assume you have already finished all of your homework? Ginny and Mum have been bugging me about getting it done, but we still have a month, which is more than enough time. Right?

Have a good summer,

Ron

P.S. I hope you like the lemon cake. Ginny says it is your favorite.

Ron,

I am glad that you have taken the time to think about how he is doing, but I think your Mum may be right. It may be best to let him process everything that has happened this past year on his own. Yes, his godfather was a big part of his life and it will be hard for him to move on, but he will get past this, I promise.

I think you should get started on the Transfiguration homework— it took me the better part of three days to get it all done. The rest of it can wait, but please do not wait until we get on the train. While I know that you guys are not taking Potions this year, it is still important to brush up on all of the concepts, so I've taken the liberty to send you a book that will be most useful. You never know when you will have to brew an important potion from memory. It could come in handy with our luck.

I am sorry it took so long for me to respond— my parents and I are in France visiting some family friends and it takes a while for the post to reach us.

Thank your mother and Ginny for the lemon cake— it is my favorite. You are very sweet to have sent it to me.

Have a good summer,

H

-00000-

H,

I know that there is only a week left until the term starts and that you are very likely still in France with P, but I wanted to let you know about a few things. I am so sorry I haven't told you before now, but I wanted you to have a chance to enjoy your time with your family.

The old man is dying and there is nothing anyone can do. Your least favorite professor is trying to help, but he will fail. He has given me a task, one that I need your help with. The old man's usefulness will run out by the end of the year and I am tasked with fixing that error. I know that this goes against everything that you believe, but I need him to trust me and this is the best way to do it. Also, B gave me the name of the jeweler and I have acquired a few trinkets for you. Think of it as a late gift. I also found you a necklace that I want to give you, but unfortunately, I have had the hardest time trying to get you the real one. There are a few fakes around, but I think that the old man and his side kick will find it before the year is out.

I am so sorry for the danger I have put you in. I know that this is what you signed up for, but I can put you in any family home anywhere in the world to keep you safe. I know that V and his girlfriend would be more than willing to let you stay with them until this problem has been solved. Please think about it— all I have ever wanted was for you to be safe. Everything is getting more and more real and I am not ashamed to admit that this is scary. I am scared for you, for our friends and for our family.

I love you.

D

D,

I would like to be angry at you for not telling me, but the time I have had with my family is invaluable. We both know it is unlikely that we will all survive, so I am so grateful for the time I had with my parents. Thank you for sending P out; it was so good to see her, and she updated me on a little of what was going on.

I know that you would do everything in your power to keep me safe, but you and I both know that I cannot run away from this. It is as much of my problem as it is yours. We are a team now; we made vows to stay together, even for the worst life could throw at us.

I am sorry he put you in this position. While I am not happy you are the one who has to fix this problem for him, I know that if there was any other way, we wouldn't be talking about it. Of course, I will help you with the project he gave you. Can P and B help as well? The room should be available for us, I know that H will never go back there.

Speaking of H, I heard from R. He is worried about him as well (which is surprising). The fact that he noticed something was wrong has me worried about him even more. I hope that he fairs better than he did last year, but I am not holding my breath. Hopefully they will be more focused this year on what is important, so that I don't have to spend so much time breathing down their necks. I really want the chance to spend some time with you, P, and B. We need to make that time a priority.

I am frightened for the moment where everything is revealed to him. I am scared that he will find my parents. I am terrified that he will find us out before everything needs to come to an end. This doesn't feel like a game anymore.

Are we going to die?

I love you.

H

H,

No, you are not going to die. There is no way I would ever let that happen. I am relieved that you understand why I have to do this and even more relieved that you are willing to help me. I don't think I could do this without you. B and P are going to be working on another project for us, one that I will tell you more about later when we have a chance to make a plan.

How would your parents feel about taking an extended trip to France for a while? They are going to have to go into hiding eventually, as too many people are privy to where your home is located, but it would be way safer than staying where they are now. There are too many eyes and ears for them to be safe at home or at work. I hope that they will understand why I am insisting that they take some time away.

I am so excited to see you. While it has only been a few weeks, it feels like years since I have last seen you. The manor has been infested and the exterminator does not seem interested in coming any time soon. I cannot wait to sleep in a bed where I am not worried that a rat may invade my space.

While it will be nice to see everyone, we may only have a day or so of leisure before we need to get started on our respective projects. Unfortunately, time is not a luxury that we have readily available.

I promise you that you will be safe. I will make sure of it.

Love always,
D

-00000-

Hermione,

It is so good to hear from you, but your letter was troubling. We understood that the situation was serious, but we had no idea how serious it really was. Are you sure that you are safe where you are? We can all go, if you think you can get away. We are not completely comfortable leaving you behind, but we understand that there is little to no chance that you could get away without everyone noticing.

We called into work and put in our notice that we will be taking a few months off. If this situation is not solved in a few months, we are returning and will not be leaving until you come with us. We know you are safe with him, but we do not feel comfortable leaving our children without our protection.

Stay safe and we love you,

Mum and Dad

Mum and Dad,

With all of my friends going home for Yule, I thought it would be a great time for me to come visit you in France. I took the liberty to plan to come next week, I hope that is okay. I cannot wait to see you both; it has been too long since we have all been together. Unfortunately, he could not get away from family obligations, so it will just be me this trip. Hopefully he can come visit this summer, I know that he misses you both terribly.

Love you and see you soon,

Hermione

-00000-

D,

I just got back from France. I have no idea what I am going to do, but I do not think I could have done this without you. I know it was the right thing to do, but I wish there was another way. Do you think we can ever fix this? Thank you for sending someone to take care of the house; I don't think I could have done this without you.

H

-00000-

Emma,

We heard that you were staying in France for the next few weeks. We just wanted to reach out to you and let you know that our daughter, Jane, was getting married in July and wanted to invite you, Dan and your lovely daughter. Is she enjoying her time at school? We miss seeing her around the neighborhood.

We heard it through the grapevine, but we are so happy to hear that Hermione is doing so well at her boarding school. We were wondering if we could get the name of the school? Our Henry has been causing so many problems at school that we thought we would look into a boarding school to see if that would help his attitude problem.

Also, do you plan on having someone take over your practice? Or should we begin looking for a new dentist?

Thank you,

Amy Carlson

Dear Amelia Carlson,

We are sorry to inform you that Emma and Dan Granger no longer live in this residence. Our family has just moved in to this home last week and were not given a forwarding address to send your letter to. We hope this does not cause any inconveniences.

We hope you have a happy New Year.

The Jamesons

-00000-

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading! If you liked this chapter, please recommend this story to a friend! As always, I will see you next week!

-Kat