August 24, 1996

Dear Harry,

Ron's not doing so well. He's been really moody. He seems to alternate between sadness and anger. I think he's hurting because you are pushing us away like this. His moods are kind of hard to predict, and it has caused many fights between us. It's like we're missing a piece of ourselves and we can't function properly with out it. That piece is you!

It's just not the same without you. Why won't you write? I'm so worried that one of my best friends is hurting and not letting us help him. I feel as though we've lost you. Some days I feel as though I'm grieving not only for Sirius, but for you as well. Just let us in! We would never judge you or think less of you. Let us be your friends!

Love, Hermione

Harry felt bad about causing his friends such pain, but he still couldn't bring himself to reply. He was still just too ashamed about what had happened to him. They probably wouldn't understand anyway. He placed the letter and with the others at the bottom of his trunk.