Tuesday
1 June 98
Dear Hermione,
I've never really known what to write in a letter. I've never been very good at it. I guess I could tell you about my day. Harry and Ginny wanted to know all about Australia. I told them about the Wet Tropics and the giant spider and the koala I wanted to steal. I didn't tell them about Hugo yet. I'm not sure why, but I feel like they wouldn't understand. We went out and had a proper fly after dinner. It was nice to be back up on a broom. I still wish I'd brought mine to Australia. It would have been wicked to fly over the Nullarbor, don't you think? I hope your parents are doing well their first night back. Tell them I say hello. Mum won't shut up about having them over for dinner. I hope you can come over for dinner soon. It's only been one day since I last saw you, but I miss you.
Love,
Ron
Wednesday
3 June 98
Dear Hermione,
Mum and dad let me borrow Erroll. Let me know if he makes it there before Pig. I think sometimes he gets distracted. I forgot to tell you in my last letter that you left some clothes here. I'm sure they're not anything you want because it's all the stuff you wore a million times this year, but mum wanted me to tell you. Are your mum and dad settling back in? Have they talked to Hugo at all? I told George about him today. He reckons I should have stayed in Perth and Hugo should have come back with you and your folks. I kind of miss him, but not nearly as much as I miss you. When do you think you can come visit?
Love,
Ron
Thursday
4 June 98
Dear Hermione
I can't believe Pig still hasn't made it back. I borrowed Hermes today from Percy. He wasn't too pleased. He asked me about my five-year plan today after I told him I'm not going back to Hogwarts. He asked about your five year plan too and dropped a lot of hints about how great the Ministry is. I think he wants you to come work in his department. It's actually been fun having him home. George and I got him on a broom yesterday after supper. He's as rubbish a flier as he was when he was at Hogwarts. How are your parents? Are Pig and Erroll okay? I told them to fly as fast as they could. Ginny says I'm a twat for writing you every day, but I think about you every day. I miss you so much. Hope that doesn't make me sound like an even bigger twat.
Love,
Ron
Friday
5 June 98
Dear Hermione,
Harry told me Kingsley wants the two of us to come and help the Auror Department get the last Death Eaters. He said they want you too, but I told him you have more important things to do this summer. I worked with dad in the garage a bit and even helped mum make supper if you can believe it. We got Percy to play Quidditch with us again. We played Harry and Ginny and got destroyed, but it was great fun. My family is angry at me that I've used all the family owls to write you and none have returned. I thought you said it should only take a day to fly? I hope you and your family are okay. If I don't hear from you tomorrow I think I'll come by just to make sure. Miss you.
Love,
Ron
Saturday
6 June 1998
Dear Hermione,
Got your letters today! I wish owl post was faster too. Percy says I can't use Hermes anymore unless it's an emergency because he needs him for work. I didn't tell Pig and Erroll to fly that fast. At least not so fast they needed four days to recover. Maybe if you send me your telephone number dad and I can fix a telephone to call you. I know he has a telephone out in his garage. I go to his garage almost everyday and can't wait to show you some of the Muggle stuff I've learned. Yesterday we took apart a Muggle music player. I was telling him all about how electricity works and about the electric wands that control the telly. That was nice of you to make dinner for your parents. I actually helped mum with dinner last night too. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. I'm glad your mum and dad are letting you come visit. I REALLY miss you.
Love,
Ron
Sunday
7 June 98
Dear Hermione,
You just left and I'm already writing you. I'm sorry we didn't get much privacy. I liked having everybody home, I just wish it wasn't on the day you came to visit. Next time try not to come on a Sunday. That's when everybody comes home. My brothers all took the mickey after you left. Ginny was the worst. I can't believe that was the first time I've kissed you in a week. Hope it's not a week before I get to do it again.
Love,
Ron
Tuesday
9 June 98
Dear Hermione,
Did you know I think I've written you more in the last week than I've ever written to anyone in my whole life? Not a lot going on at the Burrow. Percy said today he is going to stay at the Burrow until the end of the month. I know mum likes having him home. She's going into Diagon Alley tomorrow. Dad says it'll be her first time back since last year. She asked me to come too, but I think I'll just stay here. I wish you could come over tomorrow. I think Harry and Ginny are going into town so we would have the house to ourselves. I miss you.
Love,
Ron
Wednesday
10 June 98
Dear Hermione,
Harry and Ginny actually ended up going into London with mum today. I think he's really thinking about taking Kingsley up on his offer. Apparently, there are only like three Aurors left in the department now that Kingsley is Minister. I guess a lot of the names we didn't recognise who died last month were Aurors. Not really a strong selling point for the job, if you ask me. Anyway, Harry said he doesn't think he even has to go to training or anything, which is crazy because don't you remember Tonks saying Auror training was like three years long? I swear it was three years. Anyway, he hasn't said much about it to me, but I know he wants me to go with him. I had a lie in today until noon just because I could and it was great. It would have been better with you though. When do you think you can come over again? I promise I won't let my family get in the way this time. I've got a plan. I miss you.
Love,
Ron
Thursday
11 June 98
Dear Hermione,
I can't believe it's only been twelve days since we got back from Australia. I was telling Harry yesterday about the Ministry office in Brisbane at the horse track. Ginny was jealous I got to meet Dathan Wisecarver and that I have his address. I can't believe it was only a month ago. It feels like forever, doesn't it? It seems dumb to send this letter since I just saw you. I'm so glad you came to visit. I know your mum and dad need you, but I still miss you every morning when I wake up and you're not there. I didn't tell you this, but you're the first thing I think about when I wake up most mornings. Harry says he still wakes up some mornings thinking about Hallows and Horcruxes. How are you sleeping? I miss you when I go to sleep sometimes. Okay, all the time.
Love,
Ron
Friday
12 June 1998
Dear Hermione
Are you getting the Prophet delivered? I guess Slughorn and all the Slytherins that came back to fight last month have been in hiding since Nott was killed. They're still saying everybody who fought on the winning side in the Battle should be careful. We put our wards back up. Hopefully, you haven't taken yours down. If you did put them back up. I went to visit Fred today with George. He told me he's not sure if he'll open the shop back up. I said if he ever did that I would help. I really wish you were here. I can't believe it's only June and that it's only been ten days. Hope your parents are still doing good. I told Percy this was an important letter so he let me send Hermes. Write back as soon as you get it. I think Hermes can make the trip in a day. I miss you.
Love,
Ron
PS - I found out the Malfoys are in protective custody and it makes me sick
Friday
13 June 98
Dear Hermione,
I got your letter and I reckon it's kind of silly to write you when I'll see you tomorrow and can just talk to you, but it's raining outside and I'm bored. Is it strange that I like being bored? I like having nothing to do. I can't remember the last time I had nothing to worry about. Are you enjoying doing nothing too? I wish you were here and I could do nothing with you. Everything is better with you. I miss you.
Love,
Ron
Monday
15 June 98
Dear Hermione,
Sorry we didn't get any real privacy again yesterday. I still think my plan would have worked if you'd just gone along with it. Charlie and Bill came home for Sunday dinner again today. They told me to tell you hello. They also told me I'm a numpty for not taking Kingsley up on this offer considering how difficult I guess it is to be selected for Auror training, nevertheless make it through. I honestly don't understand why the Ministry would take me without all that training. Percy said you're supposed to have at least five N.E.W.T.S and we both know I wouldn't have gotten those (one of them had to be in Potions!). Mum and dad keep rereading the letter he sent, but they haven't asked much about it. I helped mum with dinner again tonight. I think I kind of like cooking. It reminds me of Potions, except it's fun and you can eat what you mix together without turning yourself into a cat (remember that?). I bet you're counting down the days 'til you get your book list for Hogwarts. I can't believe it's not even July yet. I can't believe I have to wait a week to see you again. Is there any way you can come visit before? I know your parents would let you if you just asked. Dad says I can't Apparate until I pass an official Ministry test. I told him I'd been Apparating all year, but apparently I still have to take the stupid test. I guess Kingsley can't change how stupid the Ministry is overnight. Miss you.
Love,
Ron
Monday
15 June 98
Dear Hermione,
I wrote Hugo today. I was thinking about him and all the weird jobs he said he had. Everyone except George is pressuring me to go with Harry to talk to Kingsley, but no one says anything to George about moving out or opening the shop back up. I wish they'd leave me alone too. Have your parents talked to Hugo at all? Do you think we'll ever see him again. George said something the other day that reminded me of him. Don't you think they would get on? Sometimes I think I want to go with Harry. The Ministry finally admitted they still haven't found Nott's murderer or brought in the top five most wanted. Rookwood is one of them and you know he's the guy who we think...well, you know. I think maybe I might take Kingsley up on his offer just to bring him in. But then sometimes I think I just want to be home with my family and spend time with you. I wish you'd just tell me what you think I should do. I'm no good at making decisions like this and you always know what to do. Anyway, tell me something good from home. I think it's wicked your parents want to start their own practice. Working for yourself seems like the way to go. Maybe they'll name it after something in Australia or maybe after you! Miss you.
Love,
Ron
Wednesday
17 June 98
Dear Hermione,
Harry and Ginny haven't stopped with the Auror stuff since you left. George finally came and chased them off and we walked to the village together to get a pint (don't worry, I really did only have a pint). He told me I shouldn't rush into a job or feel pressured into it and should take my time to figure out what'll make me happy. I told him I already know what makes me happy, but he said I can't make a living snogging you. I guess the starting Auror salary is something like 700 galleons a month. 700 galleons! I asked Percy how much he makes and he wouldn't tell me. I don't think it's 700 galleons. It's weird thinking about jobs and salaries. I wish I could have a little more time to do nothing. I mean, it's barely been a month. At the same time, I do want to go catch Death Eaters.
Love,
Ron
Thursday
18 June 98
Dear Hermione,
I went to the village like you said and mailed this at the Muggle post office. The stamp cost twenty-five pence. Is that a lot? I bought a whole bunch of stamps so I can mail you the Muggle way now too. You're right, I think Pig takes at least two whole days to get to you. I can come to dinner Friday night. Did your mum and dad really ask me to come? I went into the Ministry with Harry yesterday and met with Kingsley and two other Aurors I don't know. I really think they're all that's left of the Department if they're ready to hire a bunch of eighteen year olds. They said we don't even have to report to the Department or anything, they'll just let us know when there's a mission by owl post. I don't know how much warning we'll get or how long the missions will be. It's really weird to think about going out with the Aurors. Harry and I used to talk about doing it all the time fourth year. It'll be nice to get a change of scenery, I guess. George went into London with me and Harry yesterday and met up with Angelina and Lee. Lee's going to the States next week for something for work. I'm a bit jealous. I miss traveling with you. We should get away again before you leave for Hogwarts. It sounds like you could use it. Think about it! Miss you.
Love,
Ron
Saturday
19 June 98
Dear Hermione,
I always feel like a prat when I write you after I've just seen you, but there's so much I wanted to say to you today that I couldn't in front of your parents. You looked really tired. Have you been sleeping all right? I've been sleeping okay, I guess. I still have some pretty weird dreams sometimes and I miss you when I wake up in the middle of the night. Anyway, I think tonight went well. Not nearly as awful as George and Harry kept telling me it was going to be. I tried not to say too much when they asked about what Aurors do and I tried not to talk about magic too much. Did I do all right? Do you think they're ready to come to the Burrow? Mum wanted me to ask while I was there, but it didn't seem like the right time. Love you.
Ron
PS - I forgot to tell you you looked really pretty.
Saturday
20 June 98
Dear Hermione,
Mum wants to have a big party to celebrate Harry and me going to work with the Aurors. Everybody is really excited except George. George reckons everyone at the Ministry is still Imperiused if they're offering me a job. I'm excited too, I guess. Being an Auror is the only job I ever really thought about doing and there's almost nothing I want in the world more than to see Rookwood brought in. Anyway, mum wants to have the party sometime next week so write back with your answer as soon as you can. Tell your mum and dad they're welcome to come too. Mum still bugs me every day about having them over. Have they found a space for their practice yet? Do they have to hire a lot of people? It seems like an awful lot of work to start your own business. I don't know how Fred and George did it. He still hasn't said anything about opening the shop back up or moving out of the house. Write back soon so I know if you're coming to the party. Use the Muggle post and send it to the apothecary and I can pick it up. Miss you.
Love,
Ron
Thursday
25 June 98
Dear Hermione,
Thanks for coming to the party. It felt kind of like when we became prefects, didn't it? Mum keeps crying about how I've hardly been home a month and now I'll be leaving again. That reminds me that it's been nearly a month since we were in Australia. It seems so long ago, doesn't it? I''m glad your mum and dad heard from Hugo and that he's still doing well in Perth. I think about him all the time when I go out to visit Fred. I wonder if he'll ever find his brother. Hope your family is good. Mum's sad they didn't come to the party. I told her maybe next time. When do you think you'll come again? I know I just saw you, but it's different when everybody else is around. It's hard to believe a month ago we were alone in Australia and now I can't even get you alone for five minutes . I feel like I've forgotten what it's like. We should go on a proper date when you get back from visiting your family. Out to dinner and for a walk along the river. It'll be like Australia. I miss getting to do things with you. I miss you making tea with the electric kettle and brushing our teeth together and watching the telly. Oh, and kissing you. I miss kissing you a lot.
Love,
Ron
Thursday
25 June 98
Dear Hermione,
Guess what? George and I made dinner last night. Well, George made beef stew. I made dessert. I tried to make a chocolate souffle. Mum helped with most of it and it was a little dry in the middle, but it was still chocolate. Nobody got sick or anything so I guess I did a decent job. Mum said it was probably too ambitious a recipe to try, but it didn't seem that hard. The next time you come to the Burrow I want to make dinner for you.
Love,
Ron
Friday
26 June 98
Dear Hermione,
You won't get this until you get back, but I just wanted you to know I'm glad you're getting to go see your Granny and your cousins this week. I bet a holiday with your mum and dad, even just to Bristol, will be nice. Harry and I leave tomorrow for our first mission. I'm not sure where we're going or who we're going with. Kingsley just sent an owl that said to be ready to leave by eight. I know I should be nervous, but I'm excited. Harry and I are going to practice dueling this afternoon so we're not so out of practice. Wish me luck. Miss you.
Love,
Ron
Sunday
29 June 98
Dear Hermione,
Well, Harry and I survived our first mission. It was just a reconnaissance mission. I think Kingsley started off easy to see how we'd do. We had to Apparate there first and I don't think Kingsley and the other Aurors were too impressed to learn Harry and I technically still don't have our licenses. We had to do side-along, which was kind of embarrassing. I think we're going to do our test this week. Anyway, after we Apparated there we just conducted surveillance for two days on a cottage over in Grimsby. They gave us some Ministry brooms and we had to do a bit of flying, but mostly it was just sitting around and being quiet. Kind of boring really. Not sure when the next one will be. We don't have a schedule or anything. I guess we just wait for Kingsley's next owl. I hope you're having fun with your Granny and cousins. Write me as soon as you get back. I miss you.
Love,
Ron
Wednesday
1 July 98
Dear Hermione,
Harry and I finally have our Apparation licenses. We took a test with, you guessed it, Wilkie Trycross. He was excited to meet us and I think he would have passed us even if we'd left a whole arm behind. Don't worry, I didn't leave behind so much as an eyelash. So now I can Apparate to Henley to see you! I know I can't Apparate to your house, but maybe we could meet down by the Marsh Meadow or walk along the Thames or something. I don't think our next mission will be until later in the week. Kingsley says they're still gathering intel before we can move on Jugson. See you tomorrow hopefully!
Love,
Ron
Monday
6 July 98
Dear Hermione,
Sorry I've been bad about writing. I guess I'm getting spoiled seeing you the last four days. I'm excited for tomorrow. Sometimes I'm so jealous of Harry and Ginny because they get to see each other every day, but then sometimes I think how strange it must be with mum always around. Ginny thinks it's unfair how she treats her after everything. Did I tell you Harry told me she really did charm the floor in Ginny's room! I'm sure glad they didn't do it in mine. Can't wait for a whole day together tomorrow. It seems strange that this will be our first proper date since Australia. See you then!
Love,
Ron
Wednesdays
8 July 98
Dear Hermione,
I think we should have a date like that every week. I really like Henley. It was fun to walk around. Going to that Thai place did remind me of Phuket. Didn't quite have the view we had though and I wish they'd had jellyfish on the menu. That sweet shop was incredible too. Mum loves the clotted cream toffee and George liked the chocolate honeycombs. I wish you'd let me buy you something. Maybe next time you could come here. George says there are a couple places to eat in the village where we could go. It won't be this week though. We got a letter from Kingsley this morning that we're leaving for another mission tomorrow. He said to bring a week's worth of clothes so I don't know when you'll hear from me again. Maybe this time we'll do more than just recon. MISS YOU.
Love,
Ron
Saturday
11 July 98
Dear Hermione,
All your letters arrived and I loved reading them when I got back. That's exciting that your parents can close on the property. Is it right in Henley or closer to Reading? I bet they're excited to start working again. We had a proper mission this time not just recon. It was cordon and search. That means we had to isolate the area and then search these three buildings. I'm not really supposed to tell you stuff about the mission. They gave us a security debriefing and told us specifically not to disclose any details, but I can tell you we didn't actually find anyone. It was still pretty fun and it felt good to be back and doing something. Harry said he misses seeing you. He told me next time you come over that I can't have you all to myself. However much time I spend with you it never feels like enough anyway. I miss you.
Love,
Ron
Wednesday
15 July 98
Dear Hermione,
Bringing the blanket was a great idea. Mum asked how I got the grass stains on my trousers and I told her it was from last week's mission. Ginny and George almost lost it, but mum didn't seem to catch on. Ginny was a pill about it, but I didn't mind George taking the piss. We made dinner last night. We're becoming quite the duo in the kitchen. I tried the chocolate souffle again. It's my third try. Mum tells me it's too much for someone who just started baking, but it's really not that difficult. The only hard part is beating the egg whites and the timing, but Mum helps with that. I'm going to master it one of these days and you'll come over and try it. It really does remind me of Potions class. It's all about checking the consistency and making sure everything is precise. I think if we have enough eggs I'll try to make something again tonight. I think Mum likes having help in the kitchen. She says the only other person who ever showed an interest helping her out was Charlie. George is pretty good. I guess it's from when he and Fred lived on their own. I always imagined them getting takeaway every night or making baked beans on toast, but I guess they really did cook. He made pork chops last night that were as good as the ones at the Welcome Feast. Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes when I see you tomorrow morning.
Love,
Ron
Friday
17 July 98
Dear Hermione,
This week has been so perfect. I love seeing you every day again. I'm really excited for our date tomorrow. I think we might have the Burrow to ourselves. George is visiting Charlie in Wales this week and mum and dad talked about going over to the Diggorys for dinner. Harry and Ginny will be here, but that won't be a problem. The wards are still up so you still have to Apparate to the top of the lane. I'll be waiting for you. Can't wait to see you.
Love,
Ron
Sunday
19 July 98
Dear Hermione,
I hope it was okay that I walked you back to your house last night. I didn't want to make you uncomfortable in front of your mum and dad. I just didn't want you walking back home in the dark by yourself. I hope your dad wasn't too cross with you. I didn't think it was that late, but he seemed a bit grumpy. I think my dad knew you were coming over. If mum does she's awfully good at playing dumb. Ginny said she could hear us, but I think she's just saying that to be an arse since all we really did was sleep. Anyway, I hope you're not in trouble with your mum and dad. You can blame it on me if you want. I don't want them to be angry with you. Like I said, just be honest and tell them we fell asleep. It's the truth and I'm sure they'll understand.
Love,
Ron
Monday
20 July 98
Dear Hermione,
I wish you could come visit today. We leave tomorrow. I'm kind of nervous. Mostly like excited nervous so I can't sleep. I wish you were here. Saturday night was so great. Sometimes I think so much about all the other stuff we did in Australia that I forget how much I love just sleeping with you. I wish I could just Apparate into your room sometimes. If you put charms up on your door your parents would never know I was there. Or you could just Apparate right to my room. Hopefully a couple more missions and we won't have to keep these wards up anymore and you can really think about it. I miss you so much.
Love,
Ron
Thursday
23 July 98
Dear Hermione,
I got your letter when I got in tonight. The mission went well. It was another cordon and search except this time we actually brought someone in. We got Rapier! You'll probably read it in the Prophet soon enough. It was like 30% exciting, 65% boring, 5% scary. The boring part is all the briefings and the waiting. Every time we moved anywhere we had to discuss every single move each person was going to make. Apparently, Harry and I don't even count because we always accompany a senior Auror. Don't worry, we're not doing anything too dangerous. We don't breach the door or anything. Mostly we're just like backup wands. I landed a couple hexes though! You'd be proud of me. I can come over Saturday. Can you come to the Burrow Sunday? Mum says she misses seeing you. Maybe you could even ask your parents? George just got back from visiting Charlie. He says his place in Wales is really nice, but he has to have a fire charm on his house because he lives so close to the colony. It'd be fun to visit him. Maybe if I have another week with no mission we could go sometime. Should I not talk about the missions around your parents? How is their practice coming along? Are they finally ready to start fixing it up or are they still doing paper work? Can't wait to see you.
Love,
Ron
Saturday
25 July 98
Dear Hermione,
Did your parents say anything about dinner last night? I thought it went well. it was good to see your mum and dad again. Sitting around the Burrow is becoming a bit more dull every day, even with a walk to the village to mail your letters. George joked that I should apply for a Muggle job in the village because I'm there so much. I'm not supposed to tell you this, but I think they must have gotten good intel out of Jugson because word is we're going to move on Rosier. At least that's what Dad overheard at the Ministry. Don't worry I don't think it'll be until later in the week. You're still planning on coming over tomorrow, right? My family loves having you over for Sunday dinner. Mum tells me every week to ask your mum and dad. I told her I don't think they're ready just yet, but they're getting there. I noticed your bluebell flames last night and I thought it was good that your mum talked about Hogwarts. Do you really think about going to university? I know you talked about it back when you were younger, but I don't remember you saying anything about it the last few years. I don't know much about Muggle university. You'll have to tell me about it tomorrow. Can't wait to see you. Miss you.
Love,
Ron
Friday
31 July 98
Dear Hermione,
I just realised after I left today that in a month you'll be getting ready to leave for Hogwarts. Hopefully, after the last four days in Northumberland we won't have another mission for a while. This one was a huge bust. I knew Rookwood wouldn't be easy to catch, but it's still frustrating. I wish we got more of a warning about when the missions are going to happen. Harry gets frustrated too, but mostly that he doesn't get to be more involved in the planning. He loves being an Auror or whatever it is we are. I still think the missions are mostly boring, but I think that's mostly because they don't let us do things on our own. I liked taking you out today. That place your parents recommended was great. I still wish we could take a holiday together before you left. I bet if we kept the snogging to a minimum - or at least got separate rooms - Harry would even come. Let me know if you think your parents would be okay with it. They seemed really happy today. I'm so glad you talked to them. I know it probably wasn't easy, but I'm proud of you. I don't know if that's weird to say. I probably don't say it enough, but I am. I love you so much.
Love,
Ron
PS - Harry's birthday wasn't the same without you.
Tuesday,
4 August 98
Dear Hermione,
I had so much fun this weekend. I have to say painting the Muggle fashion is much more fun than I expected. Dad was really excited for me and asked lots of questions about the car ride. I think he was disappointed I didn't buy the paint myself. He's never been inside a Muggle shop before. I still think it's cool you got to pick out the colours, but I don't know why you didn't choose Chudley orange. When do you think your parents will have everything ready for business? Dad said I should volunteer to be their first customer, but I think he's still confused about what a dentist does. Anyway, let your parents know I had so much fun. We got a letter from Kingsley yesterday so I'll be gone for the next few days. Come visit Ginny and mum. Mum worries so much when Harry and I go out. I know you do too. Depending on when we get back I'll try to come to your house. Maybe we can go out for lunch if it's not too late.
Love,
Ron
Friday
7 August 98
Dear Hermione,
So I'm writing this in our mission debriefing. It was a long three days without much to show for it. Nott's the most senior Death Eater still at large so I knew he wouldn't be easy to bring in. The more I hear about him the more I want to get him almost as bad as Rookwood. Kingsley is almost 100% confident he killed his own son. You know I don't have any love for Theodore, but the more I hear about the details of his murder the more I want to bring in his dad. It's terrible. It was a really frustrating mission because Harry and I would have had an opportunity to go after him, but we're not allowed to do offensive spells without a Senior Auror attached to us and we got separated. (And by separated I mean we snuck off on our own). We started off after him, but Dawlish spotted us first. He really likes to follow the rules. Kingsley still hasn't told us whether we're a part of the Department or not even though we've done five missions with them. He said there's lots of paperwork and stuff that makes it all very complicated. I told him he's the effing Minister of Magic and he should just pass a law that says we can join. I'm ready to start getting paid for what I'm doing. Anyway, I think he might actually do it.
Love,
Ron
PS - it's been three months since you first kissed me.
Sunday
9 August 98
Dear Hermione,
Well, dad won't shut up about your mum and dad's house. Between the garage opener and the television I'm not sure which he's more excited about. I think it went well. Mum can't stop talking about how lovely your home is and how wonderful your parents are. Harry and I may have a recon mission this week. It shouldn't be very long. We're surveying Nott's brother, the one who took in Theodore after the battle. He's been on the run hiding from his brother since May and wherever he goes his brother usually finds him so we're hoping it'll be a good lead. Apparently Dawlish is pretty furious about how Harry and I tried to go off on our own last time so it might not happen. If it doesn't happen it just means more time with you. I can't believe there are only three weeks left in summer. If we don't have this mission, I think we should take a trip. Maybe back to Dartmoor? Write me back and let me know. I'm really happy dinner went well. Can you believe it actually happened? My crazy dad in your house messing with all your electric lights and your music player? I don't think he'll ever stop talking about it. You looked so beautiful tonight. I think I forgot to tell you that. Mum even said after we left that you looked prettier than she could ever remember. I said I reckoned it's because you're happy now. Not that you weren't ever happy before, but you know what I mean.
Love,
Ron
Tuesday
10 August 98
Dear Hermione,
How excited are you about your supply list? I know seeing all those new books to read always make you smile. Ginny's came this morning. Did you get your Head Girl badge? Ginny made Quidditch captain. Charlie will be so proud of her. I know Harry is. I'm sure Percy will have lots to tell you about your upcoming responsibilities as Head Girl. Mum wants to have a party to celebrate. She says your mum and dad should come. Pass along the invitation, but I know they'll probably decline. It's strange to think about Ginny in her seventh year. I still remember her pouting because she couldn't get on the train with me when I was eleven. It's bizarre how fast seven years can pass. I think sometimes about where I'll be seven years from now and how much of my life will be different. I reckon you and I really aren't that different from who we were seven years ago. Seven years ago you were my best friend along with Harry and you drove me absolutely mad. It's a comfort to know all that is still true. I hope in seven years you're still my best friend. I love you so much.
Love,
Ron
Wednesday
11 August 98
Dear Hermione,
Well, we're not going after Nott's brother anymore. They picked up a trail on Rookwood outside Liverpool. His trail has been cold for weeks so we're jumping on this lead. I'll be happy when he's in Azkaban. I know George and Percy will be too. Bill and Fleur are hosting Sunday dinner next week so my whole family will be up in Cornwall. I was hoping you could come over. I miss you so much. I think I say that almost every letter, but I do.
Love,
Ron
Sunday
16 August 98
Dear Hermione,
I can't wait for you to come over tonight. I didn't even get to tell you about the mission. We finally got eyes on Rookwood. Kingsley put a temporary trace on him. Hopefully, he doesn't realise he's being tailed so we can move on him next week. I think it'll be a big operation. Kingsley is still seeing about getting legislation through that would let Harry and I operate without a Senior Auror. I don't know if it'll get through the Wizengamot in time. I keep telling him he's the Minister of Magic and should just pass whatever laws he wants, but he says that's not the way the Ministry works anymore. I reckon he's right, but it's still frustrating. Anyway, who cares about the mission really. You're coming over in six hours and that's about all I can think about. I thought about taking some puking pastilles and pretending to be ill or telling my parents your mum and dad have invited me over, but I just told them the truth which is that I was going to see you tonight. I didn't say that you're coming over, but dad's sharper than he lets on and I think he reasoned it out. Mum too. I know Harry and George did because George won't stop winking. Anyway, I'll see you soon. Six hours and counting.
Love,
Ron
PS - I hope you remember how to do all the charms. It's been so long I forgot.
Tuesday
18 August 98
Dear Hermione,
I hope the conversation with your family went well. I hope you didn't pretend to be strong. This is one of those times it's okay to cry. Remember when you told me that? I do. It was up in your bedroom before we left for Australia. I had a good cry over Fred then we had a snog, I got a stiffy and had to put a pillow on my lap because it made you nervous. I'm glad it doesn't make you nervous anymore. You were perfect Sunday night. I know you say nobody's perfect, but you really were. I was thinking we could get away sometime this week before you go away with your mum and dad? Maybe we could fly to Dartmoor or I thought about maybe getting a hotel room in the village. I go there to walk around sometimes and I found a nice inn along the river. I just want to disappear with you for a few hours. Harry keeps nattering on about our next mission. He thinks we're close to hauling in Nott and Rookwood, but I don't think so. The way they plan and execute these missions are always a disaster. Hopefully, we won't have many more before you leave. I can't believe you only have two weeks before you're off to Hogwarts. Are you getting excited? Have you thought about when you want to go and get your books? Let me know as soon as you have any ideas.
Love,
Ron
Thursday
20 August 98
We're waiting for our official briefing and it's been six hours of waiting so I'm writing you. So much of what we do seems like just hurry up and wait. When there is action it's exciting, but so much of it is briefings and rehearsals and then the whole operation only takes like twenty minutes. It never goes as planned anyway. Only about 20% of what we plan actually happens. I get the feeling this is a really big mission. There will be more than one high value target. Maybe Rookwood will be there. I swear I just need him within a one mile radius and I'd bring him in so fast it would be a new Auror record. Mum wants to have the party for you and Ginny this weekend if Harry and I are back. I told her you were going out of town with your mum and dad so she's thinking the last weekend before you both leave for Hogwarts. Let's get together before then though. If Harry and I don't have a mission maybe we can meet up every day. I can't believe in two weeks you're going to be at Hogwarts. I'm going to miss you so much.
Love,
Ron
Monday
24 August 98
Dear Hermione,
I just got back and I'm sending Pig out right now. It's about one in the morning on Sunday, but hopefully you'll get it in time to send it back by Muggle post. The mission this week was bloody awful. I'm too tired to go into details, but hopefully I'll see you tomorrow. I think you said you were supposed to come back from Margate. I hope the beach holiday went well and you were actually able to enjoy it. Kingsley thinks his legislation might make it through this week so maybe I'll actually start getting paid for these missions so I can take you on a proper date this week. We're still on for Wednesday, right? I hope it's not too crowded. Harry said when he and Ginny went it was pretty bad and he ended up using his Invisibility Cloak. I reckon nobody will care about you and me though. It's been over three months after all. Can you believe it's been that long? I can't. Love you so much.
Love,
Ron
Tuesday
26 August 98
Dear Hermione,
I can't wait to see you tomorrow. Bring your Head Girl badge because I want to see it. You forgot to bring it earlier this month. Do you want to have lunch in Muggle London? Since the paper has been reporting on Harry and I helping with all the raids dad thinks the press will be out and about, at least Skeeter. So maybe instead of school shopping we'll spend the day in London and mum could get your books. It could be fun. Kind of like that day we had in Brisbane. Or we could just deal with Skeeter and go to Diagon Alley. Whatever you want to do. I just can't wait to spend the whole day with you!
Love,
Ron
Sunday
31 August 98
Dear Hermione,
So I guess this is the last letter I'll write to you before you leave for Hogwarts. I know you're disappointed I'm not going with you, but I know you'll be just fine. I'm so proud of you for going and I know you'll do great. Let me know the Hogsmeade weekends as soon as you can. I bet as Head Girl you can just go to Hogsmeade whenever you want. I'm not sure if or when I'll be able to visit until I find out more about this training. By the time you get this I might already be there. I don't know where I'll be or how much I'll be able to write. But I wrote this so you can read it on the train. Eat a bunch of chocolate frogs for me and tell Crookshanks he's in charge of making sure you and Ginny don't get into too much trouble. Enjoy the Welcome Feast and say hi to Hagrid for me. I love you and miss you already.
Love,
Ron