Games Are Afoot Chapter 15c

Letters (3)

DISCLAIMER: If you recognize it, it belongs to JKR, if not, it's me.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you all so much for your enthusiastic response. Your reviews have been helpful and exciting. Thanks again to Enthralled for the letter blitz idea. Thanks to JackMyles for the courage to help me make these better!

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October 1st

Oh Charlie, You Dear Sweet Man,

I can't believe you remembered my birthday! I can't believe you even knew when it was! And to think, you rigged up another treasure hunt of sorts through owl post…well, I assumed you were clever before, but I will never doubt it again. My favorite part was the dragon scale bookmark. I can't believe how thin it is. I can see through it, yet it is sturdier than the thickest parchment. I was looking at it (again) the other night while I was waiting for my astronomy class and was amazed at how it caught the moonlight and shimmered. Something so simple, but so beautiful. I was mesmerized. Thank you so much. I will treasure it always. I think of you everytime I open the book you led me to. I thought I knew the library well, but I had never been to that section. The dragon lore is fascinating. I think I am starting to appreciate why you love what you do so much.

Your letters keep me going. They are a light for me in this dark tunnel that is school this year. I love school, but it is alarming how one individual can cause such havoc. I can't believe everything that is going on right now. Ginny is upset because Harry fancies someone and it isn't her. Ron is upset because of the letter Percy sent him suggesting that he would be wise to pick better friends. The DADA professor has been named 'Hogwarts High Inquisitor.' She is now inspecting each teacher. Then she had the audacity to take points from me for having an opinion. "I am here to teach ministry approved methods that do not include students giving their opinions." She even has medieval disciplinary techniques! Which by the by were helped tremendously by the potion you gave me. I looked up the recipe. We don't get to break it down until next year. And I think we are going to need a good supply with how Harry keeps getting landed in detention with her. She makes me want to DO something. I can't stand this!

Sorry to just vent all my frustrations. I just had to get it off my chest. All the frustration has been put to good use as I finally figured out the protean charm. I was not tapping the intended object properly. I had the charm correct, so my problem turned out to be its application to the object. I do need an idea for a charms term project though. Any suggestions?

I must say, I always pictured you as more of a shower guy. I have giggled non-stop over thinking of you selecting bubbles. Wait, that sounds really bad. Sorry. I like lilac and some of the muskier woodsy smelling ones. Reminds me of outdoors in the early summer. What about you?

I haven't really tried flying since first year. You are right though. I am scared. One of the boys in my year fell from way up. He broke his arm. He was completely out of control the whole time. That was the first day of class. It's so different when I can control a wand and the movement. The brooms seem to have a mind of their own. That and they go really fast. Ron and Harry have pointed out that speed is the whole point and what makes flying fun. But I am still hesitant. It's different than being on a train because it's just you and the elements. There are no safe compartments or seatbelts. I will consider your suggestion about Ginny though. Ron and Harry just seem to think I am lame.

I had an idea to help me with the practicals for classes that don't offer them. However, a new educational decree came out. Perhaps you read about it? What do you think? I think Harry's mail is being intercepted and read before he gets it. So, I think I should be careful from here on out with what I say. Didn't you call it 'Guilt by Association?'

I think my dad would love a picture of a real dragon. His favorite gemstone is the opal, so maybe the Antipodean Opaleye? You really are a thoughtful bloke. Are you coming home for Christmas? Perhaps another game of Flinch is on our horizon then.

Affectionately,

Hermione

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October 21

Dear Hermione, you wonderfully smart witch with incredibly good taste,

I say that because you called me dear and sweet which I must admit entirely raises my opinion of you. You show unbelievably remarkable talent and brilliance to make such observations.

I am pleased that you enjoyed your little birthday surprise. I find that I take pleasure in presenting you with challenges. I have been giving some thought to an appropriate Charms project that would require any sort of effort on your part. I mean, if you have conquered the Protean Charm, then I think there is little left to your Charms education. So I have tried to think outside the textbook, if you will. Outside of school, wizards learn to combine Charms so maybe that is a direction you could head. For example, the Patronus Charm can be charmed further to talk so it can be used to send messages. Something like that may stimulate the old brain cells. Think about it, at least.

The dragon scale is a marvelous creation. I like them because dragons shed them so they are easy to obtain without causing the creature any discomfort. I collect them from the ground, trees, bushes, etc. that surround the enclosures. Some scales are thicker than others, but the top layer is the one that shimmers. Simple and beautiful is the perfect description of them. I don't think I have ever looked at one by moonlight though. I will have to give that a try. Not many people know about my secret place in the library. I used to escape there to unwind occasionally. Oh ok, more than occasionally. People just didn't expect me to be in the library so I didn't broadcast it. I found it calming though. Did you notice the picture to the left of the shelves? I took that one the first year I got to Romania and sent it to Madame Pince for helping me. Hagrid originally told me about the books being there, but she was actually nice as she showed me how to find what I was looking for. I think she had a soft spot for Quidditch players who weren't afraid of her library. So what were you thinking about on the astronomy tower late at night before your class began? How do you occupy your mind in such an intimate setting?

The political climate is really changing right now isn't it? I have been keeping up on the educational decrees through the Prophet. I am glad my potion helped, although I am curious about what you mean by medieval. It spawns thoughts of a rack and thumb screws. If that is the case, Filch ought to be in a good mood for a change. Chuckle. I seriously hope things are not as bad as all that. Harry's getting lots of detentions, eh? Guess he's still feeling some anger then.

So you thought of me as a shower guy, huh? I guess I should just be glad you are thinking about me. If I was there I think I would wink and enjoy watching you blush. My favorite bubbles are strawberry and blue cotton candy because they create the most incredible purple bubbles. As far as smells go, I like the musky woodsy smelling ones as well. More manly I guess. I never fancied smelling like a flowerbed when I got done.

I am glad you are at least considering the flying. There is so much to learn that would help you feel safer. I think your train analogy was interesting. Speed with protection. However, when you know how to fly properly you will realize that you are in control as much as you are when you are casting a spell with your wand. The train may appear safer, but you are putting your safety in the hands of the engineer. You do not have control of the train. There are spells like cushioning spells, hover charms, freezing charms and such that are vital to safe flying. There are a myriad of ways to protect yourself. When you fly, you should be in control.

You certainly have a knack for AROUSING my curiosity. Whatever are you up to? Oh, wait, do you remember how you told me that you were aware of more than mum knew you were aware of? I think I can safely assume to be in that category about this. I think you have great judgment so do what you feel you must do, just do it safely. Sorry if I sound a bit like my mum, but well, no I am not really sorry. Just be careful.

I see your Father has an intriguing sense of beauty. An opal is an interesting choice in gemstones. Which is your particular favorite. If opals are his preference, then an Opaleye Picture it is. There are some gorgeous ones here. I will find you a good one for your Father. What sorts of things is your mum interested in? Besides teeth of course.

I would greatly enjoy another round of Flinch with you. I have many more probing questions now that we know each other better…

Yours,

Charlie