Games Are Afoot Chapter 15d
Letters (4)
DISCLAIMER: JKR owns it all; I am just here for the fun and games.
November 10
My dearest Charlie,
You are so funny. I am never quite sure when to take you seriously. Although, I must admit, thinking of you winking did make me blush. In answer to your question, I find my mind occupied with many things. Maybe the topics of those thoughts would be better addressed during a game of flinch? Or at least in person. For now you will just have to wonder. Yes, I do have an evil side. Smile.
The idea of a talking patronus really appeals to me, however, I have not successfully conjured a patronus yet, so maybe that is a worthwhile term project. I am sure Professor Flitwick wouldn't oppose such an idea. You have no idea how much your idea has STIMULATED my mind. See I can play too! If I winked would you blush?
I wasn't sure how much you wanted broadcast in regards to our correspondence, so, when Ron mistakenly assumed I was filling parchment for Viktor Krum, I didn't correct him. I sort of just grunted and rolled my eyes in his general direction. I enjoy writing to you and hearing from you in return. I just tire of incessant questions by tiresome people. Not that Ron and Harry are tiresome all the time, but they sometimes forget I am a person with interests aside from Quidditch. I know, I know, shocking. They remind me frequently.
The Daily Prophet is certainly firm in their beliefs. They report the Educational Decrees rather thoroughly. Did you see the one about the disbanding of all clubs and teams? Slytherin Quidditch was reinstated immediately. Gryffidor's took some intercession from higher ups to achieve the same. Unfortunately, this only intensified the already hot feelings on both sides. The match was eventful, well brutal really. Madame Hooch found herself calling many fouls, which in turn distracted her from the others being committed. The end result was that Gryffindor won, but a brawl ensued. The details I am sure would fascinate you as you are such a fan, but with the climate as it is about information, suffice it to say that Professor Umbridge decided that the penalties were up to her discretion and Harry, Fred and George received lifetime bans. I'm sure you will hear the details at another time. This has not helped Harry's anger management problems. Fred and George are being more themselves than ever, if you catch my meaning. The good news is that Ron and Ginny will be playing for Gryffindor now.
How old were you when you started flying? What is your favorite part? Least favorite? Who taught you? What is one of your favorite memories of flying? Maybe some positive mental imagery would help me overcome my fear. I know that I over think things, but that is just how I am. I have to be able so see myself successfully in my mind's eye in order for me to have courage to act. It's why I replay my exams in my head afterwards. Drives Harry and Ron around the bend. Come to think of it, their reactions might play a small part in why I do it…they torture me with Quidditch talk and so it follows that I should return the favor…
I heard from my parents that we are going to spend part of the holidays skiing in France to make up for last summer's botched trip. I am not sure what to think of this yet. I am tempted to tell them that I want to stay at Hogwarts and study, but you know what I already had planned to do. I don't want them to worry unnecessarily. I just don't know how to avoid that myself. I feel safe with your family. I worry about my parents though. I guess I will just have to think on it some more.
So, I arouse your curiosity. Interesting word choice. Have we been benefiting from Weasley products or do we have other means by which we gather information? I think the fact that you sound like your mum is really endearing. She is a very special person to me. She is warm and welcoming. Her heart is bigger than magic. So for you to take after her is a great gift. You are also a very warm person and you put people at ease making them feel happy being around you. It is one of your most stalwart qualities. You find happiness wherever you are.
Thank you for writing me Charlie. I look forward to your owls. Be safe and I will hopefully see you soon.
Missing You,
Hermione
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November 24
To the woman who makes me smile,
(Yes, Hermione, this means you.)
I can think of many interesting words in relation to you, I only wonder what you would think of me for voicing them. I am intrigued, awed, inspired, amused…you are a very complex woman. I am curious as to the thoughts you so teasingly alluded to. I think writing this on parchment makes me braver than if you were sitting here in front of me, but I would like the time to solve the mystery of you. I am hoping that the idea does not repulse you. You are unlike any witch I have ever met.
I am fine with however you want to deal with letting people know that we correspond. I know Ron and he can be a bit on the hotheaded side; and, being as you would have to deal with those questions since you are around him more, you handle it how you see fit.. Bill knows. We were discussing the absolute Quidditch tragedy that occurred at Hogwarts. Your comments about medieval discipline seem like a tragic understatement. I still can't believe the boys got a lifetime ban. Hopefully, the other teams will severely underestimate Gryffindor and Ginny can save the day. She really is quite good. She used to sneak the brooms out to practice when she thought no one was looking. When she was ten and everyone else was gone, Bill and I used to take turns practicing with her when we were home.
Now, to answer one of your very pressing questions…Would I blush if you winked at me? Probably not. I would most likely grin like an idiot. I don't get embarrassed easily. I do however have the Weasley tendency to turn red when I am uncomfortable or nervous. Does that count as blushing? I am not sure it is manly to admit such a thing. This game of Flinch is beginning to be quite enticing. I am really looking forward to it. I love that your wicked and playful side is emerging. I think Fred and George may have more competition than they think. I caught glimpses of your subtle wit and cleverness over the summer like when you figured out Bill's trick at hide and seek or when you bluffed Fred out of the poker pot. I am eager to learn what other tricks you have up your wand.
Flying is honestly one of my passions. I first was on a kid's broom when I was just a year old. My dad always said I had a natural aptitude for it. I will be honest and tell you that I have had my share of broken bones, but mostly from my own recklessness. I love a good adrenaline rush. My dad was the first to take me on a real broom ride. He told me to pretend I was a dragon and we soared around the "keep" which was the topmost roof of The Burrow. The part of flying that I love the most is becoming one with the broom. I feel as though I am the one flying, perhaps like one of my beloved dragons. The wind whipping through my hair, the incredible views that can only be seen from the air, the effort to land as smoothly as a duck to water. All of these things thrill me. My heart races with excitement. Back at Hogwarts, being able to zoom toward the snitch at full speed with enough control to pull up and grab it is one of my best memories. I am sure Harry probably has expressed similar sentiments. Maybe I can make it relate to something more real to you. When you are trying to figure out a complex bit of magic, you study and you immerse yourself completely until you master it, right? Think of how you feel the first time it works. The first time you levitate something, the first time you transfigure something, the first time your protean charm worked. That is the feeling I get on a broom. I feel alive. I feel brilliant. I feel as if I can conquer the world. My least favorite part of flying sometimes is the solitude. Most of the time I enjoy the peace, but I have always wanted to share it with someone. I see Bill and his lady friend take a spin over Diagon Alley or even Dad and Mum occasionally go for a ride together in the evening for a sunset and I think that seems like it would be an incredible experience.
I enjoy hearing how you keep Ron and Harry on their toes. It sounds as if the three of you are very close. Friends are a treasure in life. Sirius has regaled me with stories of Remus, James, and himself when they were younger. They almost make Fred and George seem tame. What you said about my mum…well it was very touching. I know she feels very strongly for you as well. As far as she is concerned, you are family. I don't know what to tell you about Christmas and your parents. I am sure they miss you very much, and having to have you gone all summer was very likely heartbreaking for them. You know as well as I do that your safety is very important. In a way you are a marked witch being friends with Harry. I know that fact would never scare you away or cause you to rethink your loyalty, but it does place you in a precarious position that requires extra caution. How much do your parents know about what is happening in the wizarding world? That should be a mitigating factor in your decision.
I greatly anticipate your letters as well. You always bring a smile to my face and a laugh to my heart. You make me think about things more deeply than I have for some time. That is a good thing, by the way. I tend to get caught up in my dragons and forget that there is more life to be lived.
I miss you too.
--Charlie