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Harry,

Who cares about my summer! It sounds like yours has been rather odd to say the least. I did get the Daily Prophet that told about how Sirius had been released and was innocent of all crimes. That very same article mentioned simply that Sirius had a witness who had given a written statement of his innocence. Was it really your Mum? Oh, Harry! I'm so happy for you! You won't ever have to go back to those Muggles again.

Did your Mum get angry when she found out about them? I can imagine. She probably hexed them into the next life. But enough of that. I think you really want to hear what I think about the other business, and how I can help you with Ron. Right? It's too bad that Draco's father had to be so mean. I mean, Ron has a point in hating the Malfoys.

Lucius did try, indirectly, to kill Ginny in her first year. He also got into that fistfight with Mr. Weasley. I'm sure that Lucius did what he did for a good reason. He just didn't think that he might be hurting himself and his son in the process. I won't lie to you. Ron won't be happy about this. But you know how he is. He doesn't think before he speaks. He'll get over it.

I, on the other hand, think constantly before I speak. Common sense. Not something Ron has a lot of sometimes. In the past, Draco's said some awful things to me. He's called me a Mudblood. He's teased me about my intelligence. He's berated my appearance. And after thinking about it for a while, I discovered that what he's done can be forgiven.

So I will. If you're with Draco when you read this, let him know that I'll try to start over if he promises the same. I don't want to hurt you, Harry. I'm sure he doesn't either. As for Ron, let me be the one to tell him. He may take it better from me. In fact, that way, he won't be in striking distance of you or of Draco. You need to remember that, no matter how angry he gets, it's because he cares about you.

Tell Draco that I'm sorry about his parents. He may not believe me, but at least I've said it. I hope you're happy with this. I can almost see Sirius now. He's running around hexing Snape into oblivion while causing mayhem and destruction in celebration of his newfound freedom. Remus must be very happy as well. And your Mum, she must be at a loss. I mean, she has you and she has Draco. But she's lost her sister and she's realized that she hasn't had time to mourn your Dad.

I can't wait to meet her someday. She must be wonderful. Good luck, Harry. And wish me luck, too. I'm going to need it.

Hermione