Chapter 19 - Two Years of Letters
Dear Ron, November 10
Harry and I are here. He won't let me tell you where here is in case this owl gets intercepted. Just know that we're fine. Please tell your mother and father that all is well and give our love to Ginny and the boys. Sorry this note is so short, but Harry is staring at me very impatiently. We're going out on our first real date tonight.
Love you,
Hermione
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Dear Harry and Hermione, November 12
Glad you've settled. I forwarded Hermione's letter to Mom and Dad. I'm sure you'll be getting a nice long letter via Errol any day now. Got to go.
Ron
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Dear Ginny, November 20
Harry and I are on the move again. He doesn't seem to feel comfortable staying in one place too long. I think the farther we get from England the more comfortable he'll get. I hope we can settle down soon. Traveling is fun, but it doesn't leave a lot of time for studying. I've been in touch with Professor Dumbledore and he sent me a list of reading to do to keep up with my schoolwork. How's Ron doing? I miss him. More than I thought I would. Harry is great and I can't tell you how happy I am, happier than I've been in a very long time, but occasionally it does get lonely just the two of us. Anyway, tell Ron I said hi and give him my love. Harry says hi too.
Love,
Hermione
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Dear Hermione, November 26
To answer your question, Ron is fine. Better than fine, actually. He's been made captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and I'm the new seeker. We just played against Hufflepuff and kicked their butts 270 to 20. We're both keeping very busy.
I'm not sure if you want to hear this, Ron told me not to tell you guys, but I thought you had a right to know. There's been a major crackdown on members of the Order. Mad Eye Moody, Hagrid, and Professor McGonagall were all taken to the Ministry for questioning concerning the death of Professor Snape and Professor Lupin's disappearance. They let Professor McGonagall come back to Hogwarts the next day, but they kept Hagrid away for four days. Of course, Ron and I went to see Hagrid as soon as he got back. He wouldn't tell us much, but after a couple of pints of rum and an hour of begging we got him to tell us that Dumbledore is keeping Professor Lupin's death a secret from the Ministry and by extension, the Daily Prophet. Ron and I think he's doing that to give you and Harry time to get away from England, before You-Know-Who realizes who he really killed.
Please be careful and keep writing so we know you're safe.
Love you both,
Ginny
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Dear Ron, November 30
Hermione and I are fine. Congratulations on being named Captain of the Gryffindor team. Do me a favor and make sure Gryffindor keeps the House Cup this year. I don't think I could stand it if Slytherin got their hands on it again.
Hermione and I are having a great time traveling. When you graduate you should definitely meet up with us.
Hope classes and everything else is going ok. I'll write again soon.
Harry
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Dear Mom and Dad December 5
Hi. Hope you both are doing well. School is great. I've been very busy studying for the end of term examinations. I don't think I will be able to come home for Christmas. Anyone who is serious about the exams is staying over the holiday to study. I hope you both understand. I love you.
Your daughter,
Hermione
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Dearest Harry and Hermione, December 21
I hope you are both doing well. I can't believe you've both been gone nearly two months. We all miss you very much. I am sending your Christmas presents along with Errol and Hedwig, just hope they can make the trip.
Now that you've both had your little adventure, I hope you will be returning home soon. It is not too late to catch up with your work at school and with a bit of hard work I'm sure you can both graduate with your class. Think of what a lovely present it would be for all of us if we were to see you by Christmas.
Arthur sends his love and says to be careful.
Hoping to see you soon,
Molly Weasley
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, January 2
Thank you so much for the beautiful sweaters. It was a lovely reminder of home. We hope you had a wonderful holiday. Did Ron and Ginny come home or stay at Hogwarts? How is Ron doing? Neither of us has heard from him in a couple of weeks. We know he must be busy with school and Quidditch, but please tell him that we miss him and hope he writes soon. We think of all of you often and hope everyone is well.
Love always,
Hermione and Harry
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Ginny, February 6
What is going on? We haven't heard from anyone in at least a month and Ron hasn't written in two months. Is he all right? Is your family all right. What's going on with the war? You have no idea what it feels like to be so completely cut off from everything. The Daily Prophet has been completely devoid of anything useful. Is Fudge still controlling the Prophet? Harry acts like he's not concerned, but I can tell he is. He misses everybody. We both do. Do me a favor and deliver the enclosed short note to Ron. Tell him to write me immediately. I just want to know that he's ok.
Hermione
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Hermione, February 16
What do you care what's going on? If you want to know, come home. Otherwise have a nice time on whatever sandy beach of ski lodge the two of you are relaxing at.
Ron
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Dear Hermione February 16
I'm sorry about Ron's note. He's not really angry; he just misses you both a lot, more than he'll admit. He spends too much time by himself. His grades are falling and no one knows what to do about him. He doesn't even take pleasure in Quidditch anymore. Fred and George have asked us to come out to London for the Easter Break, but Ron said he'd rather stay at Hogwarts. I know it's a lot to ask, but if there is any way you could convince Harry to come back, do it. I'm really worried about Ron and I don't know what to do.
As far as news goes, no one has written about anything because there is nothing to write about. Things have been quiet, too quiet. Something big is about to happen. I can feel it.
Please be safe. Both of you.
Love, Ginny
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Dear Ginny, February 20
Harry and I got into a huge row. Our first ever. I told him that I thought we should come home. He said that he was never going back and then I said that he was being completely unreasonable. He stormed out of our hotel room and I packed my things, but I couldn't go through with it. I love him. I know it doesn't seem rational, but I just know that if I leave him now, I'll never see him again. I know he'll want to come home one day even though he says he never will and I'm willing to wait. I know no one understands. I know you don't and I know Ron doesn't. I miss you all more than I can express. Please write soon.
Love always,
Hermione
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Ron February 20
Don't you ever write another letter like that to Hermione. If you want to be angry with someone, be angry with me. This is hard enough for her without you trying to make her feel guilty. We've both done more than our part for the "cause". I've given up my parents, my godfather and Professor Lupin. I shouldn't have to give up anything else. I won't give up her.
Harry
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Dear Ron March 17
I know you're angry with me, but please don't stop writing. Give my love to Ginny and the rest of your family.
I love you,
Hermione
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Dear Miss Granger and Mr. Potter, March 25
If you are amenable to the idea, I have arranged for you to take your N.E.W.T.s at the Wizarding School you are now closest too. I am enclosing the name of the school in a separate letter in case this one is intercepted. Knowing Miss Granger as I do, I am sure you can both be ready for the examination by June.
With sincere good wishes,
Professor A. Dumbledore
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Dear Professor Dumbledore, March 30
I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the opportunity you have given us. Both Harry and I will be ready for the N.E.W.T.s by June. I promise we will both make you proud. Thank you for the confidence you have shown in both of us all these years.
Sincerely,
Hermione Granger
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Dear Professor Dumbledore, April 20
Thank you for the opportunity you've given Hermione and I. It's more than I deserve.
I wanted to write you a few times to apologize for the way I left things. I was unforgivably rude. I still know that I made the right choice, I just wish I hadn't been so unfeeling about the way my choice affected everyone.
Thanks again for letting Hermione and I take our N.E.W.T.s and for keeping an eye out for us.
Harry
P.S. We are both studying very hard.
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Dear Mr. Potter June 30
Enclosed are the results of your N.E.W.T.s. We are pleased to inform you that you have scored in the top 10 percent over all and in the top 1 percent in the Defense against the Dark Arts portion of the examination.
Sincerely
Department of Magical Education
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Dear Miss Granger June 30
Enclosed are the results of your N.E.W.T.s. We are pleased to inform you that you have scored in the top 1 percent over all for your year. Your score in Alchemy was the highest in two decades.
Sincerely
Department of Magical Education
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Dear Professor Dumbledore, July 10
Hermione and I both passed the N.E.W.T.s with flying colors. Thank you for arranging for us to take the exams. We both hope we've made you proud of us.
Harry
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Dear Ron, July 15
I hope all is well with you. Congratulations on finishing school. I know we haven't talked about it in a long time, but Harry and I are both hoping you'll meet up with us. We found an apartment and there's an extra room you're welcome to stay in as long as you want. Please come, we both miss you.
Love,
Hermione
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Dear Hermione, July 20
Thanks for the invite, but I'm afraid there's no way I can leave now. I've been inducted into the Order and have already been given my first assignment. I'm sure you and Harry will get along fine without me.
Ron
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Dear Harry and Hermione, July 29
I'm not sure what you've heard, if anything, but let me assure you that everyone is fine.
The Order had a major confrontation with the Death Eaters two days ago. Dad and Bill are both in St. Mungo's recovering. The healers say that they are expected to be fine.
The Order found out where some of them were meeting and planned a pre-emptive attack. Three Death Eaters were apprehended, but beside Dad and Bill, two other Order members were injured.
Things are really starting to get serious around here. I'm not telling you this to put guilt on you. I just think you should know what's going on.
Ron's been away for a couple of weeks. Mom and Dad won't tell me where he's gone. He's thrown himself into his work with the Order. I'm really scared. I don't know what I'd do if I lost him.
I miss you both,
Ginny
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Dear Ginny, August 2
Hermione and I are worried about you. We want you to know that you're welcome to come and stay with us until you have to go back to Hogwarts. If you want to come send Hedwig back right away and I'll figure out a way to come get you. Don't worry, everything will be ok.
Hoping to see you soon,
Harry
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Dear Harry, August 7
Thanks for the offer. I'd love to come and stay with you guys. Ron still hasn't come home. Dad doesn't seem too worried, but I've caught mom crying a few times. I understand why you guys left last year. I feel it too. I have to get out of here.
Ginny
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Dear Ginny, August 10
Go to Heathrow on August 12th and get on flight 2322. Your ticket is enclosed and has been charmed so only muggles can see it. Hermione and I will pick you up at the airport.
Love,
Harry
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Dear Mr. Weasley September 2
We've just put Ginny on the plane back to England. She'll be able to catch a taxi to King's Cross Station and make it in time to catch the Hogwarts Express back to school. Thanks for letting her come to visit. It did all of us a world of good.
I'm not sure if this is my place or not, but I thought you had a right to know. Ginny spent the first few days with us in tears. She's making herself sick with worry over all of you, especially Ron. By the time she had to leave, she seemed to have calmed down a bit, but I'm still worried.
Have you heard from Ron lately? Ginny says that he's been gone for a while now, Hermione's worried. Write back soon.
Harry
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Dear Harry, September 10
Thanks for taking Ginny in. Molly and I were glad to get her out of England, even if it was only for a few weeks. We know she's been feeling the stress, but neither of us knew how badly it was affecting her. This has been the first time in her life that it's only been the three of us. We're all feeling a bit lonely.
Molly is going to make a trip to Hogwarts next week to see her and make sure she's ok.
As far as your other question goes, I can't tell you anything about where Ron is or what he's doing. Just know that he is ok.
Thanks again you two.
Sincerely,
Arthur Weasley
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Dear Ginny October 31
Happy Halloween! Tell your mom thanks for the cookies. I didn't realize how much I missed your moms cooking until it came.
Hope everything's going well. Harry and I are both looking for active employment. I think one year is long enough to live off of his inheritance. Besides, I don't think I could stand the monotony one more day. Have you given any thought to what you'll do when you graduate next year? It's not too early to be planning your future. Write if you want to bounce any ideas off of me.
Love,
Hermione
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Dear Hermione, November 15
Mom and Dad send their love and you'll never guess, but Ron came and visited me. Dumbledore gave him special permission to stay at Hogwarts over the weekend and we had the best time. We stayed up talking all night, just like we use to do when we were kids. He won't tell me what he's been doing, but he did say he would make more of an effort to come and see me.
He wrote you and Harry a short note which I am enclosing. I miss you both and hope you are well and happy.
Love,
Ginny
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Dear Harry and Hermione November 15
I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written either of you. As I'm sure Ginny has already told you, I've been very busy lately. You can't write to me, but if you want, send notes to Ginny I'll get them when I come to see her.
I miss you both,
Ron
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Weasley December 20
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We hope everyone is well. Harry and I are great. We miss you all.
Love,
Hermione
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Ginny January 30
Oh my God! Ginny, I think I'm pregnant. Oh my God!
Hermione
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Hermione February 4
Oh my God!
Ginny
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Ginny,
What am I going to do? I don't know how to tell Harry. Oh, I am so stupid. How could I have let this happen?
Hermione
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Hermione, February 10
Ok, calm down. First things first, relax. Don't go being all Hermione about this and stress yourself out unnecessarily. Second, tell Harry. He loves you; he'll be ok with this.
Whatever happens, I'll be here if you need me. I love you.
Ginny
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Dear Ginny, February 21
You were right. I was just panicking. Harry and I had a long talk and he was so excited. He said he always wanted a family of his own and that I was giving him the greatest gift he could ever ask for.
We went to our first doctor's appointment and I am due at the end of August. We asked about the sex of the baby, but apparently it's too soon to tell.
On our way home Harry and I were talking and we made some decisions. He wants to make us a real family, so we decided to get married. We got our marriage license and one day later we were married. I am so happy. We both are.
Love always,
Hermione Elizabeth Granger-Potter
P.S. I never realized how well our names fit together.
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Dear Harry and Hermione, March 1
Ginny has just written to us to let us know the wonderful news. Arthur and I are so excited for you both. I only hope your marriage is as happy as ours has been. I can't think of a better blessing for the two of you. We love you both.
Molly Weasley
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Potter, March 10
Congratulations on your recent nuptials. We hope the honeymoon was fun.
With warmest regards,
Fred and George Weasley
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Dear Harry and Hermione, March 17
Congradulations on your marriage. Hogwarts isn't the same with ya. I was hoping to see ya both soon, but with the new baby on the way I don't imagine you'll be able to travel any time soon.
Harry you make sure that Hermione's comfortable. Pregnant women need lots of attention.
Missing you both,
Hagrid
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Granger-Potter, March 30
You're absolutely right, Hermione. That does sound nice together. Word has spread among all your closest friends and everyone is so excited. Of course, I was the first person you told. Keep that in mind when it comes time to pick a Godmother for my little niece or nephew.
I can't tell you how, but I was able to get in touch with Ron and told him the news. He was very excited for both of you and has put in a request for the baby to be named after him if it's a boy. I'm not sure if he was kidding or not.
Love,
Ginny
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Dear Ginny April 25
We're having a boy!
Love,
Hermione
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Dear Harry and Hermione May 15
Congratulations! I guess now you have to name the baby after Ron. I hope marriage is treating you both well. School has been so intense. I think the two of you had the right idea in skipping out of the last half a year. I think the study schedule alone is going to kill me. I wish I could write longer, but there just isn't time anymore.
Love always,
Aunt Ginny
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Dear Ginny June 1
Hang in there, kid. I know it's tough, but it's almost over. I on the other hand am going to have deal with a pregnant wife for three more months.
I didn't think Hermione could ever read more than she did at Hogwarts, but I was wrong. We have more books on pregnancy and parenting than I thought existed. The worse part is that she's making me read all these myself. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the next three months.
Seriously, we're both in heaven. I have never been this happy in my life and I can't wait until our son is here.
Good luck with the N.E.W.T.s
Harry
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Dear Harry and Hermione June 20
Bad news. Voldemort launched an attack at the Ministry yesterday. Percy was caught in the crossfire. He was taken to St. Mungo's but their was nothing they could do. Mom and Dad are beside themselves. We never really did make up with Percy. I've been in touch with Ron and he's trying to get home.
Please come home. We all need you so much. I need you. We're your family and we should all be together now.
I have to go, mom needs me.
Hope to see you soon,
Ginny
