Ch.4
Hermione was never one to procrastinate, but this was different. After refilling her ink bottle, dusting her desk, and making herself a pot of tea, she could no longer think of anything to do other than sit down and write to her long-lost friend. After who-knows-how-many minutes of tapping her quill and running her fingers through her still unmanageable mane, she finally set to writing.
Dear Harry (no, too mushy. don't want to sound apologetic)
Selfish arrogant bastard (hmm, too hostile)
To Whom it may concern: (too formal)
Harry,
We really need to talk. I miss you, and if my sources are correct, you miss me, too. Please write back so we can make arrangement for you to visit the Big Apple.
Love, (most definitely not)
Yours Truly, (but I'm not his)
Battered and broken, (ugh. now I just sound desperate)
Sincerely,
Hermione
She nervously sealed the envelope and walked to the nearest public owlery. Horrid thoughts filled her head. Thoughts of Harry tossing the letter away as soon as he saw who it was from. Thoughts of a horrible nasty row with him when he arrived. Maybe never speaking to him again. Please let this work out, she muttered to herself and to whatever higher power was out there.
Harry Potter groaned and rolled out of bed. "Bloody bird," he muttered to himself. "Hedwig, shut up! I'm coming!" he yelled at the squawking creature. But when he saw it wasn't Hedwig his annoyance quickly changed to curiosity. He didn't recognize this tawny. He clumsily shoved his glasses onto his face and stumbled across the room to let in the unfamiliar owl. "Well, where did you come from?" he asked the newfound feathered friend as he untied the letter from its outstretched leg. The handwriting on the front looked vaguely familiar, and an expectant smile unconsciously spread across his face as he tore open the letter. He absent-mindedly stroked the aviary messenger as he began to read. His eyes flew down to the signature, as they always do when one begins to read a note. The smile faded and his hand stopped abruptly, much to the discontent of the owl. His breath caught in his throat. His mind raced. 'A wedding invitation? No, Hermione's not that stupid. She wouldn't. Is she apologizing? If she's apologizing that means she knows he's not right. How did she find out? Did he hurt her?! I'll kill him! What if she's writing to tell me that she still hates me and never wants to see me again?' He took a deep breath and began to read. He eagerly accepted her invitation, although not a little nervously. Her letter didn't sound very amiable or inviting, more obligatory than anything. Nevertheless, he did miss his 'Mione.
Hermione,
Of course I will come visit you. I look forward to it. Next week? I'll be on the Monday ship, if it's all right with you. Please write back with your reply.
Love,
Harry
The tawny owl had already left, so he called Hedwig over and quickly tied the letter to her leg. "It's for Hermione, remember her?" he asked his pet excitedly. She cooed softly. "She's in New York now. It's an awful long way." She fluffed her feathers haughtily and was off. He hoped this visit would make her realize her mistake. He enthusiastically got ready to make arrangements for his trip.