Owl Treats and Ball Point Pens
Harry awoke from his slumber. He slowly ambled towards his desk and sat down. As he opened the desk drawer to retrieve his quill and some parchment, Hedwig noticed and hooted softly. So Harry opened Hedwig's cage.
"Now don't go flying off." Harry chided the bird. "I'll have a letter for you in a minute."
Hedwig replied with a disgruntled hoot and hopped onto the top of her cage. Returning to the drawer, Harry pulled out the parchment and quill. Harry dipped his quill in the ink bottle sitting next to Hedwig's cage. Withdrawing the quill, he started to write a letter. But there was no ink. The bottle was empty.
Harry began rummaging through the drawer again, looking for a fresh bottle of ink. While searching for the ink, Harry came across a package of owl treats. Realizing the cause of Hedwig's initial interest, Harry took one of the treats and offered it to her. Hedwig ignored him at first. But after Harry repeatedly tapped her beak with the treat, Hedwig relented and took it. Finally getting what she wanted while remaining dignified, Hedwig noisily spread her wings in triumph.
Harry began searching through the desk drawer. He had completely emptied the contents of the drawer without finding another bottle of ink. Slowly Harry began returning the contents back to the drawer when he noticed a ball point pen. Realizing he didn't have any other choices, he started writing with the pen.
July 24, 1996
Dear Neville,
I hope your summer is going well. How did you do on your O.W.L.s? I just got mine and can't believe it. I got seven including Es in Potions and Care of Magical Creatures and an O in Defense. I didn't earn an O.W.L. in Divination or History but that doesn't really matter because I was going to drop them anyways. I'm not sure what I'll do now that I didn't get an O in potions, it's required to be an Auror.
Well, I was writing because I need to talk to you. It involves our trip to the ministry at the end of last term. I understand if you are a little nervous but it is very important. Too important to put in this letter. I will be staying at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley the first weekend of August. If you could me there at noon Saturday it would be great. Otherwise, I'll be spending the rest of the summer at the Burrow with the Weasleys.
Your Friend,
Harry
Harry rolled up the parchment and picked out a piece of string from his now cluttered desk. Hedwig say the finished letter, and stuck out her leg. Harry tied the letter to her leg and Hedwig replied with an appreciative hoot and climbed onto Harry's hand. Harry carried her over to the window and opened. Hedwig waited just long enough for Harry to give her an appreciative pat on the head and took off.
For the next day and a half Harry anxiously awaited Hedwig's return. He hoped that Neville would be willing to come to Diagon Alley. Without Neville Harry didn't think he could do what he needed to do. He was the only one that could share the responsibility that the prophecy brought to bear. Not to mention that he personally understood the hurt, hatred, and fear that Voldemort had brought and could potentially bring.
It was a great relief when Harry received Neville's reply.
July 25, 1996
Harry,
Glad to hear from you. I managed eight O.W.L.s. Gran was duly impressed. I even managed one in Potions, it was only an Acceptable but I wasn't going to continue the class anyway. Snape just bothers me. I can't concentrate with him around. I got an O in Herbology and an E in Defense. I couldn't have done it with out you. Are you going to continue the D.A?
You are right when you say I'm a little nervous about meeting you. I mean, anything that has to do with our trip to the ministry can't be good. But I trust you and I owe it too you. Getting me an E in Defense and all. I'll be at the Leaky Cauldron on the third. This also gives me a reason to get out of the house. Gran is driving me crazy telling me how it is about time I finally did something good for the Longbottom name.
Thanks,
Neville
P.S. What kind of quill did you use? There weren't any smudges and the letters were so thin?