Chapter Four

Letters From Hogwarts

Harry had appeared in another room that he knew since he had appeared in the same room the previous summer. He was in his grandparents' home that he would inherit after he had finished Hogwarts. Fawks had left his shoulder and burst into another ball of flames and vanished.

"Harry," Harry turned at Hermione was standing near a chair with school books and pieces of parchment near her feet, "I didn't expect you to arrive just now."

"I didn't expect you to be here either Hermione," Harry replied.

"Ah Harry," a new voice spoke. Harry turned and it was Remus Lupin standing in a doorway. "I hope your relatives didn't treat you harshly for using magic in their household."

"No, I never told them."

"That may be wise since your uncle wouldn't be too pleased. I must leave today since the pair you wouldn't want me around tonight during my transformation," he said walking past them toward the fireplace. "I would like to congratulate you both and Ron on receiving the Order of Merlin," he took some powder from the mantle and threw it into the empty fireplace where emerald green flames erupted. He got in and his voice was not heard as he vanished.

Harry took a seat in the chair near Hermione where her ginger cat, Crookshanks, jumped into his lap and purred loudly. Only Crookshanks' purring broke the silence as Harry saw Hermione cross his line of vision and the next thing he knew was Hedwig coming to perch one of the armrest.

"Harry, how was your summer?" Hermione said breaking the silence.

"Much better than others since I was able to see you sooner rather waiting weeks later," Harry said while scratching Crookshanks' ears, who purred even louder, ignoring Hermione's blush. "Where's Ron?"

"From what I heard he is very busy and I am sure it is not homework. Harry I think we should continue our homework since it will be quiet here and Tonks is upstairs taking a nap."

Harry set Crookshanks on the floor before rising up to gather his books, essays, parchment, quills, and ink bottles to join Hermione with her homework. This was quite unusual for Harry since he had done his homework alone and without help from anybody. Harry was able to keep pace with her as they both helped each other out on their homework. Crookshanks had jumped into the chair Harry had abandoned to watch them do their homework.

Hermione had the idea of them exchanging their essays so they can edit each others. Harry was surprised that due to his constant editing on his essay that he did quite well; almost as good Hermione. They continued their homework and not even noticing Tonks, a witch who can change her appearance, coming down the stairs to make them some snacks for them to eat while doing their homework.

They continued their homework when a small loud owl came in through an open window hooting loudly. Harry caught the bird and removed the letters attached to its leg before turning it loose. The owl left and Harry noticed that the letters were from Ron; due to his untidy handwriting. He opened the letter after giving Hermione her letter; which was also from Ron.

Dear Harry,

Dad just got tickets to the Quidditch World Cup, and I've been told that you are at your grandparents' home. The World Cup is in two weeks and I want to see you, but I'm busy since Bill is getting married to Fleur; remember her during the Triwizard Wizard, next month. Bill wants you, along with Hermione, to come. We are going to Diagon Alley next week, or when our supplies list comes, and would like to meet you their Harry.

Ron

Harry reread the letter. "Bill is getting married to Fleur; I've never been to a wedding before since the Dursleys rather leave me behind. I wonder how a wizarding wedding is like."

"I've never been to a wizarding one before, but I've been to some Muggle ones. I am glad for Bill getting married," Hermione said.

They put aside their letters from Ron and continued to do their homework. Several hours past as they both continued their homework when the empty fireplace erupted into flames. Out stepped a tall freckled-faced flaming red haired man; next after a few seconds came another set of flames and out stepped a freckled-faced girl with flaming red hair. It was Ron Weasley and his younger sister Ginny. They greeted them as Ginny took out her homework and started on hers. Ron had pulled out his and started to write his Potions essay.

"Okay, What are--" he started but Hermione cut him off.

"I don't think so Ron. Harry has worked on his and he hasn't asked for help from me," Hermione said sternly.

Ron gave Hermione a suspicious look.

"Don't start Ron," Harry said before Ron said anything knowing that an argument was about to start between them.

Ron eventually started on his Potions as Harry and Hermione practiced spells for Charms. Ginny had started on her History of Magic essay as Ron muttered under his breath. Ron had completed his essay, although in a rather unorganized manner, and had Hermione edit it. Harry had continued to practice his Charms and heard Hermione criticize Ron's unorganized essay since most of the information was incorrect and out of place.

The few days passed quickly as Harry finished his homework and started reading his mother's diary that he had received from Professor Pierce, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, the previous year. Hermione spent her time helping Ron since he was behind on his work and was having a hard time getting his essays right. As Harry read his mother's diary; he found out that she was a year older than his father, James, when they were at Hogwarts.

A week had passed since Harry had arrived at his grandparents' place and he had spent time with Lupin looking through the attic and helping clean it up. Hermione spent her time helping Ron and Ginny, who had finished her homework, left to help with Bill's wedding preparations. Their letters from Hogwarts arrived on an early morning. Harry was reading his mother's diary while Hermione helped Ron. Harry took his letter from Hermione and set it aside until he had finished reading an entry; that contained the time James held Snape upside-down using a Levitation Charm. Harry heard Hermione give out a sigh and he gazed over his book to see Hermione holding a badge and Harry knew at once that see had been made Head Girl.

"Congratulations Hermione," Harry said to her.

"Thanks Harry," she replied.

"No surprise there," Ron indifferently said.

Harry continued his gaze to the diary while he continued to read the entry.

"Harry, you're not going to read a book during the holidays," Ron rashly said but Harry ignored him.

"Harry, where did you find that book?" Hermione asked politely.

"Professor Pierce gave me it," Harry replied.

"Why would she--" Ron started, but Hermione cut him off.

"Look at the cover of the book, Ron."

"Harry when did she give you that diary?" Ron asked after noticing the inscription on the diary.

"She gave me it on Christmas last year," Harry replied.

"That was nice of her," Hermione kindly said.

Harry set aside the diary and opened his letter from Hogwarts. It contained his list of supplies and something else was in his letter too.