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Chapter Five
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Hermione's POV
I look down at the letter in my hand. Next to me, Ron is also trying to put our curiosities into words.
Dear Harry, I read,
Where are you? I know what you said last year, but Ron and I agreed that we'd be there with you. So, that's what was going to happen. I thought you'd at least turn up for the start of the year, and then leave with us.
However, I'm prepared to forgive if you'll write back as soon as possible with your whereabouts. I know that might be tricky to put in writing for you, but it was just a thought. I'm aware of the risks of interception, because it seems the Ministry's just as interested in you as before, and it doesn't help that you've been clearly unfriendly to the minister. However, I'm not going to criticise the whole way through. How are you? It must be really tough. I'm so glad I saw you at Fleur and Bill's wedding, but when you left, the Weasleys were in an uproar. I can only guess that you apparated - and I'm not sure whether I approve of that or not.
We all what to know how you are, Harry. Nothing else really matters. If this whole quest to stop Voldemort is going to make you this down, maybe you should consider involving others. I know you can't give up - but you're not alone Harry. You just have to remember it.
Love, Hermione.
Somehow, it seems like I'm nagging him too much again. But that's my fifth attempt and it's too late to try again. I look over at Ron.
"Got anything?" I sigh. He rolls his eyes back.
"God, I never thought writing to a mate would be so hard. It's like writing an essay. Here, swap." She exchanged her letter with his, and began reading hard.
Harry mate,
Where are you? I guess you've gone out to do the whole saving-the-world thing, but you missed out on one hell of a feast. McGonagall excelled herself, and so did the house-elves (I glare at Ron).
Back to my first question - where are you? And how are you? I thought you were going to let us come along with you, but we were really worried when you vanished in the middle of the night. It was scary - like you didn't want to be around. Mum was in tears. (That had been hastily scribbled out - and wisely.)
I guess Hermione's gone on about how you should get support or thought of some kind of genius solution, but until now, I'd be happy to get out of NEWT classes and tag along after you. I won't be wanting a main part in all of the heroics, though. You can do that. I guess you're more up for it than me.
Your mate, Ron.
P.S. Bill and Fleur send their love. Yeuch, I'd better watch out from now on, mate.
I laugh. At least Ron's is somewhat light-hearted.
"Oh well," I sigh. "I think that's the best we're going to do. I don't have any suggestions, even though it is like a homework essay. I guess we're just going to have to send them like this, and hope that Harry gets the message: we're worried. Everyone's worried. Besides, that thing about your mum is still legible, and Harry isn't as thick as two short planks."
"Whatever you say," yawns Ron, and turns away. Two seconds later, he rounds on me again. "Hermione. You don't think Malfoy was a little … distracted earlier, do you?"
I go red with anger. Ugh! Malfoy! I hate him so much. I can't believe he has the cheek to return back to school after what happened last year. What he did. The person he killed - or may as well have.
"I don't care about bloody Draco bloody Malfoy!" I growl. "Distracted? Yeah, a bit, but that's probably because Pansy was sucking his brains out, and he was busy doing the same to her. Ugh. Sick-making. Thanks, Ron, I'm going to stay awake all night tonight feeling nauseous."
To my surprise, Ron chuckles. "Finally," he says, "I think you're beginning to understand why me and Harry always accuse Malfoy of stuff instead of telling the truth."
"Yes," I say angrily. "That I am!"
"Good," he laughs. "It's taken you seven years!"
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Note from Author: Things are going to get sticky at Hogwarts….
And can I just add that this is MY version of the 7th book, written before it was published, therefore although all of this is property of JK Rowling, the story itself is mine, and I will …. Do something if anyone steals it.