a/n this chapter was unexpected. I planned on it being a really short little email exchange between Harry and Draco but something else came out. Hope you enjoy it, as always reviews are absolutely welcome and appreciated
10/23/99
To: dlm80ATyahooDOTcom
From: HJP80ATyahooDOTcom
RE: the first memories
M
We're done. She watched the memories. We visited the library. She listened to your recording. Nothing. She's actually back in the room watching the memories again. She says she wants to watch them without you talking in her ears, and then she'll just listen to the recording and see if any of that does anything for her. She's also practically ordered me to get copies of the trial transcripts for her. I've told her I will but I wanted to see what you think first. I can always ask Kings to give her some reason they can't be released just yet. This is probably not the news you wanted to hear but it's the news I have.
P
10/24/17
To: HJP80ATyahooDOTcom
From: dlm80ATyahooDOTcom
RE: re: the first memories
P
No it wasn't the news I wanted to hear, but it was the news I expected. I honestly didn't think she'd recover anything from those first memories, or even from the next set. I really just want to set up a good basis for the worse ones to come. There is still the worry about her going into shock. I can write to her and ask that she wait to read the transcripts until after she has seen the set of memories that most relate to them, if you think that might help convince her, though knowing her I doubt it. The Minister may be the only way to go. Or do you know anyone who is a healer whose advice she might trust? Don't let her dwell too long in the Pensieve either I worry that won't be good for her. Thank you again for all you're doing for her. It seems ridiculous to thank you when you've been her friend longer than I but I still feel I should.
M
10/27/17
To: dlm80ATyahooDOTcom
From: HJP80ATyahooDOTcom
Re: re: re: the first memories (this is getting rather ridiculous)
M
No there is no need to thank me, but I understand why you feel the need. She has viewed the memories three times, says that's all she'll do. She has taken to the yoga though, that was a good idea. She devoured the book then went searching and found a tape she can play on the VCR I keep in #13. If you don't know what those things are look it up, don't ask me I'm not your Muggle Studies tutor. Then she went out and found a yoga studio in a nearby neighborhood and has signed up for twice weekly sessions there starting tomorrow. We can try you asking her to wait on the transcripts but if that doesn't work then I'm going to go to Kings. She has asked me several questions, a few that only you can answer. First she wants to know how often you plan on sending memories; I think she has some ideas on the schedule herself. Second she wants your e-mail address. She says she'd like to begin to get to know who you are now and not just who you used to be. I told her I'd ask but I wouldn't share that without asking you first. So you tell me what you want to do. Or rather don't bother I'll just give you her address and you can write directly to her if you want to. I'll tell her if she doesn't hear from you that you're answer must be no for now. hg79ATyahooDOTcom
P
10/27/99
To: HJP80ATyahooDOTcom
From: dlm80ATyahooDOTcom
Re: re: re: re: the first memories (this is getting rather ridiculous) (you can change the regarding line any time you want Potter)
P
I know what a VCR is thanks. Like I'd ever ask you to be my Muggle Studies tutor anyway. I had Hermione for that and damn well will again, in the meantime I can just look things up myself as you should have figured out from the fact that I have email I have discovered the world wide web. I'll write to Hermione and talk to her about the schedule I have roughed out so you don't have to worry about it. I still expect updates from you after each session. I'd like your opinion as a mere observer as to how things are going. I know she will tell me how she feels but she's hardly impartial and most definitely not the best judge of things when she is hyper focused, add into that the fact that she is also highly emotional over this as I would expect, as I myself am and I need your "outsider" opinion.
M
10/27/99
To: dlm80ATyahooDOTcom
From: HJP80ATyahooDOTcom
Re: re: re: re: re: the first memories (this is getting rather ridiculous) (you can change the regarding line any time you want Potter) (I would but I think this might just annoy you more)
Fine, you'll hear from me again after the next session.
10/29/99
To: hg79ATyahooDOTcom
From: dlm80ATyahooDOTcom
RE: your request that we be in contact
Hermione,
Again I struggle with how to begin as I did that last letter I sent you. I want to begin as I have in the past with "my darling" but that simply doesn't feel right when I know that in actuality you don't know me though I love you as I have for years and I am sure it would make you uncomfortable. That really is not your problem so I don't know why I share it with you other than you always wanted to know everything. You insisted I not keep secrets from you and there were times I tried very hard to do so as you will see in future memories. Perhaps I shouldn't have even brought that up as I won't be answering any questions about anything you will see. I suppose that is the best place to start. We can discuss the memories you have watched after each session if you wish though there will be things I won't answer. From my research I wholeheartedly believe that slower is better. My wish is not to frustrate you but I don't want overwhelm you either. Some questions you may have will be answered in future memories, that's an odd statement I know. For instance I am sure you already want to ask me why I started sitting in the library to study near and then with you. I know you well enough to know that you don't think what you saw is the whole story, rest assured the rest of the story will be in the next vial I send. For now ask me anything you want about my current situation and I will share. I am encouraged that you want to want to get to know who I am already. Quite honestly I was worried that you would be willing to forget me just for the reason that I was on the wrong side of the war and yes I do mean wrong side. No I don't believe in Voldemort's philosophy as you recently saw. Why I did what I did is a long story and it will all be explained in time. I apologize for already driving you to distraction trying to read between the lines and figure out what I'm thinking or saying but really this is the best way. Which leads me to the schedule, I have attempted to set out a two week memory viewing schedule, working around the holidays that is. Also Potter mentioned that you wanted to read the transcripts for my trial. While I understand you desire I think you should wait until you've seen some of the memories that were covered in the trial. I'm asking you to please wait and be patient as hard that that may be. Now as you would like to get to know me ask away, I will be awaiting your reply.
Always yours,
Draco
10/30/99
To: dlm80ATyahooDOTcom
From: hg79ATyahooDOTcom
RE: my first questions for you
Draco,
Thank you for being considerate and not opening your message as you wanted to. You were absolutely correct it would make me uncomfortable and that then would make me feel guilty. Even knowing you wanted to begin that way I feel a bit guilty; it is after all my own fault. Hopefully in time that will change. After reading the letters we wrote to one another after your sentencing I can see clearly that you loved me and that I loved you which makes it all the more frustrating. Not only did you, do you love me rather, but you clearly know me very well. The yoga suggestion was wonderful. I am enjoying it already and find that I am more focused after I do it whether that is due to the focusing nature of yoga or simply that it is exercise and gets my blood flowing I don't know but I certainly enjoy it more than any other exercise I have tried. I may have told you this in the past but as I don't remember I will tell you again, back in primary school we were required to participate in physical education. That was one of the things I missed the least when I started at Hogwarts. Flying lessons are simply not the same as being forced to run, swing things at balls, throw and attempt to catch balls, dodgeballs. I was much happier just sitting under a tree and reading. That comes as no surprise whatsoever to you I am sure.
I agree with the schedule you have set at the moment. I believe there may come a time where we need to speed up or even slow down but we can discuss that when we get there. Harry was quite shocked that I didn't push right away to see the next memories you had sent. Then of course when I asked about them he told me you had waited to send them. Obviously you had a feeling I would be asking to see them early, rather shrewd move there, guess that's why you're a Slytherin.
I have also considered what you said about the transcript and for now I'll wait to read them.
Your ground rules that we only discuss present day and the memories I've seen seem fair, though I will most definitely chafe against them at some point.
To start let me ask you a few questions:
What made you choose New Orleans? Rather what made you choose first the States and then New Orleans? Why not Canada? Australia? Japan? South Africa? or any number of other places?
What are you doing there in New Orleans? Did you finish school at Hogwarts? Did you take your N.E.W.T.S.?
Harry says you have adapted several Muggle customs (or NoMaj as they say across the pond)? Which were you most surprised by? Which do you enjoy the most? Which do you find the most strange and or frustrating?
I think that is all for now.
Hermione
10/31/99
To: hg79ATyahooDOTcom
From: dlm80ATyahooDOTcom
RE: answers to your questions
To make this easier I'm going to just copy and paste your questions then answer right below because I am quickly discovering the chain of old messages that appears in emails is unnecessarily distracting so I tend to delete them all.
1. What made you choose New Orleans? Rather what made you choose first the States and then New Orleans? Why not Canada? Australia? Japan? South Africa? or any number of other places?
I first thought I would go to France to one of the old Black family chateaus but then I would be too close to you without being able to see you. Knowing the Ministry they would keep you from coming to see me and it would just be all the harder if you were that close. I sat with a map of the world and looked over several countries. I talked it over with Mother. She was the one that suggested New Orleans. Her family had visited here when she was younger and she had fond memories of the place. Once I arrived I knew why, the French feel to so much of the architecture and design of the city probably made her feel very much at home; it did for me.
2. What are you doing there in New Orleans? Did you finish school at Hogwarts? Did you take your N.E.W.T.S.?
I'll start in reverse. I did take my N.E.W.T.S. and did surprisingly well considering my last year at Hogwarts was the last year of the war. During the year following the war I did home study and took the exams at the same time you did.
3. Harry says you have adapted several Muggle customs (or NoMaj as they say across the pond)? Which were you most surprised by? Which do you enjoy the most? Which do you find the most strange and or frustrating?
It took me a bit to adapt to some of the NoMaj customs and devices and I'm sure some of them are different than back home in the UK. I don't know about the individual vehicles they seem a bit much to handle especially in a busy city. However there is a great trolley system here, and buses, though really I only need to walk to get anywhere I need to go. I am working in a Potioneer's shop as a potion apprentice, my N.E.W.T.S. were good enough for me to easily find a job here I just had to find someone who would be willing to overlook the reason I'm here to begin with. I'll be a potions master by the summer, what I do then well, that's a long way off.
Which Muggle thing do I enjoy the most, this right here, the internet is an amazing invention. I have learned so much about the world that I never knew. It's left me with more questions about how any witch or wizard could ever think that Muggles are beneath us. We could learn so much from them. You had told me about the moon landings and I just found it beyond belief but the pictures seem to be undeniable proof. There is just one story after another from the men themselves and all of the men and women who supported them. I don't know how there are even Muggles who believe it wasn't real.
Movies would have to be the other thing I've decided are a wonderful NoMaj invention. The potion master I work with and the others that work in her shop are all much more used to NoMaj culture. I thought at first that that must be the way things are here in the States but they tell me that it really is just unique to New Orleans and to small areas elsewhere but that most of the country is just like the UK where the two societies are very removed from one another, in the same place but rarely interacting. Anyway they were the ones who first introduced me to movies. They took me to a small theater that showed movies that are almost at the end of the their run so they're much less expensive and often less busy so I would be less conspicuous. Anyway they took me to see Muppets from Space, they said it was a perfect first movie as it was the Muppets, which I found quite amusing, and many popular actors. After the movie they said it wasn't the best Muppet movie ever and insisted we have a movie night at someone's place to watch the original. Three of the four of us live in NoMaj housing. Watching in the theater was engaging, watching in a home was a raucous affair. Not long ago we had another movie night to watch Great Muppet Caper. Not sure why but they seem to feel Muppets is key to my understanding of NoMaj entertainment, culture, life, something like that. These were the friends I went to and asked about email when Potter mentioned it. He may have told you that my flat here was quite sparse when he visited me, well no longer. I now have a desk with a computer and home phone for internet connection. I also have a small entertainment center, tv, and vcr. I have discovered that I can rent movies from a shop just down the street. Which leads me to my first question for you. What is your favorite movie? My second question that I realize now I never asked and I don't know how that happened: what is your favorite book? or if it's easier: who is your favorite author? And since three seems a good number: how is your job at the Ministry? What do you do? Who do you work with? Do you enjoy it?
Always yours,
Draco
P.S. Happy Halloween
11/1/99
To: dlm80ATyahooDOTcom
From: hg79ATyahooDOTcom
RE: your three questions
Draco,
I wondered what had happened to our previous messages. Unlike you I tend to leave them there as it makes for easy reference but as I keep all messages I suppose I can simply look back. I find it amazing that someone raised in a home that was so centered on Pureblood supremacy as your younger self said in the memories you sent would adapt so easily to life in a near Muggle state. That says quite a bit about you as a person, or at least about who you are now. It makes it easier for me to see how I could have fallen for you in the first place. Now to answer your questions
What is my favorite movie? It is so hard to pick. I always loved watching Disney movies with my parents when I was younger. I have seen them all. My father is also a big fan, more so than my mother. He is the one that has purchased each movie as it has been released on VHS. My favorite classic movie is Sleeping Beauty. I love the tale but my favorite character has always been Maleficent. I also have a special place in my heart for Sword in the Stone. You should watch that one if you can. You just might be surprised at who appears in it. As for the more modern ones well Little Mermaid was the first I saw on the big screen and naturally I love Belle in Beauty and the Beast. As for live action movies I shall have to think about it. I now have to admit I have never seen a Muppets movie. I guess I'll be hopping down to our local video store so that Harry and I can watch them. I'll let you know what I think.
Favorite book or author: oh my, I don't even know where to begin I've read so many books since I was little. I reread books nearly endlessly that's how I have so many memorized and yet even when I've memorized them I still go back to read them again and again. I think my favorites though are all books for kids or young adults. If you are asking in the interest of creating a reading list for yourself I'd suggest Madeline L'Engle's books, Peter Pan, the Prydain Chronicles. Books based in WWII used to be some of those I found most interesting but after recent experiences I've moved away from them. Since you're so interested in space or at least the space program you might look for books on the topic. I enjoy nonfiction but I prefer fiction books. I like books that will take me away for a while, help me escape into a different world. Matilda did that for me when I was seven or eight, it took me to a world where magic was real. I suppose I identified with her accidental magic without realizing it.
The Ministry is well the Ministry. I work in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. I had these grand plans of working to make life better for house elves and other magical creatures but it's just not what I expected. You would think I would have known better considering all of the experiences I've had with them over the years, this situation notwithstanding. I don't know. I feel as if no one is really listening. It's all just paperwork and red tape. Nothing gets done easily, anywhere if what Harry and Ron tell me is true and while Ron may exaggerate Harry is less likely to do so. Neville even left the Auror program because he said it wasn't what he expected. I understand that certain steps have to be taken to prove someone is guilty or to make a change but it just takes too long. There are too many steps. There are too many people who don't want anything to change. They want things to be the way they always have; they see no reason to change the way things have always been done. I know Kingsley is willing to change but there's still such an old guard in place. It will take years if not decades for people our age to take over and for change to take hold. I'm not sure I have it in me to stick around that long, but I also have no idea of what else I might do with my life.
Well that was much more than I expected I would write. I suppose it's my turn for questions again. I think I'll stick with simple: What is your favorite book? What is your favorite movie? What is your favorite kind of music? Well I look forward to hearing your answers.
Hermione
11/1/99
To: hg79ATyahooDOTcom
From: dlm80ATyahooDOTcom
RE: my turn again
I've had Terrence, that would be my fellow potions apprentice, introduce me to the local public library. Another thing Muggle seem to have one up on we magic kind. Why did we only have a library at Hogwarts. Oh I'm sure the Ministry has a library, and I'd imagine Mungo's has one too as a reference for the healers but there are none for your average ordinary witch or wizard to borrow books from. We have to buy our books and what if the book we bought turns out not to be the one we need. Sure there are resale shops but it seems to make much more sense to borrow a book first and see if you like it, will use it, need it before buying. Anyway all that was to tell you I checked out books by some of the authors you mentioned.
My favorite book, that's easy as I have I only ever read one fiction book, the same book Mother used to read me when I was little - the Tales of Beedle the Bard. We didn't have any other books like that in the Manor library, well none at least that I was allowed to read. Most of the books we had were old textbooks, potion books, and well books on Dark Magic. As for nonfiction books my favorite would probably have to be the book that came with my very first potions kit, Potions for Young Witches and Wizards. I am also quite fond of poetry, particularly sonnets.
My favorite movie - I've only just begun watching movies so it's a bit early to pick a favorite but I'm finding I enjoy the older movies, the old black and white ones. I picked up Sleeping Beauty and really enjoyed it. I
I'm with you I liked Maleficent much better than those three fairies. I wasn't able to find Sword in the Stone however. The video shop clerk said he'd see if they had a copy at another location.
My favorite kind of music - well it's not Celestina Warbeck that's for sure, I do enjoy the Weird Sisters. Growing up my parents listened to mostly classical music, I find myself still drawn to it as well as to light jazz. There is a lot of jazz here, drifting out of doorways as you walk down the street. I really haven't started listening to any other types of NoMaj music but I suppose I should give it a try.
My turn again, I suppose: Are you continuing to enjoy yoga? Have you done any research into restoring memory loss yourself? Have you looked into how magical creatures are dealt with in other countries? I ask the last because when I mentioned house elves here just in passing I was looked at as if I had grown a second head. It seems they are incredibly uncommon here in the States. It has something to do with their Civil War I think was what I was told but as three people were speaking at once it was hard to make out and I really just desperately wanted to change the subject.
Always yours,
Draco
11/4/99
To: dlm80ATyahooDOTcom
From: hg79ATyahooDOTcom
RE: sorry
Draco,
I apologize for taking so long to reply, but it's your own fault I have to say. I did as you suggested and have begun research into the treatment and regulation of magical creatures in other countries. It's been enlightening to say the least to see that some countries don't classify goblins or elves as creatures and they even treat werewolves differently as well. It's absolutely fascinating but it will take quite a bit more research to develop a case to change the way things are handled here in the UK. The research has also been a good distraction from my obliviated memories. I have looked into that as well but came up with the same things you had so I stopped. You apparently did a very thorough search. That shouldn't come as a surprise since we were always one and two in our year, no I didn't remember that other than from the memory you shared, I just never think anyone studies and researches as much as I do. Yoga has become my stress reliever after dealing with the knotheads in the Ministry all day. Ginny tried it with me when she was home over the weekend and Luna is joining me at the studio not far from here. She really is an interesting person and not nearly so daft as people think you just have to get used to her. I have more questions for you but I think I'll save them until after I view the memories this weekend. Harry brought the package home this afternoon but won't let me open it until Saturday; I don't think he trusts me. That's all for now I guess. I'll write to you sometime next week.
Hermione
