Chapter 2: Owl Post
Dear Draco,
We're spending nearly the next two weeks by the sea, but I've already decided it's not my thing. The sun is lovely, of course, but I'm starting to worry I'll be finding sand everywhere for the rest of my life. I'm trying to get some reading done, but there's a very large family who always seems to be out at the same time I am, and the noise their children make is unbelievable. Mum and Dad are really enjoying themselves, though, and I think they're finally starting to relax a bit after they found out I'd been Petrified. They're letting me out of their sight again now, at least.
I took a few photographs for you yesterday evening. I know you like looking at the lake at school, so I thought you'd like looking at the sea, as well. I really hope you're all right.
Hermione
Dear Hermione,
Guess what? We're going on holiday to visit Bill in Egypt! I can't wait. The pyramids are supposed to be brilliant. I'm especially looking forward to the ones with ancient curses in them-Mum says she won't let me in, but I'll show her. Percy's been going on about how too much sun is dangerous for your health. I think he just wants to stay in his room all summer and write to his girlfriend. Really boring, if you ask me.
Are you still in France? Are your parents driving you mad yet?
Ginny
X
Dear Ginny,
That's wonderful about Egypt! There's supposed to be loads of ancient wizarding history there. You must tell me everything you learn, I'm sure it'll be really fascinating! It's not quite so exciting here. We've been at the sea for around a week now, and I know you'd love it but I'm a bit sick of the sun and the sand. Mum's really in her element, though. Keeps making jokes to Dad about moving here, but I don't think they're really jokes. Personally, I'm most excited for Paris-there's supposed to be loads of fascinating little wizarding shops there, I can't wait!
Love to Ron, and your Mum and Dad!
Hermione
P.S. Have you been writing to Theo? He hasn't mentioned whether he's heard from Draco, has he?
X
Hermione,
No, he hasn't. Mentioned, I mean, I have no idea whether he's heard from Draco. Ask him yourself, he can't bite you all the way from London.
Ginny
Dear Ginny,
I saw the bit in the Prophet about your father winning all that gold. Egypt sounds wonderful! I miss you and I wanted to check whether you're all right, but I reckon you're probably really sick of people fussing over you. So to make up for it, here's a few photos of the stupidest tourist outfits I've seen this summer. The couple is my favorite. I honestly don't think I've ever seen that shade of orange in my life (and thank god), and I don't know what possessed her to wear those shoes in the city.
I hope you're okay, and that you have a brilliant time in Egypt.
Theo
X
Dear Theo,
It's very insensitive of you to mock this woman's clothes, considering she's obviously blind.
Here's a few I saw this week at the inn. Dad nearly caught me, so I told him I was taking photos of the ancient architecture. I don't think he believed me, but he let me get on with it.
I'm really okay. It's amazing here, and Mum and Dad stopped fussing over me when we got word Percy was made Head Boy. They can never really pay too much attention to any one of us at a time, they'd go mad.
Ginny
X
Dear Ginny,
At least I'm not lying to my parents about it. I told Mum what I was doing and she said she'd never been prouder of me. It was a bit weird. Maybe I should've lied.
I'm really glad you're okay, and that you're having a nice time in Egypt. You deserve it.
Theo
P.S. I'm sorry, but Percy's going to be a really annoying Head Boy.
X
Dear Theo,
No arguments here.
Ginny
Dear Draco,
Paris is beautiful! There's loads of fascinating wizarding history here, I've had to completely re-write my History of Magic essay to include some of the things I've found out. I do hope it's not too long, it's quite a bit more than Professor Binns asked for.
I've thought of you loads here, too. I'm sure your parents have taken you, so you probably already know, but I think you'd love it here. There's lots of funny little shops and museums and everyone seems to do whatever they like all day long.
Draco, is there something you're not telling me? I'm trying not to worry, but if there's something wrong I want to help you.
Hermione
Dear Theo,
I'm sure everything is fine, and I feel a bit silly asking, but have you heard from Draco this summer? He's not writing me back, and I think something might have happened to him at the end of last year but I haven't got a clue what it is, and I just want to know he's all right.
I hope you're having a good summer!
Hermione
X
Dear Hermione,
He's not answering my letters either, and I think you're right about the end of last term. He started to say something on the train, but I don't think it was the whole story. You know how he is, though, so I'm sure he'll be fine. We've just got to let him get there on his own.
Ginny says you're in France. I hope you're having a lovely time, and try not to worry about Draco too much.
Theo
Dear Hermione,
Mum and Dad have just told us we're staying in London the last week of the holidays, and we can ask you and Harry to stay if we like! Can you come? Ron's writing to ask you the same, but he doesn't know I've already taken Errol from his room so you'll get my letter first.
Ginny
X
Dear Ginny,
I got Ron's letter about London as well, although I'm sure you'll be pleased to know I got yours first. Mum and Dad say I can come into London, and they'll even let me stay the whole week as a birthday treat.
How is Egypt? Have you gone into any old tombs yet? If you find out anything fascinating about Ancient Egyption witches while you're there, please do let me know. I might be able to use it in my History of Magic essay.
Ron says Percy's Head Boy. I hope he's really pleased, although I'm sure you're all giving him a bad time about it.
See you in London!
Hermione
X
Dear Hermione,
You put far too much work into your homework, has anyone ever told you that? I'm joking, I know they have. Did you know that Queen Cleopatra murdered three of her siblings?
"Really pleased" is an understatement. Whoever decided to make Percy Head Boy doesn't know what they've gotten themselves into.
I can't wait to see you!
Ginny
X
Dear Ginny,
That's horrific, and I don't believe it's true. See you soon!
Hermione
X
Dear Hermione,
It's true. Look it up if you don't believe me.
Ginny
Dear Draco,
I just wanted to tell you I'm staying in London the last week of the holidays. If you can manage to come and meet me, I'd really love to see you.
Hermione
Dear Draco,
Would you just write back to Hermione and Theo?
God.
Ginny
P.S. That's one sentence, and it took me a half-hour to write because I have six brothers and nosy parents and they'll all go mad if they realize who I'm writing to, but I did it anyway. Let this be an example to you.
X
Ginny,
That's three sentences.
Draco