DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.
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Chapter 8: Letters
"Ah, now, this is one of mine, isn't it?" said Mr. Ollivander, which much more enthusiasm, as Cedric handed over his wand. "Yes, I remember it well. Containing a single hair from the tail of a particularly fine male unicorn... must have been seventeen hands; nearly gored me with his horn after I plucked his tail. Twelve and a quarter inches... ash... pleasantly springy. It's in fine condition... you treat it regularly?" -Mr. Ollivander, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
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July-August 1991
(Hermione and Cedric's past)
"What were the four houses again?" asked Hermione's father from his seat in front of the TV.
Hermione was reading 'Hogwarts: A History' sent to her by Cedric via owl last night (which gave her parents a shock), along with a letter and other books about the history of magic and the British wizarding community. It's just been less than a week since she learned she was a witch and about Hogwarts, but she felt like a lot of things happened already.
"Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin," she replied.
"And Cedric says you can ask where you want to be Sorted?" asked her mother, who was making tea for them.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, Mum. Cedric told me in his letter that one of his classmates, also a Muggle-born, met nice Hufflepuff students on the train, and they easily made friends with her, so she asked to be put in Hufflepuff. Hufflepuffs value loyalty, patience, hard work, and dedication."
"And I think that's where you should be," her father quipped.
Hermione and her mum both stared at the only man in the room.
"Ravenclaw is nice, but you're already brilliant, Hermione. No matter which house you would be in, you will always be clever and brilliant. It's in the blood," he winked at her. "But it takes a great deal to be patient and hardworking."
Hermione nodded slowly, thinking about the traits each of the four houses value. Surely she wouldn't be in Slytherin. Cedric said that no Muggle-born was ever Sorted in that house. Gryffindors are brave, courageous, and daring. Her parents wouldn't agree on that, surely. They avoid conflicts and arguments as much as possible. She tried to be brave, to be courageous by standing up for herself against the bullies in her school, even defending younger students, but her classmates teased her even more for being bossy. When she tried to reason out with one of her teachers because she learned something advanced, she was misinterpreted as boastful.
Ravenclaw sounded like a good one. They value wisdom, creativity, intelligence, and learning but she learned from her Grandma Rose that extremely intelligent people have eccentricities. She didn't think she could deal with people like Oscar Wilde and real-life Sherlock Holmes.
"Hufflepuff, then," her mother told her kindly with a pat on her shoulder.
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Dear Cedric,
Thank you for the books you loaned me. It gave my parents a shock, but they are fine. Thanks also for asking your owl, Harley, to wait. When I saw him waiting by the window, I quickly grabbed paper and pen.
You're using a different paper, and the ink is thick. Are writing materials in the wizarding world different? Well, I hope to learn about that once I read the books you loaned me.
Thanks again for your kindness. If there's anything I can help you with, you can tell me anytime.
Sincerely,
Hermione Granger
Cedric stared at Hermione's letter. The paper was light pink, thin, with lines and funny pictures of bears and candies. The ink she used was also thin. He wondered what kind of writing materials she was using.
"Mum, do you know what kind of paper is this?" he held up Hermione's letter to show his mum, who was slicing cabbages on the kitchen counter.
Cecile Diggory used to work at the Office of Misuse of Muggle Artefacts before giving birth to Cedric. She resigned when Ced was born and when he was already a first-year student, his mum worked again and became a researcher for the office, able to work from home during summer breaks, when Ced wasn't at Hogwarts.
Ced's mother looked up, and her bright green eyes traveled to the paper he was holding. "That's called a stationery paper, Ced," she replied kindly. "Is it from your new friend, Hermione?"
He nodded. "Yes, Mum. What kind of quill did she use?"
"Muggles call them ballpoint pens," she informed him.
"Do you have one of those, Mum? Do you think I should also use Muggle writing pens when writing to Hermione?"
Her mother smiled at him. "That's very nice of you, sweetheart. But I don't have those, and Hermione's a witch, so it's time she's introduced to quill and parchment."
"How about in Muggle Studies class, do you think Professor Burbage would let us try Muggle things?" he asked. He was an incoming third-year student, and because he wanted to work at the Ministry for Magic someday, just like his parents, he chose Muggle Studies as one of his electives.
"Yes, she has to," replied his mum. "But she won't require you to buy Muggle things. Instead, the school will provide."
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Dear Hermione,
How are you? I'm glad you like the books.
I'm using a quill and parchment. We use these things at Hogwarts, and you can find them in Diagon Alley. I learned from my mother that the paper you used is called a stationery paper, and your writing material is a ballpoint pen. Mum is a researcher for the Office of Misuse of Muggle Artefacts.
I'm going to take an elective subject this year called Muggle Studies, so while you're learning about the wizarding world, I am going to start learning about your world. Can you tell me more about your way of life? Like transportation, communication, and other things? I can't imagine how you lot are traveling without magic!
You can keep Harley for a while in case you'd like to write a response.
Take care.
Cedric
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Dear Cedric,
All is well. How are you doing? Thanks for letting me keep Harley. He was on his best behaviour during his entire eight hours of stay. I can't believe he liked bacon!
I have read about Hogwarts' subjects in "Hogwarts: A History". I think Charms is fascinating. What's your favourite subject? What does Professor Sprout teach? Who's your favourite professor? Is the Muggle Studies professor a Muggle-born?
Speaking of Muggle Studies, Mum thought it'd be a good idea to send you a book. It's supposed to be for a foreigner visiting the U.K., but it has a lot of information you want to know - especially traveling without magic.
Oh, by the way, a letter from Hogwarts came by. It's a list of school books and supplies we need and an instruction on how to go to Diagon Alley and exchange our money to Galleons. Mum said we're going this weekend. I can't wait!
Regards.
Hermione
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Dear Hermione,
Thanks ever so much for loaning me the book! It was awesome, learning about the Tube and taxicabs! Mum told me she tried one of those taxicabs, just to know how it really felt.
My favourite subject is Transfiguration, so far, taught by Professor McGonagall (Head of Gryffindor House). But as a Hufflepuff, I also like Herbology - every Hufflepuff does - because our common room is full of magical indoor plants. Yes, that's Professor Sprout's subject, Herbology. The Muggle Studies professor is Professor Charity Burbage, but I am not sure if she is a Muggle-born.
When exactly this weekend are you going to Diagon Alley? Maybe we can meet? I got my textbook list, too.
Regards,
Cedric
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Cedric was waiting with his mother outside the Leaky Cauldron. It was located on Charing Cross Road, a part of Muggle London. It was where he told Hermione to meet up.
Then, he saw three people wearing muggle clothes (casual collared shirts and trousers) crossing the street - two adults and one young girl with bushy brown hair. Cedric smiled and waved his hand. "Hermione," he called but not too loud.
Hermione's almond eyes found him and smiled brightly. Her parents also spotted them.
"Hi, Cedric," she greeted him, looking up because he was almost a foot taller.
He reached out and touched her head fondly because she was too cute in her plait.
"Hello, Ma'am," said Hermione.
"Hello, dear," greeted his mum. "Hello, Drs. Granger. I'm Cecile Diggory, Cedric's mother. Please call me Cecile."
"Hello, Cecile. I'm Robert and this is my wife, Jean."
He forgot for a moment that they were with their parents. He gave an apologetic nod to Hermione's parents. "Sorry. Good morning, Drs. Granger."
"Good morning, Cedric. Thank you for inviting Hermione to meet up. Honestly, we were anxious about coming here," replied Hermione's mum.
After courtesies, Ced and his mum led the Grangers inside the pub. His mum apologized for the shabby and dark 'famous place'. They went to the back. Ced saw the delight in Hermione's eyes as his mother tapped the bricks with her wand and a small hole appeared until it grew wider and wider, until it was large enough for three people.
"Wow," he heard Hermione whisper.
Ced turned to her with a smile and took her hand. "Come on, there are a lot of people."
First, they went to Gringotts Bank to have the Grangers' notes changed into Galleons, then they went to Ollivander's Wand Shop to purchase Hermione's first wand.
"Ah, Mr. Diggory," greeted the old wandmaker when he entered the shop first, holding the door for Hermione and their parents. "Twelve and a quarter inches, ash with unicorn hair. Is your wand working well?"
He nodded politely. "Yes, sir."
"Wow," Hermione gasped at his side. "Unicorn hair?"
He turned to Hermione grinning. "Why, did you read something about it?"
"Yes," she admitted shyly. "Wands with unicorn hair are the most difficult to turn into Dark Arts."
"Most Hufflepuff students have wands with unicorn hair," he replied kindly, then turned to the wandmaker who was watching their conversation intently. "We're here for a friend's wand." He turned to Hermione again. "She's an incoming first-year, Hermione Granger."
She felt her mum pat her shoulder in approval.
"Very well. Welcome, Miss Granger," the wandmaker said kindly.
Cedric and the parents stepped back, near the door, and allowed the wandmaker to speak with Hermione. He saw Hermione's parents' faces became emotional as the young witch was trying some wands offered to her.
When Hermione took a hold of a vine wand and pointed it at several boxes of wands behind Mr. Ollivander, the room glowed and the boxes floated in the air.
Ced heard her parents breathe in.
"Finally," said the wandmaker. "Ten and three-quarters inches, vine, dragon heartstring. Use it well, Miss Granger."
Hermione smiled and nodded. "I will, sir. Thank you."
Hermione's mother and father went to the counter to pay for the wand.
"I don't like it," she suddenly whispered to him when they were alone near the door.
He frowned. "Your wand? Why?"
Hermione looked at him with glassy eyes. He could tell she was stopping herself from crying. "It has the dragon heartstring. The core is the easiest to turn into Dark Arts."
He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't think about it too much. My mum's wand also contains a dragon heartstring, and she's a very powerful witch, top of her class. If she didn't settle down with dad, she could've been a Ministry department head. But still, she's excellent with any spell. With your brilliant mind, you can be powerful as well."
Hermione seemed to lighten up because she nodded and relaxed. "Thank you. I will remember that."
"We should get school robes next," said his mum as they were leaving the wand shop. "You need new ones too, sweetheart. You've grown a spurt."
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After an hour of shopping, Ced's mum invited the Grangers for lunch at a pub called 'Witch Choice', located at 95, Diagon Alley. Unlike the Leaky Cauldron, it wasn't dark and shabby. Ced's mum quite liked the atmosphere there because they would celebrate special occasions there.
"You should try Gillywater," he encouraged Hermione while they were looking at the menu, sitting across from each other. Their parents were talking beside them and he observed that his mother quite like the Grangers as she had been very chatty.
"How does it taste?" she asked curiously.
"Like sparkling water," he informed her.
They told their parents their orders and Drs. Granger favoured Butterbeer. He noticed Hermione eyed the alcoholic drink.
"I've read about Hogsmeade," she told him.
"Of course, you did," he teased.
Hermione faked an eye-roll but Ced noted that her cheeks reddened. "Hogwarts students visit the village and Butterbeer is one of the best-selling products."
"That's true. I'm going to visit Hogsmeade this year and I can't wait," he admitted.
Lunch was eventful. Ced and Hermione talked about Hogwarts. He patiently asked her questions and told her stories (as she requested) about the students, professors, and even the feasts. Ced would sometimes tease Hermione about reading. When not talking, they listened to the adults. Drs. Granger asked Mrs. Diggory about her job at the Office of Misuse of Muggle Artefacts. In return, Mrs. Diggory asked for libraries she could visit for her research.
"So, I'll so you on the first of September," he said, patting her head before they parted outside the Leaky Cauldron.
"You'll wait for me at King's Cross? Between Platforms Nine and Ten?" she asked for the second time that day.
Ced laughed and patted her plait. "I will. Don't worry, the train won't leave without you."
Hermione sighed in relief. "I'll see you in three weeks, then."
"Yeah, see you, Hermione." He waved a hand and watched her walk away with her parents.
He found himself looking forward to September 1 for a different reason this time.