It took Harry a few days to read through Spells for the Student. He got the feeling it was the sort of book you were meant to keep on hand to look things up in, but he wrapped it in twine to send to Hermione anyway.
He could just send it off like that. There was no reason to write her a letter as well, or if he did write her a letter, to make it any more than 'here's that book! -harry'. He was consciously aware of this, but he wrote her a big letter all the same.
He didn't think too much as he wrote, letting the pen think for itself.
Hermione,
Hi there! I've finished a book, so I'm sending it to you right away. I think it seems very useful, so we should take it to school with us. Hogwarts has a massive library, but not much in the way of self-help books or how-to books or anything personal - it's a research library, for the most part. I guess that's to be expected in a school. In my old school, the library had lots of fiction. I learned to read from those books. The library was about the only part of the school I liked. I'm not a big reader like you are, but it felt very safe there.
If you don't mind me asking, what was your old school like? Did you have a lot of friends? I never did. What's your family like? Because I hate mine. It's hard to tell what a normal family is like. I don't have a lot of experience outside of Privet Drive and my elementary. I guess it's not too big a deal now, I get to leave the place all school year, but I still wonder.
Are you taking any muggle items to school with you? Aside from a hairbrush and that sort of thing. They say electronics fry there. I don't have any, but it's something to keep in mind. I think a pen would be a good thing to have. Quills seem awfully hard to write with. Still, we'd only have it for notes, I'm sure they wouldn't let us turn in homework and do tests in pen.
How is Crookshanks fairing? He's really big, but still looks like a mouser to me. The man in the shop happened to mention the cat was probably part Kneazle. I know a Kneazle is a kind of magic creature, but I don't know exactly what. Something capable of breeding with cats, something safe enough to sell to minors as a pet, something useful enough to breed in the first place. Let me know if you figure it out!
I'm sorry I made this letter so long. I just started writing and sort of lost track. Listen, you don't have to answer any of my stupid questions if you don't want to. To be honest, I wouldn't be mad at you if you didn't reply or didn't read my letter at all. I'm just a little lonely and it would be nice to have a pen-pal over the summer. I really like you when we met in Diagon Alley. You were smart and fun and seemed like a good friend.
Anyway, if you don't write back, I'll see you at Platform 9 3/4. Have a happy rest of the summer, Hermione!
-Harry
Before he allowed himself to worry, Harry tucked the letter in the twine-wrapped parcel and told Hedwig Hermione's address. He had five more books to read while waiting for her return letter.
Things were going surprisinly well in Privet Drive. Hedwig spent all her time outdoors, usually roosting in the park trees. She looked very healthy on a diet of the park rodents, but Harry still brought her tidbits to make sure she was getting enough food. The Dursleys had yet to become aware of her presence or that of Harry's books. In fact, they for the most part ignored him as Harry steadfastedly avoided them. He completed his regular chores never-the-less and spent spare time reading.
Hermione's letter returned the very same day he send his, Hedwig weighed down with two books. There was an envelope tied to the front of the books, Harry untangled it rapidly. He felt the paper in his fingers for a moment, like a high schooler measuring a college acceptance letter, then dove in.
Dear Harry,
I think that's a great idea. We're each allowed a full trunk worth of things, so it should be easy to fit not just this one, but all our more useful books inside. I feel as muggle-borns we are at a distinct disadvantage, so we'll have to work hard and use every trick to keep up with the others. The more books, the merrier, I think.
I absolutely loved my old school, but that's because I loved to learn. I've never had friends either. Dad says the other girls are intimidated by me. He's probably a little right, but I'm sure there's more to it than that. Relationships are very complicated. Sometimes I think I'd rather just read and not bother, that's likely part of my problem. My family is pretty small: just Mum and Dad and I. We have an uncle, father's side, who visits sometimes, but I don't know him very well. Mum and Dad are also big readers like me. They're dentists and met through their work. They have their own practise here, but they don't expect me to take it over. My parents are great that way. They're all right with me doing whatever I want for a living, so long as it makes me happy. I'm not sure there's a such thing as a normal family anyway.
I think I'll only take the basics, as far as muggle items go. I've been reading a lot, not just our books. In the Wizarding World, almost everything we do has a magical equivalent. They don't need electric lighting, they use a spells to keep the school lit. Medicine, vitamins, even shampoo can be replaced by potions. When they cook, they use magic. When they garden, they use magic. It's less like we're just learning new things, more like we're meeting a whole new world.
The pen idea is a very good one. Old-fashioned fountain pens write in a style that looks just like quills. They even use the same ink we'd use. I've talked to my father about it, he's given me a couple extra pens he had laying around. One of them is for you. If you'd like it.
Crookshanks is a mouser and he's the best cat ever! He doesn't bother me when I'm reading, just sits quietly on my lap or on a chair nearby, but if I'm not doing anything he's up for cuddles. He is very heavy, so I can't easily carry him about, but he's smart. He knows if I want him to come with me to somewhere. He also gets up to his own business around the house and the neighborhood. He does seem very intelligent. I've looked up Kneazles. They seem to be most like unusually intelligent cats, but with an uncanny ability to tell when someone is lying and to spot unsavory characters. Crookshanks is clearly only a small part Kneazle, so these abilities won't be very strong in him. That's fine with me, I like him for the company. How is Hedwig doing? You'd said magical owls were different from mundane owls. Does she cuddle with you like a cat would? I find it difficult to imagine.
Harry, I must say, I am rather perturbed you thought I would not read your letter. Of course I would reply! And I thought you were wonderful too. I was expecting Hogwarts to be a lot like my old school. I thought I wouldn't have any friends. You don't think that's too forward of me, do you? That we're friends?
your new penpal,
Hermione
Harry actually shook a little reading Hermione's letter. It was a good feeling, to be children again, witout any worry of war. And he loved Hermione, really loved her. He blushed at himself, not in a romantic way, of course. She was in love with Ron. Or would be, eventually.
They started writing letter to each other in rapid fashion, not even waiting until a book was finished. Hedwig was almost always flying between them, but still growing fat. Harry suspected Hermione of giving his owl treats when she delivered letters. The thought made him smile.
Time passed that way, September 1st sneaking up on them so that the date surprised Harry. He would not lower himself to asking a ride from his uncle, but lowering himself to stealing cab fare was just fine. He packed all his things into his trunk, tucked Hedwig into her cage, and pinned a note to his door explained he had left for school and would return the next summer.
This time around, he knew exactly how to get onto the Platform. It had been one of the things Professor McGonagal had explained to the muggle-borns and their parents. He did not meet the Weasley family on his way. He only shrugged at that. There was plenty of time to befriend Ron later.
The first thing he spotted on the platform, before the shine of the gold trimming on the train, the platinum blond hair of a Malfoy, or anything else eye-catching was the dull brown hair of Hermione Granger. He began walking toward her, smiling widely, almost trance-like. She was speaking with her parents, but spotted him, broke out in a wide grin and jumped forward to hug him.
It was the most natural thing in the world. Harry dropped his things and put his arms around her, holding her tightly, burying his face in her hair. The embrace didn't last long, but felt as though it did. Harry spotted an amused glint in Mrs. Granger's eye and an elated one in Mr. Granger's.
"I'm glad we both got here early." Said Hermione, "We'll be able to find an empty compartment and do some reading on the way."
Despite his most steadfast attempts, Harry had been unable to finish reading all the books they had between them. It didn't help that Hermione kept purchasing more. They had decided to take nearly every magical book with them. Carrying them would only be trouble twice: to Hogwarts, then back.
Dan Granger stepped forward, presenting his hand as one would to an adult. Harry took it.
"So you're our daughter's pen pal. Good to meet you, Harry." Mr. Granger said.
Mrs. Granger smirked at her husband, "We've already met him, dear, he was one of the muggle-borns."
Mr. Granger chuckled and ruffled his own hair. "Sorry about that, then, I can be so forgetful."
Harry laughed to indicate he wasn't offended.
"Well," Mrs. Granger said, "We've already said our goodbyes. You two had best get on the train. You don't want to be late and in a rush."
"Actually, I've got to meet with Professor McGongal first. You go ahead, Hermione, I'll be right behind."
Hermione gave each of her parents one more hug, looking far too excited to be melancholy at goodbyes. Harry found the Professor, who presented him with a single cloth bag, then hurried aboard after Hermione.
"Poor Hedwig," Said Hermione, as they hoisted their trunks in the space above them, "She'll have to spend the entire train ride cooped up in here."
Harry nodded, "I know, but I don't want to let her out. I don't think she'd be able to keep up with the train. Though, on the other hand, owls have a great sense of direction."
Harry spoke directly to his owl, "Did you think you'd be able to follow the tracks to the school, then find the owl roostery?"
Hedwig gave an offended hoot. Of course she'd be able to find the owl roostery. Don't be stupid.
Harry smiled and opened up the window for her. She left immediately, not even waiting for the train to take off. Crookshanks was released from his carrier, but seemed content to doze on the seat next to Hermione.
"He might want to explore the train later. Do you think that's okay?" Hermione asked.
"Well, Hogwarts, A History says cats and other animals are free to roam the castle and grounds and the train is owned my the school directly. I think it's fine."
Hermione nodded, but frowned. "Um, Harry, about that book. In it... I read about you. Harry Potter, and you have the scar from the story. I wan't really sure how to ask in the letter, but... you are the Harry Potter, aren't you?"
Harry simply nodded. "Yes. When my parents were killed, they sent me to live with my relatives. I guess they expected my aunt and uncle would teach about magic, Aunt Petunia knowing about it from her sister, but they didn't."
Hermione looked guilty, "When I got to that part of the book I was so happy and excited. Sort of 'wow, Harry's in a book', but then, after I read it, I was really sad. It wasn't like reading about a historical figure, because I knew you. It was very sad."
"Hermione," Harry said, maybe even a little sharply, "I don't want you to think differenly of me. That's why I didn't tell you, even though I knew you would read that book. Because, honestly, whatever happened clearly had little to do with me. I don't even remember any of it. Please, I want you to see me as Harry."
Hermione looked up. She smiled, "I do."
When the train started moving, they both pulled out a book to read and stayed silent. That didn't last very long. Hermione would point out something interesting or Harry would ask for help understanding a concept and soon enough they abandoned the sepatate reading and sat together, on the same side of the compartment, one book across their laps. Hermione was a far faster reader, but willing to wait for Harry to catch up. They paused at the end of every passage to talk about what they were reading. For Hermione, it must have far slower than what she was used to, but for Harry, it was a much faster reading process. He didn't have to go over something more than once to get it to stick in his head, Hermione was happy to explain what she easily understood.
They both started giggling when Harry mispronounced a word, then Crookshanks, who had been politely sleeping, stepped over Hermione's legs and sat directly on top of the book. That set them both giggling like mad. Harry was laughing so hard he found it difficult to breath. Nothing more than reading and a cat and he was having the time of his life.
When the treat cart rolled by, Harry bought himself and Hermione pumpkin juices and pumpkin pasties, refusing to allow her to pay, which also made her laugh.
Time crept up on them, before they knew it Hogwarts was on the horizon.
"We have to change!" Hermione shrilled, distressed that she might be late. She quickly shooed both Harry and her cat out into the corridor. Harry and the cat shared a smirk before she finished dressing, then it was her turn outside.
They were completely ready to step off the train when the time arrived, having even taken down their luggage. It was late and the castle loomed over them, a simple silohoutte in the darkness.
"The first years get to ride boats." Harry whispered, "Are you excited?"
"About everything." Hermione whispered back.