Ups, I forgot that in the first chapter. Of course, I do not own Harry Potter.

Tuesday, 14th of July

In the morning, Harry found Sylaris sitting on his window sill. Hedwig eyed the smaller owl with curiosity.

"Dear J.,

Thank you for answering me. Would you believe that you are the first human who found some words for me since Uncle Raginald finished his sermon? To set you straight, however, I am not a Slytherin. Contrary to popular believe, purebloods are found in all houses. Actually, Ravenclaw, my house, has more purebloods than Slytherin. We just aren't as vocal about it. However, if you want to know more about Slytherin House, write to D and A about it. They are there. And I am sure that they would be interested to hear from anyone, if you want to take my hint.

Now. Why do we hate muggleborns? I don't really hate muggleborns. I'm afraid of muggle borns, and sometimes muggle borns disgust me. Why am I afraid of them? Because they are the reason that a lot of muggles learn about us. I mean, look at you. Because of you, your aunt, uncle and cousin know about us. And your cousin could easily threaten someone with his or her wizard cousin. And if enough people know about us, it's pretty likely that they would decide to do something about us. If I understand correctly, there are tens of millions of muggles in Britain alone. If they learned about us, they would likely fear us. And Uncle Raginald is sure that they could decide that either killing us off or putting us into some kind of wildlife preserve would be the right thing to do. I know that not all is well in our world, but I prefer that to be shown around like some wild animal.

Now, you yourself admit that you don't know all that much about our way of life. If your parents were magical, you are one of us. And still, you won't participate in our world. Muggle borns don't understand our culture. That's fine in the beginning, because they are basically outsiders coming in. But most don't really care about our culture. They ignore it, and thus weaken our old traditions. Maybe not all old traditions are great, but there are some reasons for a lot of them. I know that the jeans (is that the right word?) you wear are a valid way to dress. But so are the robes we wear. And it is really difficult to mingle if the muggle borns put themselves aside with their clothes whenever they can, even at Hogwarts. And the worst are some of them. If you are older, you may know the Gryffindor prefect Granger. She has tried to start some movement to free house elves. Now, I know that some people will abuse their house elves. If I would try that, Uncle Raginald would likely cane me. Still. Doesn't she understand that freeing house elves would kill them? They aren't people. They are manifestations of magic, existing for a single purpose – working for us. I'm sorry, I'm on a go here. Still, I dislike people who enter my culture, don't even ask for the way we do things around here, tell me that most everything I do is wrong and that they are better than me. So, would I still dislike muggleborns if they tried to fit in? I don't think so. And at least, I would be willing to try and find them out for themselves. I don't like all purebloods, and I am sure I would still find some muggleborns disgusting, too.

Now let me take a deep breath and hope that I have not pushed you away. But you wanted to know.

What else. Are we all rich? No. But a lot of us are. Uncle Raginald is very rich, and when I marry, I will bring a lot of money into the family. Why is that? Basically, because we have been collecting our money for many generations now. We have next to no taxes in our world, especially no estate tax. And with magic, we can do most things without paying. We need some foodstuff, some raw materials for transfiguration and that's almost it. The rest we can provide for with magic. Almost all of us own a lot of land, and have rented that out to muggles. The money just keeps coming. Anyway, that's still only true for about a thousand of us all together. Not all of us are purebloods, by the way. There a several rich old families with a tendency to marry muggles or muggleborns, obviously more in Hufflepuff and Gryffindor than in Slytherin and Ravenclaw. The other pure and half bloods are well off, not so well off or downright poor. We have many artisans among us who would never be able to pay the tuition for Hogwarts if not for some wealthy patron. And then, there are those who have squandered away their wealth like the Malfoys.

Now, how do we grow up and how are we schooled? A and I have had a nanny for as long as I could think, until we began Hogwarts. We learned reading and writing and a lot of other things from her. When I got 8, we got a tutor to teach us deportment, household magic, traditions and whatever. Most weeks as children, A and I spent Monday to Friday with our nanny and our teacher. Of course, we went swimming or for walks whenever the weather was nice. I really love to swim. Uncle Raginald's house sits over a small private beach not too far from Brighton. Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays, we usually visited friends. On Sundays and in the evenings, we spent time with Uncle Raginald and Aunt Bea. What about muggles? How is their life different from ours?

To your last question, a geas is a magical obligation that your head of family, a patron or any powerful wizard could place you under. It is a magical order that you have to obey. When Uncle Raginald finished chewing us out, he told us that we were to be punished. Thus, he ordered me as our pater familias that I would not be able to speak to any wizard with blood pure more than one generation, except for him or if I were in bodily peril until the time I step on the Hogwarts Express. Now, if I were to talk to a pureblood against this geas, it would sound glibberish, and nobody would understand me. Same if I would write.

Now, it's my turn to ask.

How do muggles spend the day? What do they play with?

Is it true that muggles can destroy the world?

What have you done these holidays?

What's your favourite food? (Mine's kippers. Everyone teases me about it.)

What do you think about quiddich? I love flying and hope that I can make house team next year as a seeker.

Hope to hear from you soon,

E."

Harry smiled as he put the pages on the table of the terrace. He could not remember having received a letter as long as this in his whole life. And it was interesting. When he read about why his mysterious friend wrote about fearing muggles, it made some sense. And if he was honest with himself, the words about him and Hermione not learning about the culture they had entered stung. E might be right about that. And what was that with the Malfoys squandering their wealth? That was good to know, wasn't it? He watched as the workers carried out broken pieces of drywall and plaster from the house. They were breaking down the fireplace today. So he could sit down and answer with all the time in the world.

"Dear E.,

Your words about muggleborns not learning about magical culture sting, mostly because you are right about some things. I don't really understand how our world works. I don't understand the wizengamot, ministry policies are complete madness to me, and the less is said about our press, the better. I must admit that I have not tried to find out, though. Actually, I think I assumed that it would be basically all the same as I have learned about muggle culture in school. Nobody told me otherwise, anyway. Maybe we can find a way to change that. Do you think that we could try and establish something like partnerships? A pureblood and a muggle-raised are partnered for the first two years or so, and they try to help their partner learn about the other's culture? After all, no pureblood wizard I know can't navigate the muggle world without seeming quite mad. I understand that you will not be able to talk to any purebloods this summer, but if you think that the idea is viable, I would try my best to ensure the cooperation of most muggle borns. I don't think we want to make you angry, we just don't know better.

To answer your first question, yes, the muggles could easily destroy the whole world. As far as I know, sometime in the 60s and some years ago, they were only hours away from doing that. We have something called A-bombs. Think of them as about a billion reductos centred on a small spot. In 1945 the Americans used two of them, and destroyed two large cities in an eyelash. But the worse thing is that the bombs produce some kind of radiation that is harmful for hundreds of years. Where they hit, no human can live. And the Americans and the Russians have thousands of them, enough to make the world uninhabitable. Britain and France have several, too. But I believe that they will not use them.

Now, how do muggles spend the days? Right now, I rise at six and supervise the handymen refurbishing my uncle's house. My relatives are gone to Majorca for a holiday, and I am quite happy to see them gone. In the evenings, I watch a bit of telly. Many muggles spend hours and hours watching it. My cousin is a boxer, so he spends a lot of time at the gym, and the rest of it either hanging out with his friends or in front of the computer, shooting things up. In primary school, we spent most of the weekdays in school, and the afternoons and evenings are free time. A lot of muggle children play sports like hockey, rugby, track and field, soccer or whatever. I usually had to do quite a lot of chores around the house, like cooking, cleaning and working in the garden. I quite like gardening, and my aunt's roses are among the prettiest in the neighbourhood.

So, what have I done this summer? Basically, watched the workmen, done all my homework, read a little, watched the telly. How about you? I have spent part of a summer confined to my room and it was awful. Is there anything I could send you to amuse yourself with?

Now, my favourite foods are treackle tart in the magic world and pizza in the muggle. I like pumpkin juice and love coke. As for kippers, well, I'm not so sure...

I really, really love flying. It is the best thing ever invented. I really like quiddich, although I would be on a broom as often as possible even without it. But we are in the same situation there – you can't play as you are grounded, and I am in the muggle world. Can't play either.

Now, my questions:

Do you really think I should write to your cousins? Are they male or female, anyway? And what about?

How does the wizengamot work?

How do you spend your summers when you are not grounded?

What's that about the Malfoys?

All the best, your friend J."

Harry spent the afternoon with his books. Even though he had not felt a bit of presence of Voldemort in his head, and most aurors of Europe and America were currently in Britain to hunt him, Harry knew that it was him who was destined to fight against that abomination again. He didn't like his chances, but he had been successful before when he was even worse prepared. He would mostly have to depend on his luck, but as Hermione said – luck comes to the prepared.

"Dear Hermione,

I hope you like your holidays. How are you? I watched the forecast yesterday and it seems you have very nice weather in Hyeres. Did your mother keep her promise and force you not to take any magical books with you? If so, how did you survive so far?

I actually like Privet Drive without the Dursleys. I eat enough, have finished most homework, have spent hours with Tonks and her friend, talking about all the stuff. Voldemort still keeps his head down, with all the world hunting him.

Since yesterday, I have been in contact with some pureblood under house arrest. She sent an owl to someone who is as bored as she. I learned quite a lot of interesting things, and you might find the part of letter that I attached quite interesting. Anyway, I hope to see you soon.

Your Harry"

Actually, there were two reasons for this letter. On the one hand, Hermione had a right to hear from him, and he wanted her opinion about his mysterious pen-friend. But more important, Hedwig would be gone for two more days. He didn't want E to know that she was writing to the Boy-who-lived, and the only snowy owl in Hogwarts would broadcast that pretty clearly. However, to use another owl while Hedwig was home felt like treason, and Hedwig did not kindly to being ignored.

It was early evening and Harry watched the news when Sylaris entered into Dudley's room where he was currently bunking.

"Dear J.,

I think you will have a good laugh on my behalf, but what is a telly? Or a computer? I don't really understand what a gym is, either. And what exactly are pizza and coke?

Your uncle must be wealthy if they can go that far away. It must take awfully long, though. Did they go by steamer? I read in my muggle studies text that the muggles use them to phase out sailing ships.

Anyway, I think those are my questions for this letter. I really love the idea of a partnership. Would you consider being my partner? May I tell Uncle Raginald about this? He is quite powerful in our world, and if we really want to work on this, his support would be good.

Now, to your questions. I am sure that D and A (both girls) would love to hear from anyone at all. If you want, let them know that I'm doing ok and writing to a very nice mysterious boy. My imprisonment is actually quite comfortable, as I can read all textbooks I want (very important if you are a Ravenclaw). Apart from that, I can sit on the balcony of my room and watch out to the sea. Or write to you. Anyway, I have asked Uncle Raginald if you may send me anything. As long as it is muggle, he has no problem with that. So do your best – I'm excited what to expect.

Now, the wizengamot. You know of course that the gamot has 90 members. 50 members are from the Ancient and Noble Houses of Britain. 5 represent the ministry and the other 35 are elected from the 35 Boroughs of Britain. One of my Great-grandfathers is a Noble member, and my grandpa is the member for our Borough. The elected members are elected every five years by majority vote. After that, the wizengamot elects the minister. They decide on laws and the noble members also sit as a court of law. I think it's actually pretty straightforward. I have sent you a map with the 35 Boroughs of Britain, so you can check where you live and who is your member.

Now, how do I spend my summers? Usually, we three girls go to the beach a lot, and there are many summer parties in the halls and houses. Yesterday, I missed the Zwengen's party, one of the best every summer. There is dance, and music, and wonderful decorations. Of course, there is lots of politicking and matchmaking. I hate to think that some boys I have set my eyes on will not meet any of us three this summer.

From fifth year on, it is common to intern in one or two professions that are interesting. I think I will look into clothes design and potions the summer after next (and yes, that means I'm rising fourth year). The summer after that, maybe architecture? D was supposed to do an internship with great-grandfather. After all, she is the heiress. We also have some magical coursework to do. I am not sure if you know that pureblood houses and estates can be exempted from the decree against underage magic. And yes, that is unfair to you who can't do that. But the fear of discovery will make sure nothing will permit you to do magic.

Now, the Malfoys. Do you know Draco? He's a class A idiot. His daddy got a bit too cosy with the Death Eaters, and had to spend most of his family's fortune to stay out of Azkaban. The rest, he lost in a campaign to be elected member for Wiltshire, but he lost. As far as I know, he lived off his wife's dowry and promises until they put him into prison.

Anyway, our house-elf Skibby has just brought tea, and I hope to hear from you soon.

All the best,

E."

Harry smiled widely. Did E play the ignorant pureblood or were they really that much removed from the modern world? He quickly glanced at the watch. The stores would close in an hour. He turned off the telly, asked the owl to wait and stepped into the garden. Diligently he scanned the soil and the bushes until he found some disturbance of the soil between his roses. Confidently, he walked there.

"Tonks?"

A sudden movement made the rose bushes rustle. "Please be careful when you come out there. The bushes are not only expensive, but I have spent years pruning them to their glorious selves. Also, they have sharp thorns and might rip the cloak."

"Damn! How do you do that?"

"What?" Harry was a study in innocence.

"Find me?"

"State secret. I could tell you, but then I would have to oblivate you. And you know what happens if I do magic."

"Smarty pants. So what do you want?"

"I want to do a quick visit to the department store. Do you need to accompany me?"

"Of course I do. And we won't speak about this to Dumbledore, will we?"

"Who do you take me for?"

A bit more than two hours later, Harry sat at the table and composed a letter.

"Dear E.,

I am not quite sure if you are kidding me or if you really don't know about us. I have on book here for you with some technical explanations for children. It might help you to understand how they work. A telly or TV is a machine that shows films, basically moving pictures. They can show most anything, for example drama, or a person reading the news or a talk show where people discuss a topic. It is kind of like the wireless, but with pictures. A computer is a machine that can calculate very fast, several million times faster than a human could. You can use it to solve huge calculations, to write and process texts, and they have produced programs with which you can play, like shooting up space aliens (don't ask me...), driving a car (a huge machine muggles use to go from one place to another, building a city or whatever. If the explanations are too simple for you, write to me and I will try to find a book with more technical information.

Now, my relatives are not really rich. Upper middle class, I would guess. And they went to Majorca using an airplane. When you look up to the sky, you sometimes see small machines flying there, usually with long white lines behind them. Actually, they are really huge, but fly some miles high. With them, muggles reach Majorca or the Canary Islands in a few hours time. It's not that expensive, either. You can go there for something like 50 galleons. I myself have not been on an airplane so far, but a friend of mine uses one almost every holidays with her parents. She tells me it's quite like riding the knight bus, only more sedate.

Also, I bought you something. Again, I am not really sure if it is age-appropriate. How long do girls play with dolls? Anyway, I went to the store downtown and ask the sales lady that I have a girl pen friend somewhere where our western culture has not really reached so far. And that I wanted to send you something that represents our culture in one piece. So, I give you Malibu Barbie and hope I have not offended you too deeply. Maybe next summer, we can visit the store together...

Anyway, pizza is an Italian food. You take a thin loaf of dough and put tomatoes, cheese and ham, salami or whatever you like on it, then place it in the oven. Coke is a sugary, fizzy drink with caffeine, kind of like ultra-sweet coffee with gas. Again, when you are free again, I'll invite you to pizza with coke if you promise that you don't invite me to kipper.

Now, your explanation about the wizengamot was very clear. However, I don't understand about the 35 Boroughs. As far as I can see, I don't live in one. Don't I have a vote then (or would if I were of age?)

I really love the idea about the internships. Again, they are for purebloods only, aren't they? If not, how does one get a internship? If we can get some partnerships running for next year at Hogwarts, I will of course be your partner. Please talk to your uncle about it.

Hope to hear from you soon,

J."

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