I do not own Harry Potter

Wednesday, 15th of July

"Dear J.,

Thank you for your letter and your presents. The doll is wonderful. You didn't have to raid your Gringotts dungeon to give such an expensive present to me. I really shall reimburse you for these costs. Barbie is a strange name for a doll. But she will definitely have a place of honour on my shelf. (By the way, if anyone asks, I have not played with dolls four years now – no self-respecting girl over 12 would let herself be caught dead playing with dolls. That's why A and I always lock the door when we play with them...) I have five dolls, one from Mum, one as a present from grandpa when I turned four, a cute negro doll I got when I showed my first sign of magic at six, one I got for my ninth birthday, and now your Barbie. I really can't wait to show her to A. Maybe I will spend some time to sew some dresses for her, like a mannequin. I'm ranting. Again: Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I have also spent some time reading your book. Actually, when Uncle Raginald came in, I was so engrossed that I didn't notice him at first. He's really happy that I have found someone to write to. And he will promote our idea. He's on the board of governors of Hogwarts and will see that it will be introduced in time for September. Would you be willing to organise this program with me?

I have also asked Uncle Raginald concerning the internships. There is no limit to purebloods, but usually they are only offered from friends or family to the students. However, if you've done your OWLs and interested in foreign trade, he has offered to take you as an intern for August. Maybe we could meet then? What are you interested in doing after Hogwarts?

But before that, I think it is time to tell you why we have been grounded for this summer. D's punished for supporting Undersecretary Umbridge. She was not member of the inquisition, but she supported them. (If she had been, Uncle Raginald would have married her off by now, I guess. He was so angry!) A and I are because we did not honour family. We have a second cousin, also in Ravenclaw, who was quite mercilessly teased by the girls in her year. And we did nothing against it, even though we knew. It took Harry Potter himself to help her. Cho – our sixth year prefect – had to call the house together and told us that he would curse anyone who didn't show her the proper respect next year. I guess Luna will be treated like a princess next year. But you are a Gryffindor – do you know if Cho really goes steady with him?

Anyway, the Boroughs. If you don't live in one, you can't vote. They made these up when we started our hiding and established one for every region where we wizards went. And if I think about it, yes, that means that basically most muggleborns can't vote.

Anyway, enough social gossip. Uncle Raginald decided that our friends don't seem like a good influence for us, thus we need to talk to others. Have you written to A and D so far?

All the best,

Your E."

"Dear Harry,

Wish you were here. Mum really didn't allow me to bring any books on magic. So I have to lie in the sun, swim, play a bit of tennis in the mornings. I have also started scuba diving lessons. It is so amazing to float in the water without any weight. I imagine that's the way you feel on your broom! Yesterday, I saw a turtle. They are supposed to be really seldom seen in the Mediterranean Sea.

We have been on a visit to St. Tropez where I ran into the most unlikely persons – Fleur Delacour with her little sister. They live in the country, and we have been invited for dinner tonight. It seems that Gabrielle wants to hear some stories of her great hero. Fleur was completely functional in the mundane world. (Well except for the men around her. Even Dad acted a bit mad.) Both ask to send you greetings and tell you to visit when you come to France.

You sound quite happy with these bastards on Majorca. How is your pureblood friend? Can you tell her that I would like to talk to her about house elves? And am I really that bad? I had a long talk with Mum and Dad about cultural relativity and the relative superiority of cultures and the importance of tolerance.

Anyway, write back if you can. I will report on the Delacours in my return letter.

Love,

Hermione"

"Dear Hermione,

Give my best to the two of them and tell Gabrielle that if she ever needs another rescue, she should call for Super-Harry. I hope you had fun there. Maybe Fleur could talk to you about your philosophical notions? She looks much too stunning, but from what I saw of her, she does have quite some brains in that pretty head. And she didn't seem as bigot as our crop of purebloods.

My pureblood friend has sent me some very interesting information on our culture, and I really need to talk to you about that. Have been discussing quite a lot with Tonks, but I still miss my brains. If you want to talk to a British witch, why don't you write to E's cousin D.? She seems to be our age, and is Slytherin. According to E., she should be happy about any kind of conversation, even if it is only with a Gryffindor.

Love,

Harry."

"Dear E.,

I'm not sure what expense you are talking about. The Barbie I bought you costs about three galleons. They sell them by the hundreds in department stores all over Britain. They also sell all kinds of clothing and accessories for her. I put a catalogue into the envelope. If you want something, please tell me what you need.

Anyway, I will try my very best to organise the partnerships with you. If your uncle would really be willing, I would love to try this internship. But first, I would need a little bit more information about how it is done, what obligations I would have and how much time it would take.

As for Harry Potter, I don't know him all that well. I don't really understand the hype you wizards make off him. One day he's the saviour of the world, and the next day he is some kind of villain. But I can assure you that he is not going with Cho. From what I heard, they had one date, which was a disaster. He's quite single as far as I know.

After Hogwarts, I am not yet sure what I want to do. As everyone, I dream of playing quiddich professionally, and as all Gryffindors, I have long thought of becoming an auror. Now, I am not so sure. I really know too little about the choices I have, and I fear that I have not really done too well academically.

Anyway, I have not yet written to your cousins, but I have a friend who might be interesting to talk to D. She does not have an owl, though. Could you organise to send two owls to me next time, so I could forward one to my friend?

By the way, how many wizards are there in Britain and how are they divided between purebloods and muggleborn? And do really all of them go to Hogwarts? When I saw how many people were there at the World Cup, I can't believe they all went to Hogwarts, Beauxbattons and Durmstrang.

Love,

J."

"Dear A, cousin of E.,

You don't know me, but your cousin has told me that you, your sister and E have each been sequestered to your own room and might be happy to hear from the outside world. Is there anything you would like to talk about?

The mysterious muggle-raised J."

"Harry,

Just to let you know we are still alive. I really hate You-Know-Where. Listen, mate, we found Sirius' will among his things. It's sealed of course, and we are pretty sure that you are the one who can open it. Mum wanted to give it to Dumbledore, but the twins have it now and will give it to you as soon as you come here.

Anyway, hope to see you soon.

Ron."

"Dear Ron,

Thank you three. I really don't know who's worse off – Durskaban or You-Know-Where... If my lovely relatives could spend some more weeks in the South, I would think of inviting you there.

All the best, Harry."