"Dear Harry,
I have had little dealing with the Greengrass family. They are pureblood, but rather new money, maybe since the 1700s. As far as I know, they are deeply involved in trade. Gamot Greengrass is a conservative, but not a bigot, or so Gran tells me. She does not like the younger Greengrass, who is an elected member and a bit narrow-minded. That can mean about everything... She is, however, full of praise for Raginald (they serve together on the board of governors). Anyway, I don't think that they have supported Voldemort. It's still hard to write the name. However, one of the family's daughters married a pretty mad one who died in Askaban, if I am right, then he should be your friend's father (if you aren't talking about Luna, who is another cousin). I have met the girls several times socially, but I don't know much more than that they are all three very pretty. They have not been to any social function this summer, however. Any idea why?
Anyway, Gran was a bit scandalised that you don't know about the internships. We really tend to forget that you are not really educated in our ways. Of course, anyone would love to have you as an intern. Merlin, they are even asking me! Actually, I will spend August in Spain with Randal Dowlinghouse, the herbologist. He'll introduce me into experimental cross-breeding! Until then, I will have our greenhouse up to speed again. Most of it was only in deep stasis, and the other parts have been repaired. I don't get to spend too much time there, though, because Gran carries me to all kind of ministry functions. She's so proud that I almost got killed... Sorry, that came out wrong. Anyway, for the first time in my life, she considers me a person and now her mission is to make me the true heir of Longbottom. Fun... is something different. Anyway, I think you could profit from an internship with Greengrass. He knows many important people, and – as much as I like the Weasleys – will give you more opportunity to learn about our world than they can.
Hope you enjoy the summer and say hello to the Greengrass girls from me. I guess I will see them at their ball.
All the best,
Neville"
"Neville, mate,
I had Ernestina and her uncle over yesterday. It was quite amazing. We went shopping, and if that wasn't a frenzy, I don't know. Raginald Greengrass is an interesting man, and I am sure that I will accept his offer. We had a long talk yesterday, and he has claimed that his family is indebted to me. Not that I really understand what it means, however, it seemed important to him and Ernestina. She is a pretty girl and a nice one, too. I will be her date for their ball. We had some dancing lessons yesterday so I don't tread her like I did Parvati... I really need to do something for that girl. For the next week, however, it's back to Home alone. Good for you with the internship. I am sure you will learn a lot.
All the best,
Harry."
"Dear Ron,
I had a date yesterday. She's a girl who send me a letter last week, and we had been corresponding ever since. I didn't tell her my name, and she was quite surprised that her penfriend was no one else then me... She's a Ravenclaw rising fourth year, orphaned like me, but she lives with a much better uncle and aunt than I do. Her name's Ernestina, and she's really pretty and fun. Blond, maybe shoulder-length hair, light blue eyes. Ruddy smart, too, but that's what you expect from a Ravenclaw. She's a cousin of Luna, actually. We were shopping and out to lunch (don't tell your Mum!), and later she gave me dancing lessons. We will go to a summer ball together next week.
All the best,
Harry"
"Dear Mr. Potter,
Let me express my sincere thanks for entertaining myself and my niece yesterday at your home. I have given a lot of thought on the things you told me and would like to ask your permission to speak to some of my friends about your experiences. Of course, I would keep these topics only to trustworthy people, but I feel that these things need to be discussed in a broader group. Let me repeat my family's sincere invitation to our summer ball next Saturday.
R. Greengrass"
"Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
The Greengrass family cordially invites you and your partner to a summer night of dancing, frolicking and happiness on the Greengrass summer ball on July 21st from 4 p.m.
R.S.V.P.,
Cordially yours,
William Greengrass"
"Dear Harry,
I would like to thank you again for the wonderful day yesterday. Do you remember that we talked about my fear of muggles in our first letters? I think that this fear was misplaced. Complete and utter panic should be much more adequate. I have never realised how many of them there are. And how powerful they can be. If they can stamp out weapons for the same token price they produce dolls and clothes, we would not last an hour. But it was very interesting. By the way, how do you make pizza? I would love to serve some at our party. You know, something very exotic.
Now, we did not find the time to do our question and answer game. If you still want to play, here are mine for today:
How can the muggles produce so many things so cheaply?
Did you like the dancing yesterday?
Will you go to the ball with me like this?
All the best,
Your Ernestina"
Attached to the letter was a wizards picture. Ernestina wore a long, light blue dress robe that complimented her slender built. The décolleté was deep and let Harry – who was a teenage boy, after all – appreciate this even more. She was beautiful. It took him a few minutes to see that she was wearing the low heels she had bought the day before.
"Dear Ernie,
I can truly say that yesterday was the best day in any July I can remember. I had a wonderful time with you. However, I don't really understand your fascination with muggle production technologies and their prices. Still, to answer your question No. 1: As far as I understand, Barbie dolls are made of plastics, a very cheap material made somehow out of crude oil. When hot, this can be poured in any container and will hold the form after cooling down. Most of the production is done by machines that work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are very fast. They produce several thousand every day. I believe they produce them in India and China, because work is very cheap there, and then ship them to Britain in large container ships. As for clothes, I believe it's about the same. They produce them by the thousands with large machines. If you want to, I can get you a book about that. What I don't understand is – why don't we just transfigure our clothes? That should be quick, easy and cheap.
2. I liked dancing very much, and I am still astounded by that fact. I especially liked to have you in my arms.
3. Wow. You look great. I have no idea actually what I should wear. What do you think would be good? And where can I get that? Does Madam Malkin do house-service?
Now, my questions.
When's your birthday?
What should I expect with your party?
What are your ideas about the partnership system? I have prepared an invitation and would be happy for your input. Again, I think it is really important to have something like that.
Bonus question (for sending you a receipt for pizza): Tell me all about how the magical world works.
Now, it's getting too loud in here. Sylaris seems quite shocked by the noise muggle machinery can make. Hope to hear from you soon,
Your Harry"
"Dear XY,
To promote cooperation between all kinds of wizards, pureblood, half-blood and muggle-born, we have invented a partnership program. The board of governors supports us in this. Basically, we want to pair someone from a magical background with someone from a muggle background and allow them to spend some time with each other, learning how the other world works. This should – if possible – include visits to each other's homes, discussions and fun. We two have decided to become the first partnership and have had a great time so far. Please send us a letter if you want to participate in this and – if you like – tell us who you want to be partners with. Otherwise we will try to decide on our own. Please note that in the DA (which will continue if Professor Dumbledore allows it) only people in the partnership program will be welcome.
All the best,
Harry Potter and Ernestina de Bokken"
"Dear Mr. Greengrass,
I enjoyed entertaining you as my first ever guests in my house. I really hope to see more of you and your beautiful niece in the next months and thank you for the invitation to the Greengrass summer ball. I will definitely participate with Ernestina as my partner. Thank you also for supporting our partnership idea. We will try to send out letters this or next week. Could you talk to the other governors? And yes, if you believe that telling my story is beneficial to you us two, please share it.
Best regards,
Harry Potter."
"Harry,
Your friends Ginny and Ron have again asked me to let them write to you. Please understand that this would not be safe for you. It is better that no communication can be traced to you. I believe that I will be able to fetch you from Privet Drive sometime around the 10th of August. Please stay in your house as much as you can.
A.D."
"Fat chance." Harry scowled. Ron was getting smarter if he tried to convince the adults that he didn't write to Harry. He only wondered why Dumbledore was so desperate to keep him isolated. Did he really think it would be better for him? Or was there some more sinister reason? Harry was smart enough to see the many obvious problems he had with his headmaster. Either Professor Dumbledore had some very strange ideals or he had a hidden agenda. There was the possibility that he was just not very smart, but Harry did not really believe that.
"Dear Fleur,
I need your help. I have been invited to a ball on Saturday. Usually, I would just ask Hermione, but I am sure that she would not be happy to assist me. Also, because she is muggle-born, she will not know too much about etiquette at pureblood summer-balls. As far as I know, you might be in a better position to assist me. What do I do and which faux-pas should I refrain from? I would prefer if you didn't tell Hermione about this letter. I will tell her about the ball, but I think that this should be done by me and face to face. Actually, I might need your help for that talk, too, but that's for later.
Also, why do you ask me about the Triwizard Tournament?
Anyway, all the best,
Harry."