Hermione
I received two owls this morning that really alarmed me.
The first one was from George and, as it was addressed to me and not to Ron, made me suspect straight away something was wrong. As I opened and perused it my heart sank. It was as follow:
Hi Hermione,
I'm writing to ask for your return to England straight away.
I'm worried about Harry. The guy is going downhill pretty fast. I've been to his place this morning and I grew alarmed. He seems not to be himself, and he is definitely abusing alcohol.
He cannot stay alone even if he insists upon it. You are the only one that can impose on him. You have been his best friend for years; you must help him now.
Don't go to him straight away, pop by from my place first. I need to speak to you face to face.
If the wanker dares to complain, tell him from me I'm going to kick his arse.
Get back asap,
George
The second one was from Ted:
Dear Hermione,
I hope you are well.
I'm aware it is not long you are back to Rumania, but I must ask you to return to England as soon as you can.
Harry is in a somewhat dangerous condition. Mental and physical. I have a very bad feeling. He is very much changed and, as you can imagine, not for the best. He seems bent to destroy himself. He feels Ginny's death dreadfully and I fear of what he could do if left by himself.
I know I'm asking you a big sacrifice; I know that you must take care of Hugo but, right now, you are the only person who can help him.
I'm also very aware of how Ron will take it, you must impress on his mind how serious this is, if only for old times' sake he must let you go.
If you decide to come, it's very important you should pass from my place first before going there.
Hoping to get a positive answer,
Edward Lupin
I'm packing my luggage. I've already sent an owl to Ron to hurry his return so he can take care of Hugo and then I'll be off; there is not a minute to lose.
As a matter of fact, I was ready for this step as Harry didn't answer to any of my letters either and I was growing worried. I hope I'll be able to do something for him.
Just after lunch I've been to pick Hugo up from school. I explained to him I was going to be away for sometimes to take care of Uncle Harry. His expression sobered.
'Is he not well?'
'No, he is not. He is suffering for the death of Aunt Ginevra and needs some company'
'He is not a good person'
I startled surprised in hearing this, and I asked explanation.
'Dad told me he is not. He said that Aunt Ginny should never have married him'
I was aghast. What is Ron thinking in telling those things to a nine-year-old boy!
'Hugo, dad is wrong. Uncle Harry is a very good person. Hasn't he been always nice with you? He used to make you play very often, he taught you all those muggles sport. Don't you remember?' I wonder if he does. It all happened before Lily; he hasn't seen much of him after then.
Hugo nodded uncertain 'Yes, I remember. With Lily'
I caressed his head consolingly seeing him darkening.
I decided to play the Voldemort's card since it seems to me of the utter importance Hugo having good feelings toward his uncle.
'He has defeated You-know-who. You studied it in school; you know how wicked he was. Do you think Uncle Harry can be bad after having done something so great?'
I saw Hugo falter undecided. This is a strong point in favour of Harry. I told him not to mention at school we are related because I don't want them to make the connection with the Lily's accident (News of it had circulated all around the world, even here, but not as massively as in England), nevertheless he is quite proud to be his nephew.
'Why did dad say so then?' he asked in the end.
I spoke weighting carefully my words 'Because he is suffering too for the death of Aunt Ginevra and sometimes adults need to find somebody to blame, to be able to bear the distress.'
So much truth in this sentence. It encloses the whole relationship of those two in the last three years.
Once at home I waited for Ron quite upset.
When he got there, I told him the jest of the two letters, and I explained him my intention of leaving at once.
'For how long?' he asked frowning.
'I don't know. How long it'll need'
Ron darkened 'So, now just because everybody is so concerned about marvellous Harry Potter you have to leave your family and run to him?'
I flushed 'Yes, exactly. He is a friend and if I can help him, I will.'
'All right, fine' he said spiteful 'If you are so in love with your precious Harry, go. Perhaps now that he managed to get rid of Ginny may even marry you, there is only me in the way and we both know...'
My hand left the side of my body before I was even aware of it. I slapped him hard not waiting the end of the sentence.
'Don't you dare to say something like that again! Don't you dare to accuse him of it! The poor man loved her so much and now is in agony and you dare to…' I couldn't complete the sentence, angry tears cramming my eyes and chocking my voice, I gulped 'You are vile! And don't you dare to speak ill of him in front of Hugo and Rose again or I promise you I'll make your life a living hell.'
Ron was surprised by my reaction, his face turned angry, but he didn't answer back. He only left the room slamming the door behind him.
I took my luggage, and I bade goodbye to Hugo, I didn't deem necessary to bother with the same to Ron, and I was off through the fireplace.
It didn't take me long to reach England. Fortunately, the trip has been smooth. I'll go to George first to see what he needs to tell me.
