Hermione,

Hope you had a nice trip home with your parents.

As promised, I'm writing straight away to give you the news first. Sirius is now officially my guardian. My Aunt signed all the papers and I'm leaving here next week. I have to stay here for a bit to renew the blood protections that Dumbledore put up here to keep me and my relatives safe. They'll last for a year, giving the Dursleys enough time to move house. Of course, my uncle is mad at me even though I'm trying to protect them, but I don't care. Just seven days and I never have to see any of them again.

I'm doing okay. Honestly. Fortunately, even my relatives understand how seriously I was hurt. I'm surprised that even Vernon is showing some self-control. He even carried my trunk up the stairs. I nearly passed out (from shock, not because of the whole heart thing).

Anyway, sorry that this is short. I promised to write as soon as possible. Miss you already.

Love,

Harry

Dear Harry,

My trip home was nice enough, mostly because I couldn't tell my parents about everything that happened this month without my dad losing control of the car. I aim to tell them everything later today - once I've sent this with Hedwig. It's not going to be an easy discussion, but I have to tell them how serious things are now that we are at war.

I'm so happy that you now have Sirius as your legal guardian. You so very much deserve to have a parent in your life. It's a pity that you have to stay a week in that house, even a day is too long, but at least they aren't mistreating you.

Will you be going to Sirius's house straight away? It would be wonderful to meet up with you and Sirius in London, perhaps even with my parents. I know you have to take it easy, but as we'll be so close, it would be a shame not to make the most of the time while we can. I definitely refuse to miss you on your birthday!

Keep me posted on everything. Remember my promise. If you need me to come to you, if you need any help at all, just call me. I'm not letting you feel alone ever again.

Love,

Hermione x

Dear Hermione,

I'm sorry in advance if Hedwig wakes you up. I know I'm sending this late, but I've only just had the chance to write to you.

I spent all of the day with Sirius. He showed up in the morning, unannounced, and told my aunt that he was taking me out for the day. There wasn't anything she could do to stop him as he's now my guardian. She was more annoyed that I wouldn't be around to mow the lawn than anything else.

So much has happened in one day, I don't know if I have the energy to fit this in before I fall asleep. Sirius first took me to the Ministry for us to properly finalise the guardianship. I'm now recognised as the heir to the House of Black so there is no danger of the Malfoys or, worse, Bellatrix Lestrange, getting their hands on Number 12. The Ministry is absolute chaos. I had five Aurors as my escort. FIVE! It was mad.

Now that Sirius is technically my parent, he can press charges on my behalf. He's filing a lawsuit against Fudge, Umbridge and The Daily Prophet. He's on the warpath, Hermione. He told me he would fight for me and he is. I didn't see a trace of Fudge the whole time we were there and it sounds like the Wizengamot are voting him out. There were a lot of reporters when we left, but Sirius stopped to speak to a couple and overruled any who tried to question me. I'm really not used to having someone actually protect me. It's taking some getting used to. Maybe it'll always feel strange after so long alone.

He took me to Diagon Alley for lunch. Gringotts was interesting. I didn't really know what was going on. Sirius said some confusing things and the goblins took us to an office. It turns out that the goblins have been managing my finances since my parents died on my behalf until I come of age. I had no idea I even had finances. I thought my trust vault was the extent of my inheritance. Instead, it turns out that the family vault has been pretty healthy with my grandfather's investments keeping the gold flowing. I saw the statements and I still can't wrap my head around it. My grandfather was a pretty smart businessman in his day. When I turn seventeen, I'll be richer than the Malfoys. But you know I don't care about the gold.

We spent the rest of the day at Grimmauld Place with Remus. We went out for something to eat and it was so nice. I found out so much about my family. They both brought me back here. Remus helped me up into my bedroom, but I could hear Sirius talking to my aunt. I have a feeling he's not done with her.

I have to end it there as my quill is splitting and I may end up falling asleep on this letter.

Please let me know how things went with your parents. I'm a call away as well. The Dursleys won't be happy, but seeing that they'll be rid of me for good soon, they'll just have to deal with it.

Missing you lots!

Love,

Harry x

Dear Harry,

It's so silly. I just got off the phone with you and now here I am, writing to you. I can't believe we were talking for nearly two hours and it's not enough.

I hope your aunt and uncle didn't give you a hard time for being on the phone. My dad wasn't very thrilled, but mum reminded him that it's the first time I've used the phone in five years so I think I've been let off the hook. My mum hasn't stopped smiling at me. She's figured out that you're not just a friend anymore. She also told me to use the phone as much as I want and not to listen to my father.

Let me know what time is best for me to call to work around your relatives.

Love,

Hermione x

Dearest Hermione,

I'm starting to understand my dad more and more. What Sirius and Remus told me about him and how much he fell for my mum, I get it. I can't stop thinking about you. Maybe this is too much. I don't know. I have no idea how to be all soppy and romantic. You know how hopeless I am.

I know how you feel. The moment the call ended, I felt this emptiness. I've never felt anything like that before and I know loneliness better than a friend. I was so happy to see Hedwig. I didn't even care that she woke me up by pulling my hair.

Two more days and I'm out of this place. Two days and we can see each other. I have never missed someone as much as I miss you right now. I'm homesick for you.

The best time to call would be late morning or early afternoon. I'll try to answer before Petunia, but if she does pick up, just tell her your name. She knows you're like my mum with muggle parents. As long as Vernon isn't home, it'll be fine.

I've attached a small gift. It's lame, sending a single flower, but the colour reminds me of the dress you wore for the Yule Ball. Also, just like the flower, I hope you forget-me-not.

Love,

Harry x

Sweet Harry,

I am not taking that back. You are sweet.

I've kept your gift and pressed it. I love it. Forget-me-nots are my favourite flower even though they are weeds. I will treasure your small yet perfect gift for always, Harry.

This will be my last letter to you while you're with your relatives. Our next exchange, you'll be free from them at last. Please do give Hedwig a break. We have been working her hard!

I have a gift for you as well, but I am saving it for when we meet up in London.

Much love,

Hermione x