Chapter 34
8 November 1992
Oliver,
Ron and I talked with Harry this evening after he was released from the infirmary. I wanted to talk to you about what he told us, but... well, I didn't want to cause a panic, so I decided to write to you instead. So, please keep this between us for now.
Harry said that last night, he woke up and was visited by Dobby again. Dobby let it slip that this has happened before, but when Harry questioned him about it, he wouldn't say anymore. Harry told us that Dobby admitted responsibility for the Bludger at the game; he was trying to get Harry hurt enough that he'd be sent home. I guess in his own weird way, he's trying to protect Harry.
Dobby saying that this wasn't the first time these attacks have happened wasn't the only news Harry brought back from the infirmary though. Harry said that after Dobby left, he heard Professor McGonagall enter along with Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey. He said he feigned sleep and heard them say that there's been another attack. Colin Creevey was petrified. They checked his camera, hoping he got a picture of his attacker, but the film was melted. This was the news that I wanted to tell you... Harry said he heard them say that if they don't find out what is going on and stop it, the school will close.
Harry is taking all of this way too personally; he's dead set on finding out what is going on with these attacks and stopping them himself. I know that he'll say that he doesn't need help, but that he'll drag Ron into it so I think it's best that I help them. We decided that the best thing to do is attempt to sneak into the Slytherin common room with the help of Polyjuice Potion and see if we can't find out what's going on. Maybe Ron is right and Malfoy has something to do with it, or maybe not, either way, he should know something about it. I know that the potion's complicated, but I think we can pull it off and really, I think it's our best bet to find out what's going on. It will have to be done in secret though, but I think I've found the perfect place.
Hermione
8 November 1992
Hermione,
Wow, no wonder you didn't want to say anything. I can't believe that they'd actually consider closing Hogwarts. It is too bad about Creevey. I wondered what happened to him when I didn't see him hanging around Harry when he returned to the common room. Usually he's hanging around taking pictures whenever he can. At least he's only petrified. Madam Pomfrey should be able to help him whenever Professor Sprout harvests the new batch of mandrakes. They can be used in Mandrake Restorative Draught to cure the petrification.
It's good to know that the Slytherin team didn't sink so low as to cheat by tampering with the equipment. Not that they don't cheat anyway.
After what you've told me, I think you're right. I think the only way to find out what's going on is to sneak into the Slytherin common room and question them. Maybe Malfoy knows something, maybe not, but there are other Slytherins who you could talk to also... let me know if you need any help. Not sure what I can do other than keeping your secret about what you're doing, but I can always try to offer assistance if you need me too. I have faith in your abilities. I've no doubt that you can pull off making the potion. Just, please promise me that you'll be careful. Slytherin was known for placing high priority on blood status, and didn't think Muggle-borns should learn magic. Whether he's involved or not, Malfoy might be right and the Muggle-borns could be targeted.
Oliver
8 November 1992
Oliver,
Thank you for keeping this secret. Right now, the only thing I can see that we'd need help with aside from keeping it secret is getting into the laundry to get some Slytherin robes, but it will be a while before we need them. The potion needs to be complete first, and it will take a month to brew. I promise I will be careful... well, as careful as I can be with not knowing what or who is attacking. I will also be doing some research in the library to see if I can't find answers there. Not sure I will be able to find anything, but it's a start at least.
Hermione