Dear Hermione,

I expect you're pretty shocked to be owled so soon. I did say I would get better at writing regularly, didn't I?

So first things first, McGonagall had a chat with me in her office not long after everyone left. I'm allowed to write and send as many letters as I want. I can use Hedwig, but not too often. She is pretty recognisable and I don't want her to get attacked like she did last year. The Ministry is actually protecting my mail this time around instead of trying to read it so things are a bit safer, but best not risk it. Hedwig won't be too happy with me.

How was the train journey? I really hope patrolling wasn't too crappy with Ron. When did you get home? I don't know how far you have to drive to get back. It's always the worst bit of the trip for me. Sitting in the car for two hours with the Dursleys is torture. I bet it's a nice thing for you though. Plenty of time to catch up with your parents. How are they, by the way? Give them my regards, will you?

There are only six students staying at the castle out of the whole school. I'm the only Gryffindor so I have the whole tower to myself. Between you and me, it's kind of nice and peaceful without all the people. I'm at our favourite spot right now by the fire.

I just got in from dinner. It was pretty weird. Because there's so few of us, we ate with the professors at a single table. Though it was funny seeing some of the reactions. Snape looked like he was being made to eat with a Blast-Ended Skrewt! I sat with Hagrid. He asks after you. He's invited me for tea tomorrow so I have some plans. Don't worry, I'll make a start on my assignments as well. I think the professors feel a little sorry for us few as they've arranged for a few Hogsmeade visits so there is actually something to do other than mope in the library and our Common Rooms. We're going on Wednesday. It's going to be odd hanging out with two first years, a third year, two seventh years and Terry Boot. Having a butterbeer without you will be so strange.

Doing anything without you is strange. I keep finding myself going to ask you something before realising that I'm alone. I always thought that this is my natural state, having spent so much of my life with just me for company, but it's not. My natural state is being with you. I just can't believe that it took me six years to realise. I really am dense.

This is just the first day of the holiday and I already miss you loads.

Give Hedwig some treats when she gets to you and let her roost for a bit, will you?

I can't wait to hear from you.

Harry

Dear Harry

It was a nice surprise to find Hedwig waiting on my window sill when I arrived. She beat me home. I don't think she was waiting outside too long. She's had a good rest before I've sent her to you with my reply. Don't worry, I haven't spoiled her too much (maybe a little). I let her out to hunt. Does she always bring back her catch to eat or is this special treatment just for me?

The train journey wasn't too awkward. In fact, Ron didn't even bother showing up to patrol the compartments. Normally I would be fuming, but I was pretty pleased that I didn't have to deal with him. Louisa Farley gave him a good earful though, I'm sure you'll be happy to hear.

Hitchin isn't too far to drive, but it's always a nice trip. I spend the whole time talking, barely getting a breath in. There's just so much to tell my parents. Most of it is about you, of course. I think they might be sick of the sound of your name at this point.

We had a fairly quiet first night. It is always hard to adjust when I get home, getting used to everything again. I bet you know what I mean. It must be the same when you go to the Dursleys for the summer.

Mum and dad are fine, thanks for asking. Both are looking forward to Christmas.

Only six students? Gosh, that is a surprisingly small number. It must be very odd sitting with the Professors! How does that work? Are they on one side and you the other? I have to say, the thought of you sitting across from Snape is rather hilarious. Please force him to talk to you in a civil way. Maybe ask him to pass the salt?

I'm glad that you're getting to leave the castle and go to Hogsmeade more often. I am a tinsy bit jealous as you'll get to do some Christmas shopping.

You aren't dense. In fact, I think in terms of us getting together, you were the mastermind. You were the one to take the initiative and get us to see what's been right in front of us the whole time.

I can't stop thinking about you, wondering what you're up to, how you are. I used to worry about you all the time before, now it's just maddening. Please be safe on Wednesday. I know you'll be frustrated with the security.

I miss you.

Love,

Hermione

Dear Hermione,

I'm so sorry I haven't written in a couple of days. Are you still subscribed to the paper? If you are, you probably have worked out why I've been quiet. If you aren't, then basically we're nationwide news. In case you haven't read the article (yes, we made it to the front page) I've sent you my copy. It's better if you read it yourself.

It's not a smear piece for once, but I'm still really not happy. Actually, to be honest, I'm disgusted. That photographer at the party sold the pictures of us together to the press. He made money out of us and likely a lot. Okay, the article isn't terrible and the people who were interviewed were super nice about us (a welcome change!), but it's still our lives being treated like our privacy doesn't matter. I get that the public right now need morale and maybe seeing me in a stupid bow tie helps with that, but it's not fair that we can't have this to ourselves.

I can't tell you how much I miss you and your wisdom right now.

Yesterday morning, Professor McGonagall actually woke me up early to tell me about the leak and I spent pretty much most of the day in her office while 'matters were dealt with'. Dumbledore spent the whole day in between talks with the Ministry and The Daily Prophet. The photographs containing us or any other students have been released to him under threat of him pressing charges against them for their slander last year.

I had a very awkward meeting in Dumbledore's office with him and Slughorn once he made it back. Slughorn was miserable, Hermione. He apologised. Apparently we're due a letter from Barnabus Cuffe, you know, the editor-in-chief.

This letter is getting long! I wish we could get your house rigged up to the Floo Network! Or we could somehow set up phone lines here. Maybe we could have a telephone box in Hogsmeade.

I went to Hogsmeade today. I thought that they wouldn't let me because of all the publicity. You were right about the security. It was very frustrating shopping with four bodyguards. The Three Broomsticks was really busy, nothing like how it was when we last went (no cursed necklaces this time). It was pretty awkward having a beer with Aurors flanking me, but it at least kept away people asking for my autograph.

It's getting a bit late and I think this quill is on its way out. I hope you can reply to me tomorrow.

I miss you too!

Love,

Harry x

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I just now received a letter from Harry about the article that was printed in The Daily Prophet about us. He sent me his copy.

Professor, I care for Harry very deeply and I know that he is not coping with this further breach of his privacy well. I am desperately worried about him. So much so that I am acting without his knowledge to make sure that he has someone with him for Christmas. I know that Harry can't come to stay with me and my family. It's not safe for him here and there isn't enough time to make it safe.

However, there isn't anything against me and my family from coming to him. Hogsmeade is a magical only settlement, but there can be exceptions made. I've read about it. I know muggles can be passed through the enchantments around the village so long as they have knowledge of magic. My parents are an exception - they've visited Diagon Alley, after all.

I know that they can't stay in the castle, but they could stay at The Three Broomsticks or even The Hog's Head. We could. I will stay with them. I know from Harry that the village is busy so I will need to check the availability. Honestly, sir, I would pitch up a tent just so I can be there for Harry.

I understand that this isn't a simple undertaking. We will need portkeys to get us to our destination and I know the Ministry must approve that. Professor, as much inconvenience as it is to you to arrange this, think of the inconvenience that has been done to Harry. He doesn't have the luxury of a normal life. My family and I can give him something close. Doesn't he deserve that? After everything he has been through?

I await your owl.

Kind Regards,

Hermione Granger

Dear Arthur and Molly Weasley,

It means so much to me that you put me up for the holidays and welcome me to your home. You showed me what family means. Something I didn't really see when I was a kid. I imagine that my choice to stay here in Hogwarts for Christmas would have been a surprise. I'm really sorry. I thought it best.

I've given Professor Dumbledore my gifts to you and the family. Whatever is going on between me, Ron and Hermione at the moment, it doesn't affect the place you and your family have in my heart. You were the first to welcome me and make me feel welcome. Nothing will change that.

Merry Christmas,

Harry x