Friday, September 1, 2000
Dearest Ron, I know you've only been gone a few days, but it already feels like it's been an eternity. I can't tell you how happy your surprise basket made me when I came home on Monday from classes. I squealed so loudly that Elliott came over to check on me, which I thought would make you happy. The opal necklace is perfect, and there aren't words that explain the comfort I feel when the stone warms up – in the middle of the night, during class, in the shower... I hope you have also been as pleasantly surprised at the sensation as I have been.
I woke with you on my mind today – well, I wake with you on my mind every day, but today I just lay there with my eyes closed trying to picture you arriving at the Auror Academy. I'm frustrated that I've never been there, so it is harder to imagine. I am planning to ask Harry to send me some pictures or descriptions so it will be easier for me to visualize what you are experiencing. Seems almost unfair that you saw my new school and met my new friends, but I know nothing of yours. But, then I remember that you have to spend hours a day exercising and flying, and then I once again realize that I have the far better end of the deal.
I am loving all of my courses, but I have been really delighted by how much I am enjoying the muggle courses – both the history and the political science classes. And – get this – you'll never believe it, actually. I made new friends. Muggle friends. I know, I know – who am I and what have I done with Hermione Granger, right? But, for the first time ever I am surrounded by people swottier than me. It's fascinating. Mind blowing, actually. In fact, I've spent a lot of time thinking about it because several of these students make the 11 year old Hermione look like the class dunce. But don't worry – I have several theories. One possibility is that I've finally gotten to a fishbowl larger than the small ponds I'm used to. Hope that isn't a muggle analogy or you'll be royally muddled by this whole thing. A second theory is that these people are exactly the same as I would have been if I hadn't experienced the trauma of war and the blessings of incredible unconditional love and friendship that I did. All of that allowed me to loosen up. And, well, admittedly – hanging out with George over the past two years may have had an impact as well. Or, my final theory is that these muggle "brainiacs" are what I would have been without magic at all if I hadn't had to dedicate so much of my learning to understanding the magical world but had only focused on specific muggle subjects. Not sure which theory – or combination of theories – may be accurate, but it is rather amusing to not be the first one in the room with my hand up after every question. That said, I have enjoyed getting to know my professors better and talking with them after class to debate ideas or hear about their experiences.
I hope you are having similarly strange and enlightening experiences at the academy. My guess is that you are probably at the top of your class but still feel behind. Just as I am shocked to find myself being social, I am guessing you are shocked to find yourself being swotty. Remember just after the war when we had only kissed a few times and you said you thought you had gained swotty words from kissing me? I am thinking you may have been right – you get more swotty, and I get more social. Who would have believed that? Believe in yourself, Ron. You are brilliant. And I love you so much.
Yours always, Hermione
Friday, September 8, 2000
Dear Hermione,
Thank you for your letter. I know I promised to write every week, but during the first week we had no time at all to ourselves. We had about 5 hours a night to sleep, and after running and flying all damn day, I was asleep before I hit the pillow and couldn't write at all until now. But, now that we've made it through the first week they announced that we were free after dinner this evening until breakfast tomorrow. So, I am writing this letter and then I plan to sleep for almost ten hours. I sleep with your letter in my pillowcase, but I place a disillusionment charm on them so no one could read them even if they did find them.
Like I said they keep us running or flying or doing obstacle courses or dueling all day every day. But, at least they feed us. It isn't as good as Mum's, but at least there is a lot of it, otherwise – well – you can just imagine how well it would go. Most of the other folks here are older than me, but there is a Hufflepuff from our year – do you remember Bernice Muffleson? Honestly – I didn't until she reminded me. She was a second-string Chaser for them 5th and 6th year. Pretty good flyer, but she's struggling on the obstacle course. The first week is supposed to weed out a bunch of folks. Surprisingly 14 folks have already quit. I don't get it – we all came in knowing the first week would be physically demanding, so it shouldn't be a huge surprise. But, with them gone, there are 46 of us left. Apparently there are usually 20-25 graduates out of the class of 60 each time. I think I have the physical fitness stuff down, but the course work starts Monday, and you know that is what I am most nervous about. Especially potions. Holy Mother of Merlin that is going to be worse than puking those flobberworms. But, it has to be done, so I'll do it. Harry says that as much as Snape was a horrible person he actually ended up teaching us a lot and that I know more than I think I do. All fine and good coming from the Chosen One who had the private potions notes of the Half-Blood Prince to help him through the subject. Anyway. Yeah, not bitter at all. Or petrifiedscared. Sorry – petrified was a bad choice of words.
Really happy to hear Elliott and Nancy are keeping an eye out for you. And, I am not shocked at all that you are morphing into the swotty social butterfly you were meant to be. You are brilliant and charming, so I naturally think anyone who adores you is brilliant too. Unless they make a pass at you, and then I will have to make their lives miserable in ways they cannot even imagine.
I'm cramming some last rolls into my mouth now before I head to bed and slip into blissful sleep. I love you. I adore you. I miss you. And I am so grateful every time I feel the opal warm up against my skin beneath my uniform shirt. It makes me feel like you are cheering for me like you did from the stands back in my quidditch days. And it makes me feel like I am invincible. The power of having someone love me and believe in me is so incredibly valuable. And I am so lucky you are in my life. I wish I could kiss you and tuck a curl behind your ears. But mostly I wish I could hold you against me as we slept. One week down, and 19 to go. Is it crazy to dream of Boxing Day this early in September? Because I sure as hell dream of it every damn day. I love you, Ron
Friday, September 8, 2000
Hi Ron – I'm not sure if you even have received my last letter yet. But – you know me – I feel bad for the poor owls having to deliver these every day, so this time I've included a small letter for each day of the week. Hope you can pace yourself with the notes. I promise there isn't anything too newsworthy, so don't rush to read them all. They are labeled by day. Enjoy, I love you – H
Saturday – I've been pondering when "weekends" will be a thing for us. With school we always had to study on the weekends, and with the shop it was one of the busiest days. I'm assuming now that the Auror Academy isn't big on giving you two days off after every five, and I'm still working my tail off studying on weekends. But, I like to dream of a day in the future...maybe it is decades away when we have sent all of the children you are convinced we will have off to Hogwarts and we both work a somewhat "normal" job that is only Monday – Friday we will finally have two days a weeks to ourselves. Won't that be decadent? I love you, H
Sunday – One of my new muggle friends (Jasmine) saw me drinking those protein shakes and asked about it. I just told her I was having trouble gaining weight back after being very ill a few years ago. I assured her I was close, but just struggling with the last bit. She said her sister had a similar problem and actually found that when she started exercising more – specifically lifting some weights – that she was able to build up some muscle and gain some more weight. Sounded absurd to me, but I did some research and it turns out there is a lot science to it. So, Jasmine has now invited me to join her at the student work out center two days a week to learn how to safely lift weights. Can you believe it – you are dating an American Weight Lifter. Hilarious. Love you – H
Monday – I've been adapting to American food. Even for someone who doesn't struggle to gain weight the portions can be rather overwhelming. There is a shop here that is a chain store – meaning there are a lot of the same one all over the place. There is a drink size called – not kidding here – "Super Guzzler" in which you can get more muggle soda than a gallon of milk. Totally bizarre. Even stranger? People get it. Frequently. I love you more than Americans love soda.
Tuesday – I have discovered a new favorite study spot. It is in one of the smaller research libraries. It is not the one used by most of the undergraduate students, but instead it is one full of rare books. I introduced myself to the librarian, and it turns out she is British as well. She told me where I can get a real cup of tea around here. I don't understand how they mess up tea. Anyway – after we bonded over rare books and dismal American tea, she showed me the rare book room. It's technically open to the public, but it is rather out of the way, so no one ever goes there. So – I am more or less there by myself surrounded by amazing books older than the country I am currently living in. You know I love it. But not as much as I love you. Always - H
Wednesday – there is a muggle tele in the common room on the first floor of my building, and while I haven't really watched it yet, there will apparently be a party there on Sunday to watch American Football. Considering I know less about American Football than I did about Quidditch, I doubt the game will captivate me, but it should be fun to meet some more of the students and their families who live in the building. Could I be an American weight lifter and an American Football Fan? Love - H
Thursday – When I went to meet Jasmine to lift weights the other day we saw another girl we knew from our history class there running on a treadmill. Do you know what that is? It's this little bit of floor that goes round and round so you basically run in place like a hamster wheel. Very popular here. Your dad would love it. But I don't think you would – I think part of what you love about running is the fresh air and getting outside. Am I right? Not that there is a lot of fresh air in NYC. Anyway – this girl is training to run a marathon in November. I can't imagine running that long – but definitely not for fun. Love, H
Friday – Elliott and Nancy invited me to see a muggle film this weekend. I haven't been to the cinema in America yet. I am curious to see if it is similar to the muggle experience in London. Well – I am sure it will have larger snack food sizes, but other than that it is probably similar. That's all for this week...I love you, H
Wednesday, September 13, 2000
Dear Hermione,
I hope you are doing well. I can't believe it's been nearly 4 weeks since I last saw you. For so long I saw you every single day, and now you live on a completely different continent. But, despite how much I miss you, I am so proud of you, and so thrilled we both lived long enough to go after our dreams.
Speaking of our dreams, I had to go to the Auror Academy yesterday. I saw Ron, but he didn't know I was there. They have a lot of one way windows there so the various candidates can be evaluated without them knowing they are being watched. Anyway – all of that is to say that Ron is doing amazingly well. Way better than I did when I was only two weeks in. He will probably deny all of this, but he is the absolute top of his class. All of the running he'd done over the past year or so really got him in shape for the basic physical fitness components. And, in dueling he could take on the whole lot with his eyes closed. He was dueling several professors, and I could tell he was taking it easy on them to not look to cocky. But, yeah, nothing is as cocky as going easy on the opponent. A few students are already dropping out, but I think as long as Ron decides he can keep going this long without Mrs. Weasley's cooking he'll make it no problem.
Ginny is doing well on the Harpies and has gotten a lot of playing time recently. And – I'm excited to let you know that the Harpies have a game in New York next month, so Gin and I both decided to come and stay a bit longer. We'll come a few days early so she can adjust to the time change. She'll have to attend team practices and such before the game, but that will just give us time to hang out together when you aren't in class. After the game she'll spend time with us, so I am sure that is when we will fit in any New York tourist craziness and seeing the magical sites. But, what I am really looking forward to is having my sister introduce me to muggle America. How delightful to disappear into anonymity of a foreign muggle land. I can't wait.
I am sure Ron sends you letters where he lists his worries for you...and I am joining that queue. I really hope you are eating and sleeping ok and that you are continuing to heal from all the traumas in our past. I was relieved when he said an American auror lived across the hall. Made me feel a whole lot better about the whole thing. I look forward to meeting him while I'm there. Ron said he thought he was a great bloke.
Do you remember that day just before you went to Australia after the war and we went to Oxford for the day? Do you remember talking about how you would have been headed to uni if you hadn't known about magic? I think of that often. And I am so proud you found a way to take the best of both worlds we live in and build the life we never dared dream of. Hope you are enjoying every minute soaking up all those new libraries.
Miss you, sis...Harry
Saturday, October 1, 2000
Dear Hermione – I'm sorry I haven't been able to write more. You've been amazing about sending me so many wonderful letters. Hope you know how each one lifts me. Truly – I can't tell you how much I appreciate them.
I haven't been able to write at all recently as we went out for "field training" for the last ten days. "Field training" seems to be the auror way of saying doing the same amount of training but sleeping in a nasty old tent and not having as much food as normal. I'm sure you understand how manky tents and hunger bring back such lovely memories for me. But, luckily I was too busy to get caught up thinking about all of that. But, we just arrived back at the regular academy a few hours ago. I was thrilled to find that Harry must have been here while I was gone, as he left a pile of goodies for me on my bunk. There were notes from him and Neville and George, and best of all two bags of treats from my mum. I could have cried I was so happy after being cold and hungry for over a week. So, I took a long, hot shower and am now snuggled in my bunk eating a piece of treacle tart and finally reading the letters that arrived while I was "in the field."
I am so thrilled to hear how exciting your life is now – new friends (muggle and magical), new experiences and new challenges – I am so proud of you. I do have some questions though – you haven't mentioned how well you are sleeping. How is that going? Have you had any nightmares, or have you done alright? Have you gotten the sense that anyone (other than Elliott) recognizes you? Are you practicing constant vigilance? I know you can more than handle yourself, but I can't help but worry because I love you. Well, and I spend every minute of the day learning about how terrible people can be and how we stop them. So, you can't blame me for being at least a little paranoid.
Ginny sent me a note saying she thinks the Harpies are going to travel to America for a game next month. I hope you can see each other. I'll be utterly jealous, but I want that for both of you.
I miss you so much, but we've made it through the first month and we are both hanging in there. There are days I still don't know that I want to be an auror. But, I have realized I am really glad I am completing the training. I don't think it is for the reasons you were worried about – that idea of resenting giving up a dream or anything. But, I honestly never thought I would have a chance to even apply to the Auror Academy, let alone to attend it. And, for the first time in – well – who knows how long, I can honestly say I am proud of myself. I am doing well in the courses – some better than others, but not failing anything. And, I don't have you keeping me on track or Harry helping me practice either. It's just me, and I am doing pretty good. I am grateful to have had this chance to prove to myself I could do something I never thought I was able to do before.
I miss and love you more than you could ever possibly know...Ron
Saturday, October 7, 2000
Hey there Granger – I just wanted to drop you a note and check in on my favorite future sister in law. Ron's been at the academy for 5 weeks now, and somehow the store is still up and running and I haven't been pissed even once. I can't really take credit for both of those things on my own. Lee and Verity have been amazing at the shop, but Ron left things in such great shape I'd have to really try hard to screw it up. And, Ange has been amazing, finding –um- creative incentive plans to keep me sober. And they are most assuredly working. And when she's not there, my bracelet helps a lot – so – yeah, thanks for that. Never thought I'd say this, but I miss you, Granger. My sixteen year old self would never believe it – but you are pretty cool when you are getting all prefect on me. Don't get too comfortable over there, you have to come back when your get all smarted up. Cheers...George
PS – I've included some of our newest candies. Just in case you get a craving for our days in Australia.
Saturday, October 14, 2000
Dear Ron,
Sorry it's been a while since I could write to you – I had two major mid-semester papers due today. One was for my muggle History of Human Rights class, and I really loved learning about the American history around civil and women's rights. I promise to bore the nonsense out of you in the future and tell you all about what I've learned. But, for now, let's just say I am tired and know a ton of interesting new things. And, I've also loved becoming acquainted with muggle research techniques. The card catalogues are all on the computers now, so it is so incredibly easy to find additional resources on the right topics.
Anyway – the last few weeks I have been working nonstop, so after I turned the assignments in yesterday afternoon I managed to make it through my last class and ate a sandwich on the way home before collapsing into bed. I slept longer than I had in weeks and woke up this morning feeling ever so much better. On the topic of sleep, I wanted to let you know that I am doing ok. I have had three nightmares since you left, but they haven't been bad. Each time I was able to wake on my own and use the techniques Becky taught me to calm back down. And speaking of Becky, I think you'll be happy to hear that I have actually managed to have two appointments by phone with our favorite squib. I haven't had any real problems, but I wanted to stay ahead of the situation.
I am really looking forward to this coming week. Harry and Ginny are set to arrive in a few days as the Hollyhead Harpies will play the New York team next weekend. Ginny will be busy ahead of the game, but they are going to stay for a few days after that. I have classes that I'll have to attend, but they will use that time to visit some of the tourist sites. I can't wait to see them, but I am nervous that I will be more homesick after they leave. But, honestly it is a risk I am willing to take to see them.
I miss you so much. I miss your laugh. I miss your eyes. I miss your touch. I miss your voice. I miss your lips. I miss your freckles. I miss your fabulous red hair. I miss how your eyelashes are almost translucent. I miss your growling stomach. I miss holding your hand. I miss that little callus on your right index finger from your wand. I miss the garish robes you had to wear at the shop. I miss how you calm me down and make me rational. I miss you holding me. I miss you making love to me. I miss making love to you. I just miss you. But I remind myself every day that we are doing this for us – for our future. And it will just make me all the more grateful for each day we have together when this part of our life is done.
Be safe my love, and know I am thinking of you...love, H
Sunday, October 22, 2000
Dear Hermione,
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say hello. Ginny and Harry were here for supper tonight and told us all about their wonderful time with you in New York. I loved hearing all about that Times Square. Sounds positively fascinating. I do hope I can see it for myself one day. Harry said you were doing quite well with your studies. I do envy your opportunity to enroll in both muggle and magical courses. And, those laptops they use for the muggle classes sound so interesting. Well, I do know I have fawned over your opportunity too much. But, I am so excited for you. But, I also miss you terribly. I hope New York isn't so interesting that you are tempted to stay longer than the program. Things just aren't the same without you.
Ron hasn't written us many letters, but Harry keeps us updated on his progress at the Auror Academy. Sounds like he is doing superbly well, which is not a shock to any of us, but apparently still surprises Ron on a daily basis. Maybe this whole thing will finally convince him that he is as wonderfully talented as we all know he has been all along.
So looking forward to seeing you at Christmas.
Much love, Arthur Weasley
Wednesday, November 1, 2000
Dear Hermione,
Harry was the "guest speaker" in the last class of the day today. Trust me – it is very, very hard to keep a straight face while listening to "Auror Potter" lecture us on constant vigilance. But, my reward for not swallowing a puking pastille just before the class was that he was able to stay and we had dinner – just the two of us. And – even better...he brought the food with him from The Burrow. So, so, so good. And, he also brought the pictures from New York. It was so great to hear all about the time you all had together. Aside from being painfully jealous, I was thrilled to hear you are doing so well. Not that I don't trust you – but to hear that both Harry and Ginny thought you looked happy and healthy really made my heart soar.
Training is going well. Another 9 people have either dropped from the class or were asked to leave, leaving 35 of us from the original 60. Harry said that was pretty similar to the class he was in. And, he also said that the worst is behind me. From here it should be intense classwork and DADA work, but he said that I could probably teach that class anyway, so it wouldn't be an issue. But, from here on out, we will have more normal hours and will be able to get a real night's sleep every night. And, he said we will start to have more unstructured time where the professors will focus on helping us with our weak spots. For some that could be dueling, DADA or (most likely for me) potions and herbology. The other area where I am struggling shouldn't come as a great surprise to you. It is my ability to follow orders I think are shite from people I don't trust. That may be the thing that really ends up being a deal breaker for me. I don't know how Harry handles it. We talked about it some when we had dinner, and I think in the end he just has practice making people believe he's doing what they want while doing something else behind their back. I'm more of an upfront sort of insubordinate. We'll see.
But whether or not I end up being an auror, I think I will certainly be working with the DMLE on security products through the shop. I've spoken with Harry and Kingsley on the different tools Elliot told me about that the American aurors are using. And, there is a lot of potential there. So, this training will all be worth it in the end.
Halloween wasn't much of a thing here. But they had extra dessert, so I can't really complain too much. Nothing like Halloween at Hogwarts. But, 9 years ago yesterday we faced down a troll together. Seems fitting that you are now off learning all about the rights of magical creatures. Still not sad we killed that one – and still grossed out thinking of the troll bogies. But, these creatures seem to play an important role in our lives – meeting thanks to a troll. First kiss thanks to elves...and, well, alive thanks to elves too. So, keep at it and learn all you can so these creatures can be around to help other lovestruck souls for generations to come.
I'm holding my opal pendant right now, feeling the warmth that means you are thinking of me right now. And, even it is crass to write it out on parchment, I'm hard just feeling your love from across the ocean. Shite, Hermione, the 24 hours of Boxing Day may not be long enough to do all the things I want to do to you. You should let your parents know you won't be able to see them until the 28th at the earliest. Well, now I have to go take a shower. So, if you would excuse me, I'm off to the showers to have a moment with you in my imagination.
Love you, R
Sunday, November 12, 2000
Hello Dear, I hope you are doing well in America. We just finished up Sunday supper here, and everyone has now left for their homes. It is simply not the same without you, and I was especially missing you tonight. Not that I don't enjoy all of my children, but you bring something special to our family, and it is just missing when you are not here. But, I am so proud of you for not only pursuing your dream, but creating a way for both you and Ron to pursue your dreams now and yet still stay committed to the long term. Somedays I wish I had done something similar. Not that I don't adore the life I have lived and the family I have had. But, somedays I wonder what might have been different if I had delayed just a few years to start my family. Oh well, none of that nonsense – time turners don't end well, so I'll just leave it at that. I've loved hearing stories from Harry and Ginny about their time visiting you last month. Sounds wonderful, even if the Harpies lost. As much fun as you all had, I am very much looking forward to having all of you home in December. I miss you and I love you. Be safe. Be sure to eat well. I've included some new mittens I've knitted. I've heard New York can be quite cold in the winter, so do be sure to bundle up, Dear. Love, Molly Weasley
Thursday, November 23, 2000
Dear Ron,
Happy Thanksgiving! So, today is my first taste of a truly American holiday. Classes stopped yesterday at lunch through the weekend. Nancy and Elliott insisted I join them this morning to watch this traditional parade on the tele. It was a lovely parade, but just a parade. I am still not sure what the big deal is. But, this is supposed to be exposing me to cultural experiences. So, I'm rolling with it. Nancy and Elliott are attending Thanksgiving dinner at his parent's house in Alabama later today. They've invited me to come along, so we will be apperating from here in another hour. Apparently it is a traditional meal of turkey, and various other side dishes depending on what part of the country you are in. Nancy and Elliott will be staying the night there, but I am planning to come home after dinner. They said it's also tradition to watch a lot of football – especially in Alabama. But I want to use the next three days to get ahead on my final papers so that I can get out of here in three weeks and spend as much time at home as I can. Probably won't get many (any?) letters written before then. So, this one will have to hold you over. will see you in less than a month. I don't know when you are scheduled to be off for Christmas. And, I know you may need to work at the shop as well. But, your nights, Mr. Weasley, are all mine.
I love you, Hermione
PS I gained another pound – I thought you'd be happy to know. Love always, H
Friday, November 24, 2000
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Weasely,
I hope you are both well. I have appreciated your letters and especially hearing how well Ron is doing. Yesterday was the American holiday Thanksgiving, and it was quite a lovely day. Nancy and Elliott (my new friends and neighbors) invited me to come with them to Elliott's family's home in Alabama to celebrate. It was good to see another part of the country, even if only for a few hours. But, visiting with his parents and grandparents was wonderful. His grandmother was quite involved with the muggle American civil rights movement in the 1960s, and I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with her. She also offered to let me interview her for some of my future classes.
The dinner was – well – Ron would have loved it. But, as I am still working hard to eat a little more than my appetite wants, unfamiliar foods like collard greens and sweet potatoes served with marshmallows weren't quite my thing. But, like I said, Ron would have loved it. Elliott's mother promised she would make some for him if he visits next year.
With the muggle cell phone I have been able to speak with my parents every week or two, which has been nice. My parents have decided to come visit next week. I told them it was silly since I would see them in a month, but apparently there is a dental conference in Boston that they wanted to attend. Mum insisted she wanted a chance to see my flat and see the city with all of the holiday decorations. Since it will overlap with my busiest time at school they know I can only see them for a little while, but we will have a nice dinner and hopefully see a Broadway show one night. But, other than that I will be working feverishly so I can leave here and come home for the holidays.
I will see you soon. Love always, Hermione
Friday, December 1, 2000
Hi Love – I think this will be my last note before I see you. Three weeks from today I will have you in my arms. The fact that I can now count that in days makes me so incredibly happy. Both the professors and remaining students have all agreed we will add an extra hour of work each day for the next 21 days so that we can have the entire Christmas week for holiday. So – from the evening of Friday, December 22 to the morning of Tuesday, January 2nd I am free to spend every minute possible with you. Well – I need to squeeze in some time to eat my mum's cooking and sleep, but hopefully both of those can be with you at my side. Have to run – class starts in five min. 21 days! Love, R