This chapter is named after my mum's favourite book :) (Dangerous Connections in English)
You'll soon understand why... :)
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Draco
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- No, I didn't know what would happen.
How could I have known the plans of the greatest Dark Lord of all time? I'm just like you. I had no idea, and I was as shocked as you. I hope you don't think I'm capable of such a thing. I don't like Potter, but I never wanted him to go through this. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, really.
- I know my father's beliefs. I know he once worked for He Who Must Not Be Named, and I know he was involved in his plan in one way or another. But I can't tell you more in a letter at the risk of it being intercepted. I just want you to know that I never imagined he would be involved in such a macabre strategy.
- I knew about Skeeter's secret a minute before you saw me under that tree. Pansy told me and asked if I could talk to her. I'm not going to lie and tell you that I was forced to do it: we both know that's not true. I did it deliberately to annoy Potter. I know it's wrong, and believe me, I feel stupid now that it's done. But I wanted to please Pansy, and I figured that if I kept being mean to Potter, no one would suspect that I'd been getting close to his best friend during the year. It wasn't a brilliant plan, I can see that. Sorry.
- I've only seen my dad once since the beginning of the summer. It wasn't a very pleasant father-son reunion. He told me he was on a mission and wouldn't be back for a good month. Other than that, my summer is going relatively well. At least when I'm at Blaise's.
And no, I'm not angry with you. Why should I be? You're the one who didn't come to the Library. You left me a note saying you'd meet me that very evening, and I stayed at the round table all evening without seeing you there. When I went back the last week before the holidays, you were never there. I thought you were mad at me.
I don't know if you're still angry with me after my letter, but I want you to know that I never meant to hurt anyone (except Potter). I also never expected the Tournament to end like that. And most importantly, I never wanted to hurt you. I don't want you to think that, even if you're (terribly) angry with me. I can promise you that I won't say anything else to Skeeter, if that will help you to forgive me.
But if you're still (extremely) angry with me, could you at least tell me in a letter, please?
I look forward to hearing from you.
PS: I'm sending you Ebony, please send him back to me. He took offence at not bringing me a letter and especially at being replaced by such a pathetic owl (where did you find it?)
PPS: Don't sign H.G., everyone might recognise you.
D.M.
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Hermione
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Dear Draco,
Thank you for your reply. I must confess, I was afraid my letter would never reach you. I remember you once referred to your house as "the Manor". Is this really the case? Did my owl (which was perfectly adequate, thank you) find your room easily?
I'm a little less upset now that I've read these answers. I feel reassured. Even though I suspected you didn't know what was going on, it was hard not to talk to you about it directly. I'm glad to know that at least, in this tragedy, I haven't lost a friend.
I'm disappointed about Skeeter, though. I thought you'd realised how much I despise that woman! It wasn't for nothing that I theorised about her secret in the Library: it was to stop her! And you, you tell her all Harry's secrets as soon as you get the chance! I thought you'd stopped this childish behaviour. I know you hate Harry (although it still baffles me: how can you hate such a sweet, genuine boy?), but it hurts me to know what you could do to hurt him. It doesn't make me feel safe. If you can do that, how do I know you won't do it to me when you get bored of me?
Anyway, I hope you have a good summer. With your father away, it shouldn't be too difficult, should it? Why are you going to Blaise's if you've got a "Manor" all to yourself?
I wasn't angry with you. I couldn't come to the meeting for obvious reasons. I stayed with Harry most of the time and was too upset to think clearly in the days after the Third Task. I came a few times after that, but you weren't there. I guess we missed each other each time.
I'm sending Ebony back to you, as you requested. He's very persistent, he keeps pecking at my fingers as I write.
I'll wait for your reply,
D.G.
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Draco
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Yes, I live in a Manor. And yes, your owl did find my room. My mail has never been intercepted, but it's better that your letters come straight here than into the hands of less open-minded people.
I apologised for Skeeter, but I'm only sorry because it hurt you. I still hate Potter as much as ever, and I want you to understand that our friendship will never change the way I feel about him. I understand that you can be friends with him, but I'll never be. I'll still piss him off whenever I can, because I think he deserves it. The same goes for Weaselbee, or Hagrid.
My summer goes a lot better when you-know-who (we should find a nickname for him) isn't around. I don't know if his departure is a good thing. Selfishly, I'm relieved. And at the same time I don't want to imagine what's going on over there.
So, as soon as I can, I'm going to Blaise's to relax. He lives at the end of my village, in a mansion twice as big as mine. His mother is never there, and when she is, she's very nice to me. We can do what we like. I'm not supervised there, which is good. I can even play Quidditch. Theo spends the summer at his place too and Pansy comes when she can. Time always seems to pass more quickly when I'm over there.
Bad luck for the Library. I thought for sure you'd decided to stop talking to me. I'm glad to see that's not the case.
How about you, how's the start of your summer going?
PS: Don't blame Ebony, I asked him to come back with an answer. He was only waiting for your letter.
PPS: I would never reveal anything about you. I would never deliberately hurt you now that you've decided we're friends.
And I could never get enough of you.
Why "D.G."?
D.M.
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Hermione
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Dear Draco,
I asked Ebony to bring this letter directly to your window so it wouldn't be intercepted. He knows the way better now and brought me your reply even quicker than the first time.
I don't know if you realise that I can't really stay friends with you if you don't get on with Harry. Just because we're starting to bond doesn't give you the right to take it out on him. Or Ron. I'm not asking you to be friends with them, but at least be polite and respectful. How can I continue to be friends with you if you hurt my other friends every chance you get?
I understand that this can be upsetting for you. Not knowing is always more frustrating and leads to more stress in the face of the unknown. If I were you, I'd be terrified. But you can't think about it too much. Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do about it. Lucifer (his new nickname, what do you think?) has made his choices, but that doesn't mean you have to support them or agree with everything he says. You have a conscience, you have principles, you have values. His beliefs are not your responsibility. As long as you know what you believe in, that's the most important thing.
I think it's good that you can take refuge with Blaise. And what a good coincidence that Theodore is spending his summer there too! You must be having a great time. What are you doing there apart from Quidditch? Are you spending time at your fountain, too? You told me about it when I asked you about your favourite place in the world.
My summer's going well. Very Muggle. I rediscover this simpler way of life every time I come back. I'm doing a lot of reading, especially for next year's courses, which I'm preparing in advance for the OWLs. I also spend time with my parents. And I go to the cinema, have you ever heard of it?
PS: Ebony and I are starting to like each other. He's discovered the biscuits I keep in my drawer in case I get peckish at night.
PPS: You don't know if you could get bored of me. That's the whole point. Maybe one day you won't want to study with me anymore, especially during exam year. Then, one fine day, you'll decide you've had enough of me and won't come to the remote table any more. And you'll go back to being the mean Malfoy who used to call me names in the corridors. I hope with all my heart that's never the case.
All the best,
Daphne Greengrass (D.G.)
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Draco
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I'm not going to see Potter and Weasley for two sweet, lovely months, it's not to discuss them by letter! I suggest we don't talk about them during the summer. I've got enough problems as it is.
I didn't understand the meaning of the nickname 'Lucifer', so I asked Theo. He told me that in Muggle culture, Lucifer was the name given to evil incarnate, a kind of devil, as opposed to "God"... I confess I didn't understand a word of it. Then he began to explain to me the whole concept of "religion" in the Muggle world. I had no idea it even existed. And I didn't understand all of it. Why do they believe in a higher power if it doesn't really exist? I mean, everyone knows that the most powerful being of all is Merlin. Is their god a Muggle version of Merlin?
In any case, I think it's an appropriate nickname. It took me many years to rid myself of his beliefs, but the process has accelerated considerably since I saw him at the World Cup. I don't know exactly how I feel about Lucifer, but I do know that I don't want to become like him. But I have to stand aside and pretend, for my mother's sake.
At Blaise's house, I mainly play Quidditch. Since we haven't been able to play during the year, Blaise has got it into his head to train twice as hard this summer. I think he wants to join the Slytherin team. I've been telling him for years. I think meeting Krum (yes, the ink stain on the paper over his name is deliberate) made him realise he was made for it.
Apart from that, we enjoy the sun, play games, eat ice cream and chat about anything and everything. Theo reads books and Pansy predicts things from teacups. Two days ago, the four of us had a big water fight. Theo and Blaise against Pansy and me. I won't tell you who won (us), but it was a great afternoon.
As soon as I get back to the Manor though, the blues come back. Lucifer's gone, so it's just me and my mother. She's putting on an act, but I can tell she's worried. It's quiet and I'm bored. It's a good thing Pansy's here. We meet every night after dinner by the fountain and look at the stars. I'm surprised you remember.
I wonder what a Muggle summer is like. How is it any different from mine, considering I can't do magic either? I'm not surprised you've read the whole syllabus for next year. You're just like Theo, he does the same thing and even makes me recite his lessons. Do you read on your bench, under the bow window?
I've heard about cinemas. Theo dreams of going to one. I've forgotten the concept, but I think it's to see pictures? What are you going to see? Are you going with Danny?
PS: Don't give him too many biscuits, he'll be too fat to carry my letters.
PPS: I can confirm that will never happen. I used to be the "nasty Malfoy who insulted you" because I thought you were that Know-It-All girl who followed Potter around like a puppy. Now that I've got to know you, I don't think that anymore. So no, I won't get bored of you. I promise.
N.L.
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Hermione
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Dear Draco,
I can stop talking about Harry and Ron in letters if you like, but we will have this conversation again. You cannot disregard my two dearest friends. It hurts me when you speak unkindly of them.
You wrote that you had "enough problems as it is". Were you talking about Lucifer or other worries that are bothering you?
Religion is a very complicated concept for Muggles. There are legends that go back a long way. I don't want to take up all the parchment to explain it to you, but I can try to give you a broad outline:
Some people believe in the existence of a higher power that knows everything we do on Earth. If they are good, they can go to Heaven, a kind of perfect life after death. If they were bad, they would go to Hell, a place of eternal punishment. There are several gods, depending on what people believe. And Lucifer is the name given to Satan, the spirit of evil, the demon, the ruler of the underworld. These are legends, of course, but many Muggles believe in them. I think it reassures them to think that someone powerful is watching them.
On the other hand, they don't believe in Merlin, that's only for wizards. For Muggles, Merlin is a fairytale character, he doesn't exist. It might seem strange if you're familiar with wizarding stories, but he's never been seen as a powerful being. To be honest, I never realised his importance until Ron swore "Merlin's beard" three times in a sentence in first year. That's when I realised Merlin was the wizarding equivalent of God.
How could Theodore know all this? I saw him reading a Muggle book in the Library once. Is he a half-blood?
I think it's honourable that you feel the way you do about Lucifer. I understand that your view of him has been tainted by the World Cup. Do you remember the way he looked at me on the official stand? I was terrified.
I'm glad to see you're managing to make your own choices, and that you don't (I hope) have the same prejudices about Muggle-borns anymore.
Those days at Blaise Manor sound wonderful. Now I understand why you go there so often! Well done with the water fight. What did Pansy predict in her tea leaves? Did she manage to find your constellation by the fountain last night? If the skies are clear, I'll try to find it tonight.
My summer is Muggle because even if you can't do magic, everyone around you knows about it. They talk about it. It's different at home. My parents know I'm a witch, but they have a hard time understanding what it means. Sometimes there's a barrier between us. So I adopt their way of life. It's more comfortable. I keep my wand in my suitcase, I've hidden the titles of my textbooks so Muggles can't read them outside, and I make sure the Daily Prophet owl and Ebony can't be seen from the street.
It's never bothered me before, but this year, it's different. I feel like I'm suddenly cut off from the world with what happened at the end of the year, and I don't like it. I can't talk to anyone about my year. I lied to my parents so as not to frighten them. And I can't get anyone to recite my lessons, unlike Theodore, who is very lucky to have you with him.
Yes, I read on my window bench. I'm surprised you remember.
Cinemas are places to watch movies. Movies are a sequence of images in which people "act" to recreate situations and invent a story. It's a bit like a play, but it's on a screen, not in real life. Yesterday I went to see a movie where the main character is a pig called Babe.
I'm sending you this letter a bit late, so I won't have an answer until tomorrow morning. Good night!
PS: I've given half a biscuit to Ebony, poor thing, he's got a long journey!
PPS: I'd like to believe you, but I'm always afraid you'll suddenly change your mind. I'm afraid that one day, without warning, you'll hurt me again, and it'll be harder than before.
N.L?
Kind regards,
D.G.
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Draco
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Dear "Daphne"...
Most of the problems in my life have to do with Lucifer. He's not there at the moment, but he's still ruining my life, even from a distance. My mother is stressed all the time, she doesn't say it but it's not hard for me to see. I'm stressed too. Even though I know he's gone, I still jump when I walk through the Manor for fear of running into him at the slightest noise.
I haven't told anyone, but I tend to share more than usual when I'm talking to you, so I'll tell you what's bothering me.
Just before I left, Lucifer told me to stop talking to Theo. He said he wasn't a good influence on me because of his family. He's not Half-blood, but his father is even worse than mine, so they don't get on at all. Lucifer found out about it and absolutely refuses to let me be friends with anyone who can't stand the ideas people like them have.
I haven't told anyone. I'll keep talking to him, of course. He's one of my best friends and I don't want to lose such a precious friendship because of some stupid order from Lucifer. But I think about it all the time. I don't know if he can know that I'm still friends with him. I'm afraid of how he would react if he found out that we were still close. And I'm afraid to tell Theo or Pansy or Blaise.
I'm waiting for your advice, Daphne...
YOU DIDN'T KNOW MERLIN BEFORE HOGWARTS?! But how is that possible?! I didn't know he was a legend to Muggles. It's inconceivable to me. Merlin is one of the reasons I wanted to be in Slytherin!
I find the "religion" hard to understand. I've read that bit several times, but I can't quite grasp why it's so important to them. Perhaps I'm being too pragmatic. I'd hate it if someone could watch everything I did. Besides, if it were true, I'd go to Hell for sure, and I don't want to spend my afterlife with the real Lucifer. Do your parents believe in such things? Do you?
I'm sorry you remember the way Lucifer looked at you during the World Cup. That was definitely one of the worst days I've ever had. But at least it made me realise a few things about my family. I made "my own choices", as you say, and obviously I don't have the same prejudices anymore, so there's no point in putting that "I hope" in brackets. It's hard to have the same thoughts after meeting you. I mean, really meeting you. I've said this before on the bench, but you're the one who made me realise that Muggle-borns aren't as horrible as I thought. I guess I was just stupid and listened blindly to everything I was told.
Today, Pansy predicted in her tea leaves that Blaise would fall seriously ill in the next few months, that Theo would suffer a great loss and that I would have a broom accident. Why are all Divination's predictions so dramatic?
Blaise advised Pansy to drink only coffee. Tea doesn't really work for her.
She managed to find my constellation last night. I think it's easier to find it in the summer. And you, did you?
I can't imagine you as a Muggle. It must be very strange to see you like this. I've always thought of Muggles as people who are too slow for anything they set out to do. That they lacked the means to achieve what they wanted. How can the "Daphne" I know be like that? You radiate magic, literally.
You lied to your parents about Diggory? Why?
I haven't forgotten. Your two favourite places in the world: the Hogwarts Library and your window bench. I can't imagine you as a Muggle, but I have no problem imagining you reading there. What book are you reading now? I could make you study by letters, but I think that would be a bit of a long process.
Well, I understood a few things about religion, but cinemas and movies are completely beyond me. I pretty much understood the principle until you mentioned a pig. How can a pig be in a cinema?! And how can you go to a place to see a moving pig? No, you really lost me there.
PS: I hope Ebony doesn't steal all your nightly munchies biscuit rations.
PPS: I can try to promise not to hurt you, but promises are sacred and must be made face to face. So I'll make it to you the next time we see each other.
PPPS: Your lifelong friend, Neville Longbottom, of course.
N.L.
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Hermione
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Dear "Neville",
I knew Lucifer was a despicable person, but reading this made me think even worse of him. How could he ask you such a thing? Doesn't he know what a good friend he is to you?
Don't listen to his orders for another second. He shouldn't ask you to choose your friends. If my parents ordered me to stop talking to Harry, or Ron, or Neville, or any of my friends, I would absolutely refuse. Especially for such a silly reason! If Theodore's dad is worse than yours, I think he's very brave for standing up to him. Lucifer is probably afraid that you'll listen to Theodore and realise that you can't stand your father's ideas either.
He'll never know that you're still friends. You share a dormitory, so it's normal for you to remain friendly. He won't know that you're still as close as before. And I think you should tell your friends. I'm sure they'll find a way to reassure you and minimise the problem.
I knew Merlin before I came to Hogwarts, but I thought of him as a fairytale character, not a real man. It was only when I started to take an interest in him that I realised his importance in the wizarding world. And now I understand why: he's a fascinating wizard!
He's the one who made you want to be in Slytherin? Why?
Religion is a big subject, I'll explain more when we meet in person. It's funny talking to you about it, I never thought I'd have to explain Muggle customs to Draco Malfoy. My parents don't believe in God, and neither do I, but my grandmother does, so I went to several Christmas Masses when I was little.
Masses are ceremonies held in churches (places of worship where people come to meditate) to honour God. Christmas is the time when we celebrate Jesus, the Son of God, who was born on that day and came to Earth to act as a messenger between God and humanity. Even as a little girl, I found it hard to understand. You know me, I like things to be defined and logical, and all these stories weren't that at all. So I stopped going to church with my grandmother just before I arrived at Hogwarts.
You wouldn't have gone to Hell. You have to have been bad all your life to be punished like that, and you're not bad anymore, you're on the road to redemption. One of the many pieces of evidence is the paragraph you wrote about the effects of seeing Lucifer at the World Cup, and what you think now. I'm glad I made you open your eyes to Muggle-borns, but I think you had this maturity of mind before. I've just accelerated it.
I agree with Blaise that Pansy should stop drinking tea. Trelawney used to make these dramatic predictions about Harry, and it drove me mad every time.
I hope you don't have any broomstick accidents, although I don't think this prediction is as far-fetched as the others. Broomsticks are quite dangerous and I'm scared to death that you could fall from such a height. I don't understand how you can love Quidditch so much! I lost a bet with Ron at the end of the year and now I have to get on a broom, I'm absolutely terrified.
I've found your constellation! I had a hard time because of the cloudy sky, but I finally saw it. I managed it thanks to the telescope my parents gave me for my 8th birthday, so I'm impressed that Pansy can find it by eye. I'll try again tonight.
I don't know if I'm particularly different as a Muggle. I think the magic has just amplified my personality, but it's stayed the same. My parents say I haven't changed, just grown up really fast.
You see Muggles as medieval people, as your parents taught you. In reality, they're not slow at all. They've developed technologies that you don't know about to achieve their ends. For example, they can communicate much more easily than we can. In the wizarding world, we're limited to letters, and I always have to wait several hours, or even days, to read your reply. Muggles have managed to create objects where we can talk to each other in an object called a "telephone", even if we're a long way apart. I think if you'd studied Muggles at Hogwarts, you'd have been amazed at what they can do.
I lied to my parents about Cedric because I was afraid that if they knew what had happened at Hogwarts, they'd be reluctant for me to go back in September. They've always let me make my own choices, but they could have stopped me in order to keep me safe. It's very rare that I lie to them like that, and I feel terrible that I did. But I know it was the right thing to do. I'd rather they didn't know.
I've been reading on my bench today. I was waiting for your letter and I read to pass the time. I've finished a big chapter of studying so, as a reward, I gave myself permission to read a novel. It's a Muggle book that I've already read a dozen times, but I love it so much that I have to read it again every year. It's called Little Women. Have you ever heard of it?
I have to admit that your reaction to the film I saw made me laugh out loud. I hadn't thought about the fact that you couldn't understand the pig... Let me explain: a movie is a succession of images filmed by a "camera", a kind of big device that captures video. At the end, it creates a long sequence of videos, which makes a film. It lasts about 2 hours. And it tells a story, about every subject there is. They are grouped into genres (action, horror, romance, historical, comedy, etc.) and shown in cinemas.
The film Babe told the story of a little piglet who manages to get adopted onto a farm with lots of other animals, and decides to become a "shepherd pig". To make the film, the technical team had to train lots of little pigs so that they could be filmed from different angles and so that they could follow the story.
To help you understand, I've enclosed some images from the film. They're printed in the Muggle version, so they don't move, but they should help you understand how it works.
Ebony has finished nibbling the little biscuit I gave her and is waiting impatiently for my letter. I'm finishing it without rereading, so I hope you'll be able to decipher my handwriting.
PS: You don't need to sign with a false name, my parents never read my mail and it could never be intercepted here. Our secret is well kept.
Kind regards,
D.G.
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Draco
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Dear Daphne,
(It always makes me laugh to write this name in my letters, because you are probably the furthest person from Daphne that I know. Imagining myself writing to Daphne is always hilarious).
I'm writing this letter a little later than I had planned because I spent the afternoon at Blaise's. They were all surprised that I wanted to come home so early, but I couldn't wait to read your letter. We played Quidditch, but don't worry, Pansy must be rubbish at predicting tea leaves, because I didn't fall.
I never thought your advice would be so valuable. I sent you a problem that was bothering me and you managed to get it out of my head in a few lines. Well done, (I wanted to write your surname, but I can't, and writing Greengrass is too weird, so I'll call you Greenger). Well done Greenger.
So I told Blaise, Pansy and Theo what Lucifer had asked me to do. I thought they'd be scandalised, but they didn't seem too surprised. Blaise said it was only a matter of time before Lucifer found out that Theo had left home. Pansy and Theo even laughed when I mentioned the possibility that we might stop talking to each other. Everyone knows that's impossible. Besides, we spend every day together at Hogwarts. They said Lucifer had no way of knowing and would probably have forgotten in a few weeks. That made me feel much better.
I was in a better mood today because of you, so thank you.
I grew up with wizarding legends, so I don't remember when I first heard about Merlin. I do remember my "Merlin phase", as my mother likes to call it. When I was 7, I had a sort of obsession with Merlin. I'd always ask for stories about him before going to bed, he was all I could talk about, I was completely obsessed with him. It was my History of Magic tutor who often talked about Merlin, and I wanted to know everything about him for several months after that.
I think Blaise and Pansy remember this phase too. My 8th birthday was Merlin-theme. There's a picture in my mum's office of me dressed up as him, with a long beard and vials in my hands. How embarrassing.
I think that's why I wanted to be in Slytherin, to be like him, to have the same power as him.
My father was happy that I was so passionate because it made me want to be in Slytherin, the House I was meant to be in. But he wasn't too keen either, because Merlin was a Muggle apologist. So when I was old enough to read the books in the Manor library, he forbade me to read his biography so I wouldn't learn his mentality. I did it anyway, of course.
I don't really see the difference between your God and my Merlin, but I do see the difference in beliefs. I didn't know Muggles placed so much importance on legends, I thought they were more rational. Anyway, I understand why you didn't like going to those masses. But I wonder, for a girl who likes logic so much, how did you react when you were told you were a witch?
I think you're wrong. I would have gone to Hell. It's a good thing it doesn't exist.
I don't really believe in that Divination stuff either. Theo least of all, it's always causing fights between him and Pansy. But I have to admit that since Pansy has taken an interest in it, a few predictions have come true. Horoscopes, for example, can be so accurate it's frightening.
What was that bet you lost with Weasley?
Well done on my constellation. I'm flattered that you spent time looking for it in the sky. I think it's harder in London because there's a sort of pollution layer that gets in the way.
Pansy can do it because she's always done it. She's always loved Astronomy, it was her favourite subject even before we started at Hogwarts. She can name practically every star she sees every night. She loves it just as much as Divination, and she always says they're a bit related. Which reminds me: I never asked you what your favourite subject was at Hogwarts?
I always underestimated Muggles because of what my parents told me, but seeing Theo's fascination with them, I suspect they're more interested than I thought. Telephones, really? And you can hear the voice and everything? It's true that it sounds more practical, but I like writing letters so that I can talk to you a little every day. When I'm at the Manor, seeing Ebony arrive with an envelope is the best part of my day.
I understand why you lied to your parents, although I can't imagine feeling bad about it. Perhaps because I often lie to mine. I didn't think you were that close to yours. Anyway, it's normal that you lied about Diggory, you shouldn't feel bad about it. You're protecting her and preventing them from expelling you from Hogwarts, what's wrong with that?
No, I've never heard of this book. I don't know much about Muggle fiction. But I'm intrigued. Why do you read it several times a year? What's it about?
Seeing the pictures of the pig was both a hilarious and terrifying experience. It's one of the first times I've seen pictures that don't move at all, and I find it quite sordid. I think it makes the pig look terrifying. What genre is this film? You mentioned horror films, so I guess that's what it is. I didn't quite get the story. What is a shepherd?
I let Ebony have a little nap before sending you this letter, so I hope it's not too late by the time you get it. If you can, send it back to me before you go to bed.
PS: Good, I hated being called Neville, even for one letter.
D.M.
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Hermione
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Dear Draco,
I'm writing this letter just before I go to sleep, so I'm sorry in advance if my sentences don't make sense.
Why should Daphne be so different from me? I've never spoken to her, I don't know her at all. She's friends with Pansy, isn't she?
I'm glad I could help you with your problem. I'm glad my advice worked and that you feel better. Blaise, Theodore and Pansy are right: Lucifer will never know that you're still talking to Theodore. The fact that they're reacting this way shows that the four of you have a wonderful friendship.
It also reassures me that Pansy's predictions haven't come true, although they could at any moment. If you fall, it's imperative that you slow your fall with an "Aresto Momentum", even if it's forbidden to use magic. Or ask the Zabini house elf to do it for you (I'm sure he has one, if you say he's got a huge Manor). I'd be all the more reassured.
I'm not a big fan of "Greenger". I prefer it when you say my real surname, I can imagine you saying it out loud.
I burst out laughing when I read the part of your letter about Merlin, so much so that my father asked me what had made me laugh so hard. I'm begging you to send me the photo of you in costume, you must be so cute (and very funny). Now I understand why you were so offended that I didn't know him before Hogwarts. It's so funny to think of you as a little boy asking for Merlin stories. How sweet.
Since you've let me in on a shameful secret about yourself, I'll tell you about my obsessive childhood phase. When I was at primary school, all the girls wanted to be princesses, but I didn't really like it because I thought they were a bit dull. I wanted to be a fairy.
So my parents gave me a green dress, tights with stars on them, fake wings and a pink wand, and that's all I wanted to wear. My poor parents couldn't bear to see me waving my wand all over the place. I used to have tantrums if I didn't wear my dress. Then, one day, a boy in my class broke the end of my star-shaped wand, and I was so angry at him that I pushed him into the playground fountain. A normal reaction, you might say. Except that I was fifteen feet away from him. I pushed him telepathically. I didn't know it at the time, but it must have been suppressed magic. Ironic that it was because of a wand.
Even though I'm a fairly rational girl, I've always known that I was different from the others. I developed my magic between the ages of five and ten, and my parents couldn't explain it, but I felt I had a power inside me that protected me. I called it my "superpower". I even went to a doctor (the Muggle equivalent of a Healer), but no one could ever explain it. So when Professor McGonagall came to tell me I was a witch, I knew she was right.
As soon as I found out, I learnt all about magic, the classes at Hogwarts, the history of witchcraft... I loved everything, I was passionate about everything, except Divination. I've never liked that subject. I find it ridiculous, false and absurd. I think Pansy's horoscopes and predictions are coincidences, and that she wants to believe in them too much to realise that. I suppose I'm a bit like Theodore in that respect. Astronomy, on the other hand, I really like. I don't think the two subjects are related: Astronomy is much more concrete. And I liked it even before I came to Hogwarts, thanks to my telescope.
Writing this made me think I could look at the stars, so I went to have a look. It's still a bit too bright for me to make them out, but I think I've found the northernmost star in your constellation, Lambda Draconis. I really like your constellation, I think it's one of my favourites. I'd love to have one named like me.
My favourite subject at Hogwarts is Arithmancy. I think getting a formula right and making a prediction is the most satisfying thing in the world. I also really like History of Magic and Transfiguration. My least favourite is, unsurprisingly, Flying.
No need to ask about yours. Potions, that's obvious. Has it always been?
The bet I lost with Ron was a stupid dare from the Weasley twins (who else?). Ron and Harry were lamenting that they hadn't played Quidditch this year, and Ron was making fun of the fact that I didn't want to ride a broom because I was afraid of heights. To get me to do it this summer, they offered me a challenge: win a game of chess against Ron. If he lost, he would have to wear his S.P.E.W. badge for a month. I'd just forgotten one essential element: Ron is very good at chess. He beats everyone in the Gryffindors. So I lost badly, much to the delight of Fred and George, who assured everyone they'd take a picture of me on a broomstick. Just writing that makes me nauseous.
I know you asked me not to mention Ron or Harry in my letters, but it was you who asked me to explain this silly bet.
Theodore's fascinated with Muggles? I didn't think he was that interested. How did you react when you found out?
I have to admit, I'm not surprised: I was fascinated from the moment I found out there was another magical world apart from my own. I suppose Theodore feels the same way, although I doubt the Muggle world is as interesting as the wizarding one. Or maybe I just know it too well to notice.
Receiving your letters is also the best part of my day. I always look forward to the next one. My mother asked me why I looked out of the window so much.
I'm very close to my parents. I always have been. I try not to cut them out of my life by writing to them regularly, and I'm always so happy to see them during the holidays. But since I've been at Hogwarts, something has changed. They don't really understand what I'm going through, even though I try to show them. They don't want to know about my world as much as I do. And the difference seems to get bigger every year. Lying about the end of my year is just further proof of that.
"Little Women" is a 19th century novel about four sisters in a loving family during the American Civil War (a Muggle war between the North and the South of the United States). Their father has gone off to fight in the war, so we follow the story of four girls who have very different personalities, but who love each other very much. (And they make friends with their neighbour, who is called Theodore!)
I read it several times a year because there are certain books that make me feel better, and this is definitely one of them. I never get tired of reading it.
Babe isn't a horror film at all, although I laughed a lot at that assumption. It's more of a children's film or an adventure film. Maybe one day I'll show it to you and you'll understand better what it's about. A shepherd is a man who looks after flocks of sheep.
I'm about to fall asleep. I imagine you'll be asleep when Ebony arrives. That way you can read my letter at breakfast.
PS: Don't forget to include the photo of your Merlin costume in your next letter!
PPS: You have a library in your Manor?!
PPPS: Neville is a lovely name, and if you got to know him, I'm sure you'd find him very likeable.
PPPPS: You used a new ink in your last letter. I really like the way it looks. What is it called?
Sleep well,
D.G.
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Draco
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Dear Daphne,
Your sentences made perfect sense, even though you were tired. I couldn't sleep, so I got your letter and hurried to answer it so I could read your reply tomorrow afternoon.
Daphne is your opposite. She's shallow and perfidious. I've always found her a bit of a twit. Your complete opposite. But Pansy adores her, and so does Blaise (who knows why), so I don't say anything. The idea of having an epistolary relationship with her is so unthinkable that it makes me laugh to call you that.
I don't take my wand when I play Quidditch at Blaise's house. What if I did fall and it broke? Besides, the possibility of losing my balance is exactly why I love the sport so much. Every move is controlled and mastered. Where would the fun be if I knew I couldn't hurt myself if I missed?
I also prefer to use your real last name. I suppose it's safe to write it, but I'm always a bit worried that someone might read the letter and make the connection. So G it is for now. Like Greengrass.
You imagine my voice when you read what I write?
Unfortunately I can't send you Merlin's photo because it's framed in my mother's office and she's too attached to it not to notice it's missing. However, I can describe it to you: it's a photo of me when I was 8, with my hair in front (I didn't comb it back yet, and by the way, you could have told me I was using too much Sleekeazy's Hair Potion, even in first year. I spent two years criticising your hair when mine was always sticky). I'm wearing a purple dress that's way too big, with runes embroidered on it, and my hands are barely above the oversized sleeves. I'm holding a wand (a fake one, of course) and I have a long white beard that falls down to my stomach. A bit like Dumbledore. The photo moves, of course, and you can see me smiling, proud to be representing my favourite wizard.
Now that I've described it in detail, so that you can imagine the absolute shame, I demand that you enclose a photograph of yourself dressed as a fairy with your next letter. I'm dying to see you with little wings and a wand in the shape of a star. I'm glad you pushed him into the fountain. Everyone knows not to upset you. My third-year cheek remembers it well.
I didn't know it was McGonagall who told you you were a witch. It must have come as a shock. It's unthinkable for me to think of you as a Muggle and not a witch. I know it goes against everything I've told you since first year. But it's what I've always thought. You're a very gifted witch.
You look a lot like Theo, more than you know. Sometimes it scares me how much you are alike. He says the same thing about Divination, that it's all just coincidence. But he doesn't dare say it in front of Pansy. She's capable of giving him the cold shoulder for days if he does.
Speaking of him, he does have a fascination with Muggles. I don't know how he'd feel if I told you, so keep it to yourself. He reads Muggle fiction and is interested in Muggle culture. That's why I asked him about religion. I found out he liked it in second year when Pansy noticed he was reading a Muggle book. At first, I was horrified. But I think it was mostly fear of what Lucifer might do if he saw it. Now I'm used to it. It's Theo.
(By the way, he'd hate it if you called him Theodore. Maybe even more than if he knew I was telling you things about him. He can't stand being called Nott or Theodore).
I don't know why, but reading that you like my constellation fills me with joy and pride. There's something exhilarating about imagining you looking for it in the sky. It's like you're looking for me, which is stupid, but it makes me happy. I'd like to give it to you, I don't really care about having one named after me.
What does your name mean?
Your favourite subject, of all the things we learn at Hogwarts, is Arithmancy?! I'd never have thought that. I thought you were going to say Transfiguration. And I prefer to ignore the fact that you wrote History of Magic. I think it's insulting to say that. History of Magic, really? I think those are my two least favourite subjects.
I'm not surprised about Flying. I don't know if you remember, but when we first spoke, you told me you didn't like flying because you were afraid of heights. We were in the Owlery after I'd sat next to you in the Library. It seems like another time. A time when I didn't know you were Muggle-born. I don't know why I remember it so well.
Potions is my favourite subject. That's simple. I think my second is Flying, ironically.
I've always loved Potions, I don't know why. I find it quite fascinating to be able to create something with just a few ingredients. Or even better, inventing potions from scratch.
I'm sorry you lost your bet with Weasley, but I'm glad there will be a picture of you from that moment. I hope it doesn't scare you too much. A word of advice: lean back as far as you can. You won't be able to see the ground and you won't slide as much on the handle.
You mentioned your parents twice in your last letter. Your father asked why you were laughing and your mother why you were looking out of the window. What did you tell them to justify it?
I understand why you lied to them. But maybe I'm not the best person to give advice about parents. I've never had the relationship with them that you have with yours. Perhaps you could ask Weasley. In any case, I think you're right to do this. Your life is so different from theirs that they wouldn't understand what was going on in our world. They'd panic, and they'd probably be right. But I know you well enough to know that you want to be a witch, so you have to lie to them if you want to stay at Hogwarts. You shouldn't feel bad about it, it's not your fault that there's a difference between you and them.
The novel you're reading sounds interesting, but I had no idea it was the kind of novel you read. Who's your favourite sister?
I don't really like this pig, even though it's not a horror film. But I like the idea of watching it with you one day.
Of course I have a library in my Manor. What's the point of having a manor if you don't have a library in it?
I think you'd love this room. There are bookshelves on all the walls, and there's even a ladder to reach the top ones. It's the same smell of parchment and old books as the one at Hogwarts, but stronger, because the room is smaller. I don't think you could finish all the books, even if you spent your life in there. I spend most of my time in this room this summer.
Have a good breakfast, G.
PS: I'm surprised you noticed the difference in the ink. It's a bottle I've just opened that Theo gave me for my birthday. It's called Sang de Serpent and it leaves a slight sheen when it dries.
D.M.
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Hermione
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Dear Draco,
I was very surprised to see Ebony at my window when I woke up. Poor thing was so tired that he fell asleep here. I left him in the dark to rest, and will not give him my letter until he is well enough to fly again.
Why couldn't you sleep?
I don't know Daphne, but I don't like what you say about her. Why do you dislike her so much when Pansy and Blaise seem to like her? I don't like you insulting other people. She didn't ask for it.
This is exactly why I don't like Quidditch. Why put yourself through the fear of falling when you can stand perfectly still on the ground? I'll never understand it. When I asked Fred and George why they liked it so much, they said the same thing as you. "The adrenaline".
"G" is better than Greenger, I suppose. And yes, I can imagine your voice when I read your letter. You write like you talk, so I think my brain makes the connection all by itself. Even when I read 'G', I can imagine you saying my surname. You have a very particular way of saying it.
I was so disappointed when I picked up your envelope and couldn't feel the photo inside... I would have paid to see it. But your description helped me imagine it. You must be adorable. And already a Potions fan if you had vials in your hand. What were Pansy and Blaise dressed as?
(I could have made fun of the way your hair was slicked back, but I have to admit I liked it a bit. I prefer how you style it now, though).
Since you didn't send me Merlin's picture, I won't send you mine. I've learnt to make deals with Slytherins, and I know I always have to get something in return. I can take it to Hogwarts and show it to you there, in exchange for something, if you like.
Look, it seems I'm becoming as perfidious as Daphne after all.
The boy I pushed into the fountain was what you might call a "twat". He couldn't stop laughing at me. I think my body reacted long before my mind did. The same goes for the slap I gave you in third year. I apologise for that. Even though I think you kind of deserved it.
Reading that I'm a very gifted witch made me very happy. I've been rereading that sentence ever since I read your letter at breakfast. Draco Malfoy thinks I'm a very gifted witch. I never thought it would affect me so much. I smile every time I read it. Thank you, Draco.
I'm starting to like Theo(dore) more and more. Can you really get close to someone if you've never spoken to them? Let's just say he's rising in my esteem. I saw him reading a Muggle novel in the Library and I think I've liked him ever since. But I'm not ready to call him Theo, not even in letters. I think he just wants his friends to call him that.
I don't want you to give me your constellation. It's yours. And I think that's why I like it.
My first name doesn't mean anything interesting. It's of Germanic origin and would mean 'great and majestic', but I think that's too presumptuous. It was my mother who wanted to call me that because she's a great admirer of a famous Muggle singer, David Bowie, who wrote a song called "Letter to Hermione", which my mother listened to every day at the time.
History of Magic is a fascinating subject, once you get interested enough. I find it fascinating to discover a facet of a world steeped in history. And the legends! I suppose I feel the same way as you do with Merlin. But I have to admit that Professor Binns' tone can be a little... soporific.
Strangely enough, I remember that conversation in the owlery very well. You told me about the racing brooms and I didn't dare tell you that I didn't know anything about them for fear that you'd laugh at me. You seemed flabbergasted that I wasn't playing Quidditch. You were the first person to talk to me at Hogwarts, by the way. I mean, being friendly to me. Ron was vile at first, and Harry was as lost as I was. We didn't start being friends until Halloween. I'd spoken a bit to the Weasley twins and Neville, but that was it. So I remember that moment very well.
It does seem to belong to another time.
I don't mind showing you a photo of me as a fairy, but a photo of me on a broom is out of the question. Strictly forbidden. I'd be making a fool of myself in front of far too many eyes to add yet another person. I'll take your advice about my posture, though. I'll try to remember it before I pass out.
I haven't told my parents that we write to each other. When my mum asked me why I was looking out of the window, I said I was waiting for a letter from Harry, and when my dad noticed me laughing when I read your letter, I said it was Ron. I'm using you to cover your anonymity. I'm sorry. If I tell them about you, they'll ask me questions and it'll be hard to lie to them.
You're the only person I've told about this distance from my parents. I was nervous to write it down and make it concrete, but your answer managed to calm me down. Thank you, Draco.
I read all kinds of novels, but my favourites are adventure stories. Little Women is quite simple, but so comforting to read. I finished it this morning.
It's very difficult to tell you which is my favourite sister of the four, I've been sitting in front of this letter for twenty minutes trying to find my answer, because I love all four of their personalities. I have to say it's Meg, the eldest. She's responsible and hardworking, she's the one everyone relies on. I think she is the one I identify with the most.
You're so lucky to have a library at home! I'd spend all day reading there. A ladder! This looks like my dream room! And the smell! How can you spend a minute outside? I'd be cooped up inside all summer.
PS: The ink is beautiful. Where did Theodore buy it?
I can't wait to read your answer,
D.G.
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Draco
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Dear Daphne,
The library looks incredible from this angle, but I think it's missing a crucial element. Warmth. It's the opposite of Hogwarts: dark, dreary and dusty. Nobody goes there but me, but I can't stay there too long because I suffocate. In fact, I'm suffocating everywhere in the Manor. In my room, in the corridors, in the dining room. That's why I couldn't sleep. I wake up with a start and can't calm down, even though there's no danger.
Your letters give me a little warmth in this cold place.
Only you could feel compassion for someone who has never shown you any. How can you defend Daphne when you don't even know her? You're too kind, G. I promise you, she doesn't deserve your pity. But I can make an effort with her, if you like.
Quidditch is an adrenaline sport. I don't like the Weasleys, but the twins are right. That's what makes it so addictive. When I'm on a broom, the outside world doesn't exist, I'm alone with my broom and the speed and the sensation is exquisite.
It's funny because I realised that when I read your letters, I could also hear your voice. I noticed it in certain words. I could hear you saying them in my head.
I remember you saying that I must look cute as Merlin and that you liked my hair slicked back. You must be the only person in the world who says that. Even Crabbe and Goyle were more stylish than me back then, and that's saying something. But you said it. You said I was cute, adorable, that you smiled when you read some of the stuff I'd written, and that you liked my constellation. It's a good thing you can't see me, G, because I almost blushed.
Pansy had dressed up as an angel and Blaise as King Arthur with a replica of the Excalibur sword on his hip. Everyone except Pansy (the only girl at the party) loved it. Why do all boys like swords? It's the one thing I envy the Gryffindors for. Your sword. I've read a lot about this relic, how it "uses substances to make it stronger" and that only a true Gryffindor can possess it. I think that's really cool. But I digress.
This is one of the few birthdays I've ever really celebrated, and by far my favourite until this year, because I got a notebook of sheet music from a certain witch, and that was probably the best present anyone's ever given me.
Look at you, you're turning into a real Slytherin! I was sure you could have ended up in this House. It's a shame you have such stupid courage, you could have been so much sneakier than me. I'm proud that you're rubbing off on me a little. I'll take your deal then. Don't forget the photo in your trunk, and I'll find a way to see it.
The thought of you becoming friends with Theo is terrifying. You're far too similar. If you combined your two minds, you'd probably be able to destroy the whole world. So I don't know if it's a good idea for you to like him, after all.
I've told you about fifty times, but Potter and Weasley are stupid. He was vile to you when he's pathetic himself. I hate them. Even though you've become friends, I think you deserve a much better friendship than with those two idiots. (I know we're not supposed to talk about them anymore, but what you told me pissed me off, so I won't apologise for writing what I think of them).
Having said that, I apologise in turn. I tend to apologise to you a lot. More than anyone else, I think. But I apologise, because if I'd had any semblance of intelligence at the time, I'd have stayed friends with you and held the honourable title of being your first friend at Hogwarts. I should have been Potter, or Weasley, or Longbottom. I should have realised that you were interesting and caring, and not stooped to prejudice to categorise you. So I'm sorry, G.
If I'd been your friend from the start, you could have told your parents whose letter it was that made you laugh, or that you were waiting for while you looked out of the window. I know it's more reasonable that you don't tell them, for obvious reasons, but it hurts me to see you have to lie to them again to avoid telling them about me. I wish I could be a Potter or a Weasley for you. But I suppose I can't, being who I am.
I want you to know that even though I'm just Draco, and not a Weasley or a Potter, you can talk to me about what's wrong. I'm glad I was the only one who knew how you felt about your parents, and I'm honoured to have been able to reassure you. The last thing I want is for you to feel ashamed for confiding in me. I'm always here if you need a sympathetic ear.
You'll never believe me. I finished the last paragraph and went to Blaise's for a few hours to stretch my legs. When I got there, Theo was sitting on the grass and guess what he was reading. Little Women. Of course he was. I shouldn't even be surprised. When I told you that you look very much alike...
Anyway. He was surprised by my reaction, but I managed to steer the conversation so that he wouldn't suspect anything. Although I don't think he would suspect that I exchange letters with you. Anyway, he told me that his favourite sister was Beth. He also said that if we were the sisters in the novel, Blaise would be Meg, Pansy would be Amy, he would be Beth and I would be Jo. When I asked him, he just laughed and said that Jo was short-tempered. This annoyed me, which probably proved his point.
I've never asked you where you write your letters. I assume it's in your room, because you once referred to the packet of biscuits in your desk drawer. I used to write them in my room too, but this one I am writing from the library at the Manor. I thought that writing to you might make this room a little warmer.
PS I asked Theo where he bought the ink. He said he found it in Knockturn Alley, in the shop of the Twisted Snake. I doubt you'll be going there, but Theo told me they have an impressive and very expensive collection of inkpots in all colours.
PPS: I wasn't in the best of moods today, and I think this letter shows it. The break at Blaise's did me good. Sorry if I insulted Potter and Weasley.
D.M.
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Hermione
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Dear Draco,
I'm sorry you feel so out of place at home. It must be a terrible feeling to be suffocated by your own house. I imagine Lucifer's ever-present presence doesn't help. I feel for you, and I hope this letter gives you enough warmth to get you to sleep tonight.
I nearly made Draco Malfoy blush. Such pride. I recall you saying I was gifted, and I'm sure I blushed too. I think it awakened something in the 11-year-old Daphne who was afraid she wouldn't measure up in this world. To have the boy who used to despise her for it tell her that she's gifted now was a small personal victory that I took with pleasure.
Your 8th birthday party on Merlin sounds almost as entertaining as this year's. I still remember the ferret that slipped through your hands and the laughter I had to stifle from a distance. I'm pleasantly surprised that you place so much importance on my sheet music. Do you really like it that much? Have you been practising since the beginning of the summer? You could do that instead of going to the library, I'm sure the music would bring some warmth into this gloomy Manor.
I don't think I'd have made it into Slytherin. As you say, my empathy would have prevented me from being as sneaky as you. Perhaps Theodore is my Slytherin alter ego?
I won't answer what you said about Harry and Ron. I think you've had a bad day and wanted to take it out on them in your letter. It's my fault, I shouldn't have mentioned them when you asked me not to.
On the other hand, I can answer your next paragraph, the one where you say I'm "interesting" and "caring". I remember these compliments well. I know they're rare from Draco Malfoy, so I accept them gladly. As for the fact that you could have been my friend earlier, I think you simply reacted as an 11-year-old Draco would have, and there's nothing wrong with that. I understand that you had those prejudices, even if they were stupid. The important thing is that you've managed to get over them now. And look, we're friends now, we've found each other despite everything, isn't that the most important thing?
Look at that, I think my empathy is coming back.
Theodore's reading is a lovely coincidence. I hope he likes the novel as much as I did the first (and many subsequent) times I read it. I don't know your friends very well, but from what little I know, his analysis is very pertinent. Blaise would be the Meg in charge of the group, giving good advice and stepping aside to make room for the others. Pansy would be the envious Amy, who loves to party and has a strong personality. Theo would be shy Beth, the sensitive and gentle one. And you would be Jo, the hot-tempered one who doesn't hesitate to speak her mind, who feels her emotions too strongly and expresses them too passionately.
Maybe I'll think of you from now on when I read it again.
In the evening I write to you from my room. But during the day I write to you from Hampstead Heath, the park where I spend my afternoons. I like to read here, and the park is ideally situated next to my house.
Pity about Knockturn Alley. The ink is pretty, but it's not worth a detour there. This year I'm going to Diagon Alley with the Weasleys. I'm going to spend the rest of the summer with them, I'm leaving at the end of the week. And I'm sure Molly Weasley won't let us go. So much for the ink.
PS: I've got my exam results! I got good marks, relatively speaking. How did you do?
Warm regards,
D.G.
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Draco
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Hermione,
Does this mean we can no longer write to each other?
D.M.
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I loved writing this epistolary chapter!
A few notes to round it off :
- I know this chapter seems shorter, but it's the same number of pages as the previous ones
- I was inspired to write this chapter by one of my favourite fanfictions of all time, it's called "Until the Ink Runs Dry" by AccioMjolnir! ( /works/30946961/chapters/76428473) and I have to recommend it to you, it's easy to read and quite short and it's absolutely incredible, a masterpiece that I don't think is recognised enough!
- "Letter to Hermione" is actually one of my favourite songs of all time, I listen to it over and over 3
- I hope the italic letters aren't too "heavy" to read, let me know what you think