So in this chapter, in order to make it longer, I'm gonna have Ron and Hermione send a few more letters to each other, along with having some family moments.

On with the fic!

Chapter 27: Summer Days

Dear Hermione,

How are you and your parents doing? Mum reckons your parents must've been rattled after Flourish and Blotts. Can't blame them after Malfoy's lot started running their mouths. Seriously, Hermione, I don't know how my dad kept his cool as long as he did. I mean, he didn't really, but Malfoy deserved it. Rotten git. Anyway, hope you're all okay.

Harry sends his love. Mum's feeding him like she thinks the Dursleys starved, and honestly, they probably did. Ginny's still acting all weird around him, though. She knocked over a whole jug of pumpkin juice at breakfast yesterday because he smiled at her. Bloody hilarious. Fred and George haven't stopped teasing her about it since.

Speaking of excitement, I was wondering if you'd be allowed to come stay with us for the rest of the summer? You've got to admit it's got to be better than hanging around home with your neighbors and all that studying you're probably doing. (Don't deny it. I know you've already started reading all the Lockhart books. Bet you're his biggest fan!) Mum said she'd love to have you over. She's even talking about baking treacle tart just in case you come.

Let me know what they say, yeah? Harry and I both think it'd be wicked to have you here. There's loads to do—we've been practicing Quidditch in the paddock, and Fred and George are up to something with those new fireworks they bought. I'm not saying you won't end up ducking for cover now and then, but at least you'd have a laugh. Besides, you've got to help keep Ginny from going completely mad over Harry.

Write back soon—Errol's practically dying for a proper delivery.

Ron

Dear Ron,

I am still in disbelief over what happened at Flourish And Blotts the other day. My parents were on edge about things when we got home. They did enjoy you and your family, especially your dad. My dad thought his curiosity of Muggle things was simply amusing, and Mum loved talking to your mother about the different ways they cooked and decorated, but the whole affair with the fight made them weary. My parents aren't accustomed to being around so much action. They are dentists, after all. The most action they get is the occasional biter.

I asked if I could come over for the rest of the summer and while Mum was okay with it, Dad firmly said no. I'm not so sure why, but what Dad says, goes. So I guess I can only write to you and Harry until term starts.

I hope that you have at least started to get your school things in order. Days pass quickly and soon enough, it will be time to leave. I've already got my trunk organized and packed with my clothes and books.

Write back to me if you have the time. Tell Ginny I said hello. I got to talk to her some, she seems really nice. If I don't hear from you soon, have fun and I'll see you and Harry on the 1st!

Love from,

Hermione

The summer days before term were growing shorter, but my heart felt fuller than it had in weeks. I continued to stay in touch with Ron and Harry. Ron's letters were filled with humor and news about the antics of Fred and George. Harry's letters, though less frequent, reassured me that he was settling in well with the Weasleys. I often wrote back in the evenings, sitting by the window as the sky turned shades of pink and orange, the quiet hum of our neighborhood serving as my backdrop.

After everything that had happened in Diagon Alley, Mama and Papa decided we needed to spend more time together as a family. It was a welcome distraction from my worries about Hogwarts and the looming question of what the new term would bring.

One sunny afternoon, we packed a picnic and went to the park. Mama had insisted we bring enough food for a small army, and Papa made sure we brought a bat and ball for a game of rounders. Aunt Noemi joined us, her arrival a whirlwind of hugs and stories about her latest adventures.

"Ready to lose, Mimi?" Papa teased as he handed me the bat.

"Not likely, Papa," I shot back, narrowing my eyes playfully. "I've been practicing... in my head."

"Oh, well, I'd better watch out then," he said, feigning fear.

Mama rolled her eyes with a laugh. "Don't let him wind you up, Jeanie. Just keep your eye on the ball."

The park was alive with laughter, birdsong, and the scent of fresh grass. The game was full of shouts and cheers, with Papa exaggerating every near miss, and Aunt Noemi acting as our self-appointed umpire. Afterward, we spread a blanket under the shade of a tree and tucked into sandwiches, fruit, and Mama's homemade lemon drizzle cake.

Later that evening, Aunt Noemi and I curled up in the lounge while Mama brewed tea. The scent of Earl Grey mingled with the faint aroma of the cookies Noemi had brought.

"So, Jeanie," Noemi began, leaning forward with her signature curious grin. "Are your classes as challenging as they sound in your letters?"

I nodded, tucking my legs under me. "Very. The professors expect a lot from us, but I like that. I feel like I'm learning things I wouldn't anywhere else."

Noemi raised an eyebrow. "And the other students? Are they as... unique as you make them sound?"

I hesitated, then smiled. "Some are brilliant. Others... well, let's just say they keep things interesting."

"And those boys you mentioned before—Ron and Harry?" She tilted her head. "You're always writing about them."

"They're my best friends," I said simply. "Ron's a bit cheeky, and Harry's quiet but brave. They're good to have around."

Noemi smiled knowingly. "Sounds like you've found your people."

I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. I adored Aunt Noemi; the way she always asked questions about my life, her genuine curiosity about everything. But there was always a part of me that felt heavy when we talked. There was so much I couldn't tell her. She thought I went to a gifted boarding school, and while that wasn't entirely a lie, it was far from the whole truth.

I longed to share everything with her: the magic of Hogwarts, the spells I'd mastered, the moving staircases, and even the adventures I'd had with Harry and Ron. She would love hearing about it, I was sure. Aunt Noemi was the type of person who would marvel at the idea of Hippogriffs and enchanted libraries. But I wasn't allowed to tell her. or anyone else, outside of Mama and Papa. The wizarding world had to stay a secret, and that secrecy sometimes felt like a wall between us.

As I ran my fingers over the picnic blanket, I sighed. What would she think if she knew the truth? Would she be amazed, proud, or even afraid? I wished I could know, but I had to follow the rules. Still, I promised myself to keep writing her letters while I was at school, sharing what I could, even if it wasn't the full picture. For now, I'd cling to the hope that she'd love me just the same, magic or not.

I just needed to figure out how to get them to her. Maybe I could write two letters to my parents as I did for Harry with Ron and have my parents pass it along.

The evening before I was set to return to Hogwarts, Mama and Papa decided to take me out to dinner. They said it was to celebrate the start of another school year and a chance for us to spend some quality time together. I was thrilled at the idea, but my excitement dwindled the moment we arrived at the restaurant.

It was one of those places where the menus were written entirely in French, and I couldn't pronounce half the dishes. My French wasn't the best yet. The interior was dimly lit, with a few flickering candles on every table. The servers carried themselves as though they were the gatekeepers to some exclusive club. Everything felt... stuffy. I tried to keep an open mind, but when the waiter brought my plate, a dish called foie gras, I had to fight the urge to wrinkle my nose. All I really wanted was a burger and a salad, but I didn't want to hurt their feelings.

"So, what do you think, Jeanie?" Papa asked with a hopeful smile, cutting into his filet mignon. "A bit different from the usual, isn't it?"

I took a hesitant spoonful of the pate dish and swallowed, my face carefully neutral. "It's... interesting," I said, reaching for my water. "Very... flavorful."

Mama raised an eyebrow, catching the way I avoided meeting her eyes. "You don't like it, do you?" she asked, setting her fork down.

"It's not that," I began diplomatically. "It's just... I think it's an acquired taste."

Papa chuckled, clearly amused. "Acquired taste, is it? You sound just like your mother when I first brought her here years ago."

"Don't drag me into this, Michael," Mama said, laughing lightly. "At least I didn't pick at my food like you are, Mimi."

I flushed slightly, trying to eat another bite to prove her wrong. "I'm not picking," I said defensively. "I just don't understand why everything here has to be so complicated. Would it kill them to serve something simple, like a burger?"

"A burger?" Papa said, mock scandalized. "At a place like this? Hermione, you're missing out on a cultural experience!"

"A cultural experience that tastes like paste..." I muttered under my breath, earning a laugh from both of them.

"Oh, sweetheart," Mama said, her tone affectionate. "Next time, we'll go somewhere you choose. Tonight is about trying something new, even if it's not your favorite."

I couldn't help but smile despite myself. "Fine," I relented, "but don't expect me to ask for seconds."

We spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing, with me making light-hearted complaints about the food and Papa teasing me about my "sophisticated palate." By the end of the meal, I had barely touched my plate, but the warmth of being with them overshadowed my dissatisfaction. They even let me order a dessert—crème brûlée—which I genuinely enjoyed.

As we walked back to the car, I felt a twinge of sadness knowing I'd be leaving them the next day. Despite their choice of restaurant, I knew they only wanted to make the evening special. I looped my arms around both of them as we strolled down the street, my heart full.

Later that evening, after laying out my outfit for the morning, I sat cross-legged on my bed, reading a letter from Ron that had arrived as we returned home. The parchment was slightly crumpled, and Ron's familiar messy scrawl filled the page, complete with ink smudges and crossings-out. I smoothed it against my lap and read, smiling at his words.

Dear Hermione,

The last two days have been chaotic. Fred and George got caught trying to charm Dad's work boots to tap dance on their own. I don't know how they get away with it. Everyone knows that we aren't allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts until we are of age.

Anyways, it backfired, and the boots kicked a hole in the kitchen wall. Mum went ballistic! She shouted so loudly, even Percy came downstairs to see what was going on.

Speaking of Percy, he's been unbearable. He's still bragging about being a prefect, as if we didn't know already. He's practicing his "important" face in the mirror again. Ginny caught him at it yesterday and told everyone at dinner. He didn't talk to any of us for hours after that. Serves him right for being so pompous.

Harry's doing great. Honestly, I think he's already used to how bonkers my family is. He even joined in when Fred and George were throwing gnomes over the fence yesterday. Ginny still can't get two words out when she's near him, though. She knocked over a milk jug when he asked her to pass the butter. It's hilarious...and kind of embarrassing, really.

Mum's been nagging us to get everything packed for tomorrow. She says if we miss the train, it'll be "a national catastrophe," whatever that means. I can't wait to see you at King's Cross. It's going to be brilliant being back at Hogwarts. Well, apart from the schoolwork, of course. See you soon, and don't go bringing half the library this time, alright?

Ron

I couldn't help but laugh at Ron's descriptions, especially the bit about Percy and his "important" face. I could just picture it, and Ginny's milk jug disaster sounded exactly like something she would do. It felt so good to hear that Harry was having a great time with Ron's family. I could imagine him being part of all the chaos, fitting in like he'd always belonged there.

I wish I could have been there as well.

Setting the letter down on my nightstand, I wrote back about my evening among other things and sent it back with Errol. I closed my window after sending him off into the night.

I got into bed, leaning back against my pillows, staring at the ceiling. The thought of seeing Ron and Harry again tomorrow filled me with excitement. I missed them both so much. It felt like years had passed since I'd last seen them, though it had only been weeks. And the thought of returning to Hogwarts, with its magical halls and endless adventures, made my heart race with anticipation.

With a contented sigh, I switched off my bedside lamp and snuggled under the blankets. Tomorrow, the adventure would begin again, and I couldn't wait.