Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Dear Luna, from Ginny and Hermione, July 15th
Regular print is Ginny writing. Italics are Hermione's commentary.
After we finished our visit with you when your father showed us that...that thing, (I'm going to go look it up in a book!) that was very lovely, we decided to walk back to the Burrow. I had side-along Apparated with Hermione, but I decided I don't like side-along Apparition much, (Your boyfriend doesn't, either, so I'm not surprised.) so we were going to take the bus and tell my dad all about it. I think that would have pleased him. But when we arrived at the bus stop, there was a creepy guy with drugs and Ginny was highly confused, so we left. Walking it was.
It was a billywig, one of the one he's using for that hush-hush project!
As we passed that creek with the rushes, we heard something rustling. Hermione had her wand out at once, though my first thought was that it was a bird. But, seeing Hermione on guard, I pulled out my wand as well. You make me sound like I'm paranoid! Don't you know there's a war on? Hermione said, "Dissendium!" and the rushes separated, but there wasn't anything there but a couple of big rocks.
We kept walking for quite a while and I put my wand back in my pocket. "I'd like to be Quidditch Captain," I said suddenly. "Since Harry's not coming back, it'll be open. I mean, I'd rather...well, you know."
"Yes, I know."
Silence. I grabbed at something cheery to say.
"Have fun with that, because I won't be there to confund anyone for you this year," said Hermione.
I had to laugh. "If you confund anyone this year, don't go out with him after."
"Well, that depends on how stupid your brother is."
"You know how he is with private moments." I sniffed. "I don't suppose there'll be much more chance for him to be obnoxious, then, is there?"
Obnoxious to whom? "What is that supposed to mean?"
"You're all going away! And Harry won't be there. Even if he was, it--I--I should stay home, too."
"No, you ha--"
"What's the point of going back if Dumbledore isn't there and my brothers aren't there and you aren't there?"
"But Luna--"
"And class in the dungeons!"
"But Snape--"
"I don't know if I can ever look at that room again. That horrible man! I know he was so awful to Harry all the time, but I really hoped Dumbledore was right--"
"But Dumbledore--"
"--that Snape wasn't all bad. And then he--"
Hermione gripped her wand hard. "He killed Dumbledore."
I exploded. "I don't want to go back if you won't be there. But it doesn't matter, if you were, everything would be wrong, anyway. Bloody stupid You-Know-Who. I wish he'd died when Harry stabbed the diary!"
Hermione burst into tears. And then I burst into tears and we sank to the ground, mumbling and weeping about who-knows-what, everything, I think.
And then something small and gangly with a bulbous head flew out of nowhere and sank its teeth into my arm. I screamed. Hermione shouted, "Sectumsempra!" but it barely grazed the creature and it only backed off for an instant, a tiny bit of blood on its forehead.
I kicked away its second attack and Hermione tried, "Stupefy!"
I groped for my wand and shouted, "Reducto!" but it dodged and my spell reduced a small shrub to ashes.
Hermione gave her wand a little extra thrust: "STUPEFY!"
The spell hit the creature and it dropped like the rock its head resembled. It twitched a little, so Hermione added, "Petrificus totalus!"
We stood shaken, staring at it for a few seconds. Then Hermione turned to me. "Here," she said, and healed up the bite on my arm.
"What was that?" I asked.
"I don't know," she said, "but I think it was making us depressed, like a Dementor." I looked it up when we got back to the Burrow. It was a pogrebin.
"Why'd you use Sectumsempra?" I asked.
Hermione shrugged. "We'd just been talking about Snape, and I needed a spell."
"It's dark magic, isn't it?" I said, thinking about the time Harry had Snape's potions book.
"Um," Hermione said, shoving her wand into her pocket. "Maybe. I don't know."
We walked back to the Burrow in silence, compulsively checking over our shoulders. But nothing was there.
We're safe and sound inside the Burrow, now. Mum wasn't too happy about the whole thing. By the time I got back, I had a notice from the Ministry of Magic for underage magic, but Dad explained I was with an adult witch (i.e., older and wiser!) and I got off.
I hope you've been well since we left you.
Love,
Ginny
P. S. Ginny neglected to mention how we began our walk from your house discussing Bill and Fleur's wedding. Apparently Viktor Krum is coming. Ginny could not resist making some impertinent remarks. And I, of course, retorted that Viktor might like Ginny the best of the party--Quidditch as a common interest, you know?--and we must therefore do all we can to keep him away from Harry. Ginny then informed me that Fred and George bought Ron a book on "Charming Witches." We debated whether or not we should steal and jinx it. If so, we might end up wreaking havoc at the wedding. We haven't yet decided on a plan of action. Any suggestions? Do try to not get bitten by the billywigs. Love, Hermione.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Dear Luna, July 12...or something
Dear Luna,
Sorry I haven't written to you sooner. I wrote a coded letter to Harry first and it took a while. He didn't get it because Dudley threw a rock at Horatio. Hermione was surprised that Harry and I invented a code without her help. Psh.
Anyway, here is the letter I wrote before:
Once the bug issue had cleared up, Lupin and Tonks' wedding was beautiful. Small, quick, here and gone in an instant, but it was a good thing to see in the midst of all this trouble. It was a bit makeshift, especially because the preparations for Bill and Fleur's wedding are still making our house crazy, but at least we had some decorations up already, and that was a nice touch. Kinglsey and Mad-Eye and Tonks' parents and Bill and Fleur and Hermione were here. I wish Harry could have come. But anyway, as we were getting ready for the actual ceremony, Tonks was so excited her hair kept switching between pink and lavender and her eyes even changed color a couple times.
I snuck out and watched Lupin for a bit while we got the last things in place. I've never seen him look so happy, though he also looked rather nervous. I don't blame him. But when the time finally came for the ceremony, all the nervousness melted away and he looked years younger and sharper than I've ever seen him. He and Tonks couldn't keep their eyes off each other the whole time. When they kissed, everyone cheered and I thought my heart would burst with everything--them so happy, Bill and Fleur about to get married, Hermione and Ron and Harry going off somewhere or other. Dumbledore. This bright light in the midst of the darkest months in my lifetime.
We had a nice dinner reception, lots of pumpkin juice and butterbeer and firewhisky and food galore. Then we let them go and Tonks and Lupin disapparated in a hurry and we cleaned up.
They had a very short honeymoon. They came back to visit three days later. Tonks looked beyond overjoyed but I thought Lupin looked worried. I expect its everything going on. Something with the Order. Or it could just be he's worried about the full moon now that he's married. It's not for another week and a half. Poor Professor Lupin. I think it's good he's married to Tonks. He needs someone to take care of him now and then. I mean, if he's on his own, he'll just wake up in the morning somewhere completely random, possibly hurt, with nothing about him. Maybe not even his wand. I don't know what he does. It'll be good to have Tonks to look after him. Hopefully she can get wolfsbane for him and everything will be okay, even if he is still ill.
Well, I hope you are doing well. I am going to go flying soon. Perhaps I will fly by your house and say hello. Don't tell my mother.
Love,
Ginny
Sorry I haven't written to you sooner. I wrote a coded letter to Harry first and it took a while. He didn't get it because Dudley threw a rock at Horatio. Hermione was surprised that Harry and I invented a code without her help. Psh.
Anyway, here is the letter I wrote before:
Once the bug issue had cleared up, Lupin and Tonks' wedding was beautiful. Small, quick, here and gone in an instant, but it was a good thing to see in the midst of all this trouble. It was a bit makeshift, especially because the preparations for Bill and Fleur's wedding are still making our house crazy, but at least we had some decorations up already, and that was a nice touch. Kinglsey and Mad-Eye and Tonks' parents and Bill and Fleur and Hermione were here. I wish Harry could have come. But anyway, as we were getting ready for the actual ceremony, Tonks was so excited her hair kept switching between pink and lavender and her eyes even changed color a couple times.
I snuck out and watched Lupin for a bit while we got the last things in place. I've never seen him look so happy, though he also looked rather nervous. I don't blame him. But when the time finally came for the ceremony, all the nervousness melted away and he looked years younger and sharper than I've ever seen him. He and Tonks couldn't keep their eyes off each other the whole time. When they kissed, everyone cheered and I thought my heart would burst with everything--them so happy, Bill and Fleur about to get married, Hermione and Ron and Harry going off somewhere or other. Dumbledore. This bright light in the midst of the darkest months in my lifetime.
We had a nice dinner reception, lots of pumpkin juice and butterbeer and firewhisky and food galore. Then we let them go and Tonks and Lupin disapparated in a hurry and we cleaned up.
They had a very short honeymoon. They came back to visit three days later. Tonks looked beyond overjoyed but I thought Lupin looked worried. I expect its everything going on. Something with the Order. Or it could just be he's worried about the full moon now that he's married. It's not for another week and a half. Poor Professor Lupin. I think it's good he's married to Tonks. He needs someone to take care of him now and then. I mean, if he's on his own, he'll just wake up in the morning somewhere completely random, possibly hurt, with nothing about him. Maybe not even his wand. I don't know what he does. It'll be good to have Tonks to look after him. Hopefully she can get wolfsbane for him and everything will be okay, even if he is still ill.
Well, I hope you are doing well. I am going to go flying soon. Perhaps I will fly by your house and say hello. Don't tell my mother.
Love,
Ginny
Dear Luna. July 13.
I'm at the Burrow now. Left home yesterday. Took my stuff to the Burrow in the morning before saying "goodbye" to my parents last night.
My parents--upstanding, hard-working, well-respected leaders in their field--have, as a result of their memory modification, quit their jobs and left the country. I made them think that their life-long dream has been to move to Australia. I made them think that now, of all times, was their only chance to do so. In a week or two, I thought, they'd pack up and leave. But no. They left this morning. I apparated from the Burrow to home at 9 am to see what they were up to--wanted to make sure the jinx had worked--and they were already gone! I hurried to Heathrow--an airport near London...oh dear, it's where the muggles' flying vehicles land and take off--and asked around. They'd bought their tickets last night and flew out on a 6-am flight this morning. Shocked, I apparated over to their offices--they'd both called in last night, dazed, and announced that they were quitting. Just like that. No explanation. The poor secretaries were so confused--and growing increasingly worried about me, since I hadn't gone to the police and didn't know where my parents were--that I had to modify their memories as well!
So they're gone. You must be wondering why I'm so upset. I wanted them to go; I wanted them to get out of England to safety. And having lived at Hogwarts most of the time for the last six years, you'd think that being away from them would be no problem.
Well, Luna, here's what I haven't told you yet: They don't even know they have a daughter.
So they're gone, really gone. And I feel like a ship, lost at sea without a map, that has suddenly also lost its anchor.
I can't describe what it was like. We were sitting by the fire in the sitting room. I said, mum, I've got something to tell you and dad, and then made tea and sat down with them on the leather armchairs. And told them everything. Mum started protesting loudly when I said I was dropping out of school to help a friend fight the most powerful and wicked wizard of our time. Dad said nothing. Mum and I started arguing about it. It wasn't that she didn't believe me. "It's too dangerous," she kept saying, shaking her head. "You'll be killed!" She said it over and over. It didn't matter what I said or did. I showed them some spells, even. It was the first time I'd ever done that since I lost the trace. I showed them my patronus and explained how it would protect me from the dememtors; I showed them my textbooks and described how each spell would keep me safe. But Mum kept saying, "You'll be killed!"
Dad hadn't taken his eyes off me the whole time. He hadn't said anything, either. But now he suddenly spoke: "Tell us about your world," he said, with that brightness in his eyes that Mr. Weasley gets when I tell him about some new muggle technology. "What's it really like?"
So I told them. Everything. About the moving pictures and staircases, quidditch, the "Slug Club," Ginny&Harry, The Quibbler, the time-turner I had third year. I told them about Dumbledore's murder, Rita Skeeter, the Ministry, Wormtail, and Percy Weasley. I told them everything. We all started crying. I stood in front of the fire place, weeping, pacing, fingering my wand, and told them that one thing I can't tell even you. They stopped crying. And Mum asked the question--the one question I try not to think of--the question with the answer I fear more than anything--
And then I turned on them and said: "Obliviate."
Then I left them forever. Mrs. Weasley was waiting for me at the Burrow with a cup of earl grey with vanilla and steamed milk. We cried in the kitchen for half an hour.
I never actually said "goodbye." I just left. We were together, crying, and then, I was gone. And they don't even remember.
Lunca, I modified their memories!My parents--upstanding, hard-working, well-respected leaders in their field--have, as a result of their memory modification, quit their jobs and left the country. I made them think that their life-long dream has been to move to Australia. I made them think that now, of all times, was their only chance to do so. In a week or two, I thought, they'd pack up and leave. But no. They left this morning. I apparated from the Burrow to home at 9 am to see what they were up to--wanted to make sure the jinx had worked--and they were already gone! I hurried to Heathrow--an airport near London...oh dear, it's where the muggles' flying vehicles land and take off--and asked around. They'd bought their tickets last night and flew out on a 6-am flight this morning. Shocked, I apparated over to their offices--they'd both called in last night, dazed, and announced that they were quitting. Just like that. No explanation. The poor secretaries were so confused--and growing increasingly worried about me, since I hadn't gone to the police and didn't know where my parents were--that I had to modify their memories as well!
So they're gone. You must be wondering why I'm so upset. I wanted them to go; I wanted them to get out of England to safety. And having lived at Hogwarts most of the time for the last six years, you'd think that being away from them would be no problem.
Well, Luna, here's what I haven't told you yet: They don't even know they have a daughter.
So they're gone, really gone. And I feel like a ship, lost at sea without a map, that has suddenly also lost its anchor.
I can't describe what it was like. We were sitting by the fire in the sitting room. I said, mum, I've got something to tell you and dad, and then made tea and sat down with them on the leather armchairs. And told them everything. Mum started protesting loudly when I said I was dropping out of school to help a friend fight the most powerful and wicked wizard of our time. Dad said nothing. Mum and I started arguing about it. It wasn't that she didn't believe me. "It's too dangerous," she kept saying, shaking her head. "You'll be killed!" She said it over and over. It didn't matter what I said or did. I showed them some spells, even. It was the first time I'd ever done that since I lost the trace. I showed them my patronus and explained how it would protect me from the dememtors; I showed them my textbooks and described how each spell would keep me safe. But Mum kept saying, "You'll be killed!"
Dad hadn't taken his eyes off me the whole time. He hadn't said anything, either. But now he suddenly spoke: "Tell us about your world," he said, with that brightness in his eyes that Mr. Weasley gets when I tell him about some new muggle technology. "What's it really like?"
So I told them. Everything. About the moving pictures and staircases, quidditch, the "Slug Club," Ginny&Harry, The Quibbler, the time-turner I had third year. I told them about Dumbledore's murder, Rita Skeeter, the Ministry, Wormtail, and Percy Weasley. I told them everything. We all started crying. I stood in front of the fire place, weeping, pacing, fingering my wand, and told them that one thing I can't tell even you. They stopped crying. And Mum asked the question--the one question I try not to think of--the question with the answer I fear more than anything--
And then I turned on them and said: "Obliviate."
Then I left them forever. Mrs. Weasley was waiting for me at the Burrow with a cup of earl grey with vanilla and steamed milk. We cried in the kitchen for half an hour.
I feel so guilty.
Hope you and your father are doing well.
Love,
Hermione
P.S. Ginny sent Horatio to Privet Drive with a letter about Lupin (he's asked Ron and me to call him "Remus" now that we're of age and no longer at school, but it's still really weird) and Tonks' wedding, but apparently Dudley say Horatio before Harry did and threw a rock at him (Horatio, not Harry). Thus, Horatio has been in convalescence the last few days, and I've sent Ginny's letter to you with Andromeda. Enjoy the joy in hers. I'm sorry there wasn't any in mine.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Hermione, July 11
Dear Hermione,
It sounds like Lupin & Tonks had a marvelous day! I'm sure they'll be glad of the stories and memories they have to tell their children and grandchildren. And I'm sure they're elated that they were able to spend the day with people they love and who care about them, hi-jinks and all.
Ginny has not yet written me about the wedding - that, or Horatio got lost again. Poor Mrs. Weasley, I'm sure she must have been at her wit's end, what with the gnomes making everything muddy. However, it's no wonder than Tonks was laughing; gnome saliva has many beneficial properties, you know, and I'm sure she was feeling quite wonderful.
However, I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the cockroach...I asked daddy about it, and he said it is a creature which commonly scares muggles. I shall have to find one and see why everyone has such an issue with them. I'm sure they're still quite nice.
NEVER MIND. I looked them up. And then daddy showed me one he had pinned in a collection. I must say that I have never seen a creature so intimidating and creepy...I feel like I'm being rather judgmental on the poor cockroach, but I jumped a rather good amount into the air before running into the other room when I saw it. And it wasn't moving. Nor was it as big as the one you saw.
Neville wrote me last week, telling me when he was going to Diagon Alley, and asked me if I would like to join him as Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. I think he may have asked Ginny too? The remaining members of the DA I suppose. Well, be sure to tell Ginny to let me know if she got the letter/if she's able to make it.
Things have been rather quiet at home lately. We've gotten a lot of letters for the Quibbler in support of Harry - so be sure to let him know we're behind him 100% when you see him next. And we've also gotten some rather irritated letters from Ministry supporters about Harry and our reports - so be sure to let him know they're behind You-Know-Who when you see him next. Apart from the letters though, not much has happened. Our Crumple-Horned Snorkack expedition has been postponed, due to the urgent need to speak out against the Ministry and You-Know-Who. If they have their way, I'm sure there won't be any more Crumple-Horned Snorkacks to find, anyway.
Missing everyone,
Luna.
It sounds like Lupin & Tonks had a marvelous day! I'm sure they'll be glad of the stories and memories they have to tell their children and grandchildren. And I'm sure they're elated that they were able to spend the day with people they love and who care about them, hi-jinks and all.
Ginny has not yet written me about the wedding - that, or Horatio got lost again. Poor Mrs. Weasley, I'm sure she must have been at her wit's end, what with the gnomes making everything muddy. However, it's no wonder than Tonks was laughing; gnome saliva has many beneficial properties, you know, and I'm sure she was feeling quite wonderful.
However, I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the cockroach...I asked daddy about it, and he said it is a creature which commonly scares muggles. I shall have to find one and see why everyone has such an issue with them. I'm sure they're still quite nice.
NEVER MIND. I looked them up. And then daddy showed me one he had pinned in a collection. I must say that I have never seen a creature so intimidating and creepy...I feel like I'm being rather judgmental on the poor cockroach, but I jumped a rather good amount into the air before running into the other room when I saw it. And it wasn't moving. Nor was it as big as the one you saw.
Neville wrote me last week, telling me when he was going to Diagon Alley, and asked me if I would like to join him as Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. I think he may have asked Ginny too? The remaining members of the DA I suppose. Well, be sure to tell Ginny to let me know if she got the letter/if she's able to make it.
Things have been rather quiet at home lately. We've gotten a lot of letters for the Quibbler in support of Harry - so be sure to let him know we're behind him 100% when you see him next. And we've also gotten some rather irritated letters from Ministry supporters about Harry and our reports - so be sure to let him know they're behind You-Know-Who when you see him next. Apart from the letters though, not much has happened. Our Crumple-Horned Snorkack expedition has been postponed, due to the urgent need to speak out against the Ministry and You-Know-Who. If they have their way, I'm sure there won't be any more Crumple-Horned Snorkacks to find, anyway.
Missing everyone,
Luna.