Letters and Crests
Harry let the letter fall to his desk, running a hand through his already messy hair. He had expected surprise—maybe even confusion—when he read Hermione’s words about Malfoy. But instead, as he reread her letter, he found himself… relieved.
She was happy. That was the most important thing. After everything they had been through, everything she had sacrificed, she deserved happiness. And if Malfoy had truly changed—changed enough for Hermione to trust him, to love him—then who was Harry to question it? He had seen Malfoy’s hesitation at the end of the war, had seen the way he had faltered, how he had chosen to protect his family rather than stand with Voldemort. Maybe that choice had been the first step to something different. Maybe this was what redemption looked like.
Still, the part of Hermione’s letter that unsettled him most wasn’t about Malfoy—it was about Ron. The Howlers, the threats, the anger. He knew Ron could be stubborn, knew he could be hot-headed, but this was different. This was cruel. I’ve lost one of my best friends. That line stuck with him the most. He hated the idea that Ron’s inability to accept change had cost them all something so valuable.
Harry exhaled sharply, pulling a fresh piece of parchment toward him. Dipping his quill into ink, he started writing.
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Hermione,
I won’t lie—I was shocked to read your letter. But more than that, I’m happy for you. Truly. You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel safe and loved, and if Malfoy is that person for you, then I trust your judgment. You’ve always been the smartest of the three of us, after all.
That being said, I am worried about what you told me regarding Ron. It’s not just anger anymore—it’s cruelty. That isn’t who he’s supposed to be. I don’t know what’s going on in his head, but this has to stop. You shouldn’t have to face this kind of attack every day, especially not from someone who was supposed to be your friend.
I’ll talk to him. I’ll take care of it. You don’t need to handle this alone, and you definitely shouldn’t have to endure it any longer.
I miss you too. And of course, I love you, Hermione. Even when I don’t understand your choices, I’ll always support you. That’s what family does.
Let’s set up a Floo call soon—I want to hear everything from you directly. Until then, take care of yourself.
Harry
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Harry rolled up the letter, tying it securely before attaching it to the eagle owl’s leg. He ran his fingers over the Malfoy crest on the ribbon once more, shaking his head slightly. The world really has changed, hasn’t it?
As the owl soared out into the night, Harry sat back in his chair, determination settling into his bones. He wasn’t going to let Ron ruin this for Hermione—not when she had finally found something good.