Letters
July 3rd,
Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, England.
Dear Harry,
How are you Pots? Is this too early to write? I feel like it’s too early to write…. Well, I’m here anyways, so might as well keep going.
What are the muggles like? That may seem strange to ask, but genuinely, I’m curious. Are they mean? I asked Hermione once, and she said it’s not her business to tell, while Weasley said outright they were the worst sort of muggles imaginable. Now, I can’t imagine any muggle being anything but the worst, of course, but still, they do seem bad. So how are you? (If you don’t want to tell me, that’s okay too. It might not be my place to know)
My father’s been awful. He keeps trying to apologize, or spend time with me, or just, all the stuff he should have done years and years ago and never did and I know I should be grateful but… He’s the bad guy. I want him to lose but at the same time I know if he does I’ll never ever get a chance to make up for all those years lost. You can’t imagine how much I admired him, and still do. It’s not some light you can just turn off. He’s my dad.
Anyway, when’s your birthday? I never cared to know, but Hermione said it was in the summer, so when is it? I’ll have to send you a card.
Sincerely your’s truly,
Draco Malfoy.
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July 5th,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Draco,
I’m doing well, Mals, thanks for writing. It’s never too early to write. And, my birthday is July 31st, so you have a long time to wait. Thanks for asking, though. Tess’ is July 23rd, too, by the way, in case you wanted to send her a card as well.
I’ll be honest with you, the Dursley’s are genuinely the worst sort of muggles, but stop with the ‘all muggles are the worst’ talk, Malfoy. You clearly still have some prejudices to work on (Dumbledore will not be pleased). But yes, they're horrible. Aunt Petunia doesn’t do much but order me around, and coddle my cousin, Dudley. But Uncle Vernon is always looking for a reason to shout at me. I didn’t even know they were bad until I met the Weasleys! Actually, funny thing about Dudley; he’s such a bully that when I met you that first time in Madam Malkin’s, you reminded me of him! Don’t worry, you’re much more handsome. In retrospect. Comparatively. When put in comparison. You know what I mean.
On the topic of your dad… Well, I’m not sure what there is to say that hasn’t already been said. He chose a side you're not fighting for and you’ll just have to live with that. But I think Dumbledore’s right; you should still let yourself love him. He is your dad, after all.
Your friend,
H.P
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July 9th,
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Scotland.
Dear Harry,
Were you spying on my conversation with Dumbledore? Harry, you have to stop. It’s an awful habit.
Thanks for the advice. I have to keep this letter short, as I’m on holiday, and if my dad catches me writing to you he’ll most definitely have a breakdown, but I had to check up on you. See how you’re doing with those awful muggles. Has Hermione written to you yet? She hasn’t to me, even though she promised she’d send me that book on Animagi. Now I’ll have to buy it myself…
I have to go now. Hope you're alright, and Hedwig.
Sincerely,
Draco
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July 10th,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Hermione,
How’ve you been? Draco says you never wrote to him and sent him that book. Planning to soon? You should, he’ll get all moody if you don’t, you know how he is. But about that book, why’d you read it again? I guess Animagi are cool… but couldn’t you just ask Padfoot about them? Whatever, you're Hermione, you probably have some logical reason for it.
Come to think of it, you’ve been neglecting writing to me too, haven’t you? You and Ron! I’ll have to write to him too after this.
Hope you are doing well,,
H.P
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July 10th,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Ron,
Hey mate, how are you? I was just writing to Hermione, and I thought it was strange she hadn’t written yet--very un-Hermione of her--and then I realized you hadn’t either! I know you like to play it cool, but it’s been over a week since summer started. Did you go on a trip to Egypt again and not tell me? Well, whatever it is, you better write soon. I don’t care if you stop writing to Draco--you don’t have to pretend to like him over the summer too--but I’m your best friend right? A word would be nice. Plus, you could keep me posted on the wizarding world! You were always good about stuff like that.
Keep in touch,
H.P
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July 10th,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Draco,
Don’t feel the need to write if it will get you in trouble--I don’t know if your parents are like the Dursleys or the Weasley’s, or something in the middle, but I have a sense your dad isn’t very nice when angry. If you think he’ll catch you writing to me, stop writing. I’ll be fine. I still have Ron and Hermione after all, and Padfoot. And the other Champions promised they’d write too, eventually….
(P.S: I see you’re in Loch Ness! The Dursley’s visited there once with Aunt Marge. Think I was... Eight, at the time. Left me alone, of course, would never let me go on vacation. How is it?)
H.P
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July 11th,
The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon, England.
Malfoy,
Hermione asked me to pen you, since she never got your address and Dad knows it. Harry’s been sending letters, asking us to contact him. Dumbledore told us at the end of term we weren’t to say a word to him about what's been going on with Voldemort and the Ministry, and we were scared that if we did talk to him, he’d start asking questions. We’ll pen him now, but Hermione’s asked me to ask that you do what Dumbledore said. I know we haven’t seen eye to eye, ever, and I’m not asking for that to change, but I am asking that you not tell Harry a word of news. It’s what Dumbledore wants, so he has to have some reason for it.
(P.S: I’m sending you the book on Animagi, since Hermione’s just gone on Holiday and doesn’t want you to keep waiting any longer)
Sincerely,
Ron W.
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July 11th,
The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon, England.
Dear Harry,
Hey mate. Sorry I haven’t written yet, things have been really crazy at home with dad and Percy getting pulled in constantly for work. Can’t reveal anything about you-know-what, obviously. You know how mom is, thinks us kids can’t know anything. But it’s whatever. Hermione’s sorry too, but her family’s been planning this big holiday to Tokyo and she’s been trying to find out about any wizarding towns in the area. She only penned me to see if I knew anything.
There’s a fair amount going on, as you can see, but I’m sure you’ll be invited to stay with us soon, but in the meantime, any requests for your birthday?
Sincerely,
Ron W.
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July 11th,
8 Heathgate, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, England.
Dear Harry,
Hello, how are you? I’m so sorry for not sending a letter sooner, but my parents vacation popped up out of practically nowhere and I couldn’t manage to send an owl. I’m sure you were fine with letters from Draco, though. Were you? I heard Ron’s not writing either. That Ron… Honestly he could try to act not like a, well, boy for one summer. You’ve been through enough…
Hope you are doing well anyhow, and I promise I’ll be letting that ginger know how rude it was to leave you alone like that for so long.
Sincerely,
Hermione J. Granger
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July 12th,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Ron,
You know me, I have no preferences.
Don’t feel bad! I bet the Ministry must be up in arms. Wish your mom would tell you more though--you are fifteen afterall, and we’ve been through hell enough times over. Never mind, though, it’s not your fault. Tell your mom she doesn’t need to even ask if I want to come over, though. The Dursley’s are getting harder to deal with every day. Just tell her to send the twins through the fireplace again, and give Dudley that ton-tongue-toffee while they're at it.
Hope you’re having a good summer,
H.P
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July 12th,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Hermione,
Don’t feel bad, none of it was your fault. And don’t attack Ron for me, he was just being Ron, and you are right about Draco writing, so it hasn’t been too lonely. Though the Dursley’s are as insufferable as ever, as I’m sure you can guess.
I don’t mean to pry, but how have you been doing? With Viktor and all. It was weeks ago but… It’s fresh on my mind, at least, and Draco’s. You okay?
Also how are things with the Ministry and Voldemort? Rita may be out of the picture but the Daily Prophet still is giving nothing away. You must know something more, at least, right?
Sincerely,
H.P
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July 14th,
8 Heathgate, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, England.
Dear Harry,
Thank you so much for caring, but yes, I am slowly recovering from losing Viktor. It’s hard. You know me. I try to be practical in situations like these but it’s hard to be with such an emotional thing. Viktor meant a great deal to me, as a friend or more, and the way he went...
I know I’ll be fine, one day, but for now, you must understand, recovery is hard.
As for the Ministry… We’ve been told not to say anything important in case our letters go astray, but I promise we’ll tell you everything when we see you.
Sincerely,
Hermione J. Granger
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July 15th,
Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, England.
Dear Harry,
Finally back! I’ve found a secret way of sending letters--really it’s just the two days a week my dad doesn’t drag me to his office and I’m home with my mother, but if our House-Elf Spink sees us I’m cooked.
Loch Ness is beautiful. It was my first time going, believe it or not, at a request from my mother, who apparently went here with her sisters as a child regularly. Swimming in the lake reminded me of the second task, and I do think I glimpsed the Loch Ness monster. Think I’ll take a break from riding sea creatures for a while, though…
I’ll still continue to write when I can, and don’t worry, I promise I won’t get caught.
Your friend,
Draco Malfoy
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July 17th,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Draco,
Have you been having nightmares? I’m not sure if it’s normal, but every night I go back to the graveyard. The things I see vary, sometimes it’s you dead instead of Viktor, or one of the other Champions, and sometimes it’s just Voldemort. But every night it’s always the graveyard. I can’t stop thinking about that night either. Sometimes I fool myself into thinking I hear his voice, or see his eyes. My scar hasn’t stopped burning since the train either.
(P.S: Any news from the Wizarding World? You and I both know that the Daily Prophet isn’t reliable, and for some reason Ron and Hermione aren’t revealing anything. You must know something, though, right, what with your dad? Please tell me, I am confused and just want answers.)
H.P
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July 19th,
Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, England.
Dear Harry,
Yes, I get them too. Not every dream has been about the graveyard, some are about Crouch Jr, and some are about my parents, but they’ve never happened before. I’ve started brewing potions that dampen them, though, I’ll send some through. I’m sure it’s normal, at least that’s probably what Dumbledore would say.
As far as news on You-Know-Who, you know no one can say much, in case letters get intercepted. I suppose you’ll just have to stick to the Daily Prophet.
Your friend,
Draco Malfoy
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July 20th,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Padfoot,
Any news on Fudge? Is he listening to Dumbledore? I’m sure things must be hectic, and I know the Daily Prophet isn’t always reliable, but it says they’ve removed the Dementors from Azkaban at last. That must be a good thing, right? I'm confused why Voldemort hasn’t attacked yet. Has he? Is there something the Ministry refuses to reveal? No ones giving me answers, so I hope you’ll listen.
Say ‘hi ‘to Buckbeak for me,
H.P
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July 23rd,
Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, England.
Dear Tess,
Happy Birthday!
From,
Draco
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July 23rd,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Tess,
Happy 18th! You’re an adult now!
From,
Harry
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July 26th,
2nd-Floor Apartment Complex, Rotterdam, Netherlands, England.
Dear Draco,
Thank you for all the birthday wishes. Your gift was wonderful--I hadn’t expected you to remember how much I enjoy muggle books! I’m sending a postcard from my trip with Percy to the Rijksmuseum, a popular muggle attraction (as I am told.) It was a very lovely trip.
Wishing you a great summer,
Tess.
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July 26th,
2nd-Floor Apartment Complex, Rotterdam, Netherlands, England.
Dear Harry,
What a wonderful gift! I’m sure I’ll put this game to great use, thank you. Here’s a postcard from my trip with Percy to the Rijksmuseum. Have you heard of it? I assume so, as you were raised by muggles, correct? I can tell because you seem to think eighteen is when wizards and witches come of age, but it isn’t. That’s muggles. Seventeen is our coming of age. I appreciate your well wishes still, Harry.
Have a wonderful rest of your summer,
Tess.
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July 28th,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Hermione,
Tess’s birthday was the 23rd, did you send a card? If you didn’t that’s fine, and I know Ron would never, especially with the whole dating Percy thing. I think they look cute together, personally, but they truly are insufferable to listen to all at once.
Any news from the Ministry? When can I expect to be back with you all? The Dursley’s are getting worse and worse every day, and I’ve tried to extend the grape vine to Dudley, since if Draco could change, maybe he can, but no luck. At this point, I might even ask to stay at the Malfoy’s.
Sincerely,
H.P
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July 29th,
Unknown Location.
Dear Harry,
Whatever you do, do not ask to go to Malfoy Manor.
As I said in my last letter, we expect to see you soon, but you’ll need to wait. In dark times like these, it’s hard to find a safe time for you to come to us. But mark my words, the Manor is not safe. Just…. Stick it out a little longer for us, okay?
Have a wonderful birthday,
Hermione J. Granger
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July 30th,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Hermione,
What do you mean? Is Draco going to be okay? Why wouldn’t his home be safe? I understand that the Wizarding World must be going through dark times right now, but I don’t understand like you seem to think I do. The Prophet is telling me nothing, Muggle news is telling me nothing, and all my friends, even my godfather, is telling me nothing. Will someone tell me anything?
H.P
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July 31st,
Unknown Location.
Dear Harry,
Happy birthday!
I’m deeply sorry I haven’t written to you but I believe we both can understand the chaos the Wizarding World is being faced with right now. I know this must be frustrating for you, being in the dark like this, but if you keep your nose clean of any trouble or news, we’ll all be okay, do you understand that? And, I know your James’s son, but by Merlin don’t do anything rash!
Padfoot
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August 1st,
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, England.
Dear Draco,
Are you safe?
You know I’ll always come back for you,
Harry
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August 5th,
Unknown Location.
Dear Harry,
Don’t worry about me, stay safe.
Your friend,
Draco