Fighting Friends Smiling Enemies

Two-way letters and a diary. What do they have a common? A lot. You learn about a person, or what they were going through in a specific period of their life, through the reading of both ways of their letters, or their diary. The letters can be even more effective at times.. Sometimes, in writing, it is the best choice of narrative.

Gabby read the beginning of the article in the muggle newspaper. Her mother, to her horror, had decided that maybe muggle men were a better choice than wizards. After all those one-time dates with those 300 wizards had failed miserably, what better than to hone in on the men of the muggle world? Gabby thought this was a terrible idea. Not because she didn't like muggles. But since her mother was having these men over so often, she had to hide all signs of magic in the attic. She couldn't even hide it in her room, according to her mother. Gabby absolutely did not want to know why a muggle man would be in her bedroom.

Her mother's recent fling had brought a newspaper for Gabby, which she mused was a sort of peace offering. Gabby hadn't bothered to try and come up with a logical reason as to why he thought she'd enjoy reading a muggle newspaper or how it would work as a peace offering. Turns out, it was supposed to give her something to do as she hid out in the attic. Why was she hiding in the attic? Because this fling also had a couple children. In fact, more than a couple: Twelve. He put the Weasleys to shame. Well, this dozen didn't all share one mother though, so in a way, the Weasleys still won.

He had five ex-wives. He had five ex-girlfriends. Together, they had produced twelve children. Gabby shuddered at the thought that her mother would produce child 13. It was an unlucky number according to the Divination Book Sarah had given her the past Christmas. He, whoever his name was, had decided that bringing over his twelve children, all under the age of twelve, would be, what was the word, oh yes, 'fun'. But, honestly, did Gabby's mother really expect her to baby sit twelve insufferable children of a man who obviously did not know the word 'self-control'? If her mother had thought so, she was to be disappointed. Gabby had merely gaped, taken the newspaper, and walked swiftly for the attic.

So here she was, three hours later, reading the muggle newspaper. 'Letters, notes, and diaries eh?' she thought, pondering the article's introduction, 'Keeping a recorded history of a moment in life eh? Hmmm, now there's an idea. I should try that. Keep a box full of all the letters I receive, and copies of what I send. I can label it Ansitiontray andway Aturationmay,' she chuckled for a moment, 'yeah, Pig Latin! Too bad I don't know Latin! Then that'd really be something! So, I'll get a box, ah here's one, fill it with letters and I guess at the end of the summer, a diary, and it can mark an ansitiontray, from the little childish girl I've been for two years, to a new person. Yes, I think this will go quite well with my vow to not like any guys for at least a year. Maybe I'll extend that to two. It sure seems to solve some problems.'

So, that's exactly what Gabby did. She found time the next week to go buy a magic copier ("Lets you write on two pieces of parchment at once! Perfect for classes, but don't let your professors know you have this!") in Diagon Alley. Gabby snorted at the advertisement. It was not only cheating, but also a very stupid way that would guarantee getting caught. The professors weren't dim, they would notice if two students turned in identical assignments. But it would serve her purpose.

This is what was inside the box.

Gabrielle,

I'm ready to listen to your explanation now.

~Ginny

P.S. I heard about Madison and Grace. That was an awful thing for Sarah to do.

Dear Ginny,

I'm going to be completely honest. I'm nervous. I have so much to say and I'm scared. Scared that you're not going to be satisfied and that you're going to tear this letter in half. I know that you probably wouldn't do that. It's not like you. But, I'm afraid anyways. Please, whatever you do, don't do that. Anyways, I'll get on with it.

Ginny, I don't really know what happened. The letter that Sarah read though...that was true. I was trying to figure it out. I didn't want to hurt Catherine, I really didn't. But you know, what else was I supposed to do? Ugh, this isn't coming out right. If I had a chance to go back, I wouldn't do it. I regret it. But, at the same time, Ginny, do I really deserve this?

I've been shunted, insulted, teased, targeted, ignored, mocked, pilloried, embarrassed, tricked, and other words that I can't think of, for a couple months by people who used to be my close friends and complete strangers. Turns out, Kyle made the whole thing happen because of a bet too (not that I'd have wanted to get together with him anyways.) Sarah doesn't even seem to be finished punishing me. You know what? It was awful for Sarah to do that for me. I don't deserve all the blame. What about Kyle? He got off fine: girls are still drooling. I'm the one who gets labeled. Why? Why did this have to happen Ginny?

Sincerely,

Gabrielle

P.S. Let me know if I'm ever forgiven.

Dear Gabby,

Hey, I'm in Laos! Staying at a relative's place. Do you know what's so incredibly annoying? My aunt keeps calling me VICTORIA! My name is VERONICA! I kept telling her over and over, but she still calls me Victoria! Oh well, I guess I'll live! Are you still taking refuge in the attic? Happy 13^th Birthday by the way!

Miss you,

'Victoria'

Dear 'Victoria',

I got a letter from Ginny. I'm still waiting for her reply. I know what you mean about the name thing. If I got a knut for each time the prats my mother brings home mispronounced my name, I'd buy myself a new broom! Not that I couldn't just ask mom for the money, we're not poor, but whatever. I can't believe it, she's STILL dating the guy with twelve children. They're over almost everyday now. Ugh, the headaches I'm getting from their screaming. Having that many children that close in years should be made illegal. Thanks-I can't believe I'm a teen. I love your present-a diary that talks back! I'll start using it in 3^rd year.

Miss you too,

Gabby

Dear Gabrielle,

We're in Egypt! Dad won the drawing! We're spending the money on this trip to visit Bill. George and Fred tried to shove Percy into a Pyramid but Mum caught them. It was hilarious. I forgive you. Everyone makes mistakes. I've missed you. I don't really like Sarah anymore. What did we see in her? Sam is utterly annoying. She always agrees with Sarah. Not that we didn't...but it's a bit different. Sam is like the mini-Sarah. Catherine is still good friends with Sarah, although I think she's feeling a bit of a power-struggle with Sam. Oh hold on, Ron is trying to tell me something...YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE THIS: WE'RE GOING TO WATCH THE WORLD CUP! YES! Happy Belated Birthday.

Your friend,

Ginny

Dear Gabby,

Jeez, twelve children? That's a bit too many if they're all under twelve. Have you heard about the World Cup? My parents haven't even considered going. Grr to them! Do you think you'll be able to go? Hope your headache gets better.

In Laos,

Veronica

Dear Ginny,

Ok, so we're friends! Yay, I'm thirteen! Great, I've missed you too. I've been so lonely. That's great, the world cup and the drawing! We aren't going. Hope you have lots of fun. I'm just wondering Ginny...but what happened in 1^st year? All Dumbledore told us was that you had been taken into the chamber and that Harry saved you. We had decided we'd wait before asking you anything else, since that must have been scary. So...what happened?

Friends again,

Gabrielle

Dear 'Victoria',

Ginny forgave me. I don't think it'll be the same for a while though. No, can't go. My mother doesn't want to be away from Mr. Twelve Children. I don't even remember his name; it's not worth remembering. He'll be gone soon enough. All of them are gone eventually. What's the name of the place you're staying at, maybe I can try floo powder.

Much love,

Gabby

Dear Doesn't-Know-His-Name,

Don't let your mother know that. I can't believe it, it's been weeks and she still hasn't dumped him. Anyways, you can't floo here. We're moving around constantly going from friends' house to friends' house. I'll ask Mum later though to see if it can be arranged. I'm not sure...most of these houses don't have fireplaces. Maybe I'll be able to see you next summer, who knows?

Sincerely,

Veronica

Dear Victoria,

No way, I don't want to have to wait until next summer! That would suck! I had the weirdest dream, no nightmare, last night. It showed my mother getting married to this guy. YUCK! I'd never want to come home again! I got my school list for next year, I have to get the permission slip signed but then I can go to Hogsmeade! Hmmm, we're starting Divination this year. I hear Trelawney is an old phony.

Miss you,

Disturbed by Dreams

Dear Gabby,

It doesn't matter what happened in 1^st year. We're going into 3^rd year, that's in the past. Hey, did you get your class list? Hogsmeade, yes! I already got my permission slip signed. Divination, my brother says it's ridiculous. For homework, he makes stuff up. Hermione absolutely despises I-she dropped the class. I like Hermione; she's like my older sister or something. I can't believe it: we're going to invite Harry too. I'm excited!

Grinning,

Ginny

Dear Ginny,

Yes, I got it. Hermione seems nice. I've always seen her in the library. Ooh, you're inviting Harry along? Lucky you, good thing Ron's your older brother. Actually, Ginny, maybe that's a problem. I just read an article in a Muggle magazine, Seventeen or something like that. They say guys don't like dating their best friends' younger sisters. But then again, it's a Muggle magazine, what do they know?

Happy for you,

Gabby

Dear Disturbed,

Freaky dream/nightmare. I'm happy I don't have those kinds of things. My dreams are usually pleasant. We don't have to take Divination at our school; the Headmaster thinks it's a load of rubbish. I quite agree. Hogsmeade...maybe if my vacation overlaps with your Hogsmeade trips I can visit you! I don't know, I'll ask mum.

On vacation,

Veronica

Dear Veronica,

Actually, I think Divination is interesting. I've already read through the schoolbook, 'Unfogging the Future by Cassandra Vablatsky'. At best, it'll be an easy class to slack off in. I don't need a larger workload! I hope you can visit me! Good news, Sophie has rescued me. Sure, I have to spend some of the time with Colin (he doesn't like me anymore-thank the heavens. It might be the only good thing about the stupid rumors), but at least it's away from the twelve nightmares.

Saved from the grips of insanity,

Gabby

Dear Gabby,

That muggle magazine must be as reliable as our new Divination textbook, no wait; even worse, it's as reliable as the Quibbler. Still, I might take it into consideration. Maybe you're right. He hasn't shown any interest all and this is getting a bit tiring. Maybe I'll ask Hermione once school starts. I'm having too much fun now. Besides, I'm not sure if she has something going on with him. Or maybe she likes Ron. That's a strange thought, someone liking Ron.

Sincerely,

Ginny

Dear Ginny,

I don't know, we'll see. Have fun at the World Cup! I'll see you later, maybe on the Hogwarts Express? It's ok if you say no, I'm fine with that. Honestly.

Awaiting your reply,

Gabby

Dear saved,

More like the grips of death. I can just imagine. Ok, if you like Divination, that's your thing. I'll stop insulting it, to you anyways. I'm having fun here. There are a couple girls my age. I might not be able to write for a few weeks. My annoying siblings say I'm using the owl too much.

Wishing I were an only child,

Veronica

Dear Wishing,

Oh pooh! Silly siblings! I love being an only child, except now it's like I'm the oldest of 13. I hope they go away soon. I didn't say I like Divination, just that I found it interesting. I'll have to see.

Living and breathing,

Gabby

Dear Gabby,

I don't know about the Hogwarts Express. We'll see. I'll see you at the our room though if I don't! It's been so...I don't know the word, but Harry has been here! Ok, we're off now. I guess that's the end of our letters for the summer!

At the World Cup by the time you read this,

Ginny

Dear Ginny,

That's good about Harry, I wasn't trying to sound negative. It was just a gut feeling I guess. I already bought my supplies a while ago so I'll see you at Hogwarts!

See you later,

Gabby

Dear Living,

Our owl has been injured. We don't know how, but it was. I'm borrowing one right now although most of the people here aren't very willing. So I don't think I'll be able to write again until I get to school. Have fun, good luck, and hope you don't die or go insane!

Your friend always,

Veronica

Dear Veronica,

Thanks, I guess I'll talk to you later. School starts pretty soon anyways. I think I'll live. Have lots of fun and write me as soon as you can!

Without Anyone To Write To,

Gabby