Echoes of War

November 20, 2048

July 3, 1998

Dear Hermione,

How are you? Here I am, a week out of Hogwarts, and already putting my hard-learned spells to work. Wish I could say more but everything is very "hush hush." I miss Hogwarts a lot, especially Gryffindor Tower, but that's not news. After all, I spent seven years of my life there, it's only natural that I'd miss it. There really is no place like Hogwarts.

How is your job? I hope it's better than mine. I don't think I'm really cut out for this sort of work. They hired me because of my name, and I accepted because I had no idea what to do with myself. Now, I'm having doubts.

Anyway, write back soon. I'd love to hear for you.

--Harry

July 5, 1998

Dear Harry,

Don't be silly, of course you're cut out for that kind of work! And, yes, I do know what sort of work you're doing, Professor Dumbledore told me. He seemed to think that it was important I was informed. He told me about Ron as well, and all I have to say is that knowing doesn't make it any easier. I have never worried so much about the two of you in my life! And it's not as if you've never been in danger before (far too much, in my opinion), but this is somehow different.

As for my job, it's fine. But since I'm only just starting my mediwitch training, I've mostly been assigned the dirty jobs the others don't want to do. Which is fine, I can accept that, so long as I'm learning, which, of course, I am. I have learned some fascinating things about intestinal disorders...but I won't go into details. Suffice it to say, I am doing fine.

Do be careful, Harry. I do not want to see your obituary in

Love from,

Hermione

July 6, 1998

Dear Hermione,

Now who's being silly? I am in no danger where I am. In fact, I'm probably as safe as can be. The Ministry wouldn't want to risk my precious hide, not when it's so useful in one piece. I've been told I'm a "valuable commodity," if you can believe that.

And I'm always careful. Well, nearly always.

--Harry

July 5, 1998

Dear Ron,

How's France? I had a letter from Hermione yesterday. Dumbledore told her what we're up to, and now she's worried sick. I think it would have been kinder to leave her ignorant.

I do hope you're safe, Ron. We have our whole lives ahead of us, and as much as I want Voldemort and his minions stopped, it's not worth the price of human life.

--Harry

July 6, 1998

Dear Harry,

Mate, relax. I think Hermione's rubbed off on you. I'm perfectly safe where I am. The camp is secure and it's been all quiet on the Death Eater front. Hm, perhaps too quiet. You don't suppose that's a sign, do you?

Look, now she's starting to rub off on me.

Oh, guess who I ran into yesterday? Fleur Delacour, of all people. She's still a bloody knockout, I'm telling you. Married, unfortunately, but she's loosened up quite a bit from the last time I saw her, and was being very friendly. She put up some protection charms around the camp today, and is supposed to return tomorrow.

Almost forgot, I kissed Mandy Brocklehurst the day after we left Hogwarts. That's another point for me.

~Ron

P.S. Seamus says hello

July 7, 1998

Dear Ron,

Have you been having premonitions? You'd tell me if you were, right? If you do get that feeling, promise me you'll tell your superiors and then get out of there.

Fleur Delacour, married? She never struck me as the type to settle down. She always seemed the perpetual flirt. I'm glad you're making friends, but if I were you, I wouldn't tell Hermione that Fleur was back in your life.

Lisa Turpin, Hogsmeade. That's one for me, which I believe brings my count up to five.

--Harry

P.S. Tell Seamus I return his hello.

July 8, 1998

Dear Harry,

I have no intention of telling Hermione about Fleur or Mandy. The last thing I want is a Howler from her at breakfast in the mess hall. The fellows would laugh for days!

And I am not having premonitions. You know I don't believe in that Divination rubbish. It's all fuzzy magic.

Fleur Delacour, yesterday. And she kissed me. Even if it was only on the cheek, who cares? Seven for me!

~Ron

July 9, 1998

Dear Ron,

You may not believe in it, but you can do it. You know that you some times get...how should I put this? Visions of the future? I guess that's close enough. Remember your prediction in sixth year? Saved my life, that.

You haven't by chance had a premonition about Voldemort, have you?

--Harry

July 10, 1998

Harry,

I. AM. NOT. A. SEER.

~Ron

July 11, 1998

Dear Ron,

Denial isn't just a river in Egypt, my friend.

--Harry

July 18, 1998

Dear Ginny,

I'll admit I'm at a loss for things to say. Pretty poor of me, trying to strike up a friendship through a letter.

So...how about those Cannons?

--Harry

July 20, 1998

Dear Harry,

I am sitting here in my room, trying very hard to stop laughing.

"How about those Cannons?" You couldn't come up with anything better than that? I'm not Ron, you know.

And if you'd really like to exchange letters with me (I'm flattered, I truly am), you don't have to try so hard. Just be yourself, tell me about you. I, in turn, will scrape together every tiny bit of my life that is even remotely interesting, and tell you.

At the moment, nothing of consequence has happened to me since you left Hogwarts. I am not Head Girl (Mum's disappointed, but the Prefect Badge prevents her from commenting.) However, I have been accepted for a special advanced Arithmancy class. Professor Vector says I'm one of the most gifted students she's had, including Hermione. So that certainly was an ego boost.

How about you? How are you? Are you enjoying work? Write back soon.

Love,

Ginny

July 22, 1998

Dear Ginny,

I know you're not Ron. Sorry.

Congratulations on that Arithmancy thing. You must be really good.

I'm really not good at this, sorry.

As for me, well, I just had a run in with a wild dragon. I'm fine, don't worry. A few superficial burns, but one of the others cleaned me up. That was probably the most exciting thing to happen to me all day.

Work, work is fine. I haven't been much use so far, really. The others claim that I'm loads of help, and other such nonsense, but I'm only getting in the way. They'd probably fire me if my name wasn't Harry Potter.

That's all I can come up with at the moment. But I am getting better!

--Harry

July 24, 1998

Dear Harry,

Stop apologising. You've done nothing wrong.

I was worried for a moment when you mentioned the dragon, (remind me to tell you a story about me, Charlie, and wild Romanian dragons sometime) but as you're well enough to write a letter, there's nothing for me to worry about.

And you are not useless, I'm sure. You have to stop believing that people only like you because of your name. That isn't why Ron likes you, is it? Or Hermione? Or me?

But, yes, you are getting better.

Love,

Ginny

July 30, 1998

Dear Ron,

Something's happened. It isn't good. There are Dementors everywhere. I don't even know how they all got here! But they're migrating towards England. There just aren't enough of us to stop them all.

I'm so tired. I don't know what to do.

--Harry

July 31, 1998

Dear Harry,

It's okay. I owled the Ministry, they've dispatched several teams of Aurors. Help is coming.

You are allowed to be tired, to not know what to do. You let someone know, that's the important thing. Are you still all right?

~Ron

August 2, 1998

Dear Ron,

Yes, I'm all right. The Aurors did their job, the Dementors have been driven back.

I was so scared. And I felt so guilty for being scared when everyone else around me was calmly doing their job. I shouldn't be here.

--Harry

August 5, 1998

Dear Harry,

Sorry, this owl would have come sooner, but some work matters distracted me.

You are allowed to feel scared, Harry. You're barely eighteen years old and you were surrounded by Dementors. I'd have probably wet myself.

Don't feel guilty for something that's beyond your control. And you should be there. You have to be, and you know it.

~Ron

August 10, 1998

Harry,

Is everything all right? You never responded to my owl.

~Ron

August 12, 1998

Ron,

I'm fine. Don't worry so much, Molly.

--Harry

August 11, 1998

Dear Hermione,

Do you think that I have the right to be scared in my line of work?

--Harry

August 13, 1998

Dear Harry,

Oh, thank goodness! I had heard about the attack and was terribly worried! But you're all right.

Of course you have the right to be scared, what sort of ridiculous question is that? If I were in your place I'd be permanently terrified. Do you think that just because the world cursed you with the appellation of The Boy Who Lived you don't have the right to have normal human emotions? Really, Harry.

Oh, they brought us the first casualty today. Too many Cruciatus hexes. It's one of the most horrible things I've ever seen, Harry. And I've seen Professor Snape in his pajamas.

I know that you have to be doing what you're doing, I know how important your work is, and I know I shouldn't be worried, oh, but Harry, I am. Keep safe.

Love from,

Hermione

August 15, 1998

Dear Hermione,

I do feel guilty. I can't help it. I acted like such a child! Dementors scare me more than Death Eaters. At least Death Eaters are human. And killable.

They're sending us to [censored]. I think we're getting close.

--Harry

August 17, 1998

Dear Harry,

You must swear you'll be careful or I'll speak to the Minister of Magic and have you pulled out of there!

I'm sure you didn't act like a child. I've never seen anyone handle Dementors with such a calm presence the way that you do. And remember, I've had first hand experience. You're a great wizard, Harry. I mean it.

Love from,

Hermione

August 20, 1998

Dear Hermione,

Your letter did make me smile, so thank you. But please don't speak to the Minister, I'd never live it down.

And I'm still not as good as you.

--Harry

August 20, 1998

Potter--

I am contacting you at the request of our former Potions master, Professor Snape. I'd like to make it clear that I do not wish to discuss anything but business with you. I am doing this for personal reasons which will not be discussed with you. Contact me.

--Draco Malfoy

August 23, 1998

Malfoy--

I am very confused as to why you are writing me. What do you want?

--H. Potter

August 25, 1998

Potter--

I should have thought it was obvious. I'm joining "the cause." Snape told me to contact you and see if I could make myself useful. Need money?

--D. Malfoy

August 27, 1998

Malfoy--

Why don't I believe you? Oh, that's right, because your father is about as far into Voldemort's inner circle as a wizard can get.

I'm not stupid.

--H. Potter

August 29, 1998

Potter--

In case you hadn't noticed, I am not my father. I have no desire to die and it has been brought to my attention that death is all one can look forward to as a Death Eater, whether at an Auror's hand, or Voldemort's.

If this means that in order to save my arse I have to ally myself with you, then so be it. But I still don't like you and I am still an evil Slytherin.

--D.M.

P.S. In regards to your intelligence, you're a Gryffindor. I believe that says it all.

August 31, 1998

Malfoy--

I neither believe nor trust you. If you're serious, then give me a reason to.

--H.P.

September 2, 1998

Potter--

Would having saved Ginny Weasley from a Death Eater place me in a favorable light?

--D.M.

September 4, 1998

Malfoy--

You lie.

--H.P.

September 7, 1998

Potter--

Ask her yourself then. Owl me with an assignment when you're satisfied.

--D.M.

September 8, 1998

Dear Ginny,

How has your first week back been? I hope your Seventh year at Hogwarts is a good one. Mine was a bit of a trial, but I have been told that my Seventh year wasn't typical.

Listen, Draco Malfoy owled me the other day. He said he saved you from a Death Eater. Is it true? What were you doing with a Death Eater anyway?

He wants to help me, Ginny, but I don't trust him. Trouble is, we really need all the help we can get.

--Harry

September 9, 1998

Dear Harry,

I suppose you could call it a rescue. It wasn't much of one though, considering it was his own father.

I've hated Lucius Malfoy since my first year, Harry, but I never feared him the way I do now. He cornered me in Diagon Alley before term started again, and threatened me.

Oh, but, Harry, it was only words! Please don't get the wrong idea. Then Malfoy came and distracted his father so I could get away.

I'm fine, Harry, don't worry. Oh, perhaps I shouldn't have said anything. Don't do anything rash.

Love,

Ginny

September 10, 1998

Dear Ginny,

I'm fine. I'm completely in control of my emotions. And I'm glad that you're safe.

--Harry

September 10, 1998

Malfoy--

You bastard. Saved "Ginny Weasley from a Death Eater" did you? It was your own bloody father! I still don't trust you.

--H.P.

September 12, 1998

Potter--

Temper, temper. You're acting like Weasley.

My father is a Death Eater, is he not? Therefore I didn't lie.

You are far too self-righteous for your own good, Potter. I await your instructions.

--D.M.

September 17, 1998

Malfoy--

I have contacted my superior and have been instructed to pass instructions on to you.

He requests that you infiltrate the Death Eater society and report to me on their plans.

--H.P.

September 19, 1998

Potter--

I offered to join you to escape Death Eater initiation. You have Snape to spy for you. Are you sure I can't just make a contribution to the Potter Fund for Orphaned Children With Bad Hair?

--D.M.

September 21, 1998

Malfoy--

You have your instructions. If you choose to accept them, fine. If not, we will view you as the enemy and I will personally have you killed.

--H.P.

September 23, 1998

Potter--

Too afraid to do it yourself? I suppose Weasley has claimed the honor first.

Very well, I accept. I'll be in touch.

--D.M.

September 22, 1998

Dear Ron,

Did you hear about your sister? I couldn't believe it, I've never wanted to kill Malfoy more before in my life.

How are things where you are? I was talking to Arabella yesterday and she reckons that we're close to Voldemort. We've come upon several pockets of Death Eater resistance, but there was no real difficulty. I hope things are going well for your group too.

When this is all over and we're back in London, let's go catch a Chudley Cannons game.

--Harry

September 23, 1998

OWL FROM THE MINSTRY OF MAGIC

Dear Mr. Potter,

I am afraid that Mr. Weasley was unable to receive your owl and it was rerouted to the Ministry.

Mr. Weasley's camp was attacked by Death Eaters and he was seriously wounded. He is currently in critical condition and is being taken care of at St. Augustine's Hospital in Marseilles.

Lucinda Hawthorne

Muggle/Magic Relations Officer

September 23, 1998

Hermione,

Did you hear? Ron's camp was attacked by Death Eaters! He was hurt, badly, and taken to a French hospital! I'm Apparating there as soon as I can get clearance.

--Harry

September 24, 1998

EXPRESS OWL

Harry,

No, it's all right, I'm with him now. The news was greatly exaggerated. Ron was in critical condition only for an hour or so. He has a concussion and a broken arm, and had been hexed pretty badly. But he's stable now, and improving quickly. He's sleeping at the moment, but he woke earlier and demanded to know why there wasn't a television in his room, so you can tell he'll be fine.

I have it under control, there's no need for you to leave, you're needed there.

Love from,

Hermione

September 25, 1998

Hermione,

But Ron's my best friend, and he'd be there for me if I were injured. I have to go.

--Harry

September 26, 1998

Dear Harry,

Forgive the shaky handwriting. Hermione wanted me to dictate to her, but I insisted on writing it out myself so you'd know I was still alive.

Now don't be a daft bugger. I'm very flattered that you'd want to drop everything to come watch me sleep, but really, it isn't necessary. I'm not very interesting asleep, and I tend to drool.

However, French nurses are very cute, well, except for Pierre. I suppose he's good looking in his own way, and I caught Hermione ogling him.

I got two of the nurses to kiss me, so that's nine for me! (I added that last part after Hermione had left the room)

So don't worry. I'll be fine in a week or two and back out on the field. No Death Eater is going to keep me out of commission for long!

~Ron

September 26, 1998

Malfoy--

You complete prick! Why didn't you warn us that Death Eaters were planning an attack in France? You're completely worthless, and I knew I was right not to trust you. I'm alerting my superior to your untrustworthiness.

--H.P.

September 28, 1998

Potter--

Becoming a Death Eater isn't an instantaneous deal, you know. I didn't warn you because I didn't know. These things take time. I've only just now gained enough of His trust so that he won't kill me on sight. I am trying to help here, don't be an idiot. Weasley was hurt, yes I heard, but I had nothing to do with it so don't take your frustration with Voldemort out on me. You just don't want to have to admit that he stole a march on you.

--D.M.

September 30, 1998

Malfoy--

Bugger. Off.

--H.P.

October 2, 1998

Potter--

Face it, you're scared. You're scared that this time, you won't be able to defeat him. You're scared that he actually might win. And you're scared that what happened to the Weasel may happen to you. Or to the Mudblood Granger.

Here's advice from a Slytherin (which as we both know, and one of us doesn't want to admit, is the best House): Grow up. Be the big bad Hero, the Evil-killing machine that everyone expects you to be and thinks you are. Stop acting like a baby.

--D.M.

October 4, 1998

Malfoy--

Do Not Write To Me Again Unless It Regards Business.

--H.P.

October 5, 1998

Dear Harry,

Ron is making a splendid recovery. I felt that you would want to hear that first of all. Some of the others from his camp, however, are not doing as well. Seamus, I'm afraid, is one of them. He isn't in danger of dying, but he may be handicapped for the rest of his life. The doctors are doing all they can for him.

He was targeted because he's a half-born, Harry. How do you think that makes me feel? I admit to being scared, but at least I'm not out there the way you are, or the way Ron was. And will be again, he claims. Not if I have anything to say about it.

I have decided to remain with St. Augustine's for a time, as they are understaffed and could really use my assistance. Many casualties from the conflict are being sent here because it is one of the few magical hospitals in the entire country!

So send any future owls here.

Love from,

Hermione

P.S. Ron said to say something like ten for him, whatever that means.

FROM THE PRIVATE JOURNAL OF Harry J. Potter

October 10, 1998

I'm numb. Absolutely numb.

I can't comprehend anything. I can't hear what Mundungus is saying to me. None of it seems to matter. None of it has any consequence. I've done the unspeakable.

I killed someone today.

Arabella is saying something, but I'm not listening. They tell me it wasn't my fault. That it was kill or be killed. I'm screaming, "I could have just taken him prisoner."

I killed him.

So this is war. I don't like it very much. Playing soldiers and spies was all very enjoyable in the beginning. The camaraderie, the jokes, the laughter. The knowledge that we were doing good.

All of that is lost now. Who cares if that man was a Death Eater. I actually killed him with my own wand.

I have no idea how to live with this.

I never thought about this before. When I thought about Voldemort, I always thought, I'm going to destroy him. What I meant was, I'm going to kill him. And even though he's evil, he's bad, he's the enemy, I don't know if I can do it.

Well, I know I can do it. But I don't know how I'll feel afterward.

Would I actually regret killing Voldemort?

October 11, 1998

Harry,

Are you all right? Are you safe? All of Great Britain has heard the news, and I have to say, we're fearing the worst. Professor Dumbledore won't tell me anything, even though I've begged. Please tell me you're not hurt.

So many Death Eaters. Who could have known? They're getting desperate, I can tell. They wouldn't have risked such exposure if they hadn't had something worth dying for to protect.

Please be all right.

Love,

Ginny

October 12, 1998

Dear Ginny,

I'm fine. Really, I am. Came off with a few scratches and a bump on my head thanks to Arabella's quick intervention.

I know exactly who should have known. And I intend to find out why he didn't warn us.

--Harry

October 12, 1998

Malfoy--

I'm not even going to waste space with insults. Why the hell didn't you warn us about the attack in [censored]? We lost valuable people there, people with families, people who didn't deserve to die!

You're supposed to be an informant, so start informing, or I will kill you myself, regardless of Ministry laws.

--H.P.

October 13, 1998

Potter--

I did warn you idiotic people. I sent an express Howler to the Ministry hoping that would get those old fat bureaucrats' attention. If someone ignored it, it's not my fault.

If it will make you feel better, I'll send my information directly to you from now on. Here's a start: The Dark Lord's making plans for your demise. He's done with large surprise attacks because while he considers them effective, he's going with a new approach. He's going to start sending teams of two or three out. They're targeting you and everyone you hold dear. I made a copy of the list:

HARRY POTTER

HERMIONE GRANGER

RONALD WEASLEY +

GINNY WEASLEY and family

REMUS LUPIN

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

I wouldn't worry too much about those at Hogwarts, if I were you. I've spoken to Snape, and the place is well protected. Might want to stock up on burly bodyguards though.

--D.M.

October 13, 1998

Dear Ginny,

I have to warn you, you're in danger because of me. Voldemort has decided to target all those that I love care about.

So watch your step. That sounds so Mad-Eye Moody, I know. Sorry.

I just don't want anything to happen to you because of me.

--Harry

October 14, 1998

Dear Harry,

I have to admit that you scared me a bit, but thanks for warning me. I really do appreciate not being left in the dark.

You are all right, right?

Love,

Ginny

October 15, 1998

Dear Ginny,

I am all right, honest. Please be careful.

--Harry

October 13, 1998

Dear Ron,

So how are you doing? Feeling better, I hope. Anymore cute nurses? And what's this I hear about ten? Since when?

I imagine Hermione's been smothering you with her mothering, still, remember that she means well.

I'm actually writing to both of you, so if you could pass this message on to her, I'd be saving a tree.

The two of you are in danger. Voldemort is targeting my loved ones, and I don't want you hurt. Protect yourselves!

--Harry

October 15, 1998

Dear Harry,

Yes, Hermione's driving me up a wall. She's glaring at me as I write.

We already know that we're in danger. How, might you ask? Well, we had a little visit from some of Voldemort's friends. Don't worry, they were caught and taken away, and Hermione and I are fine. One snuck in my room with a knife while the other distracted the nurses. Boy am I glad that Hermione's here though, she really saved my skin. You should have seen her dispatch that would-be assassin, Harry. It was brilliant.

You're being careful, right? You don't have Hermione by your side, mate, so you'd better be cautious.

~Ron

October 17, 1998

Dear Ron,

I think this war has completely desensitized me. I didn't even blink when I read your letter. Possibly on some level I already knew it. Say, were you able to stop him because you saw him coming?

And, yes, I wish Hermione could be here, but you need her more, you need to get better, Ron.

We're very close to the end. I can feel it.

--Harry

October 19, 1998

Dear Harry,

I repeat: I. AM. NOT. A. SEER. The fact that I warned Hermione to get behind the door before the man entered is irrelevant.

I hope we're near the end, Harry, I really do. But I'm determined to be out of this hospital in three days, so don't have all the fun without me!

~Ron

October 21, 1998

Dear Hermione,

Well, I hardly know what to say. Want to come be my bodyguard now? I could use someone tough like you to protect me.

Do me a favor while you're there? Keep Ron there. Don't let him leave until I've finished this. I'm getting close, I can feel it. But I want you to be safe. It'll be tough to keep him there, I know, but try.

--Harry

October 24, 1998

Dear Harry,

I'll do my best, but you know how stubborn he is. I know what you mean, Harry. I want to keep him out of it too. But he'll want to be there for you, Harry. He feels he has to protect you, he thinks he's the only one who can save you.

Maybe he's right.

Love from,

Hermione

October 24, 1998

Potter--

Look out, he's got something planned for Halloween. Won't tell me what though. Just watch your back.

--D.M.

October 25, 1998

Malfoy--

Okay, I'll be on the lookout. Thanks.

--H.P.

October 26, 1998

Potter--

Don't do that. Don't thank me. I don't want your appreciation.

--D.M.

October 27, 1998

Malfoy--

Consider it un-given then.

--H.P

October 28, 1998

Potter--

I am not doing this for you or your friends. I don't give a damn about Good v. Evil.

--D.M.

October 29, 1998

Malfoy--

Why are you doing it then? I really don't understand your motives.

--H.P.

October 30, 1998

Potter--

As stated in the beginning, I am not going to discuss my reasons with you. I don't need to justify myself. I have my reasons, let's leave it at that.

Contrary to popular opinion, I'm not trying to get you killed.

--D.M.

FROM THE PRIVATE JOURNAL OF Harry J. Potter

October 31, 1998

Thanks to Malfoy's warning, we weren't around when a group of Dementors attacked. Perhaps the ferret serves a purpose after all.

There's bad news though, we weren't the only target. Snape claims he's still not sure how it happened, but a lone assassin snuck into Hogwarts and poisoned the Headmaster. Dumbledore's very ill, and they tell me they aren't sure if he'll live.

I don't want him to die, he's my mentor and my friend. Is it wrong of me not to be more upset? I do worry, and I am sad, but there is so much else I have to think about, so much else I have on my conscience.

And Snape was responsible for Dumbledore. When Malfoy became our spy, Snape was entailed to watch the Headmaster. So I shouldn't feel guilty. And I don't. But now I feel guilty for not feeling guilty.

I hope he doesn't die, I really do. We need him far more than he'll ever know.

November 3, 1998

Dear Harry,

Please forgive the tearstains. Professor Dumbledore passed away last night, and the school is still grieving. Professor McGonagall has cancelled classes for the next several days, but if whomever did this thought that, by killing Dumbledore, the school would fall to pieces, was mistaken. The staff and students have rallied marvelously, and we are continuing despite the terrible absence.

Love,

Ginny

November 4, 1998

Dear Ginny,

I sat in shock for several hours after receiving your letter. I had known that Dumbeldore was ill, but I simply assumed he'd make a fully recovery. This is unthinkable.

The others mourned privately, but seemed easily able to go on with their jobs, which I don't understand. They all knew him, they all loved him. How can they just accept his death?

It seems an inadequate way for him to have died. He ought to have been out battling with Voldemort, not just wasting away in a bed. It's an unfit death for so great a man.

--Harry

November 5, 1998

Dear Harry,

Grief takes people in different ways. Most of your group is older than you, right? They've probably all lost comrades many times before. They know how to deal with it. They also know that their job is too important to give into their emotions and let their guard down.

I'm not chastising you, Harry. They're more experienced. This is new to you, it's harder for you not to show that you care. And it's perfectly acceptable. You're a caring person, it's your way.

Love,

Ginny

November 6, 1998

Dear Ron,

How are you feeling? Much better I hope. Not much to report here. There was an attack planned a week ago, but thanks to Malfoy some information, no one was around for it.

I'm sure you've heard about Dumbledore by now. I still hardly believe it. He was truly a remarkable man and we'll all miss him.

It doesn't seem real.

--Harry

P.S. I almost forgot, six for me! Sally Ann Perks joined us four days ago.

November 8, 1998

Dear Harry,

I'm much better. In fact, I'm certain I'll be out of here tomorrow, so look for me over the horizon. I'm not letting you have all the fun.

As for Dumbledore, yes, Hermione and I got the news. She spent the night crying on my shoulder, so I'm pretty soppy. I was upset myself, but like you say, it just doesn't seem real.

Your mate,

Ron

P.S. I'm still ahead by four.

November 9, 1998

EXPRESS OWL

Harry--

Ron's gone! He slipped out of the hospital when I went to check on some others. I'm sorry, Harry, I know you told me to keep him here, but he got away. Worse, I don't even know where he is! He didn't leave a note, how's that for ungrateful?

Love from,

Hermione

November 9, 1998

EXPRESS OWL

Hermione,

It's okay, he's here with me. He says he's sorry he worried you, but he knew you'd never let him go. He's safe, and in remarkable health. It has been over a month, you know, and while his injuries were extensive, he seems to be recovered.

As you predicted, he insists on sharing the danger with me. I tried to refuse, but I can't argue with the Weasley Stubbornness. It's like trying to argue with a brick wall.

--Harry

November 10, 1998

Dear Harry,

Very well then, I'm coming too. Don't even try to talk me out of it, if Ron is going to be there, then so am I. After all, you two will get yourselves killed if I'm not watching over you.

So expect me tomorrow, I'll arrive in the morning.

Love from,

Hermione

November 10, 1998

EXPRESS OWL

Dear Hermione,

Are you sure I can't talk you out of it? All right, I won't try. I know better, you're just as stubborn as Ron. See you when you get here.

--Harry

November 20, 1998

Dear Ginny,

Well, Ron and Hermione are with me again. In an odd way it feels like old times. Ron's strategizing skills are being put to work, and Hermione's rushing about tending to the sick and wounded. I'm sitting down, watching life pass me by. Exciting times.

But having them around already makes me feel better, fills me with confidence. All the times that I've been in danger, all the times that I've had to fight, I had my best friends by my side. This is truly what I've needed all along.

We're going to finish this thing soon, I know it. We'll all be home by Christmas.

--Harry

November 28, 1998

FROM THE PRIVATE JOURNAL OF Harry J. Potter

This is it.

This is the day we defeat Voldemort.

This is the day we free the wizarding world from fear and terror.

This is it.

December 4, 1998

Dear Ginny,

It's all over. Voldemort is gone, destroyed. But at far too great a price. Even in death he managed to sow the seeds of destruction.

The papers probably won't pick up the story for several days, if the Ministry has anything to say about it, and I asked Ron for permission to be the one to tell you. He wasn't in any condition to argue.

Here goes: Hermione was killed in the final battle. I didn't mean to be so blunt, sorry. She was out in the melee, tending to the wounded, and a Death Eater killed her. We aren't sure which one, but he escaped.

Ron has gone mad with grief. I plan to go out and murder ever last Death Eater I can find. They will pay for this. Killing their master wasn't enough. I want them all dead.

Ron and I have made a pact; we will not return home until Hermione is avenged.

I hated every last moment of this bloody war. So many wasted lives. And in the end, we were no better than them.

--Harry

December 6, 1998

Dear Harry,

Hermione would not want the two of you to turn into killing machines in her name.

I know you're grieving and I know you're angry, but you cannot just run out and start killing people, Harry.

My entire family is devastated by the news. Mum wants you both home. I want you home.

Please, I'm begging you, don't go out and get yourselves killed because Hermione's no longer with us. I know it hurts because I'm feeling it too, but she wouldn't want you to stop living for her. Find another outlet for your pain.

Love,

Ginny

December 10, 1998

Dear Ginny,

You're right, I know you're right. We're both calmer now. But we both still miss her terribly. Ron, looking absolutely awful, looked up at me today and said, "I wish she were here to nag me." It's just so hard to get through each day, knowing that she'll never come back.

I owe you a thank you. Thank you for your letters. They've kept me sane these past few months. You've stopped me from giving up.

Losing Hermione has made me realise something. Friendship is precious. So please promise me, Ginny, that we'll always be friends. And please don't get the wrong idea. I am not trying to force you to fill the place Hermione left. No one could do that. I want your friendship for its own sake.

Ron and I have given up the idea of vengeance. We'll be home in a few days, just in time for Christmas, like I promised.

--Harry

December 15, 1998

OWL FROM THE MINSTRY OF MAGIC

Mr. Potter,

This letter is to inform you that you, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger (posthumously) have been awarded Order of Merlin, 1^st class, for your efforts during the war.

A ceremony will be held in your honor after the first of the year.

Cornelius Fudge

Minister of Magic

December 25, 1998

Dear Hermione,

It feels a little silly to be writing a letter to someone who will never read it, but I had a few things I needed to say, and Ginny suggested I find an outlet for my grief.

When it first happened, I hated you. I was furious at you for dying. Petty of me, I know. I was angry that you hadn't stayed at St. Augustine's. I felt betrayed.

But I slowly began to realize that the person I was really angry with was myself. I can hear you chiding me now, "Really, Harry." But in a way, it is my fault. You came to help me. I wanted you there, and for my own selfish reasons, I kept you there. Then I failed to protect you.

I have to accept that you wouldn't have given up and gone home under any circumstances, it wasn't in your nature. You wanted to help, to be useful. You wanted to be there with Ron and me.

He's destroyed over this, you know. He'll recover, but he's having a hard time of it. So am I.

So here's the true reason for this letter:

Thank you. Thank you for everything you've ever done for me. Thank you for befriending me all those many years ago. For the help on my homework, for opening my eyes to the world. Your friendship meant, means, so much to me. I could never have made it this far without you.

You said we'd get ourselves killed without you watching over us, so I hope you're still watching.

I miss you.

Love from,

Harry

Heroes Unmasked: Biographies of the Black Arts War