Summer Letters

Chapter III Saturday, July 13, 1996

Harry, you git

I'm not speaking to you

Ron

12 July

Dear Harry

I don't know if you said anything to Ron other than what you said in that letter, but he's been confined to his room except for meals for the amount of swearing he was doing yesterday morning. Thanks for your help -- he's more upset about thinking about Hermione than he is about Neville dating me. And thanks for giving him a dose of his own medicine. You make a great brother for Hermione and me. Maybe we can adopt you.

If I know my brother by blood, he'll need another day or two to calm down (if anyone can be calm in that orange room of his), and then he'll either write you to tell you to bugger off, which will mean he's given up on Hermione, or he'll never speak about it but will write to Hermione. Luna and I are going to be spending a week with the Grangers at some beach in southern France starting next week (Mum and Dad only agreed last night), so hopefully things will have resolved by then.

I'll speak with Mum in the morning about Ron. Maybe she can arrange for him to floo over to Hermione's this week with my stuff. That might be easier for him than writing a letter.

What do you think?

I don't think Colin will have any of Luna, except for some in her lion hat from the first Quidditch game, but I'll ask. Maybe we'll take some photos in France.

love
Ginny

13 July

Dear Ginny

Talk things over with Hermione before sending Ron over. Maybe the best thing is for Hermione to grab Ron and kiss him silly (or sillier than he usually is). I'm sure Hermione is as good a kisser as she is at everything else.

And I know what kind of beach resort you're likely going to, so I welcome as many photos as you three want me to have.

Take care, and don't get sunburned.

I hope you like the Muggle candies. I was allowed out for the first and probably only time yesterday, and thought you might like them. Give one of the big sacks to your brother. The smaller one is for your father, just to let him see some of the variety.

your close friend
Harry

Sunday, July 14, 1996

12 July

Dear Harry

I apologise for not writing for a few days. I haven't in large part because I have thought very carefully about what you asked in your last letter.

I don't know why some of the girls, in your words, 'harass' me. I can, however, see why you are concerned. If I let it bother me, I am certain they would escalate their antics to the point where it really would be troublesome, which it isn't at the moment. So, unless it gets more strident, I would prefer to leave things alone and ask you to do the same.

I imagine I shall have to go through this same argument with Hermione. I received an owl from her two days ago, inviting me to spend a week with her, her parents, and Ginny at a naturalist beach resort in France. Daddy explained to me what that meant, and I must say I was surprised. I got the impression from her letter that you knew? I hope I didn't misunderstand. I also met a former Defence teacher, who invited me to spend August with someone I would really like to know better.

Tell me, for you are the only person who can, do you think that person really wants to spend time with me, or was I invited only because I intruded myself into that person's affairs? If the former, would that person want to be more than my friend? And what would that person think of my spending a week in France?

Awaiting your next letter more than I ever thought I would await one
Luna

14 July

Dear Luna

I found out about the Grangers' ideas of a holiday about the same time you did. I was shocked at first, but I certainly don't disapprove. I don't know how easily I could join them, when (if?) my life settles down. If the idea interests you, or if it doesn't bother you and you want to spend time with Ginny and Hermione, I think you should go. Ginny offered to take pics, so maybe I'll feel like I was there! (Don't let her talk you into that if you feel shy.)

I know that while that person really wants to spend time with the entire group that was with him, he especially wants to get to know you better. He certainly wants you for a friend, and hopes for something more to develop.

As for your Housemates, I'll respect your decision but I don't like it. I was bullied for the entire 10 years I was in the Muggle world, and have strong feelings about it. I understand your position, and as long as you realize that there is a line which must not be crossed, I'll trust you to hold that line.

I hope you enjoy the chocolates I'm sending. I had never heard of cinnamon sweets. I did find a large sweet shop where they had some boiled sweets and these little American cinnamon hearts.

yours
Harry

Pig brought Harry a thick envelope that night. Inside were a letter from Ginny and an envelope from Hermione

14 July

Dear Harry

Thanks for the Muggle sweets. We never took you into Ottery St. Catchpole, did we? While we have never really been allowed in on our own much, I was only allowed the summer before my third year, while Ron was allowed that summer and the summer before. Last year, of course we were at you-know-where the whole summer, and this summer we're confined to our property.

That's a long way of saying we know Muggle sweets. Never think we don't appreciate them, though! What chocolate we had is being hoarded 'just in case'. Mum gave us permission to eat what you sent, however, and even Ron perked up a bit.

How did you know about the Grangers' holiday spot? Please, do not tell anyone! Mum would go spare and Ron would, well, I don't know what Ron would do, but I doubt it would be anything nice.

Thanks again for understanding about Neville.

love and again thanks
your loving friend and sister
Ginny

14 July

Dear Harry:

In case Ginny hasn't mentioned it, Mr. Weasley opened our fireplaces for firetalking last night. Ginny was right shocked that you knew about where we're going for holidays this year. I just told her you were my close friend and that many Muggles, and therefore a Muggle-raised wizard like your self, could easily figure it out. Let's leave it at that. Please? I should have remembered that the British wizarding community is still a very prudish society. The few British magical practitioners are forced to go to Muggle camps in Britain or travel to the Mediterranean.

Thank you for tackling Ron for me. He's coming over Thursday with Ginny's things. He has until he leaves to make his move, and then I will. I hope one or the other works out, but if it doesn't, I'll have to move on.

Ginny also passed on your comment about kissing. I can see why the Hat considered you for Slytherin. I'll just say that you were magnificent, that Luna is a lucky girl, and that Cho is a bumbling idiot. Since neither of us had much practical experience (Viktor was a gentleman, and also a very stiff, unromantic kisser, and Cho was, as I said, an idiot), we'll always be each other's first proper (or should that be 'improper'?) kiss.

Before Ron got huffy, he asked me to keep an eye out for anything in the Prophet or Muggle papers that looked suspicious. So far, there's been nothing. Let's hope he's making another elaborate plot which will fail.

Take care

your loving friend
Hermione

Monday, July 15

15 July

Dear Ginny

Those types of beaches aren't all that uncommon in the Muggle world. I wish I could go to any beach. I hope you three have fun. Hermione said that the fireplaces are open for talking, but I'm sending Hedwig on to Hermione with a note. He's to stay there until Thursday night. Let's hope our plan works out. I hope to see you on my birthday. I'm sure all three of you will be as tanned as Hermione was when she came back from her last trip right before the World Cup. Be careful and listen to Hermione when she tells you to put sun screen (or potion) on. You and Luna are both so fair-skinned you'd burn easily. I want birthday hugs, and if you're sun-burnt it won't be as much fun. I'm sure Neville will agree.

your loving friend
Harry

'That should give her a reason she can believe and something to think about,' Harry said to himself with a smile.

15 July

Dear Hermione

Good luck to you (and to Ron). If you haven't given Ron that first photo yet, you might want to consider it if the git kisses you. I'm asking Hedwig to stay with you until Thursday, so please let me know how things go.

your loving friend
Harry

15 July

Dear Harry:

Grandmother and I met with Professor Dumbledore last night, making the final arrangements. Thank you. I would be honoured to stay with you and train with you this summer. Thank you for your help with Ginny.

I would write more, but I wouldn't know what to say.

your friend
Neville

PS May I please bring Trevor and a couple of plants to wherever we're going?

15 July

Dear Neville

We're friends, so don't feel you ever have to say 'thank you' so much. I'm not certain where we're going, but if it's up to me, you can bring Trevor and your plants. You might want to have your grandmother double check with Dumbledore.

Harry

14 July

My dear Harry

First of all, thank you for the candies. They are all wonderful. Second of all, thank you for your concern for my welfare. I assure you, I am not a distressed damsel seeking a gallant knight to rescue her from danger, gallant though you are. I seek a very special person, with whom I may explore this adventure we call life before we go on to the next adventure.

While I had not yet actively sought such a person, I believe I have already found him in you. Let us hope Neville and Ginny, and Ron and Hermione, have also found (or will soon find) each other as well. Only time will tell if these will be relationships that last a lifetime, or relationships that teach us life lessons which will help us in this and future adventures, or even relationships that transcend mere lifetimes.

In any event, I believe in you, Harry.

Ginny has told me of your and Ronald's adventures in divination. Let us see if I have a clearer 'inner eye' for what you need at this moment than our teacher has ever had.

yours, I hope,
Luna

ps I shan't allow myself to be talked into anything I don't want to do.

Harry smiled as he looked at the three photos Luna had sent. All three showed Luna, smiling and waving. Two were wizarding photos: one showing Luna in the woods wearing jeans and a heavy jumper, a breeze stirring her long, dark blonde hair; the other showing her inside standing next to a huge fireplace, in shorts and a green t-shirt that said 'I BELIEVE'. The third was a Muggle-style version of the first photo, which meant he could keep it out even at the Dursleys.

Luna clearly knew what she was doing, 'inner eye' or not.

15 July

Dear Luna

Sorry for the quick note. I've sent Hedwig on to Hermione, so she can let me know what's happening Thursday. I just want to say thank you for the photo and that I am

yours
Harry

Tuesday, July 16, 1996

Harry woke up to find a Hogwarts owl and a Ministry owl perched on his window sill. When Harry took the envelopes off the owls, only the Ministry one flew away. Harry scowled, and opened the one from the Ministry first.

OFFICE OF MAGICAL EDUCATION MINISTRY OF MAGIC for BRITAIN and IRELAND

15 July 1996

Dear Mr. Potter:

Enclosed are the results of your Ordinary Wizarding Level Exams. Normally, these would go to your guardians. Due to your special circumstances, the results have been sent to you.

yours magically
Carlotta Bainbridge

enc.

Harry grimaced, in part of the thought of Uncle Vernon trying to take anything from an owl, and looked at the Hogwarts letter before turning to his O.W.L.s.

15 July

Dear Harry:

I understand your magnificent owl is away, and thought you might wish to let your friends know of your O.W.L. results. You may wish to have your copy quill record the results and send them as a bulk mailing. This is not considered bragging, but is a fairly common tradition within the wizarding world. The owl will wait at each place, and the friend will add their congratulations to a joint letter. However, if you do not receive an owl with a friend's score, it is the custom not to ask further. The Weasley twins, for example, did not send out an owl as their three elder brothers did. If you wish to follow the tradition, copy up to twenty copies, and add a sheet or two of parchment to a blank envelope. Please feel free to use this owl. Jason is in need of some exercise. I should also add that any of these owls sent to you by your fellow students will be let through, once they are examined.

The late Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher has tried to claim the extraordinarily high overall marks in the Defence O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s this year as her accomplishment. A closer examination of the scores reveal that those who were in your club scored much higher than usual, while the other students scored below average. Therefore, as a reward for your and Miss Granger's work, Gryffindor will start off with a hundred House points. Do try not to lose them too quickly.

I might add that normally the Heads of House send this letter out, with an owl, to all Muggle-born students. I took this upon myself so that I might say

Congratulations!
Albus Dumbledore

Harry eyed the bird. "You want lots of exercise?" The bird gave a quiet squawk in return.

"Alright. Let's see what I have got to brag about, if anything."

O.W.L. RESULTS FOR HARRY J. POTTER

Required Courses:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theory. .Practical. .Total
Astronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .A. . . . . .A
Charms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .O
Defence against the Dark Arts . . . .O . . . .O+ . . . . .O
Herbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .A. . . . . .A
History of Magic. . . . . . . . . . .T . . . .-. . . . . .T
Potions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .E
Transfiguration . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .E
Theory I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O . . . . . . . . . .O
(Charms, Defence, Transfiguration)

---

Theory II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . . . . . . . .A
(Herbology, Potions, Defence)

Optional Courses
Care of Magical Creatures . . . . . .E . . . .E. . . . . .E
Divination. . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .A. . . . . .A

"Huh," Harry said softly, "I thought they were kidding about the 'troll'. Still, ten. Better than I thought I'd get, but what about Potions?"

Harry noticed there were two more sheets in his Ministry packet.

15 July

Dear Mr. Potter:

You are eligible for the following courses. If you intend on continuing your education at the Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you must choose between 5 and 7 courses by 24 July. At least two must be N.E.W.T.-level. Check the courses and return the sheet to me. If I have not received your owl by 20 July, a school owl will visit you for your decisions.

sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Assistant Headmistress

N.E.W.T. Level Classes

_____ Astronomy
_____ Care of Magical Creatures
_____ Charms
_____ Defence Against the Dark Arts
_____ Divination
_____ Herbology
_____ Law and Regulations (note: suggested for any ministry applicants, other than law enforcement)
_____ Medical Healing (note: must be taken with Potions)
_____ Potions
_____ Transfiguration

Other Classes Available
_____ Everyday Transfigurations
_____ Household Charms
_____ Household Potions

Also note that coaching in Apparation will be available in the spring term or the following year as an extra option.

Harry knew that if he decided to go ahead with auror training, he needed five E or O N.E.W.T.s, and that McGonagall had said that needed to consider Defense, Charms, Transfiguration and Potions. He wasn't totally certain if he needed those courses, or if they were simply the ones that would do him the most good.

He really would prefer not taking Potions if he could help it. Harry wasn't totally certain he still wanted to be an auror, but knew it was a good career path for him to follow at the moment. Harry decided, while his copy quill was working on making copies of his scores, to write a letter to McGonagall. He would say he wanted to take Defense, Charms, and Transfiguration no matter what. He would prefer to take Care of Magical Creatures and the the Law and Regulations class, unless she strongly advised otherwise. If she felt he should only take five classes, she could sign him up as she thought best, since he had no one else to advise him directly. If Potions was definitely needed, he would do Potions and Medicine as well.

On the other hand, if Potions was suggested but not required, he would take both the Law and Regulations class and Care of Magical Creatures. If a sixth class was suggested, he could either take Herbology or, considering how he was raised, perhaps he should also take Household Charms or Potions.

Harry sent the school owl off, and decided to think about his options some more. He would send the letter to McGonagall with Hedwig once she returned from Hermione's.