Brown Eyes

Ch. 4: Letters

Dear Bill,

I'm writing to you because you were always able to knock sense into Ron without really hurting him like the twins do, and I need your help. Hermione recently came out as a lesbian in front of the whole common room. Ron is, of course, heart-broken, and because of his disappointment said some very cruel things to Hermione. He is still upset, both by her confession and by how callous he acted. Also, he and Harry have been acting rather strangely since the afore mentioned episode and because of this the Trio has completely fallen apart, and Harry needs his friends even more than ever now. Please give me advice about what to do about our dear brother and his (and our) friends. Thanks!

Hugs and kisses dearest bro.

Your Favourite Sister,

Gin

Dear Viktor,

I don't know what to do; I finally told Ron that I was a lesbian. I'm afraid that I just assumed he'd take it like you--upset, but accepting. But, goodness, I was certainly wrong about that! It would take someone as dense as me to forget the Weasley pride that goes along with their infamous temper!

I know that this was hard enough on you and it's cruel of me to dump all this on you, but I have no one else to turn to. There's no way I can tell my parents, they'd be so hurt and upset... and all my other friends are part of the problem. So, here's the situation: Ron is angry with me because I hurt and embarrassed him. Harry is mad at Ron for an unknown reason. I'm mad at both of them because neither of them as spoken to me since I came-out. (It's so hard to say that...to even say 'coming-out' I just feel pain thinking about it.) Ginny, Ron's little sister, has been trying to get all of us to be friends again, but she's just gotten Ron really angry at her too!

Also, I've just confessed this to myself, but I'm afraid that I'm starting to have, well, feelings for Ginny. I feel really horrid for feeling this way. I mean, first of all, she's straight and has a boyfriend (one of my friends!), and, even worse, perhaps, she's Ron's younger sister! Even if she wasn't taken and she liked girls, how could I do that to Ron? It's just that...she's so beautiful, smart, tough, thoughtful, cute, strong, generous... Oh, bullocks! I don't know if I can send you this letter now! I don't moon over people! I really, truly don't!

So, my dearest Viktor, I hope that I have not upset you nor bored you with this letter, although I'm sure I did at least one... thought, I truly hope not. And on a completely different topic, please let me know if your mother's condition worsens. I am thinking healing thoughts towards your family, and hope the Healers find a cure soon. I hope little Iva isn't having too much trouble with all this. And for that matter, you as well. Lots of hugs,

I miss you!

Love,

Hermione

Dearest Ginny,

I'm not sure what wisdom you were hoping for me to come up with, but I do have a few ideas. First of all, once Ron has had enough time to calm down, talk with him. I don't know how much you know about the whole coming out process and 'gay issues' so I'm planning to write him my own letter after this. For you, I would recommend trying to find out how Hermione's feeling about all this, and explain that to him. Coming out is a confusing experience, and she needs her friends' support. I hope that you are helping when you can, and that she knows you are there for her.

I've done a little studying about homophobia in the muggle world, and it's definitely worse than in the wizarding world. So Hermione may be teased and hurt by some of the people who already don't like her, but it will probably be less than the teasing she gets from being Muggle-born. It would probably be helpful if you told this to her as she may be expecting the reaction she'd get at home.

An idea would be to start some sort of club that supports gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender students. I'm sure there're other people at your school who haven't come out because they're too scared and having a group of straight allies and other queers may be helpful. I'm sure Dumbledore would support this idea. I certainly wish I had one when I was in school.

I miss you, Gins; I hope things getting easier for you. You're a wonderful, caring person.

Lots of love,

Bill

Dear Ron,

What the bloody hell is wrong with you? How could you hurt Hermione like that? She's your best friend, Ron! It's not her fault she's a lesbian. Her telling you that she likes girls takes tremendous trust, and you broke it! You know perfectly well that I'm bi. Just because I'm in a relationship with a girl right now doesn't take away that I've had relationships with blokes as well. I want you to stop reacting and start thinking. Both Hermione and Harry need you right now and you're being the biggest git. Ginny has told me that not only are you not speaking to Hermione, but you're mad at Harry too.

Listen, Ron, I know you're a good person and a very loyal friend, so what happened? You need to figure out how to get Hermione to forgive you and move on with your life. I know it's hard when someone you have a crush on doesn't feel the same way you do, but there're plenty more fish in the sea. Also, now you can check out girls together--that can't be too bad can it?

Listen, the coming-out process is very difficult, even more so in the muggle world. It was very hard for me to even tell our open-minded parents. I hope that you're able to come to your senses and are there for your friends when they need you. Hermione is probably hurting a lot, especially if she wasn't very confident in who she is in the first place. And it isn't fair when so much is going on with Harry to desert him either. I hope you're able to realize what you've done, apologize and do what you can to fix things. I have faith in you, Ron. And if things don't change, there will be Howlers!

With love,

Bill

Dear Hermione,

While I am glad to hear you have been honest with your friends, I can understand it has been hard for you. Though you know I see from Ron's view too. I hope you are able to work out friendships because they're so important to you, I know. Also, good luck on the Ginny person.

Tomorrow my team leaves for our tour. We are starting in Greece, but will get to England eventually. Hopefully I can meet you somewhere? Keep sending owls; they will find me. I want to keep writing to you.

My mother is doing a bit better and the Healers have more of an idea of what is wrong, but I do not understand yet. Iva is living with my aunt until mother gets better; she is upset, but will be better soon with hope. I am ok, I know Healers will help--there is faith.

Your friend,

Viktor

Dear Hermione,

We were glad to receive your letters and know that we're terribly sorry we couldn't respond earlier. When your first owl got to us, we ended up having an emergency surgery. Mrs. Gladys was in a horrible car accident and if we wanted to save many of the teeth we had to re-root them right away. We were able to fix some of the teeth, but she also needs some false ones made.

Anyway, enough about dentistry, dear, how are your advanced classes going? Do you feel they're adequately preparing you for the NEWTs and getting a good job? We're hoping that your classes are difficult enough to stretch you, but aren't over-extending you. So the best of luck, dearest. Your father wants to write a note as well:

Hermione, dearest, you will let us know if you get into any sort of relationship with a boy won't you? I know you're just good friends with those two boys, but you know how I feel about dating as a teenager. If you feel that there is someone you want to date then it must be someone I meet! You're too young to know who's a good influence and who's not. You're doing wonderfully, honey, good luck with school!

We love you dearest, keep in touch.

Love,

Helen (Mum) and Rick (Dad)