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February 15, 1998

William Weasley
Flat 5b
16 Sharia El Nil
Gezira, Cairo,
Egypt

Dear Bill,

Happy belated Valentine’s day. I would’ve sent this out in time to reach you, but I’m afraid I had to wait until today for the photos that are attached. It somehow seemed a very appropriate offering to me. As you can see for yourself, Ginny looked fabulous – Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown took her under their wing and made certain that she’d floor every male at the Valentine’s Day Ball. Her escort is Neville Longbottom, whom I’ve mentioned before. He’s definitely come into his own this year. Ron’s date is Parvati, in case you were wondering. They seem very tight these days. Somehow, I suspect it is only a matter of time before we discover that they have some future plans, though I really couldn’t say what those plans are. Harry and I opted to go together, as neither of us were particularly interested in a real escort. The last picture is of the two of us. I thought you might like to update your mental image of all of us.

The book the pictures are in is specifically designed for travel. It shrinks to pocket-size or back when tapped thrice, and magically repels water, sand, or dust. Colin Creevey (the photographer) designed it specifically for you when he heard about what your job is. I hope it works as well as advertised.

The book is incredible. Your owl arrived yesterday morning, and since it was Saturday, I was able to spend hours poring over the book. I couldn’t have asked for a better surprise, truly. I think it’s the first time in three years that I’ve received something on Valentine’s Day. Thank you.

I’m very glad you liked the journal I sent you. It called to me when I saw it, and all I could think was how perfect it would be to send. It was almost magic, though now that I know what true magic is, the comparison pales. I stared at it and kept seeing your handwriting on that letter you sent Mrs. Weasley, and I could almost hear the words you’d used in my head. Once I realized it, how could I do anything but get it for you?

I’ve dozens of books that I’m already on ‘thirds’ of due to wear and tear. Does it ever seem to you that they fall apart sheerly out of spite? Mine certainly do. I remember some passage that I need an exact quote from, and when I pick up the book suddenly papers are flying everywhere. And it’s not as though I were unkind to the books! Most of my texts still have the spine intact, after all. And yet each time I think of something I really need, I’m sent scrambling around the room trying to put the pages back together. It’s awfully annoying.

I fully intend to have wall to wall shelves filled with books when I finally manage to get a house of my own. And not just in one room, but at least one wall in every room, with the possible exception of the lavatories. Of course, this goal clearly states that I shall need to find a job that will ultimately make me quite wealthy, but I’m fairly certain I can. Brains is, after all, a precious commodity in adults. …I hope you’ll be able to visit, when that happens, and share books with me. I’ve never exactly had a friend to whom I could speak on such a scale. The idea of another bibliophile is addictive, as embarrassing as that is to admit. Why is it so very difficult for others to appreciate the majesty of a good book?

As to Ginny, she is well looked-after, with three guard dogs. You forgot Harry, who had taken it upon himself to escort her to a number of balls whilst Neville gathered up his nerve. I admit that when I first discovered Harry’s intentions, I was more than a little concerned. She’d had a crush on him at one time, and I didn’t want her to be hurt. But Harry’s much more perceptive than that. Before I knew it that first time (two Halloweens ago), he’d neatly maneuvered Ginny into Neville’s arms for the evening and came to keep me company as we watched them dance. She and Neville fit very well together. He treats her like she’s meant to be treated – very well, but not spun glass. And she doesn’t mock him, as most of our year-mates did. (He’s rather inept when it comes to potions.) Harry continued the ruse four more times before Neville and Ginny caught on to what he was attempting. After that, he ended up escorting me once more.

This past year, he’s escorted me to everything. I’m his shield, I think, as he’s mine. Neither of us is particularly keen on romance at the moment. He, because of his status in the wizarding world. How can he help but have doubts about why his date is around when he’s The Boy Who Lived? (Please don’t tell him I called him that. He absolutely abhors the appellation.) I, because I’m rather tired of being asked as a joke. It’s happened enough times that the mutual shielding is a pleasant change indeed.

As for being nice to you, I shall endeavor to do better in the future. My comments were not meant as sincerity, but instead as teasing. Please forgive me. I’ve been around Fred, George, and Ron so much that I’ve mislaid my manners. But they are back now.

And I never said that you were out to break my heart. I said that your brother believed that you were out to break my heart. I know better. A bit of flirting does not constitute a romance, a fact of which I’m well aware. Ron was simply being a little blind, but I fitted him with spectacles easily enough. You are, however an incorrigible flirt. Please don’t bother to speak to Ron about it, however. He never once painted you as a cad. He merely reminded me of my own aims and place in life.

I don’t know why you like my rambling so much. It’s hardly as though I talk about important matters when I do. But if you do like it, I shall attempt to keep myself from erasing it the moment I realize I’m doing it. Although, with the tables turned, I rather like your rambling. It strikes me as ‘thinking aloud’ for you, and I love reading it. You’re much more serious when you ramble, and very thoughtful.

I’m not looking for a knight in shining armor, Bill. Armor is nothing but ‘rust waiting to happen.’ I’m not really looking for anyone at all, but I do know that it would take a scholar to sweep me off my feet. I cannot imagine making conversation day after day with anyone else. So rather than go looking for dragons, I think I’ll be more than happy to find myself holed up in a book room. Given how much of a bibliophile you are, you’re more than welcome to join me on occasion.

I think losing the day-to-day quiet friendship will be the most difficult thing for me. Harry, Ron, and I have developed, over the years, an almost unspoken communication. To others, it sometimes seems as though we’re capable of reading each other’s minds. And perhaps we are, a bit, but it’s all due to body language and expression. I’m rather afraid that I’ll never be able to find that again, and I can’t imagine a relationship – a real, honest-to-goodness long-term relationship – without it. Do I sound horribly silly?

And as for worrying about you, I cannot stop the impulse, but I shall do my level best to keep it in check. Allow me to offer an ear or a shoulder, as you need them, any time you wish.

I shall do my best, as well, to honor your request for information. I can promise nothing, of course, but should I hear anything, I will immediately owl you. I do know that he is not fond of your family, of course, and will help out there as I can. It just worries me, I suppose. I hate the idea of any of us being in trouble, but you certainly never signed on for the danger. Instead, it’s because of our owls that you want the knowledge, and I’m scared knowing that I’ve drug you so far.

Education is as addictive to me as any drug you could possibly imagine. That you so readily knew the right buttons to press worries me a bit. Am I so very transparent? Don’t answer that. In any event, I shall certainly find some way to take you up on the offer. Learning more is wonderful. Learning at the hands of someone I trust is a blessing, indeed.

I very much look forward to your tales of teaching. Please be certain to write me with a few? Particularly if you manage to generate a fan-club, as I suspect you will. Don’t argue with me there, Bill. We both know that you’re very aware of your charms and know perfectly how to use them. Half the girls are likely to follow you around in a perpetual swoon. I rather wish I could be there with a camera, now that I think about it. I can just imagine you with this gaggle of girls behind you, hurrying down the street as you scowl at the idea and wonder how you ever managed to place yourself in the situation.

Oh, I know that won’t be the way it would really happen, but I’m allowed to have my fantasies, am I not?

My goodness, you are trying to tempt me, aren’t you? Not only an offer of education, but also to help out with rent so that I could potentially afford it. If you still have that offer on the table once I’ve graduated, I shall certainly look into it. Thank you very much, Bill. But you might regret it – if you’re used to living on your own, having a flatmate is probably the last thing you’ll really want. Do tell me if you were teasing, so that I can go back to looking at all my other options.

Thank you very much for sharing your information on mind-magic with me. Will you continue to do so? I should like very much to hear your impressions as you continue with your studies. It sounds absolutely fascinating. Part of me wishes I could be there beside you as you go through all of this, just to see what you believe face to face. But I shall content myself with your words.

And on that note, I must go. Thank you once more for the book.

Sincerely,
Hermione Granger