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I’m sure you’re surprised to receive a letter from me. I actually tossed about a dozen drafts because I wasn’t sure how to address them. Can we call each other ‘dear?’ After all we survived together I think we’re past ‘To.’
My healer says I have survivor’s guilt and that’s why I feel a compulsive need to write these letters, even though no one responds. I wrote to Lavender Brown and Colin Creevy. I wrote to Vincent Crabbe. I almost didn’t mention that, I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it.
Sometimes I have nightmares about the Room of Requirement. You probably do, too. Do you ever save Crabbe? I never do. I die, you die, sometimes even Harry dies and Voldemort wins and those are the worst. Well, of the Room of Requirement nightmares, anyway. They’re a picnic compared to the others. You know. You were there.
I didn’t mean for this letter to get so morose so quickly. It’s just… I’m going back to Hogwarts tomorrow and all I can think about is the injustice of it all. They sentenced you to life in Azkaban, for what? To make an example of you? We all did things we regret, it was a war. I mean, look at what I did to protect my parents.
Okay, back to neutral territory.
The newest edition of Hogwarts: A History was released yesterday. I read all night, finished this morning. I’m in it now. So are you, although... maybe don’t read it anytime soon.
McGonagall informed us the eighth years are dorming together, so Neville invited everyone to the Leaky last week. Harry and Ginny had a very dramatic break up and then both went home with Slytherins, if you can believe that.
I can handle Ginny with Blaise and Harry with Theo, but Ron and Pansy were making moon eyes at each other all evening, which, frankly, is revolting. I suppose I shouldn’t mention your ex but truly, I would have rather vomited slugs than watch the two of them.
I’ve been thinking lately about what could have been. Do you think, if things had been different, you and I could ever have been friends? I sometimes think… Well, no use dwelling.
I’m going to get you out of Azkaban. I probably should have led with that. Kingsley and I have been working on your appeal, and he thinks we’re close.
If you’ve made it this far, I’ll confess one more thing. I’m going to miss you this year. I"ll deny it if anyone ever asks, but Hogwarts won’t be the same without you. There’s so much more I want to say. Maybe, when you get out…
***
To Mister Draco Lucius Malfoy,
Regarding Inmate Number 126572185, Hermione Jean Granger
Crime(s): 2 counts Involuntary Manslaughter, Memory Tampering
We regret to inform you that at 7:36 pm on September 19 inmate 126572185 was fatally wounded by another prisoner.
Please find her effects enclosed.
Sincerely,
Hadley Norton
Warden, Azkaban
Enclosed: 1 letter, unopened