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The Secret Diary of Hermione Granger

~Year Three~

Based on "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"

by J.K. Rowling

Disclaimer: It’s all JKR’s, of course. I lay claim to nothing but the personality of Gwen, who is a little miffed about that and says I have nothing to do with it.

HQoW

July 27

Gwen, it’s me!

Well, hello! How are you, Hermione? Having a nice summer?

Wonderful. I got some of my new books by owl-order so I’d have them to study while I’m home and in France. We’re leaving in just a few days! I’m so excited about it, and I’m in such a good mood, because I just got a letter back from Ron. Of course, it did take him a month. I should really be in a foul mood—I ran into those bullies from my old school today.

Susie Raviski?

The same. And yes, they made all the usual comments about me- crazy witch, bushy hair, huge front teeth- which actually surprised me, Gwen. I thought they’d still be scared about what happened last summer. But that’s all right. This time, for the first time, they couldn’t touch a nerve! I felt sorry for them, I really, really did. They don’t get to go to Hogwarts, and they don’t get to go to France! So I just ignored them, (which bothered them even more than what I did with my wand last summer,) and then when I got home, there was this letter from Ron:

"Dear Hermione,

Well, I tried using Harry’s felly number, but I think I botched it. His uncle slammed down the ringer- whad’you call it?- probably due to my shouting so loud. I reckon you don’t need to shout into those speakers. But, hey, if there’s no magic in it, then how can you hear anyone from so far away if they’re just talking normally? Anyway, don’t ring him, I think I got him in trouble.

Things here are fine. Ginny’s a lot better now, and Fred and George are making Percy suffer about, you know, what he did with Penelope. He says they’re too young to understand, but then he’s just an idiot. Plus today, he got the letter from Hogwarts saying he’s Head Boy next year, so now he’s going ‘round like an overstuffed peacock. Just what I need.

What’s up in the Muggle world? Got your owl- good thing your parents are letting you come back to Hogwarts, isn’t it? My dad says he’ll explain to them about Dark Arts stuff if you think it’ll help them calm down. We’re going to be in Diagon Alley sometime in the last week of the holidays. If you can be there, then your mum and dad and mine can have a talk, and maybe while they’re distracted, we can sneak off and see Knockturn Alley a minute. And don’t pretend you don’t want to- they’ve got all sorts of good books down there. They’re just cursed, that’s all.

So get your parents to drop you off day before school if you can. Then you can just come to the train with all of us. I’m trying to get Harry to come, too, but I think that git uncle of his stops his owls, ‘cause Errol keeps coming back with his beak bent up, probably from ramming into shut windows.

Got to go. Mum’s making me de-gnome the garden again. Everybody here says hi.

Bye,

Ron"

Gwen, that is a real letter! What happened to him?

Quite an improvement. Are you going to meet them in Diagon Alley?

Yes! Dad says I can stay overnight at the Leaky Cauldron with the Weasleys. They’ll drop me off with all my Hogwarts stuff on August 31^st. I hope Harry shows up! I haven’t heard from him either. I was just getting ready to ring him up, but now I think I’d better not—honestly, how difficult can it be to use a telephone, Ron? I hope he’s taking Muggle Studies, he needs to. But anyway, other than that, this has just been a perfect summer. I’ve gotten in loads of studying, and I’m going to be in France in three days!

Where are you going first?

We’re taking the Eurostar via the Channel Tunnel to Paris, (under the Channel, Gwen!) and spending the first week there. Then we’ll go down through the Loire Valley, then to Dijon and Aix en Provence and even Nice, then up the western coast to Mont St. Michel, and back to Paris for the chunnel train over to London. Doesn’t that sound unreal? I’ve always wanted to visit all those places. I’d really love to see Nice, too, but Dad says we don’t have time and Mum says the south coast is over-priced. Anyway, I’m certainly not complaining!

You’ll have a marvelous time! Marguerite will be so jealous- may I tell her where you’ve gone?

Oh, yes, do! Tell her we can chat all about it when I come to Diagon Alley, if she likes. I can’t wait! Oh, I’ve got to go. Mum and I have been practicing our French together every night, and she’s calling for me, because it’s seven o’clock. "Hermione! Allons, il sont sept heures!" Au revoir, Gwen!

A demain.

HQoW

July 31

Gwen! Bonjour!

We’ve just arrived in Paris, and it’s mind-boggling! I’ve got to get organized so’s not to miss anything. I want to see the Louvre, the Rodin museum, the Tuileries—Dad says he’s heard about this lovely place called Angelina’s that’s right off the Tuileries, where they serve the most heavenly hot chocolate. Mum frowned- normally they don’t give into sugary things, because they’re dentists and all- but she said as it’s so famous, perhaps we can do it just this once! And then I can pick up the card or a bon-bon or something if they have one, and take it back for Angelina Johnson, since it’s her namesake! But who I’ve definitely got to get presents for while I’m here are Harry, Ron and Ginny. Harry’s birthday’s really soon.

What else, what else.... I have too many guidebooks. Place de la Concorde, the tour boat down the Seine- "Bateaux Parisiens"- and the Sorbonne, and Notre Dame, and Montmartre- the Champs-Elysees and the Eiffel Tower- and I want to take the train out to Versailles and see that village Marie Antoinette had built, and all the gardens—

Dearest, go on. If you keep on writing about it, you’ll never get started. Don’t miss a moment.

Okay, I won’t! See you later, Gwen!

HQoW

August 7

Gwen, Paris was a dream. Absolument parfait. I’ll never forget a moment, and I’ve taken loads of pictures. Versailles! The Hall of Mirrors.... the Apollo Fountain.... ooooh. I’m willing to bet that some magic went into the building of that place. It seemed almost enchanted

I can tell you unquestionably that it did involve magic. You’re quite right. Where are you now?

We’re in the Loire Valley, visiting all the chateaux. It’s a lovely, quiet, warm night. This hotel is really nice. I’m sitting out on the balcony, looking up at the stars. It makes me think of—Gwen, something in the sky—wait a minute!

That’s funny. I could have sworn I saw Hedwig.

Harry’s owl?

Yes. I wish it really were Hedwig, because then I could—wait—it is Hedwig! She’s so snowy, she just blended right in with the moon for a moment, and I couldn’t see her! Oh, pretty owl, how wonderful! Just a moment, Gwen, I’ve got to tie something to her leg before she flies off.

HQoW

What an amazing pet she is! I’ll bet she knew it was time for Harry’s birthday. Animals can be really brilliant. I’ve had Harry’s present here with me for the last few days- I ordered it from an ad in the Daily Prophet (I’ve been getting it forwarded to me so I can keep up.) It’s a Broomstick Servicing Kit for his Nimbus Two Thousand, and I had no idea how I’d ever get it to him in time—what if it’d been opened at customs? Lovely, dear Hedwig! Oh, if I have any extra money this year in Diagon Alley, I’m definitely getting an owl. I need a pet, and owls are the best. I’m so glad Harry’s going to get his present- he says his birthdays with those Dursley people are always really depressing. Well not this year! I wonder if Hedwig will stop and check with Ron, too? But then, the Weasleys have their own owl, Errol, and Percy has Hermes. Although maybe they didn’t bring the owls with them.

With them?

Oh, that’s right! Gwen, it’s too wonderful, really. Ron’s dad won the Daily Prophet’s Annual Grand Prize Galleon Draw—seven hundred galleons! So his whole family gets to spend a month in Egypt, visiting his oldest brother, Bill! I’m so jealous! I mean, there’s a lot to learn here, of course, and I have managed to dig up a few local witchcraft facts for my History of Magic Essay. But Egypt! All those ancient wizards, the Pyramids, the curses and mummifications- it’s just so fascinating. I’ll bet he’s learning loads. I hope he remembers everything, so he can tell me all about it. He looks really happy.

He looks—how do you know that?

Picture of the Weasleys in the Daily Prophet with an article all about their winning, and their trip. I love wizarding photos! All nine of them are standing in front of a pyramid, waving and smiling- I feel like I could almost talk to them. Ron’s got his pet rat Scabbers on his shoulder and his arm ‘round Ginny- she’s looking really well, that’s nice to see. I’m so glad for them, Gwen. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather see win seven hundred galleons and go off on holiday.

There’s something else in the latest paper, too, though- something not nice. It’s in the Daily Prophet and the regular London Times. I’ve never seen anything from the magic world in the Muggle papers before, so I knew it must be very important, and I’ve read as much as I can about it. It’s frightening.

What is it?

Sirius Black has escaped from the wizard prison, from Azkaban. Apparently he’s completely mad and extremely evil. They say he was Voldemort’s right hand man. That is, they said so in the Daily Prophet. They say that the day after Voldemort murdered the Potters, tried to kill Harry and lost all his power, Sirius Black let loose in the middle of a regular Muggle street, and blasted a lot of people to smithereens. I guess the biggest part they ever found of anybody was the finger of somebody called Peter Pettigrew. It’s sick. The Muggle papers are reporting that a convicted murderer is on the loose in England, and they’ve printed a photo of a very gaunt, sallow, black haired man. He is scary looking. Like a skull.

Yes. I know about Sirius Black. It’s a horrible story. But Hermione, he couldn’t have escaped from Azkaban, it’s simply impossible- it’s never been done. There are the most terrible guards—

I know. But he did. It’s really disturbing.

Gwen, it’s crazy, but I swear that for a second just then.... I mean, I know that Harry’s back in England, and Ron’s all the way in Egypt, and I’m over here in France.... but for a second I had the strongest feeling that we were all thinking about each other at once. I’m almost sure of it. Is that because of magic, do you think? I don’t really believe in that sort of thing—even though my Divination textbook, "Unfogging the Future", has a short summary on the reality of psychic thought connections. Do you think they’re real?

I think that very strong friendship has its own power. Nothing foggy about that.

I guess. Maybe I just really miss them. France is tres belle, and all that, but there’s nowhere I’d rather be than Hogwarts. Speaking of which, you’ll have to excuse me. I need to stay on schedule with my studies. The more I can do in advance, the better off I'’ll be when term begins.

Then you’re still determined to take all those new classes?

Mais oui! So far, Arithmancy is my favorite, but all my textbooks are really exciting. I’m working my way through my Muggle Studies one right now, and it’s so funny to see the normal world I’m used to through the magical perspective. Just like Ron with the telephone—I mean, what’s obvious to me seems almost like magic to him! I think that’s neat. Oh, but I’ve gotten off track again. No more writing for me. I’ve got to study. Goodnight.

HQoW

August 19

Ooooh, Gwen.

I’m in Dijon, and we went to an amazing restaurant last night that was tres chic. I had a sort of shellfish stew called—wait, let me check my dictionary—bouillabaisse. It’s very nice. Also, Mum and Dad let me taste some wine with them! Mum wasn’t going to let me, but Dad laughed and said, "French children customarily drink wine, and I’m sure Hermione is mature enough to try a bit." So Mum gave in, but only barely. Anyway, I got to taste it. It made my tongue all cottony. I’m not sure what the point is, to be honest with you, but I did feel quite grown-up.

I have to pack you up now, though. We’re leaving for Aix a day early because we’re trying to squeeze in a day at the beach on the Riviera after all! I’ll write you from there. ‘Bye!

HQoW

August 23

Bienvenue a la Cote d’Azur, Gwen!

What’s that, now?

Welcome to the Blue Coast, the Riviera! I’m on the beach in my swimsuit. It’s very uncomfortable as the sand down by the Hotel Eden is all rocks, but it’s also very pretty out here, so I’m trying to bear it. Ugh, I’m all sticky and soapy smelling because Mum made me put cream on. I don’t burn, so I don’t know why she makes me wear it. We start back up the coast tomorrow, and then Mont St. Michel, and then home. And then only four days to get all ready for school! I’m trying not to panic. I want to enjoy every last minute of this trip.

Aix en Provence was quaint and cobblestoned, all little shops and latticed windows. There was an outdoor market where we got lunch, and then we hiked up Montagne Sainte-Victoire. It’s only an hour climb, but it’s really exhausting, so I was surprised to find, at the top, that there’s a sort of ruined shrine, with lots of stone columns and statues and things, and a sort of rock cabin built into the cliff. I couldn’t help but wonder how it all got up there. No one could have carried those statues that high, and there are no roads leading to the top. I really think it was magic. It’s so funny, Gwen, but I can spot magic in the Muggle world from a mile away now, whereas before, when I didn’t know I was a witch, I’d have never noticed anything.

I’ve got to add that shrine thing into my History of Magic essay. I’ve already revised it nine times, and it’s two rolls of parchment more than Professor Binns asked for, but I don’t want to leave anything out. However, I think I’ll go back up to the hotel to work on it. These stupid pebbles are all sticking to my sunscreen lotion, and it’s impossible to settle down out here. I’m going inside, Gwen. See you soon.

HQoW

August 29

Gwen!

Back in England- no time- leaving for school the day after tomorrow- owl from Ron- meeting the Weasleys Sunday morning for sure- still no word from Harry- still haven’t packed, or finished studying, or anything- I’ll visit you at Miss Vauclain’s in two days- I can’t wait- ‘Bye!

* * *

{ACTUAL EXCERPTS FROM THE DIARY HEADQUARTERS AT THE ENCHANTED STATIONERS IN DIAGON ALLEY, LONDON, AUGUST 31^st}

Hello, everyone! It’s Hermione Granger again. Is Gwen around?

Well, well! If it iz not ze little cherie ‘oo spends her ‘olidays in France! And did you love it, or non?

Mais oui, Marguerite, I adored it. I went all over. Where were you from?

Just outside ze city of Paris, at ze palace. You visited Versailles I ‘ope?

Yes, I did go! You lived there?

I waz a lady in waiting for Madam la Princess of France, Marie Antoinette. We were all beheaded in ze revolution, you know. I would ‘av escaped, but zey took me in my sleep, and I did not ‘av my wand.

Oh, how horrid! But Versailles was very beautiful, and at least you got to live there before you were beheaded.

Hermione, it’s Gwen!

Gwen! I’ve brought Ginny Weasley, if you’d like to meet her.

Yes, of course! Hello, Ginny. How are you, my dear? Are you...

I’m fine. It’s all right, I know you’ve heard all about me. Hermione told me she wrote you about the Chamber of Secrets.

Yes. I’m very glad you’re safe.

Thank you. I’m very glad Hermione knows where you keep your brain. It’s comforting to see all this. I rather miss having a diary...just not that one.

I imagine you do. One day, you’ll keep another. What are you two doing this morning?

We’ve just woken up, and come down to visit you right off- I’ve been looking forward to it all summer! My mum and dad are talking to Hermione’s parents over breakfast, helping them understand Dark Arts and things. My brothers are all still sleeping except Percy, but he’s busy polishing his Head Boy badge, and we didn’t really want him to come anyway- just us girls this morning- you know.

I certainly do. And how was Egypt?

It was good! I miss Bill, and it was so nice to see him- he’s my eldest brother, if you didn’t know, and he’s really brilliant- he’s a curse-breaker at Gringotts over there. He showed us ‘round the Pyramids and things. Mum wasn’t going to let me into see into some of the scariest tombs, but Fred helped me sneak past her. Anyway, I’ve seen scarier.

True. Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, finally. Keep an eye on Hermione for me, Ginny. Don’t let her lose her head over all these new classes.

Oh! Well, I’ll try, but you know how smart she is- don’t you think she’ll be all right? I really don’t know how I could possibly stop her anyway—

Gwen! I saw that! This is a public diary, don’t forget. Don’t make Ginny worried, I told you, I’m going to be fine, and you know that I’ve studied and studied all summer. I’m quite prepared for everything.

Hermione, hanini, you’ve come again! What a nice surprise. I have to say, I was very worried when you disappeared for two months last year! I knew you must be very ill when we didn’t hear about the Quidditch matches. Gwen was extremely upset.

It’s all solved now, though, Cassie. Hopefully this year, I’ll be awake for every match!

Oh, yes, I hope so! It’s been far too long since we’ve had one of your Quidditch stories, hanini qalbi.

Qalbi?

Miss Granger, it is I, Argo, at your humble service. Truly, you grace us with your presence. Such a clever witch as you are, who can outwit even a Basilisk—

Hi, Argo.

And you bring another witch to us as well? The brave young Miss Weasley, is it not, who has withstood the forces of the Dark Lord himself? Ladies, you stagger me with your—

Argo, really. That’s enough now.

We can’t stay anyway, Gwen. Sorry, Argo! We told our parents we’d be back up to have breakfast with them in a minute. This was so much fun! I’ll write again tonight. ‘Bye, everyone!

All right, Hermione- I’m so glad you could come down again. See you soon. And goodbye, Ginny!

Goodbye, Gwen.—I’ll keep an eye on Hermione.

Thank you, dear.

HQoW

August 31

Well, Gwen, one day back in the magical world, and already a million things have happened. My mum and dad left me with the Weasleys this morning. Ginny and I are sharing a room at the Leaky Cauldron- she’s right here next to me, already fast asleep. I’m tired, too, but I just have to tell you everything.

After my parents left, Ron and I went to do our school shopping and look for Harry. Ron’s dad told us Harry was staying in the Leaky Cauldron, too. He’s been in Diagon Alley for two whole weeks, because he inflated his Aunt Marge, and ran away from home.

He what? His aunt? With magic? Oh, no.

I know. He inflated her. She was saying nasty things about his parents, and he just blew her right up, no wand or anything. And then he grabbed up all his school things, and ran away from the Dursleys’ house. He caught the Knight Bus- I guess it’s some sort of taxi service for wizards, I’m going to have to look it up- and came to Diagon Alley. Cornelius Fudge, our Minister of Magic, met him here and told him to stay at the Leaky Cauldron until school starts. I mean, I can’t believe he didn’t get in any trouble! We can’t ever do magic outside of school! Seriously, he’s really lucky not to be expelled.

Anyway, as Ron’s dad works at the Ministry, he knew all about what Harry’d done, and he told us after breakfast that he was in the Leaky Cauldron. We ran right up to his room, but he was already gone out, so we went off looking for him. On the way, we got our books (two huge bags full for me, Gwen. I only barely have room in my trunk!) One book was particularly odd- the "Monster Book of Monsters" for Care of Magical Creatures class. It bites. Literally, it’s a mad book, and it tries to snap your hands right off. I had to tie twine around mine so it wouldn’t tear my other books apart. Who on earth would assign that?

After that, we went to Ollivander’s Wand Shop, because Ron was getting a new wand to replace his broken one from last year. It’s so interesting, buying a wand, because Mr. Ollivander is so particular- it has to be just perfect- no two are ever alike. I remember when I first held mine. I knew it was mine. It made my fingers tingle, there was a surge of silver sparks, and I felt like it was just an extension of my arm- like a limb had been missing. All my life, I knew there was something peculiar and powerful happening in me, but I hadn’t been able to name it- and there it was. It’s a wonderful feeling, Gwen, isn’t it?

Yes. I remember that.

The wand that chose Ron this time is really long- it’s fourteen inches- but it fits him. He’s even taller this year, and he’s all freckly from that hot sun in Egypt. I’m very brown from travelling all summer, too. He asked about France, and I told him it was very nice. I asked about Egypt, and he said he’d seen "cool mutant mummies that had grown extra heads." I took that to mean that he’d enjoyed himself.

When we’d done with shopping and still hadn’t seen hide nor hair of Harry, we decided to get ice creams at Fortescue’s, and wait outside to see if he’d pass by. (Mmmmm, Fortescue’s is marvelous. One good thing about Mum and Dad being gone is that no one tells me not to eat sugar!) Anyway, when Harry finally did walk by, Ron and I both started hollering so loud we practically spit out whole mouthfuls! I laughed so hard- Gwen, Harry hurried right over- I just love reunions. We hadn’t skipped a beat, really. Harry told us about inflating his aunt, Ron laughed, I scolded him- it’s the same as always, and it’s perfect. Of course they had to get on my nerves about having so many books "What are you doing Muggle Studies for? You’re Muggle-born, your mum and dad are Muggles, you already know all about Muggles-" but I did like you told me to, and changed the subject.

Once we’d said our hellos and Harry had gotten himself an ice cream, I wanted to go get one last thing. My birthday’s in September, and Mum and Dad gave me some money to buy myself an early birthday present. Ron said, "How about a nice book?" But I just ignored him and said, "No, I don’t think so. I really want an owl." And I did. I’ve been wanting an owl for about a year. So we all went over to the Magical Menagerie together, because Ron wanted to get some kind of rat tonic for Scabbers, who’s been looking really sick since all that travelling in Egypt, plus he’s really old. He used to be Percy’s, before Percy got Hermes.

Anyway, Ron slapped Scabbers on the counter to get some advice about him, while I looked ‘round to find the right owl. They were hooting and fluttering, and there were some lovely snowy ones that reminded me of Hedwig, but none of them seemed to be mine, you know? I’d go up to them and coo, but I was waiting for some kind of special connection, or sign, and none came. The witch behind the counter was getting rat tonic for Scabbers, and I was just about to go and ask her opinion. But suddenly, an enormous, orange cat propelled itself down from what seemed like the ceiling, and tried to pounce Ron and Scabbers!

It all happened in a flash- there was a loud crash, Scabbers fled the cat, Ron and Harry chased after him, and a minute later, cool as anything, the orange cat came strolling back through the door. He leapt up on the counter next to me, and looked right at me, as if he was waiting for something. I said, "Hello there, who are you?" The witch behind the counter said, "That there’s Crookshanks. Nobody wants that one. Cranky. Been here for ages." Crookshanks gave a truly pitiful meow—Gwen, I swear, he knew what was going on. I laughed and said, "Don’t try to fool me, Crookshanks- you’re not a sweet little kitten, are you?" He nuzzled my hand with the top of his head as if to say, "Yes, I am." So I scratched his ears. Before I could stop him, he leapt into my arms and began to purr. He was gorgeous! The witch behind the counter was shocked. "Never seen that cat friendly to anyone," she said. "That’s a right miracle."

He was mine-- I knew it the same way I knew with my wand. "I’ll take him," I said. And so I have a cat! Oh, he’s just wonderful. Why would I ever want an owl? My little Crookshanks, my little kitty- he’s curled up at the foot of the bed with his big ginger tail flopped across Ginny’s heel. She loves him too. We cuddled him to pieces tonight. Ron doesn’t like him, though, and he’s not happy I bought a cat who pounced him on the head and tried to attack Scabbers. Well, Crookshanks is a cat, Gwen. Of course he’s going to attack Scabbers, who is a rat. Honestly. Anyway, he’ll be in my dormitory, and the rat will be in Ron’s, and I don’t see how there could be a problem.

I hardly know how I lugged all my books and Crookshanks back to the Leaky Cauldron. We got to the bar and met Mr. Weasley, who was reading more about Sirius Black in the Daily Prophet. Black’s still at large, and it’s been three weeks now. He most definitely did break out of Azkaban. To be honest, I don’t know much about the wizard prison, but from what I’ve read about the guards there, it seems they scare most people senseless. Everyone at the Ministry, including Ron’s dad, has been pulled off their normal jobs to try and track down Black, but Mr. Weasley says it’ll be an Azkaban guard that gets him in the end. I hope somebody does. I’m glad we’re going to be at Hogwarts tomorrow. There’s no safer place in the world than wherever Dumbledore happens to be.

I’m very glad you’re returning to school, too.

We’re leaving early. The Ministry’s sending cars as a favor to Mr. Weasley, since there are such a load of us. Oh, it’s so good to see everyone again! Fred and George were the same as ever, trouncing ‘round and cracking a thousand jokes. Percy’s very formal this year, and very pleased to be Head Boy. I would be, too, if I were him, and I wish the rest would stop making fun of his badge—although I do find it funny that he’s calling Penelope Clearwater his girlfriend now. I think Ron stole his badge or something- I can hear the two of them hollering at each other through the wall behind me. Goodness. And Ginny.... well, what did you think of her?

She seemed like a lovely young lady.

Mm-hmm. And for the most part she’s lots of fun, but she still gets really tongue-tied with Harry. She walked in tonight from shopping with her mum, saw Harry, turned pink, and stopped speaking. I used to think she was just like that, but she’s not at all shy when it’s just us- she had plenty to say about you this morning. She thinks you’re wonderful.

How nice!

Well, you are. But you know, Harry doesn’t even seem to notice how much she likes him. You’d think he could hardly miss something so obvious. But then again, some people just aren’t sensitive to those sorts of things.

But you are, though.

Yes, I — hang on — ooooh, that gives me the chills. I’m gooseflesh all over.

What happened?

Ginny muttered in her sleep-- "Please, let me go up--" and then she tossed on her pillow. It’s spooky to hear a person talk in her sleep, isn’t it? Especially so clearly, as if she’s awake. I guess she’s still having nightmares about what happened to her last year- Mrs. Weasley took me aside after dinner and told me this might happen. She told me to come and fetch her if it gets really bad. What’s ‘really bad’ though?

Ooooh, this is making me uneasy. She just muttered, "No, Tom, don’t – you can’t be Him---"

That’s very unsettling, yes.

It must have been horrifying down there in that Chamber. Oh, poor thing, how awful! Should I wake her? Should I go and get Mrs. Weasley? She’s practically crying, Gwen, I think I’d better do something—

Oh, Crookshanks! Good cat! He’s purring to her, and I think it’s making her dream nicer things! He just ran up the bed and curled himself between our pillows near her ear- he’s so smart. Yes, Crookshanks, that’s my clever boy, help Ginny sleep- he has the loveliest purr, Gwen, it’s such a soothing sound. Look at that! Ginny’s hands were in fists a second ago, but now she’s completely relaxed them-- and she was breathing really fast, but now she’s let out a little sigh...

I love my cat. I’m so happy! I’ll write you tomorrow— when I’m at Hogwarts!! Goodnight, Gwen.

Goodnight, Hermione.

HQoW

September 1

Gwen, we’ll be at Hogwarts in ten minutes, and something really dreadful’s just happened- how can I tell you fast enough?

Just go.

Sirius Black is after Harry. Harry overheard Mr. Weasley saying so last night, and he told Ron and me when we got on the train. Before Black escaped from Azkaban, he was heard muttering in his sleep, "He’s at Hogwarts, he’s at Hogwarts"!!!! That’s why Harry didn’t get into trouble for blowing up his aunt- Cornelius Fudge was just relieved to find him alive. That’s why the Ministry sent cars to take us to King’s Cross- they didn’t want Harry unprotected. It’s awful.

Harry told us everything in this compartment on the train, where I am now. We were all alone except for a teacher, but it didn’t matter he was here, because he was asleep the whole time. Professor R.J. Lupin- it says so on his briefcase- and he must be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor because, well, there aren’t any other vacancies, are there? I was thinking to myself that he’d better be pretty good, what with Black on the loose, when suddenly, Professor Lupin had a chance to prove himself. These things called dementors came onto the train.

They didn’t!

They did. We were just going along normally, when suddenly the train slowed to a halt and the lights went out. The storm outside didn’t help matters much- it was pitch black. Everyone stumbled around- Neville fell into our compartment and squashed Crookshanks- Ginny smacked into me and sat on Harry—and then all at once, Professor Lupin was awake, and on his feet, with some kind of fire in his hand. There was just enough light for us to watch as our compartment door slid open, and a tall, looming, hooded..... thing..... came gliding through the door.

Instantly the room was colder than ice, and I felt a wave of incredible sadness come over me- the way I used to feel back in Muggle school when I’d get teased and laughed at. I felt awful, sick, like I’d never be cheerful again. I couldn’t think about anything- I didn’t even care enough to go for my wand.

But Lupin told the hooded thing that none of us were hiding Sirius Black under our robes, (they must have been searching the train for Black,) and he shot a silvery cloud out of his wand at it, and the thing turned and floated away.

The lights came on. Harry was unconscious on the floor. He came to right away, and asked who was screaming. Nobody was screaming, Gwen. The cold in the room slowly went away, but everybody still looked freezing and pale. Lupin told us that the thing was one of the dementors of Azkaban, gave us chocolate to eat (I guess that’s the remedy against dementors or something) and walked out to talk with the driver.

We hauled Harry back up into his seat. He was upset that he’d passed out. Nobody else had- though I noticed Neville looked pretty shaken, and Ginny looked nearly as bad as Harry. When she gave a sob, I left Harry and went to put my arm around her. What was that thing? Why did it have that effect on everybody?

Professor Lupin came back a minute ago, and nobody’d touched the chocolate he’d given us. I reckon none of us really trusts anybody who says they’re a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. But Lupin smiled and said he hadn’t poisoned it, and after what he did with the dementor, it’s hard not to take his word. We ate it- and it’s so funny, but do you know the chocolate really works? The cold was sort of wiped from my body.

That’s it for now. The train is stopping- oh, we’re at school, we’re at school, thank goodness! There’s more, Gwen, but I have to tell you later. I have to get inside Hogwarts before I burst.

HQoW

Sorry to cut off like that earlier, Gwen.

That’s all right. How is Harry? How are all of you?

We’re fine. Things are a lot better, now that we’re at school. A lot better. I’ve got my Time-Turner! But let me start from the beginning, because Gwen, I left so much out before. I didn’t even get to finish telling you about Diagon Alley.

This morning was really nice, saying goodbye to the Weasleys and all. At breakfast, before all the boys came downstairs, Mrs. Weasley was actually telling Ginny and I about a Love Potion she made once when she was in school! It was so funny to hear a mum talking about stuff like that, and all three of us were in a fit of giggles. She’s fun. (Plus, I think it made Ginny feel better about Harry, because at platform nine and three-quarters, I actually saw her smile at him.) Mrs. Weasley even kissed me goodbye when she put us all on the train. I really like her. She talked with my mum about everything that happened last year, and it helped so much. Now Mum says she’s going to send owls to Mrs. Weasley whenever she has a concern, and I’m glad! It’s comforting to know that she has a grown-up friend in the wizarding world- Dad and Mr. Weasley get on well, too, and I think my parents really need that.

But ugh, Ron. Our parents might get on, but he is not being nice to Crookshanks, and he’d better stop pushing him around. When I let Crookshanks out of his basket, on the train, he jumped up into Ron’s lap, which I thought was sweet. He just wanted to make friends, Gwen. But oh no, Scabbers was in Ron’s pocket. Ron’s never given a care to Scabbers before- always going on about how he’s old and shabby and useless and missing a toe and everything- but now suddenly he’s acting all protective- he just doesn’t like Crookshanks for landing on his head back in the shop! So when Crookshanks jumped up on his knees, Ron took the opportunity to shove my cat onto the floor. I said, "Ron, don’t!" But he just turned up his nose at me and cupped a hand around the rat in his pocket as if he were fully justified. And that was right after our chat about Hogsmeade, which also made me mad.

Hogsmeade?

It’s marvelous! At least, I’ve read that it is. Hogsmeade is the only completely non-Muggle settlement in all Britain, and third years and above can go into the Hogsmeade village on outings! We all got our permission slips signed this summer, and—oh, Gwen. Harry can’t go. That’s the thing.

What? Why not?

The Dursleys wouldn’t sign his form.

Oh, but how unfair! Simply because they Dursleys don’t like him he’s being held behind? Well, surely someone else will give him permission—

Nobody will. He even asked the Minister of Magic. Nobody wants him out where Sirius Black can get at him. And I say that’s probably safest. Maybe he shouldn’t go to Hogsmeade until Black is caught. But Ron said--

Well, still! That’s just a crime. He should sneak out and go.

Gwen! You’re as bad as Ron! That’s exactly what he said! That, and then some rubbish about Black not being able to hurt Harry "if we’re with him." Ron’s not thinking. Sirius Black blew apart a whole street full of Muggles. He slew thirteen people with one curse, and he’s practically Voldemort’s successor. He’s not going to care if we’re there or not, he’ll just kill all three of us. But nobody can sneak out anyway, we’ve got those horrid dementor things posted all around our school, standing guard in case Black tries to come here.

The Azkaban guards are stationed at Hogwarts? I don’t like that a bit.

Nobody else does, either. Dumbledore told us at the feast tonight. The dementors are here all year. And no one can get past them, with a disguise, or with an Invisibility Cloak, so there’s not going to be any Hogsmeade for Harry. He wouldn’t dare go by those dementors. They really affect him badly. First he passed out on the train when that one came into our compartment-

Well, I hardly blame him for that.

True, but then when we drove through the gates into Hogwarts, we had to pass a couple of the dementor-guards, and these ones were all the way outside, yards and yards away from the carriages. But as we passed them, I saw Harry almost faint back against his seat, looking very sick again. At that point I still had my arm around Ginny, and she turned her head and leaned on me until we had lost sight of the dementors completely-- she doesn’t do well with them, either. And Neville was very, very pale- but then he’s easily frightened. I only felt a little cold when we saw them the second time, not bad at all, and Ron didn’t look upset by them, either. I guess they only affect us when they’re really close up.

Of course, when Malfoy heard that Harry’d fainted, he started right in. Can’t have one nice day back with Malfoy. "You fainted, Potter? You actually fainted? Did the scary old dementors frighten you, too, Weasley?" I hate him. He made a crack about Ron’s family on the train- as usual about their being poor- and I just wanted to kill him. Who cares if the Weasleys are poor- they’re wonderful people- anyway I’d rather live at the bottom of a well than have to live in Malfoy’s house. Ron says he’s not going to take any of Malfoy’s... well.... crap this year. I hope that doesn’t mean he’s going to fight him. But I do hate Malfoy. He’s the only thing I didn’t miss about Hogwarts.

Well, except Snape. I certainly didn’t miss him—he’s going to be even fouler this year, I can tell already. He really wanted that Defense Against the Dark Arts job when Professor Lockhart got dismissed, but he didn’t get it, and he looked like he wanted to strangle Professor Lupin when Dumbledore introduced him to all of us at the feast tonight. I’ve never seen Snape look that way at anybody but Harry- like he might slip poison in his cup at any moment and happily watch him die- but that’s how he looked at Professor Lupin.

Not that anybody else was very excited to welcome Lupin. Everybody here is sick and tired of getting to know new Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers, only to find out they’re really psychopaths, or idiots. But everybody from my compartment on the train, who saw the way Lupin handled that dementor, applauded really hard for him.

But Gwen, that’s nothing to the way we clapped for the new Care of Magical Creatures teacher. Professor Dumbledore announced that Professor Kettleburn had retired, and that the new Professor, the one who had assigned us the biting, mad "Monster Book of Monsters" (I mean, we should have guessed,) was—

HAGRID!!!

Oh, that’s wonderful!

Yes! Ever since he got cleared with the Ministry for all those crimes that Tom Riddle committed, he’s allowed to do magic again, and he’s been promoted! He’s going to be our teacher! I’ve never been so proud—you should have seen him—he sobbed all over his tablecloth he was so happy. I nearly cried myself. What a perfect start to the year!

The only thing I missed was the Sorting, which I am sorry about. Harry missed it, too. Professor McGonagall took us up to her office right when we got to Hogwarts, so we missed the start of the feast. I knew why I was in her office, but I didn’t know what she wanted with Harry. Maybe to yell at him about blowing up his aunt, I thought, but that wasn’t the reason. Madam Pomfrey came along as well- they both just wanted to make sure that Harry had recovered from his fainting spell. He was really annoyed- Madam Pomfrey called him "delicate", and after getting jibed by Malfoy, I think that was the last thing Harry really wanted to hear. He took the chocolate they gave him and went out in the hall with Madam Pomfrey, looking very irritated.

The whole time that was happening, though, I was only half-listening. My eyes were glued to a long, blue velvet jewelry box, sitting at the side of Professor McGonagall’s desk.

My Time-Turner. She gave it to me, along with a very stern reminder of the rules I’m to follow. Then she said, "All your third year professors have been apprised of the special circumstances, Miss Granger. However, I warn you here and now, you are not to use any excuse of being overburdened with work. Your assignments are to be completed in a timely and thorough manner. You will be graded as evenly as the other students, and your course load will not be taken into consideration. This is your choice, and no one else’s. Is that clear?" It was a very sharp speech, Gwen, but Professor McGonagall couldn’t help but smile at the end of it, when she put the box in my hand. "This should be an edifying experience. I look forward to seeing what you make of it." And then she took Harry and I back down to the feast.

The Time-Turner is here, in my drawer. I’ll be using it tomorrow for the first time at 10 o’clock AM, when I’ll be turning back from Arithmancy to Muggle Studies, and then again at 10 AM, when I turn back for Divination. AT 10 AM, I have Transfiguration. Then I turn back at 11 AM for Ancient- no, I don’t- yes I do. Ancient Runes. Then I have lunch- oh, no, wait. Then I have Herbology, then I have lunch. No, no, I’m right. It’s lunch first, then.... Care of Magical Creatures. Yes.

Ah, a nice, light first morning back at school.

Gwen, if you can’t say anything nice—

All right, all right. But please get some sleep- the least you can do is start out with one full night of rest.

I will. But I’ve just realized that I’m going to have to draw up a chart of these classes to carry around with me- I thought I could keep it all in my head, but I’m going to need to be very careful. I don’t want to walk into a class where I’m already sitting! It would scare everybody. Okay. But I’m going to be fine, Gwen, really—

Oh, here’s my clever cat! Hello, Crookshanks! He’s such a soft little softy, isn’t he, sitting on my lap- I told him to go check on Ginny and he understood me, honestly. He ran right into the second years’ dormitory. Isn’t he wonderful? Goodness it’s nice to be back in my four-poster. It’s nice to say goodnight to Parvati and Lavender. It’s nice to be home. ‘Night, Gwen.