There is something painfully contrary about writing a letter to a person you have a crush on and have wanted to be with for the last three years and who against all the odds has invited you to stay to tell them that you must decline their invitation because of a long standing friendship. Harry experienced this difficulty when he wrote his letter to Cho.
Dear Cho,
Thanks for inviting me to stay at your house. It was really nice of you to ask me.
Harry sucked on his pen. What to say, oh, what to say!
I’m really sorry to tell you that I can’t come. I have already agreed to go and spend the rest of the holidays with someone else. However, we can write to each other. I’m really happy that you want to make a fresh start. I would really like us to get on well together.
Best wishes,
Harry
Did that sound OK? Or too formal? Harry agonized. He thought it sounded formal, but there was no easy way of saying no, even to the girl you loved so formal at least sounded sincere.
The letter to Hermione was much easier.
Hermione,
I’d love to come! When is a good day for you to collect me?
Lots of love,
Harry
xxx
Did that sound OK? Or too friendly? Harry shrugged. He thought it sounded VERY friendly. Why had he signed himself off as, Lots of love and added three kisses under his name? Hermione was just a friend, for goodness sake! I was just copying Hermione, he told himself unconvincingly.
“You can fly home later if you want,” Harry suggested to the tawny owl that appeared to belong to Cho.
The owl ruffled its feathers, as if saying yes.
“Hedwig,” said Harry urgently, “take these two letters in this order; Hermione then Cho, OK? Got that? Hermione then Cho.”
Hedwig nipped him affectionately and set off.
Harry watched her fly away, higher and higher into the clouds, with great regret at the lost opportunity of spending quality with the most beautiful girl at Hogwarts.
“Have I made a mistake?” he asked himself aloud.
“A mistake about what?” said a familiar female voice.
Harry whirled round.
“Aaah, Hermione!” he cried out in surprise.
“Aaah, Harry!” she mimicked
Harry seized her in tight hug. She smiled warmly back at him.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, astounded.
“My dad dropped me off so I could help you pack. You are coming back with me … aren’t you?” she asked nervously,
Harry nodded fervently.
“Good,” she said, and squeezed his hand. He felt a bolt of electricity zap him as she touched him.
“I learnt how to pack things away neatly in a jiffy at the end of last term -- without using magic!” Hermione giggled. Harry grinned back at her -- she looked so pretty when she laughed.
“You look pretty when you laugh,” he found himself telling Hermione. Hermione blushed but she looked happy.
“Anyway, let’s not dwell on whether I look pretty or not,” she said quickly, “we have stuff to do.”
Hurriedly, the two best friends packed Harry’s things away neatly into his trunk, and collected Hedwig’s empty cage.
“Who does that owl belong to?” asked Hermione.
“Um … ”
“What does 'um' mean?”
“It means … Hagrid!” said Harry quickly.
“Let it go then!” she snapped.
Harry gave the owl a slight push. It pecked him hard on the hand and flew grumpily out of the window.
Hermione took hold of Harry’s wrist and led him down to her car where Mr. Granger was arguing with Uncle Vernon.
Mr. Granger smiled warmly at Harry and Hermione.
“So, you must be the famous Harry Potter. How good it is to meet you,” he said pleasantly.
“Hermione speaks very highly of you,” Harry said politely.
“She does of you too!” grinned Mr. Granger.
Hermione went an amazing shade of crimson and gave Harry a hard shove into the car, where she then settled herself beside him. They both watched in curiosity to see what would happen between Uncle Vernon and Mr. Granger.
“Why is it that Harry cannot come with me to my house so he can spend some time with his best friend?” asked Mr. Granger incredulously.
“Because I am his legal guardian, and I say he can’t go!” Uncle Vernon snarled.
“Well, that’s not fair, is it?” said Mr. Granger.
“I’m not having Harry play and loose with some silly girl!” Uncle Vernon roared.
“I wouldn’t play fast and loose with you and you’re NOT a silly little girl,” Harry muttered to Hermione.
“I know that, Harry. Tell that to your uncle though,” Hermione sighed.
Harry got out of the car and walked right up to Uncle Vernon.
“I will have you know that I would NEVER, under any circumstances, play fast and loose with Hermione. She’s my best friend, for crying out loud. If you don’t let me go to her house I’ll -- I’ll -- I’ll send for Tonks and Moody and Lupin and I’ll get them to curse you!” he burst out.
Uncle Vernon breathed in and out heavily for a few seconds. Then he grunted something that sounded like, “Orfugen.” This, Harry translated as, “Off you go then.” He smirked at Hermione. She slapped him a high five as he clambered into the car.
Hermione certainly seems to be taking a flirty interest in me this holiday, Harry thought to himself. This trip to Hermione’s could turn out to be quite fun …