Chapter 2: The Letter
Ginny entered the compartment, sitting down beside Harry. She looked at him, momentarily, before saying, “Harry! Why did you do that to Hermione? I know you couldn’t have done that.”
Harry didn’t reply as he buried his face in his hands. Moments later, he heard the door slide open. Luna had left, leaving Ginny and him sitting alone. Ginny looked at Harry intently, but quite suddenly, the door slid open yet again.
Luna appeared with a glass of water in her hands. She gave it to Harry, taking the glass. Both Ginny and Luna looked at Harry, worriedly. While Harry drank the water, Ginny said, “Harry, please tell me."
Harry tried to cover his face again, but Ginny, stopping him, said, “Harry,” she said, softly and lovingly.
“I don’t know what got into me,” Harry began, “And I don’t know why I did it. It was like a kind of evil force had done it for me: trying to make me do something bad. I hope Hermione doesn’t think I purposefully did that.”
Ginny pressed Harry's hand more tightly, saying, “Don’t worry. I’ve already told Hermione that you didn't mean to do it."
Harry looked up and said, “But how did you know I didn’t mean to do it?”
Ginny smiled and said, “Well, who could know you better than me?”
Suddenly, the door slid open again. Dean Thomas, looking flustered, said, “Ginny, I got to… Hey, its Loony Lovegood! How are you Loony?”
Dean roared with laughter, while Ginny immediately whipped out her want and muttered, “Stupefy!”
Within a flash, Dean was thrown backwards and froze, instantaneously. Ginny said, quite furiously, “He’s been following me ever since we left Hogwarts,”
Harry looked at Ginny, surprised and wanting to say something commendable to her, but Luna said, “Ginny, you’re great!”
Ginny gave a small nod and said, “Well, I’m going to go get changed. See you, Harry.”
And without an ounce of delay, she gave him a kiss on the cheek and departed. Luna followed suit and left as well. However, momentarily after both Ginny and Luna left, an owl soared through the open window and obediently fluttered onto the seat. Harry untied and ripped open the letter attached to the owl, reading it fervently:
Harry,
We have to talk to you about a few things. Please visit us as soon as possible.
Your aunt, Petunia Dursley
Harry couldn’t believe that the Dursleys had sent a letter to him: let alone Petunia, Harry’s aunt who despised his existence. Suddenly, and for the fifth time, the door slid open. Ron and Hermione walked into the compartment. Ron passed Harry, still looking angry, and sat on the furthest seat. Hermione walked towards Harry and said, “Harry, I’m sorry! I shouldn’t be forcing you to go to the Dursleys. It’s all my fault!”
Harry shook his head and said, “Hermione, it’s my fault. I just can’t believe what I did to you. I’m really sorry.” Hermione chuckled, hugging him with tears still flowing down her eyes. Harry continued, “Well, anyway, you didn’t need to force me. The Dursleys even want to see me. They’ve sent this letter.” And Hermione (and reluctantly, Ron) read the letter from Petunia Dursley.
