Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Chapter Text
*Letters Begin October 5, 1998*
Dear Potter,
I am writing to you today… Well to be brief… I am writing to you today to put forth a written expression of regret. Though I have not reached this decision lightly—and I want to make it clear I have not—I believe that I can, in fact, accept in this instance that I was wrong. It is a frightfully hard fact to come by as I am rarely wrong but in this case, selling you out to the Dark Lord was perhaps —well... it was not very wise. I’m not a bloody Ravenclaw after all, I don’t have all the answers. It was actually a bloody stupid move really, more like the shite you and your House would pull. I—I’m getting off topic. Point is, Potter, I’d like to apologise for my actions. Seen the error of my ways and all. Glad that blasted old man is dead and gone. You don’t have to write back. It’s fine. I don’t really care, just wanted you to know I’m sorry.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hullo Parkinson,
I have to admit I was surprised to receive your letter. I haven’t really thought much of what you did, to be honest. There were too many other things going on… I did actually die.
But… I’d like to think you were just as scared as the rest of us. Is that too bold of me to say to you? Is that too bold of me to say to you? We don’t actually really know each other that well.
I can read what you attempted to scratch out. Yes, Parkinson, Gryffindors can be foolishly brave but we can also be scared.
What you did certainly didn’t help, but it seemed you only made a fool of yourself. I do think McGonagall was wrong to send all the Slytherins away because of what you did. I dunno. It’s hard to think of the battle still.
I’m glad that old man is gone too. He caused me a lot of trouble.
I have to ask… If you’re apologising to me… what are your beliefs now?
From,
Harry Potter
Dear Potter,
I would be remiss not to say that receiving your reply to my rather hastily sent letter was quite agreeable after all. It seems I shouldn’t be shocked that you replied to me because that’s just your way. Being honourable… that’s to be expected of you, isn’t it? Yes, you did die for all of us after all. Thanks for the reminder.
I’m not a fool, I’m not.
You’re right… We don't know each other that well. I never gave anyone a chance except my housemates and Pureblood society members.
To your question, Potter, the honest answer is that I’m not very sure. It’s quite hard to determine. Years of… what’s the word? The Aurors at Draco’s trial were saying it… indoctrination are not easy to undo.
Speaking of which, because I know you can see what I scratched out… Why did you help Draco at his trial?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi again Parkinson,
I reckon you need to learn how to better use the Quill-Erasing charm for all the scratching out you’re doing. My letter was agreeable? Hm.
I’d like to think that I’ve done right by people. My intentions are always right but I’ve made a lot of errors. I—I still blame myself for my godfather’s death. I don’t like talking about that and I don’t know why I am telling you.
I think that is a very honest answer, Parkinson. My godfather once told me that the world is not made of good people and Death Eaters, but rather that we’ve all got light and dark in us. Just a sentiment that has stuck with me and will continue to do so, I reckon… What makes someone good includes tolerance for other people.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
This is a reminder about my question about Draco…
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Your short response also didn’t answer what I wrote to you. But I will answer your question…
As you know, Malfoy and I have never gotten along. And discovering he had taken the Dark Mark in 6th Year—especially after Ron and Hermione tried to convince me he hadn’t—was wretched. Because he was a bully but he was never evil and this made him evil to me. Then I saw how he was the night that Dumbledore died, how truly scared he was. Don’t ever repeat this to him, but I felt bad for him. I realised that he didn’t want to be in the position he was… When the Fiendfyre killed Crabbe, I saved Malfoy without really thinking about it because it was the right thing to do… because he didn’t deserve to die when all he had been trying to do was save his family. Even if said family, especially said father, had been trying to kill me, a rather innocent teenager, for years.
So… there… that’s my answer.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Acceptable response. Thanks. Just how innocent are you?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I have half a mind to say more but… You’re quite welcome. Also, I can’t actually read what you scratched out this time.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Better that way. Some things are best to remain private.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Alright.
Anyway, like I said, I reckon Malfoy deserved a second chance. It didn’t seem he really had a choice in the matter when it came down to it.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter…
That bollocks you said… about everyone having good and bad in them…
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Was there a question there? I can’t see anything scratched out so…
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Fancy yourself a comedian? I—well I wanted to discuss that sentiment a bit more.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Do you like people that are funny?
Well, see here, no one’s perfect. Everyone has things they want to change about themselves. You can find bad qualities—selfishness, greed, dishonesty—and good qualities—kindness, compassion, loyalty. I can bet if I asked the Slytherins for your good qualities they’d be able to list one or two. Should I write to Malfoy or Nott, or perhaps Greengrass?
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Theo and Draco are two of the funniest people I know. You missed out on their humour being hated by Draco all those years. A shame really.
Daph has her moments in humour. Though she’s giving them all away to her new beau at the moment…
Why don’t you write to Blaise and ask about my good qualities?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I will not be writing to Zabini.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Why not?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I reckon you know ‘why not’ as you’re all at Hogwarts together.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Red-haired, leggy, Quidditch player with a foul mouth and too many brothers to count (none of whom are Hogwarts this year to backfire a curse onto themselves)?
Side note, I still laugh sometimes about Weasley breaking his wand in Second Year and trying to curse Draco. No, I’m not scratching that out. I want you to know I still laugh about it.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I—yeah. She wrote to me in a letter a week ago. Then Hermione wrote to me as well about it. And Dean Thomas. And Romilda Vane… I don’t want to talk about THAT letter though (I may be having nightmares from it as if I don't have enough from the war).
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Subject change, because I feel like being nice. How is Auror training? That’s what you’re doing, yeah? Saw something about that in the Daily Prophet, I reckon.
Merlin… your hero complex remains strong, doesn’t it?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
This is your version of ‘nice’? It’s fine, it’s good.
Ron’s not doing so great at the practical training but I can’t tell him that.
How is Eighth Year?
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Weasel not keeping up to snuff? Again, not a surprise (see: 1992).
It’s fine. I have to be here, don’t I? I was on the wrong side of the war after all. That’s why I started writing to you in the first place.
Okay actually… Eighth Year has been quite enjoyable. You’ve probably heard this from others… but Seventh Year wasn’t fun for anyone except the Carrows last year. It was wretched… the things we had to witness and do…
Anyways, it’s been nice for it to feel like home again.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I understand Hogwarts feeling like home.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Parkinson,
Happy Halloween!
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Two letters at once… chatty, are we? Isn’t Halloween the day your parents died?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
You know, funny you should mention that… because I never really thought about it all throughout Hogwarts. But cheers Parkinson, thanks for the reminder.
All I wanted to do each Halloween was enjoy eating sweets and seeing the Great Hall all decorated. I mean… there was also that troll in First Year, Nearly Headless Nick invited Hermione, Ron, and I to his Deathday Party in Second Year, my godfather attacked The Fat Lady and freaked Ron out in Third Year, and of course the Triwizard champions were picked on Halloween in Fourth Year… But besides all of that.
Realizing this is a longer letter as I'm writing it. I guess I’m feeling particularly… reminiscent? Yes, perhaps, chatty ? Dunno.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Parkinson,
Ginny sent me a parcel of Honeydukes' sweets. Feeling rather odd about it…
Yes I know I sent you two letters in a row again.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Shouldn’t you go to Granger with this sort of shite?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Hermione hasn’t been answering my letters as of late… And I’m not going to Ron about this.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I didn’t mention Weasley, did I? I’m sure Granger’s just got her head in a book… haven’t seen much of her, to be honest.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
P.S. You’re the Wizarding World hero. Anyone would shag you at this point. Weaslette’s very busy with Blaise.
Hi Parkinson,
Not that it's any of your business but I wouldn’t shag just anyone. Romilda’s letter is STILL making me squirm from terror… no? yeah? terror.
I hate to ask… but can you check up on Hermione?Actually, never mind. Forget I wrote that.
From,
Harry Potter
P.S. Uch. Thanks for the visuals.
Potter,
So essentially the only thing you didn’t try to cross out was that you wouldn’t shag just anyone…
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Parkinson,
That’s your big takeaway?
Can you bloody please just check up on Hermione?
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
No “hi”? I got the great Harry Potter furious, did I?
I’ll check up on Granger. I’m sure she’s fine. If Weaslette can send you a parcel of sweets, she can send you a letter about Granger… but it seems you’ve lost your bravery with her.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Potter,
She’s fine. She’s just been busy.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Potter,
Not that I care—I don’t—but no one has heard from you in two weeks.
No, I didn’t ask. I overheard Granger talking to Thomas.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Parkinson,
Auror training is busy.
From,
Harry Potter
P.S. It’s okay to care about others.
Potter,
Weasley still hanging on for dear life?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
P.S. I care about a select few.
Parkinson,
He’s getting better. George, his brother, I dunno if you remember him, has been asking Ron to come join him at the joke shop… he’s been thinking about it.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
It’s because he’s a joke .
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I’m not entertaining that statement with an actual response.
Also, thought you said you liked funny people?
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
You just contradicted yourself.
Yes, I like people who are funny. I don’t like people who are jokes.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
First snowfall today.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Taking the hint.
I hate the cold but I like the snow.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I would hate the cold too if I had lived in the dungeons the last seven years.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
The Slytherin Common Room is beautiful. So, fuck off.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Some society woman you are with that vulgar language…
Also, I know it is. Still doesn’t take away the fact that it’s the bloody dungeons and therefore cold.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
How the fuck would you know what MY common room looks like?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
That’s a story for another time.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Fuck off.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Going back to the talk of snow… you might scoff because it’s a Muggle thing… You may have to go speak to a Muggle-born—Hermione’s been skiing before— to understand this further… but growing up, I would watch downhill skiing on the telly. The snow on the mountains looked really beautiful on the telly so I can imagine how lovely it’d be to be there in person . Snow in Scotland is definitely more beautiful than England…
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I asked Granger—well I asked her what she likes about winter and she mentioned she didn’t like skiing. Seems foolish to strap yourself to pieces of wood and just let your own body and gravity (I think that’s what it’s called?) take you down a mountain. Had to ask what a telly was too because she started babbling about watching skiing on the telly as well. Sounded a blithering fool asking.
I understand what you mean about the beauty of snowy mountains though.
And yes Scotland is much more beautiful than England.
Have you told Granger we’re corresponding?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I’ve never been outside the UK at all.
Have you?
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Yes, to Italy a few times. Blaise’s mother has an estate in Tuscany.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I would like to see more of the world.
Also… I reckon I may try my hand at a date.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Why would I care? Do what you want.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I did. It was shite.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I really don’t care.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Potter,
Did you mean to send me blank parchment?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Soz, that was an accident. My new owl isn’t quite as easy to handle as Hedwig was.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Was?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Do I mention I got a “hi”? Well, I am anyway.
Yes, “was”. Hedwig was killed in battle July 1997.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Your “hi” privileges have been revoked.
I was sat at home July 1997, what battle was this?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I see they’ve been revoked. Well, I will just have to fight to get them back.
Erm, there was a plan to move me from my Muggle aunt and uncle’s house to the Weasley’s using a bunch of diversions. The Death Eaters were tipped off… and Hedwig was killed then.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Parkinson,
Happy Christmas.
From,
Harry Potter
You too Potter.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Not even any greeting this time, yeah? Fine, you don’t get one either…
Any plans for Christmas? Are you going home or staying at the castle?
From,
Harry Potter
You are much too curious about my life, Potter.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Is that a bad thing, Parkinson?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Parkinson,
Hope your hols were a smash. I celebrated Christmas with the Weasleys. Zabini stopped by. Seems they’re quite serious, but you probably already knew that.
Hermione was acting a bit shifty when she dropped in to say hello—I know I know you don’t care.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I celebrated with Theo—he’s out both parents after all—at Parkinson Manor.
You’re right, I don’t care for Granger. Ok she’s growing on me.
Big fan of the Weaslette though, just so you know.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I heard about Nott’s father dying at the Battle of Hogwarts. I didn’t know about his mum.
You can tell him he can reach out to me if he’d like. The dead parents’ club is a fun one.
Ginny’s great. No hard feelings there.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
He says he’ll reach out. Saying this doesn’t come easily for me… but I appreciate this. Saying this doesn’t come easily for me… but I appreciate this. Theo’s like a brother to me (the curse of so many of us in Pureblood society being only children—Daph and Astoria got bloody lucky…)
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Parkinson,
I’m an only child too. So… I get it. Ron, and his family, and Hermione meant everything to me after growing up so alone.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
This feels too soppy. Let’s cut this shite out.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Another blank parchment, Potter??? Really??
Hi Parkinson,
Once again, sorry! I have half a mind to exchange this owl for another one. Haven’t even named this one.
Happy New Year by the way!
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Why haven’t you named your new owl?
You too, Potter.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Grief is such a tricky thing. I don’t know, just haven’t.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Grief is such a bloody tricky thing. I’m less familiar with it than you but I can see how it’s affecting everyone here at school.
Yes, I can sympathise with other people… occasionally… very rarely.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
It seems you can. Tin Woodman, you do have a heart after all. (That’s a Muggle reference, by the way).
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
While I don’t know that reference, I’ll have you know Muggle things have started to interest me. I’ll have you know Muggle things have started to interest me. Did Granger tell you we have mandatory Muggle Studies?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Yeah, she’s mentioned it in a few letters. Rants and such that I barely read. She’s trying to fix the lesson plans, I reckon.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
We’ve got a teacher who’s new to teaching (as I’m sure you know the old one was killed during the war) and Granger will not stop hounding the witch with her “suggestions”.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Malfoy had to witness that death, didn’t he?
Hermione’s not got Ron and I there to snap at so she has to take her frustrations at everyone else’s incompetencies somehow…
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I can see “Malfoy” but I can’t see what else you’ve scribbled out there.
British Muggle currency—funny name, though, "the pound" —seems much more sensible than Wizarding currency.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I asked a question about the war… Not important.
Yeah, I was befuddled by Wizarding currency when I was first introduced to it.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Also, why is it that we only have one sport? Muggles have a variety of sports. Sure there’s no brooms, but football sounds rather fun. The British Muggles seem quite obsessed with football. We also learned that American Muggles also have a sport called football but they’re wildly different. American football seems really rather dreadful compared to British football.
Though I do like watching Quidditch.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Wow, seems you have become rather fascinated with the Muggle world.
I like football too… but yeah, not the American kind.
I like playing Quidditch.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
My opinions on Muggles are shifting. Granger’s griping about the curriculum and the mandatory classes seem to have an effect on me.
Daphne received chocolate, roses, and aeroplane (which, by the way, I hate to admit I still need explaining on how they function) tickets to Thailand in the summer from her boyfriend Goldstein for Valentine’s Day. Seems rather pathetic, the whole idea that only one day a year is dedicated to love.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I’ve never been on an aeroplane myself so I’m not entirely sure. Something about the air pressure keeps them flying in the air without magic. It’s a rotten explanation, sorry.
You already know who I’m going to tell you to ask…
Happy Valentine’s Day, Parkinson. Don’t scoff at a day that celebrates love. Love saved the Wizarding World after all.
From,
Harry Potter
Shut the fuck up, Potter. About all of it.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Even about the aeroplanes?
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
You weren’t bloody useful about them anyway…
So yeah shut the fuck up about those as well.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
When’s your birthday?
From,
Harry Potter
Dear Potter,
My birthday is April 17.
And no, I don’t need astrology to tell me I’m a raging bitch.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I never paid much attention in Astronomy class anyway. Pleased to see I got a "dear" again.
Mine’s July 31.
From,
Harry Potter
P.S. I only think you’re a raging bitch sometimes.
Dear Potter,
I didn’t ask.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Ron quit Auror training. He’s going to go work with George at the shop.
Maybe Ron will grow on you.
From,
Harry Potter
Dear Potter,
Figures.
I don’t need him to grow on me. I’m very selective with whom I converse.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
You’ve been rather chatty with me these past five months.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Parkinson,
Nearly wrote Malfoy to see if you were okay.
I didn’t.
But I nearly did.
Hope you answer back soon x
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Parkinson,
Alright, if you don’t want to talk anymore I understand…
Well actually I don’t but I’ll try to.
From,
Harry Potter
I miss talking to you
Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Summary:
The letters continue.
Chapter Text
Letters Begin April 1st, 1999
Hi Parkinson,
It’s George Weasley’s birthday today. We’re all gathered at the Burrow—that’s the Weasley family home. I’m writing this letter from Ron’s room. This is the first birthday without Fred here.
Ginny and Zabini were allowed to leave school to come here. I was tempted to ask Zabini about you, but refrained. Something about asking my ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend about a female friend of his doesn’t appeal to me.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Parkinson,
You probably won’t even read this. I don’t know if you’re just incendioing my letters or what… I don’t know what I did.
Happy 19th birthday!
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
School’s been busy.
Thanks for the birthday wishes.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Pansy, Parkinson, really? That’s all I get? You didn’t answer for nearly six weeks!
Potter,
I thought Auror training was super busy, perhaps you should just let it take up more of your time.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Respectfully, what the bloody fuck is that supposed to mean?
From,
Harry Potter
Forget it, Potter.
Hi Parkinson,
Fine, have it your way.
Hi Parkinson,
This does not mean don’t respond for another six weeks.
I like hearing from you okay?
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I don’t—I—well
It seems I had some reckoning to do with the fact that I have allowed an additional person to speak to me the way my childhood Pureblood friends speak to me.
It made me uncomfortable, but not in a bad way.
I don’t like feeling vulnerable.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Yes, well you’re not exactly who I thought I’d end up spending my days writing to either, okay?
You were so rude and mean in school to anyone who wasn’t the group of Slytherins in our year… You were awful. So, imagine my surprise every day when I wake up looking forward to potentially receiving a letter from you.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Point taken.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
It’s really rather dreary here.
From,
Harry Potter.
Potter,
Have you really nothing to say except talk about the bloody weather?
What a waste of parchment.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
It’s getting you replying to me again, innit?
From,
Harry Potter
Fuck off Potter.
Hi Parkinson,
Absolutely not. I’m here to stay.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Well fine then. Do as you wish.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
What is it that you want to do after school? We haven’t discussed that at all, I just realised…
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
The conversation about the weather failed miserably, so we're onto the "what are you doing after school" conversation? Well, alright.
For years, I thought I would go through with my marriage contract to Adrian Pucey and be a housewife and a mother because of duty, obligation, and the like.
So, it’s really been just this year that I’ve been able to really think about it. I want to be a Healer. I’ve already begun applying to healer academies across the UK.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
You had a marriage contract with Pucey? He’s not much to look at. Yeesh, not the nicest of blokes. But I guess you didn’t have a choice.
That’s incredible! Anywhere, in particular, you would really want to be?
But, you do know you have to care about saving people’s lives in order to be a Healer, right?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Yeah, being married to Pucey would’ve been a disaster.
Perhaps Leeds or Edinburgh. But I’m not quite sure just yet.
Also, har har Potter. I didn’t think you were worth saving. Things are different now.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
No interest in London? We would have to continue our letter writing then.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
The programs look to be better at Leeds or Edinburgh. Oh, we would have to, would we?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I admire your ambition. Parkinson, we're not doing this again. I love like talking to you.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Your kindness is wearing on me.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I will take that as the compliment it nearly is.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I have something to tell you.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hiya,
A bit vague there, Parkinson.
From,
Harry Potter
Draco and Granger are shagging.
Draco and Granger are shagging.
Potter,
Draco and Granger are shagging.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Potter,
Something happen with your ruddy nameless owl again?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Parkinson,
No, I just was too speechless to write anything down.
Even as I’m writing this now, my hands haven’t stopped shaking from your first note about the news.
I—I am having trouble. Do you see how crooked my handwriting is??
Parkinson, I am having trouble processing. This is—It’s Malfoy. It’s Malfoy and Hermione. Hermione and Malfoy. I do not. I cannot.
Why is this what it is? It is— I— erm—
I’m just rambling.
Anyway, to answer your question again—yes again—I just sort of let my owl take blank parchment to you because I was incapable of anything else.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Wow, you’re really a master of articulation right now, yeah?
In fairness, it was a wretched sight. I have never seen so much of Draco before and we ran around as children in nappies. I’m nearly heaving just thinking about it again.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Potter,
You just let the parchment go again, didn’t you?
Oh wait… there’s a smidge of sick on the corner. Potter!! Uch, I’ll need to wash my hands for ages just to get rid of the feeling of being near your vomit. Uch, Potter, I can smell it.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I can’t be held accountable for my actions here. You threatened to be sick and I was actually sick. My Muggleborn best friend copping off with my school enemy… It's too much to bear. I don’t want to even think about the fact that you actually caught them. Scourgify won't clean that sort of nasty business.
From,
Harry Potter
Hello,
You’re so dramatic, Potter. Honestly. Has anyone ever told you how dramatic you are?
Besides, I already told you it was more than just “copping off”.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson.
Hi Parkinson,
Says the one that ran out in the middle of everyone to sell me out to Voldemort…
Also, I’m ignoring any more implications or explicit statements of what went on/ is going on between your best mate and my best mate.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
I’m not apologising again.
Two naked bodies twisting around each other in the back of an empty classroom…
Never mind, I’m making myself ill.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi,
It was a joke, Pansy. Parkinson.
P.S. I will be having nightmares about Hermione and Malfoy. They could end up being significantly worse than my regular nightmares.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I promise you that your nightmares wouldn’t even scratch the surface of the real thing.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
That is vivid imagery I really didn’t need. STOP! I am disturbed.
Something should be done about this. Are we doing anything about this? Do we need to send them both to the psych ward at St. Mungo’s? (Is there a psych ward at St. Mungo’s? I know there’s a Spell Damage ward but there really should be a psych ward…)
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
I say we sit back and watch it burn (or eat our words if it doesn’t). I’m the one that has to be here seeing this go on.
Honestly, I think Weaslette may have encouraged this behaviour for Granger. I caught Weaslette and Blaise in an empty classroom just last week.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
If I show up at Hogwarts on an unauthorised visit, it’s only because no one stopped me.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
I’ll believe it when I see it.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
If Malfoy is cursed into oblivion, it wasn’t me.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Unfortunately for you, my response to that is touch Draco and you’ll be cursed into far worse than oblivion by me.
Anyways, tell me more about your relationship with Weaslette. I’m in the mood to hear about that sort of shite.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
What do you want to hear? She had a crush on me when she first met me but I didn’t think of her at all really… I really didn’t have a crush on anyone until Cho Chang starting in Third Year. Then in Sixth Year—her Fifth Year of course (I know you’re reading this thinking “yes Potter I can do the maths thanks.”)—I just started noticing her more. She was dating Dean and I realised I was jealous. So, after they broke up, I made my move. Then we dated for a few months before we split up because I wanted her safe from Voldemort.
Thinking about her is what got me through the long days of camping around the UK in search of pieces of that fucker’s soul. She’s the only person I’ve ever been in love with.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Ah yes, Cho Chang. I do remember making a comment when I saw the two of you on your Valentine’s Day date back in our Fifth Year. Something along the lines of “not thinking much of her taste”? I almost understand the appeal now.
I actually laughed out loud at the bit where you assumed that’s what I would write back because I was thinking just nearly that indeed.
That Thomas is rather fit. Weaslette dated Corner before then right? I think I remember seeing them about. I didn’t think much of him though and still don’t. Daphne talks a lot with him now because she’s dating his best friend of course.
Do you still think about her now?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
You know, funny isn’t it… I do actually remember you saying that. I also remember Greengrass looking at the ground after you made that comment… Perhaps, she thought I was fit. Imagine that…
Yeah, she did date Corner. He’s a nice bloke, don’t really know him that well. He was in Dumbledore’s Army of course but otherwise yeah I don’t really know him.
Things with Greengrass and Goldstein seem to be going well, yeah? I’ll have to get to know Greengrass better, I reckon. You seem quite fond of her.
Before we began talking, I thought about Ginny a lot during the summer and into the beginning of Auror training but now I rarely think about her. Truly, I've got a lot else on my mind.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I highly doubt Daphne thought you were fit. She was probably just looking at the ground because she bloody well felt like it.
Also, why would you need to get to know Daphne better?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
No need to get stroppy. I just want to get to know the people who mean a lot to you better.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I am not stroppy. Say that again and you’ll be receiving a nasty hex in a letter sometime soon. I can’t see what you scribbled out.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I’m not scared of you. And I will not be telling you what I scribbled out.
What was your relationship with Malfoy like?
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Why would I tell you that?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
P.S. I will give you reason to be scared of me. Just you wait.
Hi Parkinson,
I told you about Ginny!
From,
Harry Potter
P.S. I don’t believe that for a second, Pansy.
Potter,
And that’s your problem, isn’t it?
Whatever.
We shagged a few times. It wasn’t anything serious. I definitely liked him more than he liked me.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Alright. Cool. Yeah.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Wow, King of Articulation once again.
No wonder you needed Granger to get you through school.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Actually, it’s just that I had nothing of importance to respond to in turn. Yeah, I’m going to go with that.
Yes well Hermione was quite helpful, I do have to admit that.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Your letter felt like rubbish so I threw it out.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Cheers, Parkinson
Dear Potter,
It’s May 2.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Are you okay?
From,
Harry Potter
You cannot possibly be asking me if I’m okay…
Hi Parkinson,
I can and I am. I’m doing okay.
I am at the Weasley’s. Hermione’s here. I decided not to confront tell her with the fact that I know about her and Malfoy. Sorta feels like the wrong day to do so, you know? Can’t imagine why… Just does.
It’s a hard day for everyone.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I appreciate the sentiment. I’m fine.
Ihavebeendrinkingquitealotthough. Haireyeshairyeyesgreen. Ilikegreen.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
POTTTTTTTTER
Potter,
I apologise about my drunk notes. We drank quite a bit of Firewhisky in the dungeons last night.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
I didn’t get any drunk letters from you. No idea what you’re on about.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Fuck off. I know you did.
I appreciate you trying to make me feel better though.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Parkinson,
Your lot is all about self-preservation so I thought I’d be noble and help out with maintaining it.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
You’re a right prat for that.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson.
Hi Parkinson,
Sorry, the hero complex in me never quite stops.
I am who I am, Pansy Parkinson.
From,
Harry Potter
Just call me Pansy already, Potter, without crossing it out. I like my name, alright? Call me Pansy.
Hi PANSY,
If I’m to call you Pansy, then I must insist on you calling me Harry.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
I refute your logic on such a claim. Reciprocity isn’t mandatory or necessary. Actually, further so, it will not be tolerated.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
I will get you to call me Harry eventually.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
I don’t think so.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Let’s agree to disagree for now.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Pansy,
By the way, I do quite like your name.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Sod off with the compliment.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
I will absolutely not “sod off”. I don’t want to.
I will state once again, Pansy Parkinson. I like writing to you. I like getting your responses. And I will continue to do so. Are we to be understood?
From,
Harry Potter
Fuck off, Potter
That’s my girl.
Potter,
Your terrible handwriting is made worse when you aggressively cross things out.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
I was going to rip up the letter after scratching out what I wrote but that damn owl took it from me instead.
No, I won’t be telling you what I wrote.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I don’t care anyway.
In other news, Theo seems to be cozying up to Lovegood. Barmy, I think. You’re mates with her, aren’t you?
This inter-house mingling is madness to me.
Yes, I’m a hypocrite because we correspond and all. Never said I wasn’t.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Yes, I’m friends with Luna. I don’t really know Nott well but I do hope he’s making her happy. She had quite the thing for Neville but that never really panned out… Anyways, Hermione told me in a letter that Neville is dating Hannah Abbott now.
She can be quite barmy but she’s got a kind heart. Maybe you could learn a thing or two from her…
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
I have no time to be kind. Seems like too much effort.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Pansy,
Well now you sound absolutely barmy.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
What’s barmy are telephones. You hold up a curvy object and press on the buttons a few times and someone is able to speak to you after you do that? It's mental. We are learning about telephones and faxes (which make even less sense to me) right now in Muggle Studies. You’ve probably used a telephone before… What's it like?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
I shall not be giving up on a friendship between you and Luna especially if your own mate is, as you say, “cozying up to her” but I will take your hint to change the subject.
Yes, I’ve used a telephone many times.
Funny story, Ron attempted to use a telephone to call my aunt and uncle to let them know he and his family were coming to pick me up for the Quidditch World Cup… it was a ruddy disaster because he was far too loud and my relatives got quite annoyed… Then again, they got annoyed at everything I did just for existing. I’ve been in touch with my cousin Dudley a couple times since the end of the war but I haven’t reached out to my aunt and uncle at all and I don’t plan to. Honestly, I was planning on scratching that out but it’s actually nice to tell someone. Ron can’t understand with his huge family and Hermione has her own troubles right now with her parents.
Is the Muggle Studies professor teaching you how to use a telephone? If she isn’t, perhaps we can meet after school’s out and I can teach you.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
I won’t be made a fool like Weasley.
I’d like that, Potter. I think a trip into the Muggle world would do me some good.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Can it be? Is Pansy Parkinson admitting that Muggles aren’t the scourge of the earth after all?
Actually Ron is doing rather well at the joke shop. He has been managing most of the business side of things.
I think you’ll like the telephone. I also would like to be able to hear your voice.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
You know I don’t have those views anymore. So there, I said it. Although I would like to hear more about your relatives detesting you…
Good for Weasley.
By the way, Draco knows we’ve been corresponding. I didn’t tell him, of course, but rather he snuck up behind me and saw your name written on my parchment. He ripped it out of my hand rather aggressively and demanded answers.
I told him that I had offered you an apology last autumn. He softened at that, understanding what that meant with Granger at all.
He hasn’t told Granger yet but I wouldn’t mind if he did.
Your friend,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Well good.
Erm, in terms of my relatives… Well my aunt is my mum’s sister… My aunt hated magic because truthfully she was jealous she wasn’t a witch like a mum. I don’t know if she still hates it but again, I have little intention of speaking to her. My uncle hates magic because he hates anything that isn’t “mundane” and “normal”. What a boring existence that is.
They had me living in a broom cupboard for the first eleven years of my life and treated me like a lowly servant rather than their nephew. Dudley didn’t know any better other than to treat me the way he saw his parents treating me. I have more compassion with him than I do with them.
Dunno how I turned out so well with these people barely doing anything to raise me or even keep me alive.
Also, you’d consider us friends now, yeah? Good, because I’ve considered us friends for quite some time. Glad you’ve caught up with me. Smaller legs, I suppose. Actually… I don’t recall your height at all…
I can send a note to Hermione myself to tell her. I just didn’t really think of it being a big deal with people knowing or not.
Your friend,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
These people sound utterly awful. If you hear of them opening parcels to curses, it wasn’t me.
Yes, Potter, regrettably, I think, after months of correspondence, I would consider us on cordial terms.
I’m 170 centimetres tall. Are you trying to picture me or something? I could just send a photograph along in my next letter…
Do whatever you want with Granger. Actually, don’t. But you can tell her. Doesn’t matter to me.
Granger should know, yeah.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
A photo of you would be nice, actually. I have a wall of photos of my friends in my room at Grimmauld Place so you would make for a good addition. Thanks for the suggestion.
Hermione said she’s known for months because of the questions you were asking her and the letters she was getting from me. I should’ve known… nothing escapes her.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
By the way, I suspect you’ll be seeing something in the Daily Prophet sooner than later about Granger and Draco. They are really not being very secretive. Even the Hufflepuffs have caught on.
I have attached a photo of myself in the letter.
Isn’t Grimmauld Place the street that Black Manor is on? I for one never quite understood how they remained there when the Muggles moved in around them. (This is not a slight at Muggles, just at the Black family for their views). Why are you there?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Yep, the paper came today with the front page news on our best friends. Well, they’ll have one more week at Hogwarts before the paparazzi are everywhere. Also, there are a lot of smart Hufflepuffs so stuff your insults elsewhere. Besides… need I remind you of Crabbe (RIP) and Goyle?
I live in Black Manor. My godfather was a Black and he left it to me in his will. The neighbourhood really is quite lovely.
The photograph you’ve sent me of yourself is quite lovely.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
I forgot about your connection with Sirius Black. Will you be teaching me how to use a telephone in Black Manor? That would be something.
Draco has been screeching like a lunatic at everyone for the news of his relationship being leaked to the press. Lovegood seems to be the only one getting through to him. Perhaps she’s not so bad after all. Granger is just rolling her eyes.
Yes, well I’m quite the master in front of a camera, aren’t I? But also fuck off.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
No, we couldn’t go to Black Manor for that. The magic would interfere. We would be using a telephone booth.
It might do my wall well to receive more photographs of you.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
I’ve been accepted to the Edinburgh Healer Academy.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Notes:
Enjoy the latest installment of this epistolary fic <3
Chapter Text
Letters Start June 20, 1999
Hi Pansy,
Congratulations! I am so incredibly proud of you!
Yes, I know you don’t like the affection but I also know it took you a lot of courage to tell me this. I don’t care. I am proud of you and I will say it to you.
From,
Harry Potter
Dear Potter,
Sod off.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Does this mean you’ll be staying in Scotland?
From,
Harry
Dear Potter,
I think that would be best. I want to get familiar with Edinburgh before I begin my time at the Academy. I’ve heard great things about this city. Isn’t Professor McGonagall from there? I’d probably give her quite the scare if I wrote to her asking.
I do apologise that I will not be able to visit with you at The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
I understand entirely. Though, I’m very disappointed that I won’t be able to see you.
Will you be venturing into Muggle Edinburgh from time to time then?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Yes, Potter, I will. I am serious about learning more about the Muggle world. Do you happen to have any time off from Auror training?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Glad to hear it. Does the Academy provide housing or would you have to find your own flat in Edinburgh?
What’s the magical High Street called there? Even after living in Scotland for six years, I am truly so unfamiliar with anything that isn’t Hogwarts.
Have I told you about the first time I Flooed to Diagon Alley?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
The Academy provides housing but…actually I may opt to find a Muggle flat so I could be in Muggle Edinburgh more than “from time to time”. I really want to make a go of educating myself so I reckon immersing myself within Muggle culture will help with that.
It’s called Wysart Wynd.
Is it meant to be an interesting story? I would like to hear it if so.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson.
Hi Pansy,
I am proud of you. I am proud of you. It is a tremendously big step, especially as you are quite stressed at the mo’.
Ah, Wysart Wynd. Yes, that’s right.
Well, you see. It was the summer before Second Year and I was staying at the Weasleys (I can practically see you rolling your eyes)... Mrs. Weasley had given me Floo Powder and instructed me on how to use it… She also instructed me on the importance of saying Diagon Alley correctly…
It’s a bit nervy to step right into a fireplace with a hot fire when you’ve never done it before, okay? I was twelve! It was too much to remember.
So, I ended up saying something like “diagonally” instead of Diagon Alley. I ended up in Knockturn Alley. Dunno how that worked? The magic was like “well close enough I reckon?”
Anyhow, I ended up in Borgin and Burkes. Malfoy and his father had come in for something but I stayed hidden. It was quite the time.
Then, as you know I spent the whole year trying to figure out who was petrifying Muggleborns whilst everyone reckoned I was responsible. Gods, my childhood was rather traumatic… I mean all of ours was…
How was your last day at Hogwarts?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
That is quite the tale. Yes, I am sure Malfoy Sr. was up to no good and dragging Draco along… I despise that man.
My last day was quite good, thanks. Although, I am quite sad about leaving a place that has been home to me for so long. I’ve just arrived in Edinburgh and shall be off to find a flat now. It’s anyone’s guess whether that shall be on Wysart Wynd or someplace Muggle.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Yes, well Malfoy Sr. is at least in Azkaban for now. How does Draco Malfoy feel about that anyway?
I do miss Hogwarts terribly. I hope to visit when I can in the coming years, even just to walk the grounds.
Good luck with your flat hunting!
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Wow, fancy that! Potter asking after Draco? How touching. The inevitable reunion between Draco and his father will not be touching, however. He respected his father a great deal. He also trusted him. But how can you trust a man who doesn’t do right by the people they claim to love? Draco thinks it was right for Lucius to be locked up—he reckons he won’t have much of a relationship with his father following his release in five years’ time. I doubt Lucius, or Narcissa for that matter, would ever reform the way Draco has… I will be interested to see what happens when Narcissa discovers Draco is seeing Granger. Draco is the happiest I’ve seen him since early adolescence. I do hope it remains that way.
Perhaps I will find a telephone to use while here… I may, begrudgingly, be writing both you and Granger many letters asking how to use it.
Also, I have found myself a flat. It’s in the Morningside neighbourhood of Edinburgh. They were letting it for £3659 per calendar month, which I was told is quite a bit… As if I have any care for that. I have far too much money anyhow. I’m having about a sixteenths worth of my fortune (which should be more than enough) transferred into Muggle money and sent to me (Daphne is taking care of it for me before you ask). So yes, Potter, I found myself a Muggle flat. I don’t mean to sound so cavalier about money but it feels nice to use money granted to me to be able to enjoy a better future.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
You’re nearly making me want to go for a pint with the bloke with all this talk… (Shut up).
You’ve written quite a long letter to me… Is your hand alright?
Also, that is fantastic that you’ve found yourself a flat so quickly! Ah, yes to me that does sound rather pricey but if you’re happy there then you should enjoy it!
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Draco says he’s free never but he appreciates the offer.
My hand is just fine, thanks. There are other activities that cramp my hand much more than writing.
Also, thanks, yeah. It’s well lovely.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
I don’t believe you actually told him.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
You never let me have any fun.
Signed,
Pansy
Hi Pansy,
Hermione wrote to me to tell me she is interested in purchasing a mobile after she returns back to London. It’s called a Motorola Timeport L7089. Strange name but I suppose if it functions well then it will be useful. I could ask to borrow it from time to time or purchase one myself to use outside of my home (bloody magic, I tell you!). Perhaps I can ask her to send you one by post?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
So no telephone booth? You don’t wish me to be instructed on the use of a regular telephone? Moved me to a "mobile" so quickly? Does a "mobile" move on its own?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Sorry… are you rather upset with me? I didn’t mean to offend…
I reckoned it was a rather good idea but if you don’t like it then we can just continue to write letters.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
It seems I wrote out of turn. You have nothing to be sorry for… it is a good idea.
I suppose I do not like sudden change. I’m actually rather quilled out over leaving Hogwarts so soon and starting a new part of my life.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Great then. I shall send a note to Hermione asking her if she and I can go together to purchase mobiles and I will send a parcel containing yours. Unless you would rather do that yourself? You are incredibly stubborn. I think Hermione mentioned there are instructions on how to pay for phone calls. More on that once I know… I mean you can ask her yourself but it’s probably best if I do it.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
I don’t want the same phone as you and Granger. Surely there must be different models?
I assume you know that Granger and Draco have gone to Greece then? Some lunacy about a new Ancient Runes discovery in Corfu…
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Hermione says she reckons there are different models of mobiles.
Yes, I’d rather not think about it, if you don’t mind. It’s still rather disturbing to think about those two together.
From,
Harry Potter
P.S. Would you be able to send a photo of your new flat, perhaps with you in it?
Hi Potter,
Right well, I have no idea what’s what with mobiles, but anything else besides what you’re getting for yourself and Granger will do. Thanks.
As for Granger and Draco, I reckon you’ll have to just get used to them. It seems like they’re in it for the long haul now.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
P.S. I attached two photos to the letter if you haven’t already found them.
Hi Pansy,
Yes, I’ll be sure to send you a letter once we’ve done that errand.
I fear I know that to be the truth. Ron is the most upset about the whole thing but he’s recently started going on dates with Susan Bones from our year, so we’ll see how that goes…
From,
Harry Potter
P.S. I received the photos. Your flat looks magnificent. The photo of you is utterly delectable. I don’t even know how I thought of that word but it’s the only word I can even think of to describe it. You’re beautiful.
Hi Potter,
I am moving our talk of photos from the postscript and would like to state that I would not be upset if I were to receive a photo of you as well.
If a Hufflepuff like Bones wants to put up with Weasley then she can be my guest. I mean — it can’t really be helped if you’ve got the personality of a Flobberworm.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
The weather is brilliant here today in London. I purchased a pair of sunglasses (Muggle invention used to protect your eyes from the sun) and fancied a walk around Muggle London. I had a solo meal at a restaurant called Aubergine. It was well good. Muggle bloke named Gordon Ramsay opened it six years ago, I’m told. The servers were quite confused as to how I didn’t know who he was (not that this means anything to you) and I had to lie and say I’ve been abroad for a decade.
An interesting thing I’ve discovered with these mobiles is that you can send short messages to people whose phone numbers you have… it’s called “short messaging service”. Another thing I, the great Chosen One, will have to teach you. (Yes, I am expecting to receive Bubotuber pus in the next letter for this).
I have attached a photo of myself that you may throw darts at (Muggle thing, just pop into a pub and you’ll figure it out).
If you like Hermione now and you enjoy communicating with me, you may have to put up with Ron (and perhaps Susan) in the future.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
It’s funny you say that because I, too, took myself out on a date in the Muggle world yesterday at a place called Restaurant Martin Wishart. I looked at the Muggle newspaper and as it turns out your Gordon Ramsay also opened a restaurant last year called Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. There was a “one year later”, or some bollocks, review on it.
These Muggles think highly of themselves, don’t they? I see the appeal though. I know, mad that I’m saying that… wonderful but mad. My meal was excellent. It seems as though Muggles can do quite a lot without magic quite wonderfully. The food was so good, I was nearly going to ask if one of the chefs was, in fact, a wizard.
Also, the photo you sent of yourself is acceptable. Thank you.
What does “short messaging” mean? Does it restrict the number of words you’re allowed to write? And is it writing? Or is it more like how you would use a computer (that’s the name right?) and type? Very odd.
I don’t like requiring others’ assistance but if it has to be anyone’s, I am alright with it being yours.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
P.S. As you can tell, I did refrain from sending Bubotuber pus.
Hi Pansy,
He’s not my Gordon Ramsay. I’m selective of what’s mine, just like you.
I’m glad you didn’t ask anyone if they were wizards. They may have not taken you seriously but you can’t be breaking the Statute of Secrecy and all. Went from detesting Muggles to nearly breaking the Statute for them… It is wonderful to see. I’m grinning.
I’m glad you liked the photo. I will not tell you how long it took to make a good photograph of myself.
Yeah, I’m not too sure either. Perhaps you’re right about it being restrictive? The purpose may be to have quick conversations without using a telephone or writing a letter.
Try asking Hermione?
I’m glad you feel that way. I’m glad you feel that way.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
And what, pray tell, is yours?
How many letters to you have I written with the phrases, “Fuck off” or “Sod off”? Just wondering. I think the messages there are quite clear with just a few, short words.
Although, I do quite like having the freedom to write as much as I want to but I guess we can give these Muggle devices a go.
I have not written to Granger. Don’t need a long, swotty spiel on the subject, thanks.
How has Auror training been lately?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Ah ah, some things I’d like to keep to just myself a little longer.
Too many to count, each more affectionate than the previous.
I mean, I guess it’s not that important — we really only have to figure out how to use them.
It’s been… challenging at times. Lots of work and long hours. I’m right knackered at the end of every day. But I’m happy.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Bold of you to say I’m any bit affectionate towards you.
I reckon happiness is a luxury I’m only just beginning to afford.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
I take what I can get from you. You continuing to answer me is showing me enough.
I think you’ll find you’ll be able to devote more time and effort to your happiness in this new chapter of your life.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Pah. None of that then. It’s too much.
Edinburgh is serving me well thus far though. It’s quite lovely. The castle, while not as grand as Hogwarts of course, is rather a picture to look at.
Perhaps I almost prefer it to London.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
You’re rather a picture to look at. I’m looking at your picture right now and thinking of you.
Speaking of pictures, I was just looking at the pictures you sent to me of yourself and thinking of you. I’ve been thinking of you more often than not. You appear in my dreams and your name is on my tongue as I wake up most mornings.
I’m really glad you’re finding Edinburgh to be quite good fun.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Remember how I wrote to you and said there are other ways my hand can cramp besides writing letters?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
I’ve searched through all of our letters and managed to find that harshly scribbled out…
Are you ashamed of what you can do with your hand?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Wait… you searched through all of our letters?
Also… definitely not ashamed.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
P.S. I don't know where this boldness came about. I don't like it. Your Gryffindor nature is rubbing off on me.
Hi Pansy,
I will be thinking of your hands for the rest of the day.
Yes, is that an issue?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
No, that’s not an issue.
You kept all of the letters I sent?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Yes, of course. Haven’t you?
Wait… can we go back to the conversation about exerting your hand too much…
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Granger and Draco are back from their trip.
Get me my mobile!
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
A pretty pathetic attempt to change the subject but fine, I will get you your ruddy mobile and then you will tell me why you crossed out a simple sentence about your hand cramps.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
My hand hurts… perhaps I should stop writing you?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Now, you’re just being cheeky.
Day after the next, you’ll get the mobile and detailed instructions from Hermione, alright?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
There are lots of things I can show you using my hand. Pah, this boldness you've pulled out of me needs to end!
I’m never cheeky, thank you very much.
Also, that sounds quite alright to me.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
You could do with being more cheeky and less morosely sarcastic, I dunno.
What’s your favourite pastry?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Are you saying I should change who I am? I’ve already changed my views, I’m not changing my personality too. No interest, not sorry.
Why are you the way that you are?
I mean—a pistachio macaron is quite suitable for my tastes. It is such a powerful amount of flavour in one bite.
What about you?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
It was just a light-hearted comment. I don’t want you to change your personality. I like who you are.
I would have to say a sweet lemon poppyseed scone. I’ve been picking them up once a week before training from a Muggle bakery near the Ministry.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Can you imagine saying that a year ago?
There are some lovely Muggle bakeries here in Edinburgh should you ever make your way here.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
It is quite wild to think about. Life is different but happier now. Better.
Are you suggesting I come visit you?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Who says I’m suggesting anything of the sort? Stay put in London and never go anywhere else for all I care.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Has the mobile been delivered?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Yes, it has. Funny looking machine, wouldn’t you say?
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Yes, but no stranger than any magical contraption.
Have you received a letter from Hermione yet?
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Several letters already…
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
I think I still want to write you letters even once we begin using the mobiles. I don’t want my words to you to be cut short. You may scoff at Hermione’s several letters to you but I’d write you several letters any day.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
I would not be opposed to still receiving letters from you as well as the short messaging service communication from the mobiles.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Good, I’m glad. Also, I reckon you can just call it "SMS".
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
Yeah alright then. Glad that’s settled.
Right well... oh Potter... I reckon I might love you or something.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Chapter Text
Letters start September 19, 1999
Potter,
Yes I know, before you write to me, that it’s Granger’s birthday. I’ve already sent a card and a gift (yes Potter, a gift!) over to her.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
P.S. I did not realise how alarming having a mobile would be. All that blasted noise!
Hi Pansy,
I wasn’t not going to subtly make reference to Hermione’s birthday…
She appreciates it, regardless. I'm truly so thrilled you two have become mates. Though, of course you wouldn't consider you two as such.
I’m sure she’s already sent back an essay worth of thank you, which, of course, has only made you scoff.
From,
Harry Potter
Hi Potter,
I didn’t scoff. I didn’t. I nearly did once it got to paragraph seventeen (yes I counted), but I held off any such scoffing. Please believe me.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Hi Pansy,
Do you want to try switching to mobile? After all that, we’ve only tried a phone call once and you hung up after five minutes because of the background noise! It was quite rude.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
Oh shush, Potter. I am never rude.
Perhaps tomorrow we can speak on our mobiles.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Making me wait like this? You are a nuisance, Pansy Parkinson.
Or... are you scared of how long you spend on your mobile talking to me?
From,
Harry
Potter,
Don’t taunt me. I’ll make it a week of you waiting for me to short message service text message you.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Pansy,
I’ll do whatever I please with you. Also, you don’t have to say “short message service text message”. You can just say SMS. And your threat means nothing to me.
From,
Harry
P.S. I will be sending you an SMS tomorrow, whether you like it or not.
Potter,
You have already sent me several SMS text messages. Every day. Since we received the phones. It’s bordering on ridiculous, it is.
Signed,
Pansy
It’s affection, Parkinson.
It’s insanity, Potter.
Don’t call me Parkinson.
1 New Message Received: 07912 123456: Call me Harry.
Potter,
I am not answering you by mobile. I said, tomorrow. I mean, tomorrow.
1 New Message Received: 07912 123456: dunno ur mobile type.
Potter,
Stop with the SMS! It’s called a Nokia 3210.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
1 New Message Received: 07912 123456: I like my mobile.
1 New Message Received: 07912 123456: It has a green screen.
1 New Message Received: 07912 123456: I think of u.
Potter,
Yeah, not the fact that we speak everyday and you send me SMS messages everyday ( that I don’t respond to ) makes you think of me.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Pansy,
You’re right. I think about you all the time.
My thumb was starting to hurt from having to press multiple times on each number pad to get the right letter.
And I wanted to write that in a letter.
From,
Harry Potter
Potter,
You’re an utter imbecile.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Pansy,
I love you too.
Yours,
Harry
Potter,
It’s doubtful you mean that.
Signed,
Pansy Parkinson
Pansy,
I very much mean that. Exceptionally so, actually.
Yours,
Harry Potter
Pansy,
I’m not going to Hermione’s birthday party until you answer me. I saw what you wrote in your letter days ago. I figured out a way to remove the scribbles. Okay, Hermione taught me a way to remove the scribbles. (She doesn’t know what you wrote though).
Yours,
Harry
1 New Message Received: 07 943 657230: TTYL.
Pansy,
What in Merlin’s name does that mean?
Yours,
Harry
1 New Message Received: 07 943 657230: TTYL.
Pansy,
What happened to only SMS messaging me tomorrow?
Yours,
Harry
1 New Message Received: 07 943 657230: TTYL.
Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Summary:
the end <3
Chapter Text
Messages begin September 24, 1999
1 New Message Received: 07912 123456: PANSY?!?!?
1 New Message Received: 08453 23231: Harry, she’s here.
1 New Message Received: 07912 123456: Herm, I’m on the way.
1 New Message Received: 08453 23231: You couldn’t type my whole name out?
1 New Message Received: 07912 123456: My thumb is hurt!
1 New Message Received: 08453 23231: Just get here!
1 New Message Received: 07912 123456: P, c u soon
1 New Message Received: 07912 123456: u r here & I am here. U r beaut. Ily.
1 New Message Received: 07912 123456: look @ me
Potter,
I am writing you this letter even though I am sat beside you at Granger’s birthday party. We are finally together in person. Odd but not odd. We're not even getting the stares I thought we'd be. Hmm, actually Weaslette is looking at us. Fine, fine, Ginny.
You have a better chance of being best mates with Draco than Blaise for sure.
Granger has of course disappeared with Draco. Weasley is snuggling up too close to Tori for my liking – I will have to sort that one out with her. What happened with Bones? Guess he failed there. Yes, yes I know you want Weasley to be happy. I’d prefer his endless suffering. It would amuse me.
You laughed. I really love the way your eyes crinkle when you laugh. I’m glad I finally get to see that. You’re still laughing. Even better.
Shut up, Potter.
I said, shut your smarmy mouth up.
… Oh.
I.
That’s not what I meant.
But.
Merde .
You’re a great kisser.
Stop smirking.
It IS more fun writing this letter than talking, yes Potter.
But… I only ever want to talk to you.
I was almost about to scratch that out, out of habit and all. But I didn’t. You’re still sitting beside me anyway.
Oh Draco and Granger are back.
Merlin, Tori and Weasley are snogging now. If I ever finish writing this letter, I’ll track down Daph. She'll know how to help me get through to Tori
Never mind, there she is, with Goldstein.
You kissed me again, wanker.
Maybe I should finish this letter.
Okay.
I love you, Potter.
Yeah.
There.
I just said it out loud too. I think I'd feel brave enough to say it again with a Sonorus at my throat.
Can’t believe I’ve lost my mind for you. Acting this way in front of these people. This love stuff is shite.
How did our friends all come together like this anyway? All this intermingling.
Mad.
I love you, Potter.
Suddenly, it’s as easy as cursing Goyle to write it down. To say it out loud.
Holy Merlin and Morgana, what have I become?
Yeah, shite. Fine.
I want you forever too.
Sincerely,
Pansy Parkinson