Inside were two pieces of parchment. A longer letter, and a shorter one. I decided on the shorter one first.

Gracie,

Please write me back as soon as you get this! I can't believe they used that spell! Are you okay? I want to come to you so bad, but I'm afraid I can't! Dumbledore is trying to help me, but I don't think it's working. I'll let you know if things change!

Please Gracie, right me back as soon as you get this! I'm so worried, I was told there's about a ten percent chance of you living! I can't take this! I was always just content knowing you were safe, but now that I've spoke to you and gotten to know you, at least a little bit, I love you now more than ever! I miss you so much it hurts darling and I can't bear to think about life with out you! Please tell me your okay! Please!

Harry says you haven't been eating? Darling that's only going to make it a whole lot harder for you to get better! Harry's beating himself up over this, the way James used to over Lilly. I think James would have killed himself if this ever happened to Lilly, and the way Harry's talking, I'm almost sure he's thinking about it. Don't just come back for me, come back for Harry. For your cousin, for the rest of your family, and your Uncle Remus. He wrote me a letter you know? He thought I should know. He was so shocked when he found out we'd been speaking. He understands why you didn't tell him though. Please, Gracie. Right me back! I have to know your okay. Please!

I love you with all my heart,

Dad

The letter brought tears to my eyes. He was so worried, and I've been up for hours, letting him sit there worrying about me. I'll write him a letter as soon as I read the other one.

Dear Gracie,

I'm so glad you wrote! I've been waiting all summer for your letter! I've missed speaking to you so much! And I'm glad you had fun!

You flew a car to get Harry? In the middle of the night I'm guessing. Molly would never have let you go otherwise. They really had him locked up like that? That's illegal in muggle laws! They could be sent to prison! They're not fit to take care of Harry, but they're the only family he's got I suppose.

Harry and Ron flew it to school? Sounds like something James and I would've done! Your Uncle Remus, James, and I did silly things like that all the time sweetheart. It's a boy thing. The more you hang out with Harry and Ron the more you'll understand.

I'm glad you met Natalyn! You knew her as a baby as well! Even back then you two were hard to tell apart. James and I accidentally switched you two once! We brought Natalyn back to play with Harry while your uncle Regulas took you! Lilly nearly killed us! She loved you so much! You spent more time with her then you did James, Harry, and I combined. 'Lilly' was your first word.

It doesn't shock me that you have the same wand as her. And your right, it's similar to mine. Mine was 13" holly, and Phoenix feather. Feather. The world is as big as the difference. It also matters where the feather comes from. Whether its the tail, or the wing or whatever. I don't really know. I just remember getting a long speech from Ollivander.

Anyway, Lucious giving you trouble? Ask him what it's like being a death eater. He'll shut up real quick. I'm shocked to hear that Draco cares at all, but u suppose that's a good thing. At least he has a little decency. Lets pray he keeps it. Try to talk to him, would you? It'd be nice not to have to worry about a family rivalry at Hogwarts. How does Natalyn react to him? I'm sure she's more like you, you were always very similar in personality. And a Malfoy fancying a Weasley? And I thought I heard it all!

Chicken brings back many memories. Your father and Lilly used to be the champions you know? Every time I get a letter I realize how much you and Harry are really like them. There are too many similarities to count. Does anyone call you Lilly? I'm sure they do... A tent eh? Hope everyone kept their hands to themselves? No one bothers you do they? Please say no!

I saw the article from the bookshop. 'Harry Potter has a girlfriend!' They cut Lockhart out of the article completely. The only part about him was that he gave Harry some free books and that he was going to be teaching you at Hogwarts. They went on and on about how you two were quite the couple. I said to myself, now that's really something isn't it? You two really looked like a couple. You looked so shy, hiding behind him. And he looked so protective, holding you in his arms. I had to laugh, the article ended by asking for any dirt on the 'new couple'. They even asked if anyone knew your name! I knew the minute I saw you though. It was a cute picture Gracie. It's hanging on my wall. I'll send you an article. My roommate kept his paper as well, when I told him that you were my daughter.

Knockturn Alley. Better stay out of there sweetheart. It's a bad place! Though I'm glad Harry protected you! I'm glad you had a good summer. Tell Harry and Hermione I said hi as well!

It's weird. I always considered Hogwarts my home as well. Maybe your not just like Lilly, but me as well. If that's true, James and I put those poor teachers through enough, try to take it easy on them!

Love,

Dad

P.S. Tell Fred and Nat congratulations for me!

I smiled to myself, that was, I think, the longest letter he'd ever written. I pulled out some left over parchment and a quill and got started on my own letter.

Dear Dad,

I'm awake. I had seven bites, but the worst of them were my ribs and my arm. I'm still going to play Quidditch. I don't know how because I'm not aloud to leave the hospital wing, but I'll find a way. I'm not giving up. I'm quite irritated really. Because of those to twits, I have to stay here in the hospital, I can't even go to my dormitory! Madam Pomfrey was nice enough to tell me as long as I had an escort I could go to the Great Hall for meals. That's something.

When I woke up, I was surrounded by my friends. The second I moved they were all wide awake and by my side. Ron cried because he thought I was going to die thinking he was mad at me. Harry blew up as well, but he apologized. He said he was mad at himself for not protecting me. Like it was his fault. I hear you two out talking. A little awkward but okay.

Anyway, I feel you deserve an explanation. That way you know exactly what happened, not just what passed through the grapevine. It started the day we boarded the train. Of course I didn't eat lunch because we were having the feast. And then I was so worried at dinner that I didn't eat then either. The next morning, I didn't want to get up. So Nat and Mione levitated Harry up the stairs to wake me up. And I thought they were bluffing! Anyway, I was late and missed breakfast. So I got into class late. An I had to sit by Draco. We talked and I encouraged him to be nice to everyone, not just me. And I got him to admit he fancies Ginny! Back to the story, Ron got mad when I told him Malfoy wasn't so bad. We watched Draco help a first year when his goons shoved the poor kid. And then he turned around and smiled at me, kind of asking for approval I think. Of course I gave it, but Ron accused him of trying to impress me. We're cousins. That's gross.

Anyway, we got in a fight and I was really upset, so I skipped lunch and went to the pitch. I decided to beat up a bludger. I just let it go and used one of the twins bats to smack it around. It made me feel better. A little anyways. When I went to put it up, the goons stopped me. They were mad because Malfoy has changed. They blamed me and wanted me to change him back. Like that was happening. So I told them to move and bloody Goyle pulled a wand on me! So I pulled mine right back!

Everyone started watching and cheering, but I couldn't enjoy it like a normal kid. I was to busy trying to protect myself. I was hoping that if I didn't fight back, just used the protection charm, I wouldn't get in trouble. Then they double teamed me! Goyle used the Serpensorsia spell and I used some simple jinxes on him and Crabbe.(Stupefy and Petrificus Totalas) But the snake still bit me! I'm glad I didn't get in trouble because if I did I would have been going back and using some bigger spells! They really pissed me off! (Pardon my language, but then again, I almost died. Forgive me?)

Anyway, on to normal life. Lockharts annoying, Fred and Nat are still together, Ron and Mione still fancy each other but won't do anything about it and I'M NOT HARRY'S GIRLFRIEND! He's my best friend. Nothing more nothing less. That stupid prophet! No one will honestly believe I'm his girlfriend, right?

Honestly, it doesn't surprise me Lilly and I were close when I was a baby. Here recently, I've been wanting to talk to her so bad! I didn't even know I knew her, but there's just this huge urge to talk to her and it sucks that I can't. There's so much I want to say to her! I just want to talk to her about everything! There are other people to talk to I know, but I just want to talk to her. No one else. Is that bad? Write me soon, please!

Love,

Gracie.xx

I wrote my letter, and sent it off, though I had to call for Brownie a bajillion times. And I wasn't quite either. And then I laid back back down. But I couldn't sleep. I wish someone would come back to see me.

As if on cue, Ginny walked in, followed by the rest of the gang. They all came to sit around the bed, Ginny sitting right beside me. I glanced at the clock, in the time he took me to read and reply to my dads letter, it was ten minutes before the medicine would start kicking in. I could already feel it.

"Hey sis. How are you?"

"Good. Madam Pomfrey gave me some medicine, but," I started yawing in the middle of my sentence. "It's made me tired!" I whined, pouting a little. They all chuckled, smiling at me. "So, which one of you lucky people's want to escort me to breakfast in the morning?" I teased. All of them shouted an answer at once.

"Wait, your being released?" Mione's skeptical tone came from the back of the group. She pushed her way forward so I could see her. She eyed my homework, completed and stacked neatly on my bedside table. It made her smile, good!

"No. She says I won't be out of here for a long time. But if I have an escort I can eat in the Great Hall!" I tried to sound cheerful, but my voice sounded so lifeless. It really was awful!

"Well we'll all take turns taking you down! And we'll visit you all the time! And they can bring you your work and everything! I told Draco about you waking up and e was really happy. I think he's going to visit you tomorrow!" Ginny finished her sentence with a scarlet blush, I smiled at her and she returned it with a small, shyer one.

"That sounds great Gin! I'd love that!" I patter her hand and she gave me a hug. Surprisingly, it didn't hurt. I was numb. My eyes started fluttering and they were completely closed, I couldn't open them and I couldn't talk, but I wasn't asleep just yet.

"I think we should go," Mione whispered, I think it was her that hugged me. I could tell Ginny's hug because it was a tight squeeze. She kissed my forehead too!

"Bye sissy!" I felt the bed come back to its form when he got up. Then I felt Nat's hug.

"Hey, I'm sure you can still hear me. Get better soon okay? I know your probably in a lot of pain, but we're all going to miss you. Wood asked if you could still play by re way. I told him I'm sure you'll find a way, Katie's out too! She quit for the season! I took her place, and Ginny's trying out as a back up. If you can't play she will I guess. The twins owled your Mum. Everyone's coming to visit you tonight! I'll see you tomorrow! Bye Gracie!" I wanted to say bye but I couldn't. I was comforted by her words. Except the part where everyone's visiting. Not going to be fun.

I knew it was Ron because he ruffled my hair. "Hurry and get better!" And then he was gone. His voice was distant when he spoke next, I'd say he's already by the door. "Coming Harry?"

"Yeah. Give me a minute!" The bed dipped beside me and my heart fluttered. "If what Nat said is true, and your still awake, get better soon. Please? I'll come get you in the morning! I'll probably have to fight Natalyn and Ginny bout it, but I'll be here. I promise to keep you updated on whatever's going on. Lockharts driving me crazy. Talked about getting me am interview about the horrible news. He said it'd be great for publicity. He wanted me to use the fact that your hurt to my advantage! I nearly strangled him Gracie! Anyway, get some rest and get better soon! Bye!" He kissed my forehead and left. When he opened the door, there was a loud smack against the floor. "You lot are insane!" His voice drifted across the room and I couldn't help but smile. I hear their voices as they walked down the hall. The last thing I heard before falling asleep was Natalyn and Harry's argument. With a pinch of Ron in the midst.

"Potter lets get one thing straight. Unless she's your girlfriend! She's mine! And I'm taking her to breakfast in the morning. If your lucky, I might, MIGHT, let her sit by you!"

"Whatever Natalyn. I told her I'd have to fight you! And according to Lockhart and the profit, she is my girlfriend so Ha!"

"You haven't asked her yet lover boy!"

"Your her cousin? And your both girls? Why'd you call her your girlfriend? That's sick!"

And of course, the chorus of: "shut up Ron!"