Later, Mattie was shocked that Harry, who had never ridden a horse before today, had ridden Rolly. She was very familiar with Rolly from Jojo's reports on the horses. She knew how high-strung and powerful Rolly was; however, when Harry finished the story and she learned that Rolly had taken to Harry the way he did, she understood. After lunch, Harry had gone back to his room to wash up and read his letters from Ron and Hermione. He noticed a really nice stand that Hedwig was using. "Where did this come from girl? I don't recall that being here before. It sure looks nice. I bet Mattie put this in here for you. Am I right?" Hedwig hooted a yes.
"I thought so, Hedwig. Mattie is real nice, isn't she?" Hedwig hooted again.
"I have a couple letters from Ron and Hermione that Pig brought when I was outside riding. I am going to read their letters now and will reply afterwards. Would you mind hanging around so I can send my reply with you when I'm done?" Hedwig hooted a yes again. "Thanks girl" he said stroking the side of her head with his finger. She nibbled it affectionately. He read Ron's first which was pretty short.
Harry,
Just thought I would see how you are doing. I hope your relatives are not being too bad. Hermione has a letter for you too but we are not allowed to say much of what is going on. Sorry mate.
Stay safe,
Ron
Harry opened Hermione's letter next, which was barely longer, and began to read.
Harry,
Ron and I wish you were here. We can't say much about you-know-what, obviously but will talk when we see you. We've been told not to say anything important in case our letters go astray. We're quite busy but I can't give you details here. There's a fair amount going on, we'll tell you everything when we see you.
Sorry I can't tell you more right now.
Love,
Hermione
Harry thought about the letters for a minute then realized he had been so distracted with Potter Place he had completely forgotten about everything else. Evidently, since he had not received any news about what was going on since Voldemort returned he took it from Ron and Hermione's letters that perhaps they were not going to share with him what was going on. He had not received any letters from anyone else either, including Sirius. Well, thought Harry, right now I am not really caring about that. I am having the best summer I have ever had. I will stay here and enjoy myself, train, and gain control over my new powers. I will deal with whatever they are keeping from me when I return to school. Now, what to say in my reply to them?
Dear Ron & Hermione,
Since you are both together then I will write just the one note.
Do not concern yourselves with me and what you are not able to share. I am doing great right now and can wait to hear whatever information you are holding back. There were a few changes around here that changed my attitude for the summer but you will have to wait until I see you before I can share that information. You see I have to hold back as well and not tell you everything in case my letter goes astray.
If you are not allowed to say much and I cannot say much either then I suppose letters will not be necessary for the rest of the summer.
All the best,
Harry
"That should be ambiguous enough," said Harry. "Hedwig? Come here girl." Hedwig flew over and stuck out her leg. Harry tied on the letter and gave her a few pets. "This letter is for both Ron and Hermione so you can give it to either one. There is no need to wait around. Thanks girl." Hedwig took off and Harry headed down to the Practice Room. Ron was flying on his broom at The Burrow when he saw Hedwig fly to the house. He followed her down and landed by the back door. His mum, Molly, let Hedwig in who promptly flew to the living room where Hermione was reading a book. Ron came in through the door just in time to see Hedwig go into the living room so he followed her there as well. Hedwig was standing on the edge of the sofa with her leg held out to Hermione.
"Hello Hedwig" Hermione was saying. "It's good to see you again. You have a letter for me?" Hermione untied the letter as Ron came in and sat beside her on the sofa. "A reply from Harry I see. Anything for me?" Ron asked. Molly stuck her head in and said, "Remember you two not to tell Harry what is going on." "Yes, Mrs. Weasley. We know," replied Hermione. "Yes, Mum," said Ron rolling his eyes. Hedwig left the way she came. "Ron it looks like he replied to both of us in one letter." "Okay, let's read it."
Hermione angled the letter so they could both see it. When they were done reading they looked at it each other and said "huh?" "What does he mean by that?" asked Ron. "I have no idea, Ron. I did not expect that reply from Harry. He evidently has caught on that no one is sharing information with him and since we can't and he is holding information back as well then I guess he is right that there is no need to send letters back in forth. But, what does he mean about a changed attitude? He said he is doing great but he always says he is fine when he is not. Oh Ron, I hope he is not mad at us because we are not allowed to tell him what's going on."
"Nah, Hermione. He didn't sound mad besides we told him we would fill him in when we see him in person. He sounded like he was okay with it because things had changed. If things changed at his relatives then it must be for the better because it was never good for him there. Nah, he's fine." "Are you sure?" "Yea, Hermione, he's fine. Let's not worry about it. If we do not write him then we do not have to skirt around the issues which he will not appreciate." "You're right. Not writing him when we cannot share news is not for the best. I will still send him a birthday card and present if he is still not allowed to come visit by his birthday." "I'll get him something, too" said Ron. Ron and Hermione did not notice one Ginny Weasley standing on the stairs listening to their conversation. She was determined to read that note from Harry as soon as she could nick it. It turned out a little later to be quite easy.
