Dear Hermione

Dear Hermione,

When I was 7, my older brother's school teacher at the time introduced me to you, Harry, Ron and Hogwarts and from the immediate get go I fell in love with you and everything you did, said and stood for.

In a way, and I'm sure you're tired of hearing this but I would be upset if I didn't at least try to let you know, I felt that you were a reflection of me. Or perhaps it would be more correct to say I was a reflection of you? Nevertheless, I identified similarities between the two of us, particularly in your first couple of years at school, and felt an instant connection. I realise now how important to me it was at the time, to have such a key heroine that I could identify with and look up to. And you are a heroine, not just a sidekick! You were just so much more aware than everyone else in Hogwarts, and not just because of your intelligence, but you just cared and were empathetic. I could go on, but I don't want my letter to you to sound too sycophantic!

Fundamentally, you were and are an important person to me. On any list of characters and influences I felt shaped me as a child, you are certainly on the list and rather close to the top (I can't tell you the definitive position until I actually compile said list!).

Because you're so well read, you must have some favourite muggle fairy tales, or even Disney movies perhaps, that you like to think of or go back to. For me, Peter Pan by J.M Barrie is one of my favourite, classic adventure tales to go back to, and also Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. What are your favourites? I've been thinking a lot about what your answer might be, but I can't quite decide what you would say! I have a feeling you are less than impressed with most Disney Princess tales, because you're so capable at saving yourself and your friends from spells and creatures that you don't need a prince to come and save you! Because I want to be so like you, I hope Mulan is your favourite Disney film, as it was mine growing up - though Tangled is right up there! Or Beauty and the Beast - you must like that one too? I wonder, do you keep up with modern muggle entertainment? Perhaps not - I am sure there is plenty to be interested by in the wizarding world.

Have you ever given any thought to what drives you? As in, what motivates you to be the best in class/to do the best that you can do? Because you do put in so much hard work and I know Ron takes it for granted the time you spend working hard to get the results you deserve. I always worked hard to prove I was as good as the boys - perhaps that sounds cliché, oh so stereotypical feminist, but it's the truth. And for you, a combination of being a girl but also a muggle. Plus, it must have been wonderful and magical and terrifically exciting to learn about the wizarding world and to be invited to be a part of it! An opportunity not to be forsaken but to be sucked up as much as humanly possible.

Regardless of what drives you, your motivation is another endearing quality that just caused me to love you all the more. Do just keep on 'doing you' (I've heard this being said on podcasts and I love it!) and inspiring yourself and everyone around you. Can't wait to hear more about what you've been doing and about your daughter.

Love from

Jenny x


Harry Potter Literary Series, J. K. Rowling (1997-2007)