A/N: Ok, I hate to let those who are kind enough to review down, so here's Hermione's reply. This is REO Speedwagon's "I Can't Fight This Feeling."
Lyrics are still in italics. I don't own the song or Harry Potter. (Though the song was the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding. Happy four months, honey!)
Also, for whatever reason, I can't get the first three lines of Hermione's letter to indent. Sorry!
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Dear Harry,
I can't fight this feeling any longer.
And yet I'm still afraid to let it show.
I can't believe that I'm actually writing this. But I can't fight what I'm feeling anymore.
What started out as friendship,
Has grown stronger.
I only wish I had the strength to let it show.
After what happened in the Department of Mysteries, I realized that time is short and that we have to take advantage of the time we have. Please don't think that I'm blaming you at all. But I want to tell you that I think my friendship for you has changed. I know I should tell you in person, but I guess I'm only so brave. Perhaps I should have been a Ravenclaw after all, huh? ;-)
I tell myself that I can't hold out forever.
I said there is no reason for my fear.
It's strange for me to, first, find myself not knowing what to do, and second, not being able to turn to you with my problem. You're always who I turn to, Harry.
Cause I feel so secure when we're together.
You give my life direction,
You make everything so clear.
You make me feel safe and when I'm having any difficulty whatsoever, I know that you'll be right there for me. But, how can I run to you telling you about the boy who holds my heart when it's you?
And even as I wander,
I'm keeping you in sight.
You're a candle in the window,
On a cold, dark winter's night.
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might.
I can only hope that this doesn't ruin our friendship. I mean, you are my guiding force. You are the light in my life. And that's why I have to tell you this.
And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars, forever.
It's foolish really, to keep hiding from it all. I'm not sure why I've kept hiding at all. But, today it's all over. Today I confess all to you.
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
And if I have to crawl upon the floor,
Come crushing through your door,
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I think you already knew that I would do anything for you. I can only hope that our trip to the DoM has proven that for you. But it's because of love that I do it. Not just loyalty or friendship, but love.
My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you.
I've been running round in circles in my mind.
And it always seems that I'm following you,
Cause you take me to the places,
That I'd known I'd never find.
It's really no secret that my life has been turned upside down since I met you on that train, looking for Trevor (the first time of many). And since that day, I've been lost. Maybe I didn't fall in love that day, but it planted the seeds. I had just met Harry Potter! But, that night you saved me from the troll, a bond was created that could never be broken. I've been your faithful friend since then, following you through every adventure we could have.
And even as I wander,
I'm keeping you in sight.
And no matter where I am, you're always in my thoughts. I've barely read at all since I've been home. All I can think of is you. I'm worried about you. And I don't want to lose you.
You're a candle in the window,
On a cold, dark winter's night.
You're my hero, Harry. And not because you're "the boy-who-lived" or what other nonsense the people can come up with. You're my hero because you're you. You are the one thing I can count on in this world.
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might.
And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars, forever.
I hope this doesn't make you feel awkward. I don't even know if you have the same feelings for me. I can only hope that you do. But I refuse to keep fighting it. And you deserve to know.
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
And if I have to crawl upon the floor,
Come crushing through your door,
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.
Please let me know your feelings and reply to me.
Love always,
Hermione
Hermione sat her quill down and looked at her letter. Yes, it said everything she wanted to tell him. Now, she could only hope that she could have the courage to send it. Hopefully, Hedwig would be by soon and she would take it.
A few minutes later, there was a scratching at her window.
"Hedwig! I was just thinking about you!" Hermione said as she opened the window for the snowy owl.
Hedwig settled on Hermione's bed and stuck out her leg.
"A letter from Harry? Brilliant. I need you to take something to him too. Let me read his first and see if I need to add anything."
Hermione sat next to Harry's pet in disbelief. He wrote her a letter confessing his feelings of love as well? How was that possible? They must have been writing the letters at almost the exact same time!
"Hedwig! Harry loves me!"
The owl hooted in reply. It seemed to Hermione that she was saying, "DUH!"
"Just a moment, Hedwig. I think I need to put something else in my letter."
Hedwig flew to the bowl of water that Hermione had set up on her dresser for those times where the owl may need a break from her flights.
PS, Harry, as it turns out, you won the race. I wrote this letter to you before Hedwig even got to my house. Looks like we're both feeling the same thing. I'm quite happy right now, but it makes me wonder … now what?
Please let me know.
More love,
Hermione
"Hedwig, whenever you're rested, this is ready to go," Hermione said, tying the note to Hedwig's leg.
The owl hooted and took off immediately. She had to get these two together and fast!