Finding Reality

Dear Hermione,

In the world we live in, it's hard to decide right from wrong. It's difficult to distinguish the lies from the truths. It can become impossible to define reality. It's easy to be deceived and even easier to be betrayed, so we should proceed with a certain amount of caution.

Even before the rising of Voldemort, all of this was true. There's always someone you don't tell the whole truth to, someone you watch your back around. That's why it's so important to have safe havens; people you can utterly and completely trust. Naturally for me, that was you and Ron. Never have I ever withheld anything important from you or Ron. Though I sometimes may be hesitant for fear of worrying the two of you, the truth always comes out eventually.

Of course, both you and Ron handle what I tell you in different ways. Ron starts to worry and becomes angry at whatever or whomever is making us worried. He lets his emotions get the better of him, especially when it comes to protecting one of us, and focuses more on revenge. I always appreciated Ron's defense on my behalf, he was only acting as a best friend is expected, but I knew I needed something more. That's where you come in.

Whenever I tell you something dangerous or depressing, you, like Ron, begin to worry. What you also do, though, is analyze the situation and try to find a solution. But what I'm most grateful for is the way you understand how I'm feeling.

That summer after Cedric died was nothing short of horrible. You and Ron both knew how terrible I was feeling, but Ron and I don't connect on the same level that you and I do. I could sense from your letters that you were bearing the pain with me, you really were.

You weren't just sorry for me; when I hurt, you hurt. And I was amazed by that. That summer, I had what could only be described as a revelation about you. You have always been beside me, listening, worrying, caring. You keep me on track when I veer off course. You inspire me, believe in me, trust me. Your unwavering confidence in me has changed me so much. Without you, I truly would not exist.

And that summer, I realized whenever I pictured myself in the future, you were there. It just never occurred to me that you might not be. I had been taking you, all your beauty and intelligence and friendship, for granted. That summer... I realized I loved you. I then decided that no matter what, I would try to be for you what you are to me. I knew one day you would realize what we meant to each other, and I didn't mind waiting. Hermione, you are my reality, my heaven. You told me you would die for me, but that would be worse than killing me. My life without you is like the life of someone who drinks unicorn blood; a half life. If I died saving you, I would consider myself blessed just to be able to watch you from above. Without your support through these dark days, I'd not have survived to this point.

Never am I more content that when we're sharing an armchair in front of the fireplace after everyone's gone to bed. That crevice below my shoulder was made for you to lean into. Sometimes it scares me how happy you make me. Just knowing me puts one in danger or Voldemort, let alone loving me. You know this, yet still you stay. You've done what I thought was impossible; you fell in love with me, and stayed there.

Next week we graduate. We leave Hogwarts...the place we grew up, the place we found ourselves...and each other. No, the final battle has not come yet, but of course it will. Who knows when? It could happen today, tomorrow, next week, or maybe not for another month...but Hermione, don't be scared...for yourself or for me. Trust me, please. I'll do everything I can to make sure we emerge the battle alive and together. You will live, Hermione. You will live.

In the middle of darkness, you are my light. In a chaotic world, you make everything clear. Surrounded in doubts, you are my certainty, and in a room full of lies ... you are the only thing that's real. I love you Hermione, truly I do.

Love Always, Harry.