Disclaimor: I own neither the characters, nor the song. J.K. Rowling and Elton John own those, respectively. I'm just borrowing them for the moment.
The Bridge
I've seen the Bridge, and the bridge is long
Hermione Granger stood at the gates of Hogwarts, the long stretch of grounds to the castle looming before her as she internally debated her decision.
And they built it high and they built it strong
As she entered the castle, Hermione was overcome by a feeling of safeness; a sense of belonging she never felt anywhere else.
Strong enough to hold the weight of time
"How old is this castle?" Hermione thought as she traversed the familiar halls, her feet leading her without concious thought. "No one knows exactly, do they?"
Long enough to leave some of us behind
Passing the doors of the Great Hall brought a rush of memories to Hermione. Memories of those who didn't make it through the Final Battle.
And every one of us has to face that day
These memories, more than anything, spurred Hermione on. She had to face them, or be empty.
Do you cross the bridge or do you fade away
Hermione wasn't going to hide inside herself any long. She was going to make herself carry on, and not become background noise.
And every one of us that ever came to play
She forced herself to remember the good times with everyone in Gryffindor Tower. The quidditch parties, truth or dare, chess, and the simple times they shared infront of the fire. Even the memories of saving the world with Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. And the memories of someone else, in a colder place, but no less warm in feeling.
Has to cross the bridge or fade away
Hermione made up her mind. She would visit him.
Standing on the bridge, looking at the waves
She stood at his door in the cold dungeons, contemplating what would happen.
Seen so many jump, and never seen one saved
Hermione had seen so many people shot down by him. It seemed none were ever accepted.
On a distant beach, your song can die
She hesitated more, what if he did shoot her down? All her hopes could die here and now.
On a bitter wind, on a cruel tide
He was sarcastic and caustic. She should be used to it. So what if he kills her hopes? At least she'll know.
And every one of us has to face that day
Do you cross the bridge or do you fade away
And every one of us that ever came to play
Has to cross the bridge or fade away
Hermione went back over all the thoughts she had since she entered the castle, and knocked on the door.
And the bridge, it shines
"Enter," rang his sensual voice. How it gave her butterflies and shivers. She opened the door.
Oh cold, hard iron
The sight of him after so long, his face as hard as ice, his body as stiff as a metal rod, made her heart rise to her throat, no matter how surprised and uncomfortable he was with seeing her there.
Saying come and risk it all
She forced herself to enter the room and shut the door behind her. She walked up to his desk, "Severus..."
Or die trying
She strengthened her resolve. "Severus," she repeated. "After the Final Battle, was that... Did that mean anything?"
The tall man infront of her stood and walked around his desk, stopping next to her. "I think, Hermione," he began, "that entirely depends on you." His voice sent shivers down her spine once again.
And every one of us has to face that day
Do you cross the bridge or do you fade away
And every one of us that ever came to play
Has to cross the bridge or fade away
Hermione wasted not a moment before her lips crashed into his. They didn't need words after that.
Has to cross the bridge or fade away