Author's Note: Sending a letter can be just as difficult as writing it.

Chapter 8: A Letter
From the Perspective of Draco Malfoy

Harry,

Even though I wasn't looking for anything when I became friends with you, I found something that was more beautiful than anything I had ever experienced. I discovered that with you I could be myself in its entirety, never worrying about being judged or having to hold back because with you everything is natural, and effortless, and somehow, I think I fell in love with you.

Regardless of how you feel in return, I just wanted to say that I will never forget the time you tried spoon-feeding me ice cream because you didn't think I had eaten enough for dinner; it truly touched my heart when you showed up and surprised me in Hogsmeade with a steaming cup of peppermint hot chocolate; I love the memories I have of crazy adventures we decided to have, such as midnight wrestling matches in the astronomy tower and carving pumpkins for a good cause; I love the secret, knowing smile you give me when we share a thought or opinion that nobody else quite understands because only you know the real truth; I like that when you ask me if I need help with something and I say no you come and help me anyways; I like that I can be myself with you, whether I be talking about shopping, or bragging, or complaining; I like that when I'm with you, everything is effortless.

Even if I fail a test at school or get in a fight with my family, you are always there to compliment me and make me feel perfect . . . I never felt like I deserved any of it. I know it doesn't account for much, but I think you are perfect the way you are; I wouldn't change anything about you. I like that we disagree on most everything, and are both good at different things; I like the balance.

I am sorry if by saying this I mess things up between us, but I had to tell you. I wanted you to know how I felt because it suddenly occurred to me that one day one of us won't be here anymore, and we have no idea when that will be. When I think about things like that, it makes me remember that I don't care what anyone else thinks. I don't care if I make things awkward. I don't care if lots of people don't understand me or judge me because in the end, none of that matters. All that matters is that I will have lived my life to the fullest, and I can't do that if I'm not being honest with myself. So I love you, Harry. And I don't think I want you to respond to this. I don't need you to write out for me how you love me as a friend but nothing more; I don't need for you to try to be sympathetic or apologetic. I don't want you to feel bad, and I don't want you to feel obligated to do anything. I just wanted to tell you because I feel like every time I have avoided telling you in the past it has hurt one of us in the end. Don't respond to this if you don't want to. If you didn't respond to anything I sent again, I would understand that also. I just want you to forget about your fears for a moment, and your insecurities, and just look for what to do in your heart, and no matter what you choose to do I will understand.

Yours,
Draco M.