Dear Ginny Author's note: This is a H/G story, set in Harry's seventh year, the night before he goes to face Voldemort for the final time.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter et. al. belongs to J.K. Rowling.

*****

Dear Ginny,

Harry stared at the parchment for a long time, struggling for words.

It occurs to me that perhaps the world would find it odd, that the night before I go to fight, I would send a letter to you, the girl that I have never noticed. Perhaps it is. But what I have to say needs to be said. And – if I don't come back – maybe this letter will temper your pain.

Harry paused. He realized that he might be totally wrong; it was possible that his death would mean no more to her than anyone else's would. Shaking his head, he pressed on. He only had a few more hours.

I love you. I don't know how long I've known this – it seems almost as if it's always been this way – that you've always filled a part of my heart. I suppose the first time I noticed was in my second year, when I saw you on the floor, in the Chamber of Secrets. I knew then, in one blinding flash of illumination, that I loved you. But as time dragged by, I convinced myself that I had been merely concerned for your safety. After all, what does a twelve-year old know of true love? Later, though, I would glance across the common room, watching you study, and wonder.

The ancient grandfather clock in the corner of the common room chimed once, an eerily cheerful note amid the silence. Harry looked across the room. Ginny's favorite chair was pushed up against the window, staring out across the moonlit grounds. He idly wondered how many times he had watched her sit there, dreaming and studying, with the firelight flickering in her hair. Why had he never gone to speak to her? Why?

I know you must wonder why I never came to speak to you. I wonder that now myself. In light of what will happen tomorrow, it seems silly. It wasn't that I was some hero. I wasn't protecting you from Voldemort by avoiding you. I just – it's hard to explain. I guess I was always so certain, somewhere deep inside, that it would all work out, that we would be together when the time was right, that I never realized that I had to act. So I just sat and watched and waited. I wish I could take it back, and yet, I don't. It's hard to explain.

Harry rubbed his eyes. He knew he needed to sleep, but he felt like this had to be finished.

I just want you to know, Ginny, that I care for you. If something happens tomorrow, take care of Ron and Hermione. Keep them from killing each other. Make sure they name one of their children after me. And, Ginny, take care of yourself. I am going tomorrow for many reasons – to avenge my parents' deaths, to rid our world of fear, to make it safe to laugh and learn and live again – but I am also going for you. So that you are safe. So that he can never hurt you again.

Harry's breath caught, his eyes filling with tears.

I wish I could give you more – so much more. But whatever it takes, I will give you peace.

You already have my love.


Love,
Harry