To my friend, Ron.



I can't believe our time at Hogwarts is finally over. It's been seven long years, but now I find myself wishing for more.

You have been my best friend since the day you helped me onto Platform 9¾ and into the wizarding world that is now my home. Seven years have gone by, and we've had our share of differences, but one thing has remained the same: I wouldn't give you up for anything.

I don't know how I would have survived some of the rougher spots during my time at Hogwarts without you there, always ready with a joke and a smile. You were my sanity; you willed me to carry on. Perhaps this sounds ungrateful and conceited, but it's hard being "The Boy Who Lived." I didn't ever want to be famous, it was simply thrust upon me. I knew coming in that I had to be careful. But you never cared about any of it. To you I was just Harry, all that I ever wanted to be, and I had a friend, all that I ever wanted. I couldn't begin to tell you how much your companionship means to me.

Growing up, I know you had a rough time at home. Yours is the most loving family I've ever seen, but being the youngest boy, you certainly had a lot to live up to. And look at you now! A prefect (who saw it coming?), the Gryffindor Keeper, and you know you're the best chess player in school. I know I have something of a talent for getting into life-threatening situations, and you never hesitated to stick with me. You were afraid, as I was, and yet you never left- that is true bravery, and your loyalty means the world to me.

One thing that's very important for you to know is that, no matter how everyone else may see you, I never thought of you as my "sidekick." Ours is a friendship of equals, and the many trials we've gone through together have proved that. I don't care about the scar on my forehead or who knows my name or how many times I'm in the Daily Prophet. Those things mean nothing to me. What matters is the people you love.

I'm slowly growing accustomed to the fact that I'm not going to see you everyday. That we won't have to suffer through Snape's Potions classes or be nagged by Hermione for not doing our homework. That we won't be able to go see Hagrid and whatever new wild creatures he has. That we can't go to the Three Broomsticks on Hogsmeade weekends and sip butterbeer. I'll miss these things (yes, even Potions) and so many more.

As I'm sure you can plainly tell, I'm no good with words. I hope my point is clear, though. To repeat, what matters is the people you love. I found all of those people seven years ago and I'm not about to let them go- least of all you. No matter what the future holds, I'm afraid your stuck with me. There's not enough good people in the world, and I refuse to let one of the best go.

Harry.