Letter Number 8

July 28th 1998, London Apartment

Hermione,

Thank you for your visit yesterday. I know I sounded very cocky and confident in my former letter, but I actually didn't expect for you to show up. But I'm immensely happy that you did. And those cookies are the best I've ever had. I still have a couple more if you would like to come by for cookies and coffee. No sorry, I'm forgetting you prefer tea. Well, I have that as well. So here you have a standing invitation to come by whenever you feel like it.

Wow, I never thought I'd say that to you of all people. I guess my mother was right about you after all – you really are worth my time. But I still have to figure out if you are worth my friendship and my affections. You know I don't just befriend every single person that knows how to challenge my intellect. I'm not you, Granger. I expect more of my friends. And I know what you are thinking. You are thinking that I'm only looking for submissive morons but that's not true. Crabbe and Goyle were never my friends (none the less I still mourn Crabbe's passing) they were just followers. To tell the truth I have never known anyone worthy of being my friend. So you see that it would be a big change if I suddenly decided that you were worthy to become my first friend ever after the many years we have spent fighting and arguing.

Can you imagine how people would react if they found out that you and I had actually been civil and sat in the same room for an hour without cursing once? Imagine their faces when they find out that we actually laughed. They wouldn't be able to cope with that information.

Just like I still can't really grasp that you actually have feelings for me. And those feelings go beyond those between friends or siblings. You have romantic feelings for me even though we've only ever been civil with each other twice. I still can't believe that with all the horrible things I've said to you can still find it in your heart to love me. If that's what you are feeling for me, I mean love and not just an attraction.

Really I can't figure you out, Granger! You say you've had these feelings for me since our sixth year, which means for two years, but still we've been at each other's throats. And sometimes I didn't even start it! You must be a really good actress if you can be such a harpy (sorry for that) and still have feelings for me. It beats me it really does. But I guess you just haven't been ready to tell me or something. Come to think of it I wouldn't have believed you if you had told me before you did. I would more likely have laughed at you and picked on you even more than before. So I guess you knew what you were doing. Or perhaps you were just scared as Hell. It's not my place to judge no matter why you waited. You did the right thing.

Yeah I know, I just said that you did something right, I know! But I already told you that I wish to change and I guess that accepting that others than me can be right is a step towards that. so yeah Granger, you were right to wait.

I just came to realise, isn't it weird that I start the letter by addressing you by your front name but continue the letter using your last name? I sure think it's weird. You even used my first name in your letters. Merlin, you even use my first name when we're together! I don't think I did that. I think I still called you Granger, didn't I? Why should I refrain from using your name when you seem so comfortable with mine? So, here it goes. Hermione. Hmm, that's okay I guess. Actually I can't wait to use say it to you and see your face when I finally call you Hermione. But I'll tell you this: Potter will never be Harry and Weasel will never be Ron/Ronald (although he will occasionally be referred to as Weasley, even though there are so many Weasleys that it would be hard for you to know who I was referring to). Bloody Hell, I don't even like to write those names, so I will never say them! With that said, I actually quite like your name.

Okay, I just left for a few seconds to figure out where your name is from and what it means. I know I know, dorky as Hell. But I couldn't help myself. Well, your name is Greek and means to travel. But there is actually a great story behind it. Have you ever heard of Helen of Troy? Oh, who am I kidding? You're Hermione Granger! I could have said any name you would have said 'Yeah, I know that name wasn't he/she…?' So of course you have heard of Helen of Troy the most beautiful woman in the world. Well, she was married to kin Menelaus and they had a baby girl named Hermione. It really is a beautiful name. You have probably already guessed the meaning of my name; it's not the hardest thing in the world to guess. It's Greek and Latin and means dragon and serpent. Great, it's like I was destined right from birth to be a bastard. Well, I certainly have lived up to my name both first and last.

Anyway, my door is open for you should you wish to visit me. Perhaps your door will even be open for me, so I can see how you live. You told me in one of your letters that you wanted me to see your place, and I actually want to see it. I guess that perhaps the door to my heart is also slightly open, not full-blown open, but I'm sensing that perhaps that'll happen someday. Just be patient with me. I'm not used to trusting people let alone let them in my heart. But because of your sincerity and good will towards me I'll try and make room for you.

So, I guess I'll see you soon. And then you'll hear me say your name and I'll hear you say mine.

Draco

I'm hoping that this was satisfactory for everyone. I tried to make Draco a little softer but still like him, please tell me if I succeeded or failed miserably.

Please review!