Title: It All Started When…

Summery: Dumbledore requests that all students and staff write a personal secret onto paper to be posted around the school. Hermione takes the opportunity to reveal her deepest feelings and Severus finds himself looking within his darkened heart.

A/N: Idea stemmed from the book and website (wwwdotpostsecretdotcom - may not be appropriate for all ages) where one writes a secret onto a postcard and sends it in anonymously. The whole concept is very addictive.

Part One: Hermione's Secret

Intro:

"This is by far the strangest thing Dumbledore has ever thought up." Harry commented as he tapped his quill noisily on the table.

"I swear, his ideas are getting wackier by the day." Ron agreed, chewing on his sugar quill, a frown almost permanently etched upon his brow.

"I think it could be quite liberating."

"Hermione, how can this be liberating? Secrets are meant to be kept secret and plus, if all we're doing is writing them anonymously, what's the good?"

"Well, I think it's a good idea Harry and I'm going to make the most of it."

…………….

It took me a while to figure out what the strange feeling inside me was and why I felt so protective towards you when others were less than kind. You always fascinated me from day one when I realized the extent of your knowledge and how much you could impart to me over the course of my time at Hogwarts. The more time progressed, the stronger that feeling became, until I could not even sleep at night for fear of dreaming about you.

What would you do if you knew how much I had come to esteem you, to marvel in your presence, to like you? And what will I do when it's time to leave this place, this home that I've had for the past 7 years knowing that I'm turning my back on the most amazing, most influential person I've ever known?

The truth is, I'm petrified of suddenly walking into the real world with no knowledge of how to survive, of how to look after myself. I know I can learn how to do all that. But how do you learn to live without the one person who you wish could be apart of your life? Who, though you've been too afraid to tell for fear of rejection and indecency, makes every day worth living? I wake up, eager to see your face and hear your smooth, silky voice. Lying awake at night I wonder if you're okay, if you're in pain or outside in the cold in the presence of people who could only cause you distress. I wonder if you'll be teaching the next day or ever again. Weekends are the worst. I try to find you in the halls or find out if anyone else has seen you.

Please don't be afraid of my words. I hope that what I have said will only warm your heart this season and not anger you. I just wanted you to know that even if you try to keep others at bay, I'll always care for you, wish the best for you, and wonder if you are happy. I dream of being the one that can make you happy. I'm not that naive, though. I know this note is as close as I will get to you. What I long to say in person but can't is all here. Please accept my affection and admiration for who you are and what you have done. I'm proud of your bravery and resilience in the face of danger and fear. Please stay safe Severus, and enjoy this Valentine's Day.

Yours with deep affection.

A/N: Let me know what you think, I live for reviews. :) (The nice ones. He he.)