Authors Note: Entry for the 'Connect the Characters' and 'If You Dare' challenges on the HPFC.
This Chapter's Pairing - Neville Longbottom/Hermione Granger.

Disclaimer: If you recognize it the chances are I probably don't own it.

#58 - Music To My Ears

February 4th 2008

Hermione,

First of all, I would like to apologize for not writing in while (well, more than two years to be precise.) I'm not going to make up excuses because I don't want to lie to you Hermione. I was simply too scared to write. Scared. Hah. Isn't that something I've always been? Neville Scared-Of-His-Own-Shadow Longbottom.
The truth is I couldn't handle it. You getting married to Ron... that was something I barely managed to pull through. I mean, I came to your wedding, that must be something. But then you had your first child, Rose, and I couldn't handle it. I'm sure you know anyway, but I love you Hermione. I'm not going to hide it anymore. Enough of being a coward. I love you.
Do you remember our fourth year? I fell in love with you then. It was probably one of the best years of my life. I remember we spent so much time together. In the library, near the Black Lake, in Hogsmeade. I can still remember you saying: 'Neville, it's amazing to have someone like you here for me. You're the only one that I can come to.' I still hear it now and it's like music to my ears. I miss your voice. Of course, you didn't mean it in the way I interpreted it to be but I was fourteen Hermione! I thought there was something between us.
Then the Yule Ball approached. It took me a really long time to pluck up the courage to look for you but I found you one day talking to Ginny and I overheard what the conversation was about. You were laughing, smiling, so happy that Victor Krum asked you to the Ball. My heart shattered. I was nowhere near as good as an international Quidditch player. A Tri-Wizard champion. I walked away and decided I needed a distraction. That distraction I found in Ginny. And I liked her, honestly, but she just wasn't you.
But now, I'm learning to manage. I hear you're twice pregnant now, with a boy, right? I'm happy for you. No, really, scout's honor! Tell Rosie that Uncle Neville loves her, will you? I know we haven't met but I hope I'll be able to see her soon. I've seen photo's of her. You know, Ginny showed me. She definitely looks like you. She's very pretty. Tell her that Hermione. Don't let anyone tell her different. I just remembered! I'm a professor at Hogwarts! Herbology. Will you believe that? Maybe I'll see her then. I can't wait.
Well, I should stop rambling now, I'm sure you don't want to hear all of this silly nonsense. Say 'Hi' to Ron, Harry and the rest of the Potter-Weasley family from me?

Missing you,
Neville.

Word Count: 465