Anything recognizable is the property of J.K. Rowling. I do not make any claim to ownership, nor do I make any money from this.

Please do not read if you are not of legal age in your country. There are adult scenes, however short and to the point.

The Letter

August 31

Severus,

It's been almost 12 years now. 12 years since I left, ran away, hid from everything. From you. I have been hiding for those years, trying to forget about you. Never have been able to though. Tried obliviating myself, but something always brought back the memories, despite the magic.

His name is Tobias. And he looks just like you. The same eyes, just as black and piercing, same straight black hair, and his has your humor. I cry just about every day when I look at him.

I never wanted to love you. Didn't love you, not for months after. All I wanted to do was blame you for everything. But I couldn't, not after Tobias was born.

It's his birthday today. Eleven. Sent Minerva an owl years ago to make sure his name was put down, even though we were out of the country. She already had him down. How could she not, seeing who his parents are. I've actually managed to keep up with her, and she tells me how everyone is doing.

Seems ages ago that I was just 11, stepping onto the train for the first time, taking the boats across the Great Lake, being sorted into Gryffindor. There is no doubt that Tobias will be in Slytherin, no way he could be anywhere else. Though I am his mother, he is his father's son.

I know that you will see him first, if I send this owl, but I must mention something. You were always quiet, but Tobias is positively silent. For the longest time, everyone thought he was mute. I think I have only heard his voice half a dozen times. He'll sound like you too, if he speaks. Don't think that he doesn't communicate though.

I already miss him, and he's only in his room sleeping. I can't imagine how hard it will be saying goodbye. Never said goodbye to you. I didn't think you wanted me too, or cared. Minerva says otherwise. I just could never bring myself to contact you, and since I never got any letters from you, I stayed away.

I guess I owe it to you after so long to write so you understand during the sorting. I don't ask that you forgive me, just that you give Tobias a chance. Protect him like you protected me when I was a student there. You might find that you have more in common with him than you think.

Tobias just came down stairs. I woke him up crying again. He needed to get up to do his last minute packing anyways. I know it bothers him when he sees me cry though. He looks so concerned, but he knows now there isn't anything he can do about it. He knows why I cry when I see him.

We're going to the station now. I have to end this letter. It has been refreshing to say some of what I have been thinking, though I have decided I will never send this letter to you. Perhaps some day in the future you will forgive me, but I don't expect you to. Just don't let your opinion of me color your meeting with Tobias. Let him prove himself to you.

I wish you a good year. Don't let the first years infuriate you too much. Oh, and Tobias is already very accomplished with potions, I hope that you will be impressed.

Always,
Hermione

Tobias stood in the kitchen watching his mother silently as she sniffled and wiped at her eyes. Quickly she folded up the letter and sealed it before turning to her son.

"Ready to go?" She tried to smile.

Just as they were climbing into the car, Tobias turned and ran back into the house, emerging a few seconds later, shoving something into his pocket.