AN: This is the first in a series of short fics I will be writing in this style. Each chapter consists of at least 2 letters between 2 magnificent Harry Potter characters (of which I sadly own no part). The letters correspond to the books, and chapter 1 relates to year 1 at Hogwarts - you'll get the gist.

So this is my first set of 'letters' - Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy. Please review after reading :-) thanks!

Dear Severus

I apologise for its having been a while since my last correspondence to you. I have been unavoidably involved with several matters of Ministry importance that, as you are aware, have unfortunately detained me from attending several social occasions. These events, though undoubtedly more desirable than tedious discussions with the Minister, hold little pleasure for me except the refreshment of civilized society and dry wit of particular company. Nevertheless, these excuses are trivial and apologies inevitably abhorrent, so I shall halt thus.

My reason in particular for contacting you is to inform you, though you may of course already be aware, that my son, Draco, will become one of your pupils in September. He has secured places at both Hogwarts and Durmstrang (to which I applied him many years ago, as their teaching is inarguably superior to that run by our very own Muggle-loving Merlin, certain individuals excepted, naturally). However, Narcissa wishes him to be taught at Hogwarts as we were. There are, without doubt, extra delights to be found at Hogwarts absent from Durmstrang. I am inferring not to your admirable acquaintance, Severus, but to the alleged arrival of Harry Potter to your institution. Petty and foolish the boy no doubt will be, considering his descent, but Draco should find much amusement in befriending him, I am sure. My son is keen to learn, Severus, but must be disciplined when necessary for he, like his mother, will turn arrogant if given too much freedom. Otherwise he is a substantially gifted student, as you will no doubt conclude upon very few hours spent in his company.

On a similar thread, as my son is to be attending school within such an easy distance from the Manor, I am contemplating application for a position on the school's governing board. It would be beneficial to both parties, I am sure; I would be more able to actively encourage aspects of Draco's education, and my influence would render the board more capable of affecting such encouragements. I believe you understand me. Therefore you may expect news of this allocation within a few weeks, should I decide to pursue it.

There is nothing left for me to say at present, except for me to wish you the best of luck in your new assignment of students, despite the certainty that many will be an uninspiring disappointment. Onwards we must strive.

Yours sincerely, Lucius Malfoy.

Dear Lucius

Allow me to begin by congratulating you on successfully joining the board of governors. Although uncommonly insulting the competition undoubtedly was, it is always pleasing to rejoice in one's accomplishment.

I am sad to say that this year's new arrivals to my classes are, with very few exceptions, extraordinarily incompetent and impertinent besides. Your son, Draco, is fortunately one of the privileged exceptions. He has a natural ability in my subject and has neglected the undignified idiocy of his classmates. His choice in companions is, however, unfortunate. I do not know if you are very acquainted with masters Crabbe and Goyle but suffice to say Draco would progress further in every desirable pursuit if not hindered by their company. It is neither within my power nor rights to allude this to him, naturally, yet as his father perhaps you might bear some influence.

Since you took apparent delight in mentioning another of my pupils, one Mr Potter, I shall delight you by discussing him once more, loathsome though I find it. Potter is of no exceptional talent, no evident grace or subtly and possess a great lack of intelligence. I already find him to be childish and meddlesome, traits which I rarely attribute to a first year student, that do not usually emerge until third year at least. His stupidity is matched only by that of his classmate, the youngest Mr Weasley, and his arrogance only by that of your own son.

Am I not cursed, Lucius, to suffer this poor sampling of society for nine long months? Yet do not rejoice over me too heartily, remember that I have solitude, both in my dungeons within Hogwarts and my home without, a blessing of which you may never boast.

Yours sincerely, Severus Snape.