Disclaimer: Not mine. All JKR's. Don't sue.

A/N: This is my response to WIKTT's 'The letter' challenge by Dryad.

-LOST IN OWL POSTS

PROLOGUE

The first ray of sunshine slipped through the Head Girl's window, forcing her to shut her tired eyes. She had spent her last night in the castle tossing and turning in her bed... but who could sleep when it hurt to even think about leaving?

This was it! She was going to leave the place that had been her home for seven years. No... not only that... that would be sad, it's true, and she would miss everything, but she would get over it eventually; she had so much to learn and see that soon all of it would be just a good memory. That was how she imagined she was going to feel on her last day at Hogwarts.

It was funny to think that she had always put her achievements and studying above everything, feelings and all. She was a practical girl, she knew what was important! And what could be more important than knowledge, achieving her goals and proving that her blood didn't stop her from succeeding?

That was exactly what happened: she got the highest NEWTs Hogwarts had seen in years, scholarships to three of the best Wizarding universities in all Europe and the choice to apprentice with any Master in all areas she decided to follow. Yes, she was proud, and yes, it felt good to know she had her future guaranteed, doing the things she loved. She had all her dreams come true... except for one thing.

One thing she had never counted on, because she was Hermione Granger, she had control over her life and her feelings. But this Hermione was no more. She had become a puddle of emotions she couldn't control.

When had she realized that? She couldn't say; it had gradually taken over her, slowly and silently to a point that when she saw it, it was too late. And now, as her departure draw near, the hollow sensation in her heart was becoming unbearable.

As tears rolled down her cheeks, only to add to the countless ones she had shed throughout the night, she decidedly lifted her covers and got out of bed.

Wiping the tears with the back of her hand, she opened her almost packed trunk and fumbling through her belongings, she found a clean parchment and a quill.

She sat at her small studying desk and started writing.

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Snape stretched lazily in his favorite chair by the fireplace. He was enjoying something he hadn't had in a long time... freedom.

He had slept all morning and spent the afternoon reading a book. There were no spoiled brats, no more running off in the middle of the night to attend Death Eater's meetings, no more Dark Lord and most of all... no more Potter! By this time the annoying trio were on their way back to London, out of Hogwarts and if could help, out of his life forever.

For once, he could see a future ahead. He escaped death, paid his dues and now he was free to pursue whatever he set his mind to. The possibilities were endless! He could quit his teaching career at Hogwarts and choose between the many job offers he received after he helped Potter defeat the Dark Lord. He could even put everything on hold and go travel around until he decided what to do.

He smirked at the thought. If his dysfunctional family was worth something, it would be for the money they left him. This alone gave him all the freedom he wanted and for that he would be able to find a job he loved, one that didn't include other people's insufferable children.

He finally had control over his life, even his destiny, dare he say.

He stood up and headed to his office to start packing what he would need to take for the summer. He could send for the rest of his belongings later. Dumbledore had asked him to remain in the position in case he couldn't get another Potions' teacher before the term started, and until he could find a replacement. In any case, it wouldn't be for too long.

As his hand reached the door handle, he heard a 'thump' noise from inside. Alarmed he took hold of his wand, opening the door slowly. He let out a relieved breath to see a tiny owl stumbling on the objects on his desk.

Old habits die hard and even knowing the Dark Lord was dead and gone, it was impossible to control his reflexes to imminent danger.

When the owl spotted him, it started to fly around in excitement. He glared at the bird as it landed on a bookshelf clumsily. "Where have I seen that owl before?" he wondered. Retrieving the letter from the bird, he looked at the owl and said dryly , "Sorry, I have nothing for you." Opening the window wider, so it could fly away without knocking its head on the stone frame in all its excitement.

Shaking his head, he thought, 'Bloody bird is happy anyway.'

Only then was his attention directed to the letter. Thinking that it was another job offer, he opened it as he sat down behind his desk. Who else would possibly write to him?

The crease between his eyebrows deepened and his eyes narrowed, not quite able to make sense of the words. But when his eyes rolled down to the bottom and saw the author's name, they grew wide as saucers. He sat there, becoming more and more shocked with every word he read.

""" Dear Professor,

By the time you receive this, I will be gone.

I am not writing this letter as a final parting shot, but it

might have been easier if that had been the case. I would prefer

to remain silent, but my Gryffindor courage (or stupidity as you

see fit) won't allow me to keep my council.

Don't worry, sir. I can hear your blatant drawl, 'Get on with

it, already!' from here.

I like you.

I am not so foolish as to say love, because while I know a

great deal more about you than the average student, I know

better than to assume I know enough to profess my undying

devotion.

Don't snort, Professor, it isn't dignified.

I am fairly certain you will write this off as a silly school

girl crush. But you should know that at least one student

appreciates and respects the work that you have done...

And one woman sincerely cares about your happiness.

Hermione Granger """"

As if to quote Ron Weasley, Snape said, "Bloody hell!"

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A/N: I want to thank Shauna for beta-reading.