This is based on the 5th Harry Potter book/movie. Order of the Phoenix. This is when Umbridge has gone mental and become dictator of Hogwarts.

Everything belongs to JK Rowling. Nothing is mine, but the twist in the plot that would have been really great in the book/movie. Please don't sue me.

Hermione sat at the Weasley's table. She'd managed to make it through the week. The train ride had been a blur as she'd slept the whole time. Harry and Ron fooled around, and after a while Cho stopped by to visit before she had to leave Harry again. He'd finished the week in Occlumency and said Snape had helped him to the best of his abilities. He was done with the lessons.

She looked around as Mrs. Weasley gave out presents. Harry had been perplexed at first. He'd said the muggles he lived with didn't celebrate Halloween in such a manner. Hermione could remember her parents always celebrating Halloween this way, even with one muggle-born parent. She felt her left pocket where she had Severus' notes. She'd carried them around with her since the days she'd gotten them. Of course she'd not wanted to be rude and had to reply to the first one. The second one just left her speechless.

Dear Severus,

I CAN call you that can't I? This all just seems so strange. But you've no idea how happy it made Ron. Actually your letter made him cry a bit and he told me to tell you thank you. You've made me happy as well. Yes I'll be leaving for Halloween, to see for myself how Mr. Weasley is. And I miss the company of Mrs. Weasley. They really ARE good people. I've come to realize that I care for you also. Actually have for a while, but never fully realized it. Thank you for opening my eyes to this. I hope you have a wonderful Halloween also.

Sincerely yours,

Hermione Granger

She'd sent this letter, and had received the delight in watching him open it during potions. He'd gone through several different emotions at once. First shock, then curiosity, and finally he looked touched. Hermione had almost had to leave the room, he'd turned those grey eyes on her and she'd felt the power of them. But before either of them could act the bell had rung and she'd bolted from her seat, leaving behind the room that held so much emotion.

Ron had seen this of course but now he couldn't be happier for her and was actually thinking about asking Luna Lovegood to the new years ball.

The second letter Hermione had received had almost made her cry and she hadn't had the nerve to respond to it as of yet. It had arrived the last day she'd been at Hogwarts, during supper.

Dear Hermione,

Indeed you may call me Severus as it seems that we've got a closer relationship than student/teacher. I'm glad your friend found the sincerity within me and took it to heart. I'm glad I've made you happy. I was scared maybe I'd offended you in the first letter when I saw your face during lunch. But you are most welcome and I thank you so much for responding to my letter. I will miss you during Halloween. Will I see you during Christmas? I hope so. It seems that you've become the light of my life. Ha, do not tell anyone though because I have got a reputation to uphold. I also hope I see you at the new years ball, it's masked remember. Maybe a dance or two…or ten would be in order? I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely yours,

Severus

She'd kept this last letter to herself and cursed as that meant she'd have to buy a dress for new years. She knew that Ginny would help her though. Hermione looked over at Mr. Weasley and winced as Mrs. Weasley brought him to the table in a chair. His right arm was in a sling, and his left eye was swollen and had a deep gash over it.

Mrs. Weasley finished handing out presents and held up her glass of pumpkin juice.

"To Harry." Mr. Weasley toasted for her.

"Harry." everyone toasted in return then they swallowed the contents of their glasses.

Hermione saw Harry leave with Sirius and smiled to herself. She turned and saw Ron make a face at the sweater he'd unwrapped. She got up to leave as he did.

"Are you going to put it on?" she asked.

"No!" he replied looking at her like she'd grown a second head.

"Why not?" she asked.

"Because I'll look like a bloody idiot that's why." he said as they headed upstairs.

Hermione laughed and went into the room ahead of Ron. She sat on her bed and pulled out a small baggy. Slowly she pulled out the notes from her pocket and stuck them in it.

"Holy crow." Ron said. "He write you all of those?" he asked nodding towards her.

She sighed. "Honestly Ron. It's only two letters. I told him thank you like you asked me to. He's glad you took him seriously." she smiled at him and got out her parchment and quill to write one back.

Dear Severus,

No you've not offended me. And have made me happier than I have been in a long time. I was surprised when the letter arrived right in the middle of potions. I didn't do it intentionally, though the look on your face just about set the room on fire. I promise I didn't mean to sabotage you like that. I'm at the Weasley's now and already miss you too. Though if I had stayed I'm sure I wouldn't have seen you anymore than now. I hope I see you during Christmas, I'm catching the train back before thanksgiving so you'll see me then too. And don't worry I won't tell anyone. As for the new years ball, I'll be there, and look forward to dancing with you very much. I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely yours,

Hermione

"Ron I'm going to borrow your owl alright?" she asked.

"Whatever." he said working on a letter of his own.

Hermione told the little tawny owl where to go and set it off out the window. She sighed and watched the little thing fly off into the distance. It was hard to believe how little time they got off of school during the holidays. They had to go back to school tomorrow on the train. Though Thanksgiving break was two months off. She laid back down on her bed and drifted off to sleep once more.

*R&R!!*