Nov 15th

Dear Miss Granger,

Thank you for your comments about the article last night. Miss Lovegood gave me an advance copy of it, and I had not really intended to read it, but she requested that I did. I shared much more with her and Dagworth than I had ever intended. If I did not know better, I would have suspected they had slipped me veritaserum, but I think it is simply her unique manner that makes people be open with her. She has a guileless honesty that invites trust and a knowledge that she will take your words with a complete lack of judgement. Dagworth was more focused on the facts, but Lovegood drew out thoughts and feelings that I was barely aware I had. I feel I should be angry at myself and them for how much of myself I revealed, and I am unable to explain why I am not.

Mr. Potter sent me a note this morning telling me that his house elf was half buried by an avalanche of owls addressed to me. He is continuing to sort through them for me, but I suppose I will have to decide what to do with all the letters I have been ignoring. I simply hope that I am left in peace about the interview at school. I welcome your thoughts and opinions, but I have no wish to review the details with any of the staff, and certainly not the students. I stated facts. I do not require sympathy, praise or any other misguided emotions foisted upon me. Horace Slughorn has been very cautious about associating with me until yesterday. I suppose he didn't want to be seen to consort with me while public opinion was still so much against me. Now, I have been assured of an invitation to his Christmas party, which he is already planning. Obviously, I am thrilled.

On a (mostly) good note, Poppy has been conferring with Healer Jones and they have decided it is time for one further treatment to finally purge the last of the venom from my blood. It will enable me to stop taking one of my potions, which should mean I will have more energy and be able to stay awake for longer, thank Merlin. The downside is that the spell used is extremely painful, but I must bear it as best I can. I have had it twice before, in St. Mungo's. I will wait until Friday, so that any negative symptoms can be dealt with over the weekend.

Severus Snape

Within two days, it was obvious that everyone at the school had read the article in The Quibbler. It was a subject of much talk in the common rooms, and almost everyone now seemed wholeheartedly to respect and trust Professor Snape. Luna and Thomas had become very popular, too.

"I just asked the questions," Luna told people. "It was Thomas who wrote the article itself, and I agree that he did a wonderful job. Daddy has offered him a job as a full-time reporter, but we can't pay him very much just yet."

Professor Snape, of course, ignored the awed stares he got from students, and carried on as normal.

At the end of Friday's class, Hermione hung back to speak to him.

"Will you be having your treatment after dinner, Professor?" she asked him, gently.

He shook his head. "No. As soon as I get back to the hospital wing," he told her, his face grim. "It is best on an empty stomach."

"I'm so sorry you have to go through this," she told him. "Will this get rid of the rest of the poison completely?"

"Yes. A version of a potion called Venenum Relligo was developed to assist Arthur Weasley, tailored specifically to Nagini's venom. I have been taking it to draw the venom from the organs into the blood, then it binds it to prevent it from doing any further damage. This evening's treatment will remove the venom from the blood."

Hermione made a mental note to look up the potion in the library.

She felt helpless. He would be going through a painful treatment, and there was nothing she could do to help. She wanted to say something or do something that would make a difference, but she knew nothing would. What she really wanted, she realized, was to hug him. For a moment, she almost considered it, but knew she couldn't.

"Is there anything that can help with the pain of the treatment?" she asked, finally.

He shook his head. "Unfortunately not, but thank you for your concern. " He turned towards the door to his office, then seemed to hesitate. "Miss Granger," he said, awkwardly, "there was one thing that helped last time, when I was in the hospital."

She looked at him and waited for him to continue, wondering why he wasn't quite meeting her eyes.

"Last time, I found reading your letters helpful in taking my mind off the pain." He looked uncomfortable, and Hermione felt a strange fluttering in her chest.

"Were they so boring that they acted as a sedative?" she asked, smiling.

He gave what sounded like a small chuckle. "That was exactly the reason."

"Then I think I can manage to write more, if it will help."

His eyes flicked momentarily up to hers. "Thank you," he said quietly. Again, he hesitated, then entered his office, closing the door silently behind him.

November 20th

Dear Professor Snape,

I had a talk with Thomas Dagwood, yesterday. He's had such great feedback about his story in The Quibbler, that he and the Lovegoods have been trying to decide where to go from here. They think that it's time for the wizarding world to have a new newspaper to rival The Daily Prophet, and they had talked about Thomas working full-time for them. But Xenophilius has decided he doesn't really want to take The Quibbler in that direction. He knows people mostly read it for its 'alternative' viewpoints and he doesn't really want to stray from that. It took on a more serious role during the war because someone had to publish the truth, but he doesn't want The Quibbler to become so serious permanently. They're talking about setting up a completely new newspaper, with Thomas as the main reporter and Xenophilius acting as editor until Thomas knows the business well enough. They're worried that it would be too much for them, though. They're going to need a permanent editor and finances to make it work. They're still throwing ideas around. I suggested they talk to Kingsley, who might have some ideas about who would be able to help them. I hope they can make this work, but they've a long way to go, yet.

Harry, Ron, Neville and Susan Bones say that their auror training is going well, though Ron is struggling with the potions sections. I suppose that's partly my fault. He was never good at buckling down to do the work himself, and I let him read my homework far more than I should have done. I thought at the time that I was helping, but to be honest, I did it mostly because he was such a pain in the neck whenever I didn't let him. I'm sure you knew that, but I regret unintentionally sabotaging your efforts to make him learn. Not that either of them would ever have done particularly well in your classes, with the way you hated each other. They both learned much more in Professor Slughorn's potions classes than yours, but mostly because of the 'Half-Blood Prince'. You were a great teacher for Harry, as long as he didn't know it was you!

But, anyway, I'm supposed to be distracting you from your treatment, but instead I'm talking about your least favourite person. Sorry.

There's a Slug Club dinner that I'll be going to tomorrow evening. I have to say that I don't really like the whole idea of the club. Professor Slughorn likes to feel like he has influence with all the right people, but I naively wish that who you know had no impact on how well you do in life. I suppose it's easy for me to say that, being friends with Harry, but I like to think that I earn things on my own merits. I think the thing that bothers me most about it is not that Professor Slughorn helps people who he has a connection with, it's more that he ignores people who don't have anything to offer him. Still, I suppose there are a lot of people like that, but he's more open about his motivations than most people. The reason I still go to the dinners is mostly because I get chance to spend time with people I wouldn't usually interact with. I really want to make more of an effort to mix with the Slytherins in particular. Besides, he's very persistent and I get tired of making excuses. Ginny is in the same boat. It's easier to give in and just enjoy the food.

I'm heading to the library in a little while. I have essays for Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Herbology to get done this weekend, and I've made a list of research I need to do. I don't spend as much time actually working in the library any more. It used to be the only place I could find without distractions, but having my own room this year is much better. I like working in the eighth-year common room, too. It's far quieter than it ever was in the Gryffindor tower.

I will write to you again, tomorrow,

Hermione Granger

November 22nd

Dear Miss Granger,

Thank you for your letters. My treatment went well, but my body has not reacted well to stopping taking Venenum Relligo. Nobody has ever taken it for so long before. I should be fine in a day or two. I have enjoyed your letters so far.

Severus Snape

Hermione had not expected Professor Snape to be at meals for the weekend, but she was saddened to see that he was still not present by Tuesday morning. During the Slug Club dinner on Sunday evening, Professor Slughorn had told them that he would be taking all potions classes on Monday, but he wasn't sure how long he would be doing it for.

She knew that it would take a lot to force Professor Snape to miss work.

Terry Boot and Maria Reynolds were new additions to the Slug Club, and both seemed nervous. That now made four of them from their potions class - two eighth and two seventh years. They sat together and Hermione smiled to see them surreptitiously holding hands under the table.

Ginny rolled her eyes when she saw it. "Maria was going out with Frederick Fortescue until two weeks ago," she whispered. "Professor Flitwick docked ten points each off Hufflepuff and Slytherin for finding them kissing behind a statue. Neither of them seem very upset about breaking up, though."

On Tuesday morning, Professor Verto gave them a challenging test on the theory of the universal laws of matter, and afterwards, Hermione rushed to the dungeon hoping that Professor Snape would be there for her potions lesson. She was disappointed to be met by Professor Slughorn at the doorway.

"Good morning, Miss Granger," he smiled. "I'm afraid you're stuck with me this morning. Professor Snape is still unwell."

She managed a smile and sat down, with the rest of the class following soon after.

Although Hermione thought that Professor Snape was a much better teacher, she would have found it interesting to hear a different approach to the task they were set if it had not been for her concern. She worried about how much pain he was in.

"Are you okay?" asked Padma, who was sitting across from her. "You seem very quiet, today."

"I'm okay. Just feeling a bit tired. I was up late finishing the essay for Professor Savage."

Padma frowned. "The one on the strength of protection spells? It's not due until next week."

Hermione faked a small laugh. "Well, you know how I like to leave things to the last minute."

They continued working for a while before Parvati said, "I hope Professor Snape is okay. It's not like him to miss class. It's funny how I was so scared of him at first, and now he's one of my favourite teachers."

By the end of the lesson, Hermione was considering asking Professor Slughorn how he was doing, but she didn't want to draw attention to her concern. As far as anyone knew, she had no connection to Professor Snape, other than being at his trial during the summer. It would seem odd for her to be asking about him. Luckily, she was not the only one interested.

"Sir," Thomas asked, "do you know how Professor Snape is?"

"Ah, Mister Dagworth," Slughorn smiled, "are you asking as a reporter or a concerned student?"

"Just as a student, Sir. I wouldn't ever write about him without his permission."

"Then I can tell you that he was looking better when I spoke to him yesterday evening. I believe he will be back teaching lessons tomorrow." He smiled at the student, then turned to the others. "I believe that you have an essay due for Professor Snape on Friday. I am sure that his indisposition will not alter his timeline, so remember to have them ready to hand in. Miss Reynolds and Mister Boot, please remain behind for a moment."

Hermione left the classroom with Thomas and Luna.

"I was sure he'd be back soon," Luna said, serenely. "I sent him some Salvia Divinorum to keep by his bed."

"Well, if it doesn't heal him, at least it's hallucinogenic properties will keep him entertained," said Hermione, wryly.

"That's what I thought," said Luna.

Hermione laughed, thankful that both the patient and the two healers would recognize the plant and know to keep it well protected from wayward spells.

November 25th

Dear Miss Granger,

As you saw, I was back in the Great Hall for breakfast, today, and I was able to teach my class this afternoon. Now that the binding potion and the venom are gone from my blood, the healing potion can do a better job of healing my body, without the venom constantly working against it. Because of the nature of the poison, it will still take weeks or months to fully heal me, but I can already feel myself having more energy. I feel better than I can remember feeling for a long time.

Miss Lovegood sent me Salvia Divinorum on Sunday, and I have just sent her a brief note to thank her. What I didn't tell her was that Poppy Pomfrey attempted to banish it because of its less healthful properties. I only managed to persuade her to allow it to remain once I had placed it in an impermeable bubble charm. I have plans to preserve it for my stores in a day or two, as it is quite a useful ingredient for many potions, even though many books now substitute other, less troublesome, ingredients in its place.

I plan to return to my nighttime exercise tonight.

Severus Snape

Hermione read the letter over and over again, unsure.

What was happening between them?

She wanted to see him; she knew that much. She'd been concerned for him and had had difficulty focusing on anything else since Friday. How much pain was he in? Had he read her letters? Should she write again?

She had been so happy to see his writing on the envelope on her bedside table when she returned to her room after classes that afternoon. Her slight disappointment at the shortness of the letter disappeared when she read the last line. He was going to be walking in the corridors again, tonight. Why would he tell her that, unless it was intended as an invitation?

When he had left the potions classroom on Friday, he had specifically asked her to write to him. Their parting had been awkward, as though neither was quite sure what to say, or had wanted to say more but didn't know how. Had he felt as unsure as her? If it had been any of her other friends about to experience a painful treatment, they would have hugged each other. Had he been thinking the same thing?

And now, this. Was it simply because they were friends and he enjoyed her company, or could there be more happening between them? She wanted more: the way her heart beat faster at the thought of seeing him made that all too clear. But was she reading too much into it, by hoping that maybe he felt the same way? If he had not intended his last line as a hope to meet, she would look like a fool, showing up in the corridor with the obvious hope of meeting him.

Ugh. Stop it, Hermione, she told herself. You're overthinking everything, as usual. You're friends, even if it could lead to more later. Just go and talk to him.

With this internal rebuke, she forced herself out of the eighth-year common room.

She spent only ten minutes in the library. The book she chose was not really something she needed, but her pride would not allow her to simply wander about the corridors without at least some pretense of an excuse.

"Good evening." His voice was low and she smiled as she heard it.

"Hello, Professor. It's good to see you. How are you feeling?"

He stood from his position leaning against the statue - the same statue where they had met before.

"I am feeling well. Tired after a rather trying few days, but it feels as though a weight has been taken from me."

"I'm so glad," she told him. "It was awful to know that you were going through that and not being able to do anything to help."

"You did help," he assured her. "Your letters gave me something to focus on."

He began walking along the corridor, and she fell in step beside him. She didn't know where they were going, but was happy to follow his lead. It seemed that he had a regular circuit that he took - up the east staircase to the fourth floor, past the History of Magic classroom as far as the staircase that led up towards the owlery, then down the west stairs and back past the library. They walked quite slowly, more interested in their conversation than anything else.

Hermione asked about Luna's flowers, and what he was planning to use them for, and he began to outline his plans for an experiment he wanted to try. "I have a theory about why certain substitutions of ingredients work in potions and others don't," he explained. "The Divinorum is a variety of Salvia that can be replaced easily with an alternative, but others, even a closely-related variety like the Dombeyi, cannot be replaced. Attempt any substitutions of the Dombeyi in the Sedula elixir, for instance, and the potion congeals before the snail shells can be added. The Divinorum will be useful to experiment with because it's so rarely used. I am surprised Miss Lovegood even managed to find any."

"Luna manages to do all kinds of unexpected things," Hermione smiled. "I've learned not to ask how. Her explanations rarely explain anything."

They were on their fourth lap of their circuit, talking quietly all the time, when a sudden movement in the corridor in front of them caught their attention, followed by the low yowl of Mrs. Norris. Filch was not far behind her.

"A student out of bed at this time?" he chuckled. "You're in big trouble. And caught by the headmaster, I see."

"Good evening, Filch," Professor Snape said, with a sharp tone in his voice. "The eighth years do not have a curfew, but of course Miss Granger is abusing that privilege by being out at this ridiculous time. I am escorting her back to her common room to ensure she stays out of further trouble. And please remember that I am no longer the headmaster!"

Filch scowled at this and muttered that there would never be students out of bed at night if he was. Then he called to his cat and headed up the stairs towards the owlery.

Professor Snape turned with an embarrassed cough. "I will see you to your common room." They had been walking side-by-side, but had moved apart when the caretaker's cat had arrived. They stayed this way up the two more flights of stairs to the eighth-year wing.

"I'm glad to see that you're feeling so much better, Professor," Hermione smiled. "I was worried about you."

In the dim light, she saw what she was certain was the first genuine smile she had ever seen from him. "Thank you, Miss Granger. Good night."

She gave the password to the small statue standing next to the doorway, then turned to see him striding away.