This moment seems so long

21st September 1978

Remus, my dearest love,

Forgive me for writing you. I know I said I would leave well alone but I fear I cannot bear not knowing. Did you witness my memories? Do you now understand my actions?

I never intended to hurt you and I am eternally sorry for the pain I caused.

I heard that you obtained the highest grade in History of Magic. I always knew you were the best in the class, and I am so very proud of you. I know my admiration most likely means nought to you, but it is freely given nonetheless.

I wish you the very best and I will only add, may Mother Magic bless you.

SS

23rd September 1978

Severus collapsed into the worn armchair after yet another tireless day apprenticing under Master Robyn. The elderly Potions Master had extremely high standards and expected his Potions Apprentice to express the same rigorous testing methods that he himself exerted. Severus was only too happy to oblige and threw everything he had into his work.

Master Robyn studied his apprentice from his own position enveloped in an old, plump armchair. The Potions Master would not admit it to his apprentice, but he had been extremely impressed by Severus' aptitude. It was as if potions came to him as naturally as breathing. Master Robyn had never seen a wix with so much untapped potential and was very eager to impart his knowledge upon his apprentice and watch him grow and evolve.

The only concern he had with young Severus was his worrying lack of care over his health. At first, he had been suitably impressed by Severus' dedication to potions, but it swiftly became clear to him that the young wix was struggling with a personal matter. Given his occasional proneness to despondency, Master Robyn rather thought Severus had been unlucky in love. He had seen it many times in his lifetime and knew time was a great healer in these matters. He could only hope, for Severus' sake, that he did not dwell on things that had passed.

Watching his young apprentice lightly dozing opposite him, Master Robyn resolved himself to having an awkward and uncomfortable conversation with Severus tomorrow morning. All in the name of the young man's mental health and wellbeing. It had nothing to do with any paternal feelings his young apprentice might be stirring in him.

Not at all.

A sound at the window broke Master Robyn from his thoughts, and he glanced outside to see a rather harried-looking post owl pecking loudly on the window pane. Groaning at the prospect of moving, Master Robyn placed his hands on the arms of the chair to lever himself up when Severus jolted from his seat. "I will get the owl, Master Robyn, you can stay seated."

The Potions Master wasn't going to complain and began to settle himself more firmly into the welcoming embrace of the armchair. He watched Severus open the window, and smirked as the owl immediately bypassed Severus and instead flew towards himself so it could bask in the warmth of the fireplace beside him.

Severus made a noise of annoyance, which had Master Robyn smirking even wider. "He's a smart bird, you have to grant him that, lad," he told his apprentice whilst untying the letter from the owl.

Taking a glance at the parchment, he frowned to himself.

RETURN TO SENDER

Recipient

Remus J. Lupin

Hope Cottage

Aberystwyth

Sender

Severus Snape

The Potions Guild

Durham

Glancing at his young apprentice, Master Robyn sighed - Severus was staring at the letter with dread. It looked as if he was going to have that conversation with Severus sooner than he thought.