Thank you for your enthusiasm for my story. I must admit that the sparklers Severus charmed for Hermione are a nod to Loten's marvellous story, Post Tenebras, Lux, which can be found on this site. It is an amazing, mature story of Severus and Hermione post war. I've read it dozens of times.
September 1, 1991
Dear Professor Snape,
I can hardly believe I am here and in Gryffindor! And you were right; the hat did consider placing me in Ravenclaw, but it felt I had the bravery needed for Gryffindor. I am not the least bit brave or noble; is it because of the Legilimency that the hat saw what I don't feel? I know the Sorting Hat is supposed to sort us properly, but do you ever think it is wrong?
The castle is just as I read it would be in Hogwarts, A History, but also not like I had read, and I am pleased to be surprised at that. It is so lovely and filled with history. My classes sound interesting, and I'm eager to begin them. I just hope I can learn and do well! I can't wait to visit the library; how many books am I allowed to check out at one time?
I don't know if I'm going to like my dorm mates. The two girls in my room giggle constantly, and it's hard for me to study with all their talk about boys. Boys...as if I have time to talk about boys.
Did you see that red headed boy at my table? Well, the youngest one I mean; there seemed to be an awful lot of red heads at the Gryffindor table. Anyway, did you see his manners? He is such a pig! I met him and Harry Potter on the train, and neither one impressed me, other than Harry Potter being who he is. I read about him in Hogwarts, A History, of course. I guess I sort of expected him to be more…more star like, more celebrity. He just seems like he is an average boy in too big clothes.
I am looking forward to my classes, and I am eager to show the teachers how much I know already.
Yours sincerely,
Hermione
September 1, 1991
Miss Granger,
I am glad you're enjoying for first day of Hogwarts. It truly is more than books will tell you; there are some things in life you simply must experience first-hand, rather than rely on a book.
You are correct in that the Sorting Hat's ability to see traits that we don't feel characterise who we are, but they are important for it to consider when sorting us. I had actually pegged you for Ravenclaw; you would have done well there. Your head of house is simply delighted to have you among her cubs.
The library here at Hogwarts rivals even the most complete collection at any Muggle library, and I am sure that if no one can find you in the weeks to come, a search of the bookstacks will turn you up. Before you ask—and many do—you may not have the house elves bring you food and drink; Madam Pince will have you banned.
You are allowed to check out five books at a time. I found this out as I had once tried to secrete a few smaller texts in the larger ones I was checking out when I was a first year and got quite a telling off. I also discovered Madam Pince has a charm placed on the doors that will let her know if you're sneaking out books in your robes. My ear still twinges on occasion from where she boxed them for that offense.
I will offer you a small bit of advice regarding your eagerness in classes. Do not let your enthusiasm for your classes cloud your judgement in behaving respectfully toward others in class. You must allow the other students a chance to answer, too. I'm not telling you to never answer a question, just to allow the other students a chance. Your teachers will soon learn who they can rely on to answer a question, but they must allow others to answer so that they can gauge whether or not students are understanding the material as a whole.
Enjoy your time here at Hogwarts, Miss Granger.
Your sincerely,
Severus Snape, Pm
September 7, 1991
Dear Professor Snape,
I am not sure how to start this letter because you are a professor and must be respected, but on the other hand, I think of you as my friend, and your personality in our first Potions lesson confused and hurt me.
I thought you would be proud of me for knowing all the answers. The other teachers seemed to be happy for me to answer in classes and even gave me points. You snapped at me when I tried to answer the questions!
I thought we were friends. You said we could be.
Hermione
September 8, 1991
Dear Miss Granger,
I am sorry you feel as though I betrayed you in some way, however I did make it clear on our first visit that I could only be your professor and not your friend. Even though I am willing to write to you, answer your questions, there is a line I cannot cross. Not simply because you are a student, but for many reasons I cannot or will not explain.
In time you may see things about me or your other professors that confuse you even if they've seemingly extended the hand of friendship. They are simply extending the hand of knowledge and encouragement. At your age, this can be misconstrued as friendship.
I am willing to continue to answer your letters and hope that I have not made you too upset.
Yours,
Severus Snape, Pm
September 19, 1991
I hope this small token continues to encourage you in your studies and perhaps, shows you that I am not the evil git your mates whisper to you that I am, thinking that I do not hear them.
The ink bottle has an Ever Fill charm on it, meaning that you'll never need another bottle again. However, should you desire another colour of ink—although India ink has never failed me—you'll need to incant Colour Mutatio and then the Latin name for the colour you wish.
Happy Birthday,
SS
November 1, 1991
Dear Miss Granger,
Although I am pleased you were not injured, I cannot help but be angry that you foolishly wandered off in the first place! All students were told specifically to report to their common rooms immediately and you did not. Did you not hear the announcement?
I can hardly believe that Potter and Weasley actually defeated the Troll, nor can I believe that you told what I assume is your first lie, stating you thought you could fend off the Troll yourself! Perhaps you thought this would help you live up to your houses' characteristic of bravery? Not a good show, as they say.
I do not say all this to hurt you, but simply to help you understand that you must choose your peers wisely and your reactions to those peers prudently. In time, they may use your reactions against you.
All right now, scolding done. Please be careful in the future and understand that we teachers may give you directions that do not come with explanation, but they are given to ensure your safety.
Sincerely,
Severus Snape, Pm
June 27, 1992
Dear Professor Snape,
I have just finished packing and wanted to take a moment to let you know my thoughts on my first year.
I still find Hogwarts to be amazing and full of wonder. It feels like a home that knows you're within it and somehow makes the way for you easier. It's hard to put into words, but in my darkest moments this year, it felt as though the castle was my parent…ready to guide me, ready to answer my questions and make me feel loved.
I am pleased to say that you were right; I did make friends, especially in Harry and Ron. We had adventures together, but I certainly hope there will be no more like the one we just experienced! It gives me shivers when I think about those giant chess pieces and the idea that He Who Must Not Be Named actually took over a body!
I am looking forward to my summer hols and have already planned my homework out so that I can complete it and then prepare for second year.
Perhaps you'll have time over the summer to come visit? Will you be busy?
Yours Sincerely,
Hermione
June 28,1992
Dear Miss Granger,
By now you have arrived home and greeted your parents; please give them my best.
As far as your homework plans are concerned, be sure to give yourself time to relax. Your end of year antics as well as exams were difficult, and I am sure you will soon feel exhausted once the adrenaline of the events has finally drained from your body.
I will spend my summer cleaning the classroom and preparing my curriculum for next year. I will also be brewing for the hospital wing; it seems the first year students caused quite a bit of mayhem this year, and Madam Pomfrey's stores are nearly depleted.
I am pleased to say 'I told you so' about making friends. Granted it's only Potter and Weasley, but you seem to have gotten friendly with other students as well, if my observations and the input of your other teachers is correct.
For the rest of the summer, I will attend a few potion symposiums, return to my home, and relax. If I were extended an invitation to visit, I would consider it.
Sincerely,
Severus Snape, Pm
Severus watched as the wax curled under the edge of his seal as it closed the letter to Hermione. He sighed as he placed the weighted seal back into the drawer. He was pleased she made friends, but why did it have to be Potter? Weasley he could have dealt with as easily as he had other mismatched friendships among the students he taught. That it had to be Potter really ate at him. Perhaps as Hermione grew and matured, she would gravitate to other friends.
He briefly wondered if his role in Hermione's world would change. If He Who Must Not Be Named returned, would he be called upon again to spy? How would Hermione react if she knew of his past and his possible future.
A hoot and the feel of talons landing on his shoulders brought him out of his reverie. What did he care what a little twelve year old girl thought of him?
He did care because she had given him hope, and he was afraid that if she knew, she would take that hope, as others had done before him, and leave him bereft again. He determined at that point, that that would not happen this time. He had told her they could not be friends, but he wanted that. He would have to find a way to encourage that friendship, but only at the right time. Before then, she must learn more about the Wizarding World, its history and his role within it.
He tied the letter onto the leg of his owl. "Here you go, Uwila. Take this to Hermione, would you? There's a good girl."
Uwila flew out of the nearby open window and Severus watched her go. With a nod of resolve, he turned to his desk to clear up and head to dinner.