The Gestaltation of Severus Snape ACT I, Chapter 6, a harry potter fanfic

Author's Notes

The following chapter is non-linear for the sake of cohesive POV segments, and there is overlap between this chapter and any future chapters occurring between the 18th of June and the 1st of September, 1976.

Chapter 6: Summer Letters

Lily I

Friday, 18 June 1976

Dear Alice,

I can't wait to write to you about Auror training; I've barely made it onto the train! Odds are you won't get this for a few days, as I'll be sending it once I'm home. It's such a pain to go all the way down to London every time, just to go all the way back to Cokeworth. I've passed through Warwickshire too many times, as is.

How's Hubby treating you? Are you waiting until training's done, or have you two snuck off for an early honeymoon? I've been hearing about the Shrieking Shack being more active recently, and I can't help but wonder…. In all seriousness, I couldn't be happier for you two! I demand that your first child be named after me!

I'm really going to miss you at Hogwarts. Things just won't be the same without you and King and Moody. Promise me that you'll be safe, or at least Gryffindor-safe. I bet now that Frank's with you, he's never letting you out of his sight.

Take care, and write to me as soon as you can!

Love,
Lily

P.S.: Long live the Queen!

Sunday, 20 June 1976

Dear Lily,

We've barely started, but it's amazing! I never would've thought having the training course at Hogwarts would make so much of a difference, but it really helps. Hogwarts has always been home. And in terms of training, King and Moody are terrifying; I can barely keep up! Speaking of which, either move to Hogsmeade or London; save yourself the trip.

Frank's been nothing but supportive, and… to be perfectly honest, I think he's too good for me. I thought he was sweet back in fifth year, but after getting married, he's… Godric, I don't even know how to describe it. He makes me feel like I can do anything I put my mind to. I don't know what they do to the boys in Hufflepuff, but it works! And, for the last time, Frank and I are NOT sneaking off to the Shrieking Shack! That place is haunted! Also, of course we'll name our first child after you: a son named Lily Evans Longbottom!

Kisses,
Alice

Tuesday, 22 June 1976

Dear Alice,

I'm glad to hear you're having a good time… aside from having to deal with Moody. Maybe you can bribe Kingsley to keep you safe? And trust me, I'd love to move somewhere closer to Hogsmeade or London, but… as odd as it sounds, Cokeworth is my home. I love it, pollution and all.

Frank sounds lovely, and again, I can't express how much I love seeing the two of you together! I'm still not over the fact you didn't invite me to your wedding! I demand a second wedding so I can be the maid of honor!

On the Shrieking Shack, not related to midnight filth, do you have any idea why it's acting up? Usually, it only happens once a month, but from what I've heard, it's been going on and on, every night… sometimes even in the daytime. I didn't think it was haunted at first, not really: maybe just something Dumbledore said to scare us away from it. But it really does sound like it's haunted.

Anyway, I'll let you get back to your training. I'm writing to Mary and Marley about going to the beach; the heat is murder.

Love and Kisses,
Lily

Tuesday, 22 June 1976

Dear Marley,

How's life over on the Emerald Isle? If it's anything like here, you must be dying from the heat. I was thinking about you and Mary coming with me to the beach? I realize you magical folk have your cooling charms, but as someone who can't use magic at home, please help me! I'm melting! On a serious note, I think it would be good if the three of us all did something together.

Well, I'm off to die in the heat.

Love and Kisses,
Lily

Tuesday, 22 June 1976

Dear Mary,

Hope you're enjoying the summer holiday! Better than here, I bet. I was wondering if you wanted to go to the beach with Marley and me? I know you live near the coast, so I thought it would be fun. If you still have some of those Beatles records, I want to try to convert Marley. Nothing sounds better than sand, sunshine, and music right now!

Let me know when you get this, save me from this heat!

Love and Kisses,
Lily

Friday, 23 June, 1976

Dear Lily,

The heat's not too bad here, but then again, I'm not the one who turns into a tomato every summer. Going to the beach sounds fun, but you'll have to help me find a Muggle swimsuit. All of mine are stuck in the 19th century. But don't worry, Marley's here to save you from melting!

Lots of Love,
Marley

Tuesday, 27 June 1976

Dear Lily,

I'd love to go to the beach this summer! I'll let Mum and Dad know and see if they'd let you and Marley spend the night. And trust me, by the time we're done with her, she'll be singing "Yesterday" all throughout next term!

By the way, I've taken your advice; I'm going to stop writing to Reggie until I've figured out what I want, or at least until I come into my majority. I think the Snape incident sorted me out regarding that.

Love,
Mary

Wednesday, 3 July 1976

Dear Mary,

I already miss you! We need to get together more often when we get the chance, and I think Marley's thinking the same thing. I just can't believe she would choose Led Zeppelin over the Beatles, the heretic! We'll have to double our efforts next time.

I bet you're excited for third year! You'll love Hogsmeade, I guarantee it! And you can count on getting a proper Prefect tour when the first weekend visit comes. Maybe we'll sneak over to the Shrieking Shack and find that ghost that's been acting up recently!

Love,
Lily

P.S.: Good job on waiting for Reggie! Stay strong, we all believe in you!

Saturday, 7 August 1976

Dear Marley,

I know that I've told you that I don't want to talk about Snape anymore, but I'm really worried about him; I don't remember seeing him during the last week of term. I've sent you a Muggle newspaper… I can't bring myself to write anything about it. I know I should move on, but this isn't about things between me and him. I know you don't like him, and I know what he's done, and I know that he's hurt me, but he used to be someone I cared about. Please, don't be mad at me, not this time.

Lily

Tuesday, 10 August 1976

Dear Lily,

I read the paper you sent…. Lily, if this upsets you as much as I think it does, then I'm always here for you. I understand why you're feeling the way you're feeling, but you need to remember it's his life, not yours. I'm not saying this to be cruel, I'm saying it because, at the end of the day, you two aren't speaking to one another, and your relationship is practically nonexistent. But barring that, never feel that you can't talk to someone about this. You are not alone, and you never will be.

Love,
Marley

Friday, 13 August 1976

Marley,

I know you're trying to help, but you keep doing this. You keep telling me to distance myself from him, and that's not what I need to hear right now. I don't hate him, not as much as I thought I did, and I just want to make sure he's alright. I'm going to write to him to see how he's handling this.

Lily

Monday, 16 August 1976

Lily,

Do not write to him. I know he might be in a vulnerable place, but this is how he'll weasel his way back into your life. You need to remember what he's like, Lily. I really thought you'd gotten over this, but please, please, don't write to him.

Marlene

Thursday, 19 August 1976

Marlene,

Thank you for your concern, but I'm fully capable of making my own decisions, thank you very much! And I'd appreciate it if you didn't remind me what he was like, as I'm fully aware. Believe it or not, he wanted to reconcile, but I blew him off for a bloody dinner party! And every time you tell me to stay away from him, you keep reminding me of that. So, kindly keep your nose out of my business!

Lily

Saturday, 28 August 1976

Marley,

I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I was upset when I wrote that, I didn't mean to hurt you. I should have never said what I said, and I promise I won't write to Snape. Please, when we see each other on the train, please talk to me.

Lily

Remus I

Friday, 18 June 1976

Moony,

Hope you get this when I write it, which is before we board the train. I've been thinking about getting the gang together for the Quidditch World Cup this summer; Mum and Dad have the tickets ready for us already. Just one of the many perks of being pals with a Potter, eh?

Anyway, about the past week. Sorry we've been making it hard for you, mate. This year, I'm turning it all around, I promise. No more Bad Boy James Potter; this year, I'll give you no reason to take points or give us detention. I'll write to Padfoot as well to make sure he follows suit, and I'm pretty sure Wormtail won't be any trouble. Who knows? Maybe I'll sway Lily over to our side?

Anyway, take care, yeah? I'll write more after I get back home, but make sure you respond as soon as possible.

Prongs

P.S.: Are you sure the Shack isn't haunted? Everyone in Hogsmeade's been talking about constant screaming coming from there every night. Another adventure for the Marauders to go on, I guess!

Sunday, 20 June 1976

Prongs,

Afraid I can't make it to the World Cup. Mum passed away last night, and I'm not sure how long it'll be before I'm available. Thanks for the offer, though.

Moony

P.S.: I'm fairly sure the Shack isn't haunted.

Wednesday, 23 June 1976

Moony,

Mate, I'm sorry about your mum. If you need anything, please write to us and let us know. I'll be available all summer, and I'm sure Wormtail is too. I'll get back to Padfoot; he hasn't responded to my last letter. I was thinking, instead of the World Cup, maybe we could go visit the Tonkses? It might be good to get away for a bit, plus I've heard Dora's started getting more talkative these days.

Stay Strong,
Prongs

Monday, 28 June 1976

Moony,

How's it going? Prongs wrote to me about being on our best behavior for next year. Shame we won't be spending time with Snivvy, but Prongs calls the shots.

Also, I heard about your mum. Prongs wrote to me about that as well. I'm really sorry to hear that. I can't even imagine what you're going through, but I agree with Prongs and think we should all get away for a bit at the Tonkses. I'll write to Padfoot and ask about what we could do there; I can't believe this is the first time I'm going up there.

Anyway, I won't make this too long. Everything's gonna be alright.

Wormtail

Thursday, 1 July 1976

Moony,

I'm writing a letter to Wormtail as well. Padfoot just showed up on our estate, naked and bleeding everywhere. His family's been torturing him after they heard about the incident by the Black Lake. I've got him in my room for now, but he's not doing well. Look mate, I know you're going through a lot, but Padfoot needs all of us. We're canceling the trip to the Tonkses. Let me know as soon as you get this.

Prongs

Friday, 2 July 1976

J.P.
On my way
R.J.L.

Tuesday, 7 July 1976

Moony,

Thanks again for coming when you did. I think Padfoot's gonna pull through after this. By the way, you left one of your bags here by mistake; I'll floo it to you.

Prongs

Regulus I

Friday, 18 June 1976

To Lucius Malfoy,

I apologize for being less frequent in writing to you during the past week. However, I have been busy, both with preparing my belongings for the return home and mulling over some rather interesting information. This letter will not contain what I have overheard, and so I request that you come visit as soon as possible.

Regards,
Regulus Arcturus Black

Wednesday, 23 June 1976

To Regulus Arcturus Black,

Since our meeting on Monday the 21st of June, I have spoken with our mutual acquaintance, and He has determined that your testimony is serviceable. Preparations are being made as I write this letter, and I believe that, by the 1st of September, your work shall begin… assuming you acquire your Prefect badge over the summer. Write to me once you have received it.

Regards,
Lucius Malfoy

P.S.: Excuse the brevity of the letter; your cousin insists I join her. Duty calls.

Sunday, 1 August 1976

To Lucius Malfoy,

You will be pleased to know that I have received my Prefect badge! I imagine Cissy will be screaming with joy once she hears of my appointment. Mother and Father are also very pleased, and they are hosting a dinner later this week to celebrate.

In addition to this news, I once again must apologize for the long gap between my last letter and now. Last month, as you are aware, my older brother ran away from home, and we currently have no way of finding him. In fact, no one has been able to locate him, and he has not been sighted in any wizarding or even Muggle communities. I am a bit unfamiliar with your sway in the Ministry, but perhaps you might assist us in finding him? I have no desire to overstep, but if word were to slip that the "heir" of the Noble House of Black had defected, it would draw unnecessary attention to our family. I believe Cissy is in touch with Mother, so she may be in a better position to relay information to you.

Regards,
Regulus Arcturus Black

Tuesday, 31 August 1976

Dear Regulus,

By reading this, you have found the letter within the pages of the diary I have given you. You are to destroy this letter as soon as you have read its contents.

Our Lord has entrusted me with a specific task, the nature of which is on a need-to-know basis. This diary is the very key to that task; I am unsure what power it holds, but I trust our Lord fully. Your role in this is to take this diary and slip it into the belongings of one of your fellow students, preferably a student whose qualities are as follows:

The student should have ease of access to a majority of facilities within Hogwarts, and so the ideal candidate would be a Prefect.

The student should be expendable, by which I mean, should the student perish, it would not negatively impact our world.

The student should be fairly naive, with a preference for righteous behavior and a predisposition toward compassion for the vulnerable.

With these qualities in mind, I trust you can find a suitable candidate.

Sincerely,
Lucius

Wednesday, 1 September, 1976

L.M.
I've done it
R.A.B.

Severus I

Tuesday, 15 June 1976

To Mr. Severus Snape,

We regret to inform you that your father, Tobias Snape, was apprehended by Muggle authorities on the 13th of June, 1976, for a public display of assault and battery upon a minor. He is currently held in custody, and the Ministry is conducting its own investigation regarding the sudden attack. You will be notified if there are any developments.