DISCLAIMER: Not mine.  Damn!

CHAPTER 5

More Letters

Dear Professor Snape.

            Remus came out of his room this morning. I wish he hadn't. For some reason, he has decided to blame you for Sirius's death.  I know, I don't get it either.  Why he would blame Sirius's death on you is beyond me Sir.  I know it was a combination of things that led to his death, including my own failures.  Like I said in my first letter I WAS angry with you, but I am not anymore.  I have had some time to think, and I know there was a whole series of circumstances that led to Sirius dying. 

            Living in that house and not being able to leave it didn't help.  My vision of him being captive by Voldemort added to it.  I know you baited him but if I recall correctly Sirius gave as good as he got.  I get the feeling that everyone holds Slytherin against you.  I don't really understand that.  So what if Tom Riddle was sorted there a gazillion years ago?  Is the whole lot bad because of him?  Wonder what they would say if I had sorted there.  I told Professor Dumbledore once the hat wanted to put me there, and I begged it not to.  All I knew of Slytherin then was what I had heard and I had met Malfoy.  He really isn't a recommendation for ANY house.  Sorry, I know you like him but he is a prat and a bully.

            The whole Death Eater discussion at the last meeting shocked me anyways. I don't know why everyone thinks the newly Marked kids are all from Slytherin.  I can imagine that some would be from the other houses.  I would think the blind judgment against Slytherin would have an affect on loyalties.  If one side doesn't trust you why would you want to stay on that side?  After seeing some of Voldemort's meetings in my dreams I wonder if ANY parent would want them to join that.  These are all supposed to be pure bloods and putting their heirs in a position where a maniac would hurt them with the kind of punishment he deals out doesn't make sense.  Oh well I may never understand it.  I guess you can tell me more about that, than anyone here.  Since you were on that side at one time. 

            Back to Remus, he really is mad at you for some reason. He won't talk about it either.  Says it's between you and him and the next time he sees you it will be with wands drawn.  I know the full moon is coming, would that increase his anger?  I really don't know a whole lot about werewolves but I remember reading that they are more emotional as the full moon approaches. He is also telling the Weasley kids about the pranks the Marauder's pulled on you, including the memory I saw in your pensieve.  He made very sure they knew that I knew of it first.  I've dodged the questions by stating I didn't feel I should tell them something that was private, and I have told Remus off for telling them those stories.  Now Remus won't talk to me. 

            I asked Mrs. Weasley to talk to him about the stories but he isn't listening to her or anyone else.  I think he is going to say something to you at the next Order meeting.  I felt I should let you know about that.  He is using that nasty name that I heard in the pensieve.  What kind of person does that to another?  I really feel clueless sometimes Professor.  I don't understand Remus's anger at you.  He always seemed mellower towards you than Sirius did. 

            I understand you NOT wanting to teach me Occlumency next year.  You've always struck me as the type of person who values your own privacy.  And knowing I got in, well I can imagine you don't want me to do that again either.  I don't want to do it myself.  Is there another way aside from the method you used originally?  And what else would you teach me?  Dueling?  I don't think I am ever really going be more than adequate at potions.  I suspect there are more than potions that you can teach.  I hope I can be a better student to you.  Thanks for asking last night about the potions.  They are helping quite a bit. I am sending this with Mr. Moody as he is going to Hogwarts today.

Sincerely.

Harry Potter

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Dear Mr. Potter,

            Thank you for informing me about Lupin.  You are correct that the phase of the moon does affect his emotions.  There are other factors involved and I am aware of his feelings.  I was unaware that he was using that "nasty name" or telling his oh so amusing anecdotes about his school days.  I too am not sure why he is blaming me for Black's behavior, but I assure you it never went beyond the baiting you saw.  I appreciate you telling me of his behavior because Albus will need to speak to him about it.  The Order cannot afford petty grievances. 

            I think the elevation of your parents to icon status has allowed people to forget who and what they really were.  Everyone idealizes them now.  They were normal people with normal faults.  Yes, your mother loved you and protected you with a very ancient magic.  A blood protection that is still extremely strong.  Yes, your father died to buy her time to escape.  Something she was unable to do.  But in turning them into icons, or symbols of bravery, everyone forgot they were real people.  And those who could tell you the truth weren't around to do so.  As for why they were targeted by the Dark Lord, the prophecy explains that.  I didn't like your father, you know why now.  I didn't hate your mother; she was a talented witch, especially in charms.  I didn't know her.  The name I called her that day was over the indignity of a girl fighting my battle for me. 

            Some of your comments are intriguing.  Especially those concerning Slytherin.  I must admit surprise that you almost sorted there.   I am not surprised that having met Malfoy you begged not to.  I said in my last letter I too have a role to play and no I am not fond of Lucius's son.  He is one of those who report to other "Masters".  Yes Riddle was a Slytherin at Hogwarts.  What amazes me is that everyone thinks being sorted there was what made him evil.  I think the man would've been evil if he'd sorted to Hufflepuff.  Too many other things to list made him the person he is now.  The tarring of Slytherin as the house of evil has been going on for much longer than you or I have been alive, Potter.  There is evidence in the school history that shows it may go back all the way to the Founder's time.  Considering that the victors usually write history it would not surprise me.  I know you are aware of some of the very basic history of the founding, I recommend Hogwarts: A History for more on it.  Do not believe everything you read in it.  Gryffindor wrote the earliest parts of it.  Since he was the victor in his disagreement with Slytherin his view prevailed in the history.  Slytherin's view is unfortunately lost to history.  That truly is a pity since I am sure his side had merit also. Slytherin was no insane mad Dark wizard, no matter what history says.

            Your take on Death Eaters as parents is accurate as far as it goes.  Most do not want their children to serve the Dark Lord.  The problem is when they took the Mark part of the oath was that their heirs would serve him.  So they have problems with this also.  If he asks for their children they must comply.  You can imagine some do not want this at all.  Others do as you can guess.  Yes they are "pure bloods", but blood is blood and it all bleeds red.  No matter what the Dark Lord thinks, the wizarding world needs the muggleborns for the infusion of new ideas and fresh blood they bring.  We still have not decided to do with the children Marked who return to Hogwarts in the fall.   As you seem to understand this is a very difficult decision and I doubt that any one decision will be right. 

            You asked what I could train you in.  You are passingly average in potions but that won't be what I train you in.  Headmaster Dumbledore and I have decided to train you in Dark Arts and defense against them.  There has been a reluctance to train you in the Dark Arts, and some of that has been justified, but having had all 3 of the unforgivables thrown at you, you need to learn them theoretically at least.  The Dark Arts aren't by nature evil.  It is the intent of the spell caster that makes it so.  Remember that.  I am sending a book with this, that I want you to read, and be ready to discuss when we start your "remedial potions' training.  Your Outstanding score in potions on the OWLs guarantees you will be my student for the NEWT level courses. Congratulations on your OWL scores by the way, you did very well.

            I have a few documents here at Hogwarts that the Order will need you to translate when you return to school.  They are in Parseltongue and as the only parselmouth other than the Dark Lord; your assistance is needed to know what they say.  This letter is being sent with Minerva, as she has to go to Headquarters tonight.

Sincerely.

Severus Snape