A/N: Wow! Many heartfelt thanks for the reviews from all of us here. After some cajoling (and a lot of sangria), I was asked to post this one as well. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Dearest Joanne,
How are things in England this time of year? Barbados is excellent. You really should think about coming here on holiday in the future. There is nothing more relaxing than the sound of the surf crashing on the sand.
By the way, thank you ever so much for the owl you sent on my birthday. The treacle fudge was most appreciated. You obviously know me far too well.
How is the new book coming along? I must say I have enjoyed reading the series greatly, and am quite looking forward to the new installment. Isn't there to be another movie shortly? I must say, casting Alan Rickman was a stroke of brilliance. The resemblance is uncanny, is it not?
I read the missives from Potter, Weasley and Black a short time ago complaining about their treatment from some people in the realm of fan fiction, and found them to be quite. . . predictable.
I will be the first to admit, there are certain situations and circumstances I would gladly change were I given the choice, but do they not understand that it is incomparably flattering to have thousands of tales written about you day after day? Hundreds of pages dedicated to our lives and adventures?
Apparently not.
I don't want to turn this into an "I told you so" but, did I not warn you that fame would go to their heads if you gave them too loose a rein? Young Potter, in particular, seems to be having a field day with the notoriety. I have actually caught him practicing autographs with that twit Lockhart. The sheer audacity of it was enough to bring me up short.
I have, of course, tried my best to keep him in line and make sure he does not overstep himself, but you know how difficult he can be. Like father like son. Perhaps you could speak to Dumbledore about keeping him in closer check? I am sure it would be appreciated by all here.
Also, have you found a replacement for the Umbridge woman? I know of an exceptionally talented candidate for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, should you need any suggestions.
I know you are insurmountably busy, so I shall make this quick. Enjoy the summer months and I shall hope to hear from you again shortly.
All the Best,
Severus Snape
PS: Thank you for recommending the new hair potion. I was looking for some time for an alternative to Sleekeasy's! Wherever did you find it?