Summer passed all too quickly and very soon Severus was back at Hogwarts. Life took on a peaceful routine, save for the students. He never once thought of Marissa Stevenson. He didn't think of her during his classes, where not one student displayed a drop of innovation nor intelligence. He didn't think of her in the evenings when he sat in his empty classroom. He didn't think of her when he read about a new potion or refined his brewing technique. He didn't think of her when he came across an advertisement from Gringotts, still searching for curse-breakers.
He didn't think of her.
And he didn't feel a sense of anticipation the closer it got to the winter holidays.
Then two days before the holidays, he got an owl.
Dear Severus,
I trust this letter finds you well. I hope you aren't too frustrated by the first years and their ignorance nor the seventh and their eagerness to be gone. Has anyone been brave enough to replace me as your evening companion? I somehow doubt it as I often had students marveling at my supposed bravery. Although I have no desire for you to be lonely, I find myself hoping no pretty young thing has taken my place. Not that you ever noticed me in that capacity when I was your student. You were entirely too noble, or I have much too high opinion of my looks.
He snorted.
I am sad to say that I will not be in London over the winder holidays. Gringotts has discovered a new site and we trainees have the option of working it. So, I guess I am after fortune after all.
Egypt agrees with me. I enjoy the weather and the culture. I continue to brew potions at night and have started trading with the local Egyptian wizards. I'm lucky I don't need much sleep, since I have much to study in order to meet the standards the goblins expect.
I do hope that you have thought of what I said last spring. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but it's also said out of sight out of mind. My affections have not changed.
I hope you'll write me back but expect you won't. Until next time.
I remain yours,
Marissa Stevenson
"Why, Severus. You almost look as if you are smiling," Minerva said.
He folded the letter and scowled at her. Then, he turned to Dumbledore. "Headmaster."
"Yes, Severus?" Dumbledore looked up.
"My plans have changed. I can stay for the holidays."
Dumbledore looked almost disappointed. "Are you sure? You've stayed the past few years. Perhaps…"
"No. I will stay."
"Very well." His eyes flicked to the letter in Severus's hands, then turned back to his meal.
#
Dear Child,
You are impossible.
I am not sure if you are subscribed to any potion's journals. I've clipped some research I think you might find interesting.
Don't use any potion you haven't tested.
Severus
#
Dear Severus,
I was delighted to receive your letter. While I am not unsurprised at your briefness, I do wish you had told me more of yourself. You lead a very lonely life, it seems, and I worry. Did you at least enjoy your holiday?
Life continues apace in Egypt. I am doing vey well in the program and have clearly exceeded expectations in many areas. I have no doubt Gringotts will hire me on when my training is complete, but I do find myself longing for home. I remember quite well what you said of the major firms, but I still believe my future lies with a private company rather than a bank. I don't fancy a life overseas.
Have you ever been in love? I know I am impertinent in asking, but I've always wondered. You seem a man of great passion. I can only imagine the lucky woman you may have turned that passion to.
I have but one request of you, my dear Severus. In the future, I would appreciate not being addressed as 'child.' I may not be very old, but I have tucked childhood away and stepped into a larger world. Besides, you wouldn't want anyone to think you were corresponding with a child, would you?
I remain forever yours,
Marissa Stevenson.
#
Dear Miss Stevenson,
You make a valid point.
In your first letter you said Egypt agrees with you. What has changed?
Enclosed is a potion I am creating. There is an error somewhere, but I cannot find it.
Yes. You are impertinent.
Severus.
#
My dear Severus,
Nothing has changed. I am still thriving in Egypt. The work is interesting and challenging. I have many friends, both among the apprentices and the locals. I love the climate and the scenery. But, as they say, home is where the heart is, and my heart is in England.
I believe your measurements are off. Try ¼ cup of beetles to 2 teaspoons of dragon scales. That produced a more satisfying result for me, although it is not perfect. I'll keep trying.
Severus, you do know how to confound a person. Was that, yes, you've been in love AND I am impertinent, or yes, I am impertinent. I've lost hours trying to work it out.
Yours,
Marissa
#
Dear Miss Stevenson,
Do not hang your future on a schoolgirl crush. There is nothing for you here.
Thank you for your corrections. I see where I went wrong before.
Yes, and.
Severus
#
Dear Severus,
How can you say there is nothing when with every letter, my heart skips a beat? And there is also my family and friends. I have a generous heart.
Who was she?
Yours,
Marissa
#
The proper thing to do would be to cut all correspondence. He couldn't risk her getting tangled with the mess of his life.
The next three days, the students were especially incompetent. His evenings were filled with detentions.
He'd just about put her from his mind, when he got another letter.
Severus,
I cannot think. I cannot breathe. My father is dead. He had a blood clot that went to his brain. He died in his sleep.
Gringotts has given me a week bereavement. One week to grieve the loss of my father!
I'll arrive by portkey at one ten in the London station. From there, I'll Apparate to my parents… mother's house in York. I am not looking forward to the trip. Portkey gives me a frightful headache.
I can't believe he's gone.
Marissa.
Severus folded his letter. For a moment, he sat there, lost in thought. Then, with a sharp inhale, he turned to Dumbledore. "Headmaster. I have an urgent request."