FARTHER AND FASTER

Disclaimer: This is an unauthorised tribute to the works of JK Rowling who, with her publishers and licensees, owns the characters and situations elaborated herein.

This is canon-compatible only to OotP. Thanks to all my reviewers and especially to my previewers, Bellegeste and Cecelle.

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Dear Professor,

Ever since our conversations that last day, I've been thinking. I can't seem to let it – or you – go.

You took me so much by surprise I didn't know what I felt, except that I was sure I didn't love you. How could I when I barely know you? Children see teachers in the most superficial way; I didn't even know whether I liked or disliked you as a person. But looking back, I see you, right in the centre of everything. You've meant far more to me than just a classroom tyrant – although you were that! You're somehow important to me in ways the other teachers aren't and I'm still trying to work out why.

It's funny that the teacher who worked the hardest to keep us at a distance is the one I least want to leave behind. I always thought you were harsh, cruel and unfair; too angry over small mistakes, too ready to humiliate us, too impatient of questions. You made each lesson a misery and I hated it, but I understand now that you meant it for our good. You knew that misery would drive us further than pleasantness. It was your version of what Muggles call "tough love".

I suppose every ball needs a wall to bounce against. You were that wall for us. Your unyielding strength challenged us and the more we bounced up against it, the farther and faster we flew. And like a wall, you stood between us and danger always.

I know from experience that you do not forgive easily. You can hold a grudge for decades, maybe forever. Do you hold on to affection as strongly? I believe you do. You're steadfast, loyal, dedicated, trustworthy, brilliant, stoic and the bravest person I've ever known. You give everything and expect nothing. And nothing is what you mostly get. No wonder you're so sour and untrusting.

Thanks for caring about me and even more for telling me. I'd never imagined you saw me as anything but a rather irritating student before. It mattered a lot. You and Viktor Krum are the only people who've ever seen past my bookishness –or liked me all the better for it.

What I'm trying to say is that I meant it when I asked to be your friend. I'd like to get to know you better. I can't promise to love you – I'm not ready to love anyone like that and I'm not convinced I ever will be – but I do want to be your friend. Will you let me?

Hermione

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Professor Snape read the letter a seventh time and an eighth before he replied. It was more than he'd ever dared hope for. It was less than a crumb.

Miss Granger,

In all that long letter, you neglected to say whether you are well. I hope you are. I'm still here. I will always be here for you. The answers to your questions are: Recognition needs no study. Stronger. Yes.

S. Snape