COFFEE OR ICE CREAM
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.
Spoilers to OotP, not HBP compatible. Thanks to all my reviewers and to my previewers, Bellegeste and Cecelle.
Dear Professor,
Please call me Hermione. May I call you Severus or any name less formal than Professor?
I'm still in limbo waiting for the Ministry offers. It's the only way to change things, but I have to watch out they don't change me and, if I stay the same, I might end up sidelined, like Mr Weasley. I know there are pitfalls, but I think it's right for me. Meanwhile, I've a summer job in Flourish and Blotts. If you're coming to Diagon Alley, could we meet for coffee or maybe ice cream? May I treat you at Fortescue's?
It feels strange not to have autumn term to look forward to. When I met mum and dad at the station, I was glad to see them, but I almost burst into tears all over again because it was my last time coming home from Hogwarts. I've cried a lot more easily since the final battle. I never expected to miss Hannah and Parvati so much, but knowing Hannah might never get out of St Mungo's and seeing Padma lose it at the funeral – well, I miss everyone to tell you the truth.
Do you ever get nightmares? My worst is finding Draco after the battle. It's silly, I know, to mourn his pale, smooth skin when I'd never even realised he was attractive before, but all those jagged wounds, especially the one where his eye used to be … Do you know how he's doing?
I'm sorry, this letter isn't turning out very cheerful. I thought I was over it like everyone else seems to be. We were back in class two days later, studying for N.E.W.T.s, and except for the empty spaces, everything was back to normal, only better because Voldemort was gone. But now I keep remembering.
Hermione
Professor Snape lingered several minutes over the first paragraph. Call her Hermione? He'd never allowed himself that, even in dreams. And she wanted to call him Severus! His breath hitched. Severus and Hermione. No, it wouldn't do. He resumed reading, a frown slowly deepening on his brow.
Miss Granger,
Call me Snape. I prefer coffee to ice cream, but Fortescue's is acceptable. Would Thursday week suit? You may not treat me, quite the reverse.
Nightmares are normal after such experiences. Don't expect them to stop by themselves. Dreamless Sleep Potion works well for occasional use. Shall I send some? Otherwise, I've found the best remedy is to re-enter your dream immediately, still half-asleep, and guide it into happier lines. Heal Draco in your sleep; you can, after all. Unfortunately, life cannot be shaped as easily as dreams. Remembering can be worse than nightmares, harder to bear and longer-lasting. At least you have no actions of your own to regret.
Draco is recovering slowly. He says he always wanted a magical eye like Moody's. We're trying a potion that may remove the other scars. You may meet him sooner than you think. He's also aiming for a Ministry job.
Snape
A/N Snape's nightmare remedy is my own that I've used since childhood. Somewhat similar to the Boggart/Riddikulus principle, it requires an effort of mind – and the ability to close your eyes and brave your terror.