SLOPES AND PEOPLE

Disclaimer: This is a non-profit tribute to the works of JK Rowling who created and, together with her publishers and licensees, owns the characters and settings elaborated herein.

A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers and especially to my previewers, Bellegeste and Lady Memory. Warning: one mildly rude word.

The story so far: After Professor Snape reveals his true feelings to a newly graduated Hermione, an unexpected friendship slowly develops, to the dismay of her other friends, especially Ginny...

Hermione frowned down at her mother's letter. In amongst the accounts of ski slopes and the various pleasant people she and Dad had met over gluhwein were a few lines of more personal relevance.

By the way, we received the most extraordinary letter from Ron's sister this morning, full of dark warnings about your old Potions Professor and his wicked wiles. I know you're old enough and sensible enough to choose your friends wisely, but I couldn't help worrying a little. Are you sure you can trust her? She sounds rather vindictive.

Hermione blinked. "Sure you can trust her?" And smiled.

There was nothing more on the subject till the post-script.

Hermione? Is there something you want to tell us? He's a charming dinner-companion, but we thought he was just there to chaperon.

"I don't know, Mum," she said. "I just don't know."

Hi Mum,

Glad to hear you've both been enjoying your holiday. Tell Dad to drink another glass on my behalf; gluhwein is the only part of skiing I remember fondly, but you never let me have more than one sip.

Severus was a very short-tempered teacher, but I always admired him for his brilliance, and during the war I learnt that he was also brave and loyal and good. When I finished school, I asked if I could keep in touch, and since then I've

somehow managed to fall headlong in love with him, which even I know is insane.

But how could I help it?

become quite fond of him. I've already had words with Ginny

If I'd known about her letter to you at the time, it would have been hexes.

about her attempts to run my life. I'll definitely have second thoughts before confiding in her

talking to her

ever again.

All my love

that's left over from Severus...

That sounds so soppy. I am soppy over him. Completely soppy.

I never meant for this to happen.

Hermione

GINNY MOLLY WEASLEY!

IF YOU EVER STICK YOUR FRECKLY NOSE INTO MY BUSINESS AGAIN, I'LL TWIST IT OFF AND

conjure up the Neverland crocodile to feed it to. Pity Ginny wouldn't get that reference. Colin would. Hmm, Colin. Didn't Harry mention something about a photograph Ginny showed him? All the ones she'd seen were perfectly innocent, though.

SELL IT FOR LETHIFOLD BAIT! HOW BL**DY DARE YOU?

Hi Colin,

You did give me all the photos you took at my birthday, didn't you? You're sure you didn't miss any?

Hermione

Dear Severus,

What are you doing on New Year's Eve? Perhaps we could see in the new year together?

Hermione

Dear Hermione.

You're very welcome, but I'm afraid it will be a rather sombre evening here. There will be a commemorative service at the edge of the forest, honouring those of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade who fell in the late war.

"At the ringing out of the year, we will remember them," Dumbledore said. As if there was ever a time we forgot them.

Severus