I'd wanted to write to Severus immediately after receiving his letter but needed to avoid looking like an over-eager teenager with a silly schoolgirl crush. The dark-eyed man was someone who I'd come to like, respect, and admittedly thought about bedding - often. I needed him to like me, and I knew it was important that my letters come across as intelligent, interested, but not to the point of desperation - even though I felt that way.

     My heart pounded wildly every time I'd reread Severus's letter, obsessively studying it to see if there were hidden meanings in any of his swirled script. Eventually, I knew his words by heart and ended up tucking it away in a lockbox in the bottom of my trunk with all the newspaper articles that I could locate about him and his activities.

     I wasn't obsessed, just really proud that I'd helped with this outcome in some small way; and truth be told, there were lots of photos floating around of him looking more fit than I'd ever seen him look before - mouthwatering pictures.

     Of course, the best images were in Skeeters misleading articles about Severus' romantic life, where he always looks incredibly sexy with his deep, mysterious eyes and long raven hair that I desperately wanted to comb my fingers through. I don't know if he'd always had such a broad chest, but after hugging him, I'd noticed and couldn't stop thinking about it. I found myself wondering if his well-defined muscles hid under dark curled hair or if he was silky smooth. I'd imagined a little smattering of hair across his upper chest that made a tantalizing V trail down into his pants and do not even get me started on what I imagined were in those.

     On top of all my mixed emotions and physical desires, it'd taken me a month to come up with everything I wanted to say and another week to write it. That was a bit perplexing since I'd never felt the need to think about every single word and comma that I put on paper before - even my most challenging exams weren't this stressful. I sacrificed over thirty pieces of parchment to finally write Severus' letter the way I wanted it done and burnt the rest in the fireplace, so no evidence of this was left to use against me at a later date.

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     October 28th, 1998

     Severus,

     I've no idea how you found my parents, but I can assure you that as soon as I saw them looking so carefree and happy in the photo, I was overcome with a massive sense of relief. I'd pushed them so far out of my mind to focus on what I needed to do to stay alive that I didn't realize how much I'd longed to see them and to know that they are doing fine.

     I'm grateful to you for the thoughtfulness of your gift, but I'm sure you can understand why I'd like them to continue to stay out of sight while the Wizarding world is still getting back on its feet. I'd appreciate it if you'd relay my wishes to whoever found my parents in the first place.

     I'm pleased to hear that the potion we'd made together was a success. I was confident in the research I'd done, but as you well know, the differences in real-world applications and books can vary.

     After looking over the newest additions you're thinking of applying to our potion, I can say that it seems very promising. I'm sure I don't need to tell you to watch the temperatures, especially when dealing with spores. If you recall, I had to keep telling you to turn down the heat on the turmeric filled beaker, which is significantly less complicated to work with than fungi, because you kept insisting it wasn't warming at the proper rate. However, the results you just informed me of would suggest that I was correct about the temperature.

     I've finished reading Sir Richard's book on homeopathic versus potion remedies. I've concluded that I'd prefer to use the natural way of balancing my body by evoking it to slowly heal itself as a homeopathic does, versus utilizing a potion, with possible unexpected side effects. Thank you for indulging me by letting me borrow it. I'd send it back to you with the owl, but considering how rare it is I'd feel better returning it in person. I hope you don't mind.

     I'd read in the Prophet that you'd joined forces with the Ministry and have already apprehended known Voldemort loyalist, Felix Rosier. I felt that life in Azkaban Prison without possible release was sound sentencing. Congratulations for such a high profile catch. The Rosier family has been on the wrong side since the days of Grindelwald.

     Maybe my concern is misplaced, but I did happen to see Skeeter's article that said you were so overwhelmed with women that you needed help and have looked to matchmaker Belinda Hooks for help. I know this isn't even remotely true, but it did make me wonder how everything on that front was going. I hope I'm not too intrusive and I understand if you have no wish to discuss this with me; know that I've found myself worrying over you and want you to have everything that you desire - including a wife and children.

     Thank you again for the photo. It means a great deal to me that you'd want to bring me comfort as well as the heartening news.

     Warmest thoughts,

     Miss. Needs-to-know-it-all

     P.S. You were correct about Slughorn - I received detention, which is entirely unfair since he always insisted I tell him my feelings about things - until now.

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     Hermione's letter sent jolts of excitement as well as nervous energy flooding through my frazzled body. I wanted to hear from her immediately after I'd sent my other message off with Fawkes, but I refused to become one of those people who obsessed over someone or at least I was giving it my best effort not to be.

     I've come to like the velvet-eyed beauty, and I shouldn't feel so apprehensive about keeping in touch since most people wouldn't think anything of our interests in each other's welfare; she did save my life after all. Besides, I wasn't technically doing anything wrong even though I'd had more fantasies and desires than I could shake my wand at where the little vixen was concerned.

     If anyone, other than Narcissa, had caught onto my growing feelings for Hermione then most likely Skeeter would've heard and written all about it in her poisonous articles so I shouldn't be concerned. And, since when did I care what others think or say? If I'd cared at all about such trivial things, then being a double agent would've been way too hard on my sensibilities.

     I'd decided that since she'd asked about my romantic life, it was only fair that I ask about hers too. At least that's what I'd concluded when I wrote it down on the parchment. I wanted to ask if she'd realized that Weasley isn't worthy of her time, but I refrained from being a jealous idiot on paper and stuck with the basics.

     Not that I thought she would but was it wrong of me to want her to write back, telling me she'd dumped him and realized she needed someone with more world knowledge, more experience and way more man in her life? Possibly, but dreaming never hurt anyone.

     I can't stop thinking that I'd love to have the pretty little witch at my side when I go back to the Himalayas to learn more from Master Tamaki. It would be most enjoyable to show her around the village and eat some of the best goat stuffed momos I'd ever tasted.

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     November 23rd, 1998

     Miss. Wants-to-know-it-all,

     I apologize for the long interlude between my letters. I've been very busy with work, and it will most likely continue to be this way.

     I'm pleased that the picture of your parents was of some comfort to you. The Ministry is aware of your wishes to keep a distance; however, I believe it's best to keep an eye on them for the time being. As you've pointed out, it's still dangerous and this way we know they're safe. I'll do my best to ensure they're not disturbed.

     I'll keep an eye on the temperature of the fungi as you've advised when the Ministry gives me enough time to be in my lab for a full day. Once I make the adjustments, I'll let you know the outcome.

     When I was in the Himalayas with Master Tamaki, I wasted no time in absorbing all fungi knowledge that I could from the spry 90-year old; who doesn't look or act a day over 50. He recommends mushrooms for all types of ailments, and it was fascinating being around someone with that knowledge base.

     I enjoyed my time with the brilliant wizard and would have stayed another week or two, but there were others that needed his help. I'm planning on booking a time to go in and learn more from him, I'd asked him about doing just that when I was there, and he'd enjoyed the idea of passing on his knowledge.

     I'd be disheartened if something were to happen to Sir. Richards book, so keeping a hold of it until we see each other again would be fine with me. I'm pleased that you gleaned something from its pages, but I disagree with your thinking - I am a potions master after all.

     Felix Rosier was very unhappy to see me and even less pleased when I'd managed to disarm and capture him. It was exhilarating as well as healing to both myself and the wizarding world to lock up that trash.

     I've been working alongside Auror's Yasmine Abdelaziz and Ellison Markus, who have proven to be very good at their jobs. We've received word of Death Eater activity, and with any luck, we'll have another loyalist locked away in Azkaban within a fortnight.

     Belinda Hooks has done an excellent job at finding potential prospects, but it turns out that I'm much pickier than I'd initially thought. I'm sure you've seen Rita Skeeter's latest article in the Daily Prophet detailing my less than successful dating attempts. "The Prince can't find the right princess," was her most recent bit of nonsense and only gets less flattering by suggesting that I ask you for advice on the matter due to your ability to handle things for me so skillfully.

     If I were to start this dating adventure all over again, I'd make sure to let Hooks know that I needed someone whose voice doesn't sound like nails on a chalkboard or a dying cat, can eat with her mouth closed, can talk about something of significance, doesn't believe everything Skeeter publishes. The list is quite extensive, and I'd had no idea it was going to be this trying. I do wish to have a small family with a loving wife, so I'll continue on my quest to get what I desire most.

     Speaking of dating, how is Weasley treating you?

     Fondest,

     Lost Prince

     P.S. I did warn you about Slughorn's temperament. Hopefully, detention wasn't all that bad.

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     December 12th, 1998

     Lost Prince,

     Life here is hectic! For starters, in an attempt to stay in Slughorn's good graces, I helped him with his last club gathering and made sure that everything was just right - including his dried pineapple. Slughorn was so thrilled with how the party went that he's asked me to help him with his monthly gatherings. I don't mind since there are several of us there that are all going to be working in the Ministry. It's good for networking; however, I don't think Blaise Zabini cares much for me even though he has been very polite since thanking and coming to a truce with Ron, Harry and I.

     Other than slug club, classes are keeping me incredibly busy since Draco, and I seem to be on even footing when it comes to who'll become valedictorian at graduation. We are keeping a close eye on everything, but I do have the advantage, he's very distracted by his romantic relationship with Harry. You've heard about that, right?

     The holidays are fast approaching, and I'm getting ready to spend break at the Burrow with the Weasleys. It will feel very different this year since Harry will be staying with Draco. What will you be doing to celebrate the years end?

     I'd wondered if your time in the Himalayas with Master Tamaki had more than one perk - mushroom knowledge. I don't see myself becoming a healer of any type, but a chance to learn from someone with that knowledge base would be an incredibly exciting opportunity that I'd never pass up. I hope you do go back.

     I'm pleased you're enjoying Ministry work and that several Voldemort Loyalists have been locked away due to you and your team's continuing efforts. It must be exhilarating to know that you've made a difference and I can see the appeal in doing such work. It sounds very tempting as a career choice.

     Yes, Rita Skeeter's articles were very detailed, but considering the source, I believed them to be lies. Don't lose hope; I'm sure dating can't be nearly as difficult as you claim. However, you could always try to smile on occasion. It'll indicate that you're not going to cut her up into little pieces to study under your microscope later. You're a touch intense, and it can be intimidating to females - and Ronald.

     Hogwarts is always too chilly this time of year, making layers of clothing a necessity. I just realized you seemed to wear the same type of clothing year round, how do you manage that and stay warm?

     Ron treats me all right, and it's going fine.

     School is keeping us incredibly busy for our final year and Draco, and I have started studying together along with Harry and anyone else wanting to hear the Slytherin and I quiz each other over things that we've never learned before.

     Happy Christmas,

     Know-it-all

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      January 17th, 1999

     Hermione,

     Happy New Year.

     I don't know if you're aware but the Malfoy's host a holiday ball, every year. Narcissa always insists that I attend and for the first time, I wanted to be there. I was grateful to be surrounded by my friends, and I was front row to Harry and Draco making a spectacle of themselves with the obvious affection they share for one another.

     Don't let Potter know but I enjoyed his misery at having to wear the flashy getup Draco dressed him in for the ball. If he's not told you about it, I'm sure Draco will be more than happy to boast about the gathering, and he has pictures to go with it. He loves his camera, and there were lots of blinding flashes throughout the night to commemorate the event.

     Narcissa had informed me about Harry and Draco before the big event, and I'm not surprised at all. I'd always suspected that the reason Draco was so mean to Harry was that he wanted to be close friends with the Gryffindor and had been turned down; making him a forbidden fruit, irresistible to a Slytherin.

     Narcissa is thrilled at how well Harry treats Draco and can't believe how happy her son is. On the other hand, Lucius hopes it's a phase since he wants pure-blood grandchildren to pass the Malfoy name onto, and that would be incredibly complex with the current situation. Although, I've heard about a wizarding company that is figuring out a way to make it possible for men to become pregnant. I don't know much about it since that's a whole line of thinking I've not wandered too far down, for obvious reasons, but it is a fascinating idea.

     I hope the best for Harry and can only beg Merlin that Draco doesn't do something stupid to mess it up. I've known Draco his whole life; he exceeds expectations at lousy decision making.

     Ministry work is always hectic, and I never know when I will be home or if I'll even eat something. I'm surprised that I find myself liking what I'm doing and feel better than I have in years. Maybe all that time grading papers wasn't what I really should have been doing.

     Skeeter's newest headlines about my love life is another ridiculous fabrication. Who in their right mind would want to have more than one significant other? That doesn't make any sense to me, nor do I understand how strangers are so fascinated with my personal life when keeping them safe should be more than enough for them to gossip over. It's one thing for a friend to be interested, but the whole wizarding world doesn't. I remember the headlines Skeeter posted about you and Viktor Krum, so I know you understand this particular irritant. How did you not kill that annoying blonde reporter?

     I'm glad Weasley's treating you well. You deserve to have someone that adores and takes the best of care with you - always.

     Hogwarts can be very chilly; there are several different charms you can place on your clothes that will keep you comfortable no matter what temperature it is. You should have learned this by your third year at Hogwarts, if not...

     Stay warm,

     Severus

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     I was ready to dump Belinda Hooks and resign myself to the fact that I was going to be single forever. I'd been out with a dozen women and had even gone out with a Miss. Loretta Schrader several times.

     Loretta was engaging, educated, and I'd even taken her to the Malfoy's Ball, but I found out that she was dating me for the fame, not me. When I'd ended things, she went to Skeeter saying that we were engaged and we were planning a quick marriage.

     Things blew it out of proportion, and I've been dating a string of women to show the Wizarding world, and more importantly, Hermione that I was still looking for a wife. Unfortunately, Loretta is persistent and hasn't given up her life in the public eye just yet and Skeeters more than happy to make me miserable with her articles.

     February 14th, 1999

     Severus,

     Happy Valentine's day.

     It only took one mention of the Malfoy Ball and the Gryffindor table was covered in pictures that Draco had of the grand event. I'd had no idea that he has such an eye for photography and that he could get Harry to wear the head to foot red robes - he hates that color even though he's always in it and it looks good on him. I'm still surprised at how good those two are together.

     Pregnant men? I'm not sure if it's cool that the species is evolving in such a way or if I'm horrified at the idea of Draco or Harry being pregnant. I'll have to think that one over or not.

     School is keeping me extremely busy with my studies, and I can hardly believe I'll be finished with my magical education at Hogwarts in just a few months. I'll miss being here and learning everything I can, but I'm looking forward to starting my life outside the safety of the school. I've contacted Kingsley Shacklebolt and let him know that I'd like to work in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement as a researcher for the Wizengamot. The Minister of Magic swiftly owled back, informing me the Ministry was happy to have me join the ranks just as soon as I graduate. I'm very excited to start, and maybe we'll have lunch together once I get there and you could show me around a little bit - if you want.

     I've read a lot of disturbing things in the Prophet about more violent attacks and multiple deaths. I understand that you can't give me details but please let me know what you can and you better be staying safe.

     Hoping you're well,

     Hermione

     For Valentine's day, I was pleasantly surprised when I'd found a single Black Baccara rose on my pillow without a note. I assumed it was from Ron, but when I went to thank him, he pulled me into the Room of Requirement, stripped naked and showed me the red ribbon he'd wrapped around his penis that was supposed to be my "romantic" gift. I wasn't at all impressed since it's what he'd given me for Christmas - and my birthday.

     I was upset with Ron because on top of my lousy valentines day gift from him I'd gone out of my way to get several quidditch collectors cards for him that he'd been hunting for, even getting one of them signed by the player. I must only be good for sex and stroking his deflated ego, that or he completely forgot it was Valentine's day - which wouldn't surprise me.

     I'd puzzled over who'd send such a beautiful rose to me without saying who it was. I wanted more than anything for it to be from Severus, but that's silly wishful thinking - still though. I ended up saving the stunning flower and pressing it in-between the pages of Beauty and the Beast, my favorite book, for safekeeping.

     Seeing Ron in action during the last year of the war was what convinced me that he was worth cultivating a long term relationship with because he proved that he'd be more than capable of protecting our future children. Not that we've even discussed marriage or children because we don't have conversations about anything but how strange he thought Harry's relationship with Draco was, homework and all things that pertain to being at Hogwarts.

     Watching Ron conquer his fears and grow into a handsome and competent wizard had been wonderful to witness firsthand, but since then he's taken a huge step backward, and I feel like I'm stuck pulling him along by stroking his ego and keeping him happy. But in the back of my mind, I'm impatiently waiting for him to snap out of it and go back to who he'd been just before Fred's death. He wasn't the same guy I'd fallen in love with, and I hated it.

     Unfortunately, he was only becoming more sedate and less appealing with every meal. I'd even cut back on being intimate with him, and that wasn't like me, that's most likely why I received his penis again as a gift. The thing is, I very much enjoy sex, I know what I want and how to get it - usually, but I just wasn't getting turned on by Ron anymore, and his stamina was less than stellar. I didn't want to hurt Ron's ego by telling him no when he desired to have a go, but it wasn't as fulfilling as it should be.

     I understand why Ron's scared, but how long was he going to use Fred as a crutch? And changing your whole life over a loss like that made me wonder how strong of convictions he had. All three of us had all planned on joining the Ministry in one capacity or another, and he may shy away from that now, and I hated that idea.

๑۞๑,¸¸,ø¤º°'°๑۞๑,¸¸,ø¤º°'°๑۞๑

     I didn't want to worry Hermione, but we'd been tracking murderers people since mid-January. Abdelaziz, Markus and I had all fallen prey to more traps or spells than usual over the last two months - not that hospitalization had occurred, but we took our turns hobbling about painfully for a few days.

     Squibs and young with possible magical abilities have been the unfortunate targets, and their bodies were strewn across the UK. It was a horrifying sight, and their murderers continued to elude us.

     Telling Hermione things were okay when they weren't is a complete waste of time - I hate waste. However, I'll be damned if I was going to let anything harm or even bug her while she attended Hogwarts. So I decided to do my best not to rile her up.

     March 22nd, 1999

     Hermione,

     I was surprised about Draco as well, but his proclivity for photography and art as a whole comes from Lucius owning ridiculous amounts of masterpieces, muggle, and wizard alike.

     Don't believe everything you read in the papers; they've gotten very creative with their lies, especially when it can evoke fear in the general public. It makes for better sales.

     I can't let you know anything about what I'm involved in as you asked because it's an ongoing investigation, but I'll be more than happy to tell you all about it over lunch once you start at the Ministry.

     Speaking of which, the Ministry should consider themselves lucky to have you join the ranks. I'll be sure to keep bringing criminals in; I wouldn't want you to get bored.

     I'd caught word that Potter would be immediately taken in as an Auror and he'd forgo the usual training due to him being the Chosen One. I know he's a very skilled wizard, but we don't need his inflated ego to get in the way and causing him to get himself killed over something petty.

     I learned that your parents sold the house when they moved and was curious about where you'll be staying after graduation. I know that in the past you've stayed with the Weasleys at the Burrow, will you continue living there or do you have other plans? I ask because the Ministry has housing for out of town Aurors and dignitaries, I'm sure Shacklebolt would be more than happy to set something like that up for you - if you needed it.

     Your continued concern over my well being is heartwarming, and I'll do my best to stay unharmed as you've dictated.

     I hope that everything continues to go well at school.

     Stay safe,

     Sev

     Daily Prophet: Snape and team, land another successful capture!

     After the ministry's eleventh successful capture of known ring leader and Voldemort loyalist Ellen Shepard, in the Cairngorms National Park, UK; we had more questions than answers.

     Upon close inspection, several battle weary participants left with ghastly marks suggested that werewolves - not magic attacked them.

     When Severus Snape was questioned about this significant bit of information, he stated that it was an ongoing case and had no comments at this time.

     However, this turn of events makes one wonder who exactly the ministry is hot on the trail of now; making this an exciting case - werewolves are notoriously tricky to track.

     If the Ministry doesn't catch their newest prey soon, maybe Ellen Shepard can be prodded for clues as to where the Ministry should be looking, just as soon as she faces the Wizengamot. No word yet when Shepard's trial will take place.

     From the desk of Rita Skeeter.

๑۞๑,¸¸,ø¤º°'°๑۞๑,¸¸,ø¤º°'°๑۞๑

     The Prophet was raving about the newest wave of Death Eater attacks, Harry and I were more than ready to get out of Hogwarts and help the Ministry deal with this situation. We couldn't stand that innocent people were getting injured by power hungry idiots who didn't even try promoting an agenda for their cause. It was pointless and wasteful - I hate waste.

     Somehow I'd been under the impression that the golden trio would live on at the ministry, that we'd fight the criminals of the world together. Instead, Ron's decided that he's going to join George at the joke shop. I don't know why it upsets me so much, but somehow I feel incredibly cheated and let down by his decision.

     On top of all that, I've tried ending things with Ron several times since February, but something would always prevent it from happening. Not to mention, I felt guilty for changing my mind about him, and I worried about the effect this would have on my relationships with all the Weasley's.

     I'd never want people thinking that I'd dumped Ron for Severus; but to be honest, the dark-eyed potions master had brought to life new desires in me. Emotionally complex desires that I've done my best for the last ten months to ignore and push out of my mind, but he's become a powerful incubus that continually haunts me.

     April 6th, 1999

     Severus,

     I'm concerned, your last letter did nothing to ease my mind, and then the worrisome article came out in the Prophet about werewolves. I'm sure that you can imagine my response.

     I know I'm acting like a mother hen, but are you okay?

     On top of that, there was a scuffle in the Forbidden forest, making tensions run high here at Hogwarts. Not quite as bad as when the war was happening, but it does feel like something sinister is happening out there. Please let me know that I'm being worried for no real reason. And that you're safe.

     Hermione

๑۞๑,¸¸,ø¤º°'°๑۞๑,¸¸,ø¤º°'°๑۞๑

     April 17th, 1999

     Know-it-all

     Stay out of the Forbidden Forest and keep to the school grounds.

     Don't tell a soul, that includes Harry, but a werewolf pack has been fighting with the Centaurs, McGonagall is aware of the situation. The ministry has two Aurors stationed at Hogwarts just in case something more happens, but we do believe the pack has gone further North.

     Don't do as you usually do by sticking your nose in it and get into trouble or hurt - please.

     Promise me you'll do as I ask.

     Always,

     Sev