Forever Yours

18. Letters

Severus's letter came in the morning.  It was there on his desk when he came out of his quarters.  He frowned a little, as he would have liked to have seen her again, but the disappointment passed as he sat down to read the letter.

November 1, 1991

Dear Severus,

Wow.  You did have an exciting night.  I'm just glad you got to Quirrell when you did.  That could have been disastrous had you been too late.  I'm just sorry that you got yourself injured.  Now you have my curiosity heightened about what's hidden inside the castle that he wants so badly.  I know you can't tell me though.  There are some secrets you have to keep.

Harry and Ron defeated the troll?  That's amazing.  I can totally understand you being both angry and proud of him.  That is quite an accomplishment for a first year student.  But I would say we can expect great things from that little boy.

I'm sorry for scaring you last night.  But I really wanted to see that you were okay.

I have some news.  Jo is moving in with Chad for a while.  He asked her to. I don't think it's going to be permanent.  I think it's just until she's sure he won't be attacked by those Death Eaters again.  That means I don't have to try and hide my letters anymore. (Jo has been dying to read them.)  I will get lonely sometimes, but I can always come and visit you at Hogwarts if I want to, right?  You're welcome at the apartment as well.  Anytime.  It will be a little weird without Jo here, but I'll get used to it after a while.

The way you reacted about Brandon was too sweet.  Thank you.  It means the world to me that you care about me so much.  I don't care what anyone thinks of you, I think you are the best of men, Severus.  From the bottom of my heart.  I am so glad I met you.

I hope you can keep trouble at bay at school.  Good luck and BE SAFE.  No more injuries.

Love,

Lucy

He smiled as he finished reading and immediately began writing a reply.  He would send it out first thing in the morning.  Although he had no idea that it wouldn't go as planned.

~ * ~

Lucy had just gotten up and fixed breakfast when she noticed Speedy circling the apartment building.  She smiled to herself and hurriedly opened the window for her.  She flew in, gave her the letter in her beak and flew back out again.  Lucy didn't even bother to eat before she was tearing the letter open.  For some reason she couldn't wait to read the words on the page.

November 3, 1991

Dear Lucy,

Jo is leaving the apartment?  That is news I didn't expect to hear.  You will be lonely for a while.  Thank you for inviting me over.  I think I may have to take you up on that some weekend when classes are resting.

You didn't really scare me, even though I said you did.  It was more of a shock to see a woman walk thorugh my wall.  I expect that from an owl, but I still haven't got used to seeing you do it in human form yet.  I'm just flattered that you came all the way to Hogwarts to check on me.  That was really nice of you.

I wanted to ask you something, Lucy.  How are you doing with your black outs?  You haven't mentioned them.  Have you had anymore?  I just think about it a lot and I worry about you now that I know you're going to be in the apartment alone.