an open love letter

Today's Blogtember prompt: Write a public love letter to someone in your life. (It doesn't necessarily need to be romantic.)

(Source via Etsy)

Dearest Professor Snape,

I do realize that according to many Muggles, you do not really exist.  However, I feel like I have gotten to know you pretty well over the past 10 years.  But when I met you for that first time, I am not gonna lie, I wasn't your biggest fan, and was not so sure how well we would get along.  You were one of the harshest and most hostile teachers I have ever seen teach.  Didn't anyone ever tell you that children don't respond well to being bullied?  Apparently not. But I know you're pretty smart and know your stuff and all, so I never really argued with you.  For a while there I wasn't really sure what team you were even on.  It was pretty damn obvious that Dumbledore trusted you, but so did "He Who Must Not Be Named".  Boy you had me confused for a while there.

Even though you were pretty rough, I started to understand a little bit why it back-fired that time when you were trying to teach Harry how to keep "He Who Must Not Be Named" out of his mind.  Remember?  I'm sure you do.  I don't think anyone ever suspected you were bullied as a kid. Even though I realize it may have been hard for you to let others see what you went through, I am glad you did.  That was the moment my heart started to warm to you. You see, I am a rather empathetic person. When others hurt, I hurt.  It's a bit of a curse and a gift really.  No one deserves to be treated with such little respect.  But that wasn't Harry's fault nor any of the other students, and they did not deserve to be treated so harshly.  Two wrongs do not make a right, Professor.  They only wanted to learn from the best. 

 It wasn't, however, until I learned of your love for Lily that I, in turn, fell in love with you.  It breaks my heart that Lily chose your tormentor, James, over you.  After all, you had always been there for her.  While I know it wasn't Lily's fault who she fell in love with, I have a feeling there wasn't a day that went by that you didn't wonder to yourself if maybe she had chosen you, she would have survived.  I know what it's like to have loved and lost.  It sucks.

I know you dabbled in some pretty dodgy magic back in your day. But hey, haven't we all been there?  Done things we regret?  I know I have.  What matters is that you did the noblest thing any man could do; protect the son of the woman you loved so much, even though he was not your own.  That Professor, takes some pretty big balls, and for that, you will have my love and respect.  Always.

With love,
Alyson

Linking up with Bre and Jenni today!

until next time