Showers of Green Snakes

Dear Journal,

This summer holiday started off very strangely. My work with the Order of the Phoenix was limited due to the amount of press harassment Dumbledore and the other Aurors were having.

I knew Lord Voldemort would come back. A mind like his could never be destroyed and I imagine never will be. Even though I don't really approve of what he has done I still respect him and know that he is the most gifted and intelligent person I have ever met. Even Dumbledore can't hold up against the stealth of Voldemort. If he could he would have destroyed Voldemort by now.

I am sitting in my office right now, as it seems something has gone terribly wrong.

I have arrived two weeks early to Hogwarts so to get my lesson plans in order plus I wanted to ask Dumbledore if I could take up the vacant post as Defence against Dark Arts teacher but have been confronted with that beast. Dumbledore has gone soft once again and has brought his little pet, Lupin, back as Defence against Dark Arts teacher. How unfair!

Ever since the dear departure of Lupin's sidekick Sirius, Lupin has been lost. The only one left from the famous foursome. Two are dead, one has revolted and oh yes, one turns into an ugly ferret whenever there is a full moon.

Dumbledore says it is so that hairy mutt can keep an eye on his darling Potter but I disagree. Lupin had Dumbledore wrapped around his dirty claw. Anyway, why is it always Potter this, Potter that? There are many other gifted children studying at Hogwarts. one of the most gifted is of course Hermione Granger.

She shows more intelligence than the whole of the Weasley family put together and all she needs is helping hand to help this little rose bud to blossom. But Dumbledore does not approve of one to one tutoring except in that case of his precious little Potter who I had to devote my spare time just so he cannot have his dreams be intercepted. Just as if I could stop Voldemort penetrating Potter's cynical mind.

I try my hardest to boost Hermione's confidence and feed her hungry mind but if I were to praise her too much I think that people would notice. The other thing which restricts me is her being a mudblood so if I were seen to be helping her to excel, not that she does not already, then somebody, most likely that little worm Malfoy, would go and tell his big Daddy and he in turn would tell his master Voldemort. This would be horrific.

If Lord Voldemort found out I had a soft spot for Miss Granger then she would be in grave danger. I cannot reveal too much just in case somebody does find this but I have received a very interesting letter.

I must insure that my crush is never revealed and do my best to protect Hermione.

Yours truly,

Potion Master