Dear Dear Esteemed Colleague Severus Snape,

I hope that this will not be too political or controversial, but I am a teacher in the UK just like yourself. Recently we once again went through the OFSTED procedure to check upon our school and to rate it.

I was not a teacher and had never been through this process before when I first learned of the events that happened in Order of the Phoenix, with the Ministry taking over and ruling Hogwarts and that appalling Delores Umbridge thinking she knew something about teaching and making useless decisions that were detrimental left right and centre. I have now been through it twice and now know how close to an actual teacher’s school experience during OFSTED it is.

My question is this, what were your techniques to survive this imposition of inquisition (Other than abusing students with books, which I’m sure during a muggle inspection would have your school put in ‘special measures’, but Umbridge seems to approve, I think), and does Hogwarts still periodically find itself subjected to Ministry interference of this kind?

(Also, can you please swap potions for Chemistry or Food Tech and come and teach at my school? Please?)

Dear Professor Snape,

I have been sorted into Slytherin, and I am very proud of this fact. I would like to become the very best witch I can. However, people keep saying that all Slytherin’s are evil, and there is no use trying to be different. I can’t believe that’s true! Everyone knows that you were a great Slytherin who did great good, and there must be more. Why is it that only the ignoble and bad Slytherins are remembered, while only the good Gryffindors are?

Dear Professor Snape,

I have two questions.

What do you honestly think about muggles and muggle-borns? I know you were in love with Lily, and I know that this is truly none of my business, but I can’t help but be curious.

My second question is which potion do you most like to brew? A was never very good at potions myself, but I’ve always wanted to be.