This Isn't Going To Work

by annasaurus-rex

Snape is using Hermione for his own pleasure. But how pleasurable is it really, having to deny his feelings?

4. Don't Speak

Two weeks passed, uneventfully but miserably, for both Hermione and Snape. Potions lessons were cold, although admittedly no colder than Snape's preferred appearance, so this wasn't a matter of concern for anybody but the two of them. He could not bring himself to say her name, or even look at her, for fear that he would see what he could not pretend to miss.

***

Hermione's POV

He hasn't marked my work again. Just put an 'A' at the bottom. I'd rather he read it, even if I failed. Why does he hate me so much? What have I done wrong? As soon as the lesson finishes he rushes away, into his office, and doesn't open the door when I knock.

I only want to know why.

Snape's POV

I saw her check her work for comments. But I couldn't bring myself to read it. She would get an A anyway, why put myself through the pain of thinking about her even more? This is so stupid, and I know it. But what else am I supposed to do? I can't let her believe that we could ever be together, but I have to force myself not to believe it as well.

I don't know what to do.

***

"Class dismissed," Snape said callously. As the rest of the class pushed their stools under the table, Hermione noticed that Snape had not yet left. He was sitting at his desk, trying to clear up some permanent ink he had spilled there a few moments before.

He saw Hermione linger, and spoke without thinking.

"Miss Granger, come here."

She shuffled up to his desk, biting her lip. What would he want with her now?

"Hermione... I think I love you," he said, suddenly widening his eyes, looking embarrassed. Why the hell did I say that? he thought, shaking his head in disbelief at his audacity. "Well, I don't mean... you know... I don't know. Just go, actually, please just go."

"Don't speak," Hermione said gently, walking round his desk. She kissed him, and he kissed her back, and it was like they'd never kissed before. He couldn't breathe but he didn't want to breathe. He couldn't think, but he didn't need to think. This was all he'd thought about for weeks, and he never wanted it to end.