p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeveral weeks passed until one frigid winter evening, I was walking to my dorm when I moved past Severus in the corridor./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Good evening, Miss Jones." Severus said softly./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Good evening, Professor."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHis eyes traveled down my figure. "Going to dinner?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I wasn't exactly planning on it."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus frowned. "Why not?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I have some homework to do. Ancient runes." I replied coolly./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus sighed. He seemed melancholy about something./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Whats wrong, professor?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I had rather hoped you would be in attendance." The Potions Master told me./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Why?" I asked a little harsher than I intended to. "So you can watch me the entire meal from your table?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHe sighed again. "Detention this evening following dinner. We need to talk, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"About what?" I challenged./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus closed the gap between us until I could feel him breathing. He smelled like spearmint. "I think you know, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHe then let out a deep breath and continued on to the Great Hall. "Do not forget, Miss Jones. After dinner." The silk voice called behind him./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSomething told me to be at dinner. So I waited until Severus was out of sight and I went to dinner. Just far enough back that he wouldn't notice me until I arrived./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongAt one point I was following him and I could see his robes trailing in the distance of a long corridor so I hid at the end. He didn't turn around the whole way. Maybe he knew I was there./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongOnce I got to the Great Hall, I sat at the Gryffindor table. Black eyes from the High Table did a double take on me. Severus gave me an intense look, much like the one in his classroom. I ate my dinner as did he. He examined me from above until I was walking out of the room. I planned to be in the classroom before he was./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI already knew this was about me. I sat at one of the tables until Severus flowed gracefully into the room, black grandeur and all./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I thought you were not coming to dinner." Severus said, a small hint of confusion in his voice./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI smiled and nodded. "I wasn't but something changed my mind."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongA smirk tugged at lips of the Professor before he turned serious. "There are some errors with your tale, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"How so?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus brought a fist to his lips and coughed. "If you did not love me, then why are you unconditionally kind to me?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Well...I've grown to like you, as a friend." I admitted./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSomething like shock crossed his face before he turned away from me and sighed. "A friend, Miss Jones?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Yes. I think the cruelty others speak of about you is a mask. Perhaps you just need some kindness from others as well."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongThere was a firm silence between us until Severus broke it with a loud sigh. "I do not have friends."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I've decided to be your friend despite all of that."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongWhen he faced me again, Severus looked coldly at me. "It would be a grave mistake, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I don't care what anyone thinks."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"As opposed as I am to this madness, I presume there is no stopping you?" Severus pressed me./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI smiled. "No, I've decided I like you for you, Professor."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHe sighed dramatically. "I appreciate your kindness and concern, Miss Jones. However, I must tell you this is a waste of your time. Do not be stubborn."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Just a few minutes ago you were still determined to prove that I love you!" I exclaimed playfully./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"As reluctant as you are to admit it, I believe it is the absolute truth." Severus told me. "Why risk your own life to save someone so hated by your own house?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI could tell he was truly convinced of my feelings. "Would it make you feel better if I did love you?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus let a sigh escape his lungs. "I would be more relieved if you remained my student, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"It's Winter." I corrected./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongThe Potions Master softened a bit. "I'm deeply flattered that you wish to treat me with kindness..." Severus paused and sighed heavily, giving in. "...Winter. But you have me at a loss."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"See? It's not that difficult to use my name." I smiled./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"There are certain..." Another long pause. Severus sighed. He had been doing that a lot today. "How shall I put this, Miss Jones?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Back to Miss Jones already?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus took in a breath. "There are certain aspects of friendship that make me very uncomfortable. I suppose what I am trying to say is, as much as I would like to be your friend, I myself am not good at it."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI tried not to be offended because I could see where he was coming from. "You don't think you can be friends with a student?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus hesitated. "I do not believe it to be the best option of the two."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I like you a lot, Severus."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHe raised an eyebrow. "It's Professor Snape, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI took a breath. "I think I care about you."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus sighed impatiently. "And in a week you will finally admit the truth?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I'm not going to get feelings from saving your life!"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus scoffed and went to sit at his desk. He coughed, clearing his lungs. "You are dismissed, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI crossed my arms over my chest, watching him scribble grades in fine calligraphy across parchment./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I said you are dismissed, Miss Jones." The silk voice repeated, more annoyed./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"No." I disagreed./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHe looked up from his desk with a deep sigh. "Very well, Miss Jones. I shall be your friend, nothing more."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I love you, Severus." I said so low he could barely hear me./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHis head snapped up and he was in front of me within seconds. "Now we need to have an urgent conversation."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Good evening, Miss Jones." Severus said softly./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Good evening, Professor."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHis eyes traveled down my figure. "Going to dinner?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I wasn't exactly planning on it."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus frowned. "Why not?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I have some homework to do. Ancient runes." I replied coolly./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus sighed. He seemed melancholy about something./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Whats wrong, professor?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I had rather hoped you would be in attendance." The Potions Master told me./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Why?" I asked a little harsher than I intended to. "So you can watch me the entire meal from your table?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHe sighed again. "Detention this evening following dinner. We need to talk, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"About what?" I challenged./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus closed the gap between us until I could feel him breathing. He smelled like spearmint. "I think you know, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHe then let out a deep breath and continued on to the Great Hall. "Do not forget, Miss Jones. After dinner." The silk voice called behind him./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSomething told me to be at dinner. So I waited until Severus was out of sight and I went to dinner. Just far enough back that he wouldn't notice me until I arrived./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongAt one point I was following him and I could see his robes trailing in the distance of a long corridor so I hid at the end. He didn't turn around the whole way. Maybe he knew I was there./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongOnce I got to the Great Hall, I sat at the Gryffindor table. Black eyes from the High Table did a double take on me. Severus gave me an intense look, much like the one in his classroom. I ate my dinner as did he. He examined me from above until I was walking out of the room. I planned to be in the classroom before he was./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI already knew this was about me. I sat at one of the tables until Severus flowed gracefully into the room, black grandeur and all./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I thought you were not coming to dinner." Severus said, a small hint of confusion in his voice./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI smiled and nodded. "I wasn't but something changed my mind."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongA smirk tugged at lips of the Professor before he turned serious. "There are some errors with your tale, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"How so?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus brought a fist to his lips and coughed. "If you did not love me, then why are you unconditionally kind to me?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Well...I've grown to like you, as a friend." I admitted./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSomething like shock crossed his face before he turned away from me and sighed. "A friend, Miss Jones?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Yes. I think the cruelty others speak of about you is a mask. Perhaps you just need some kindness from others as well."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongThere was a firm silence between us until Severus broke it with a loud sigh. "I do not have friends."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I've decided to be your friend despite all of that."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongWhen he faced me again, Severus looked coldly at me. "It would be a grave mistake, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I don't care what anyone thinks."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"As opposed as I am to this madness, I presume there is no stopping you?" Severus pressed me./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI smiled. "No, I've decided I like you for you, Professor."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHe sighed dramatically. "I appreciate your kindness and concern, Miss Jones. However, I must tell you this is a waste of your time. Do not be stubborn."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Just a few minutes ago you were still determined to prove that I love you!" I exclaimed playfully./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"As reluctant as you are to admit it, I believe it is the absolute truth." Severus told me. "Why risk your own life to save someone so hated by your own house?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI could tell he was truly convinced of my feelings. "Would it make you feel better if I did love you?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus let a sigh escape his lungs. "I would be more relieved if you remained my student, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"It's Winter." I corrected./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongThe Potions Master softened a bit. "I'm deeply flattered that you wish to treat me with kindness..." Severus paused and sighed heavily, giving in. "...Winter. But you have me at a loss."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"See? It's not that difficult to use my name." I smiled./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"There are certain..." Another long pause. Severus sighed. He had been doing that a lot today. "How shall I put this, Miss Jones?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"Back to Miss Jones already?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus took in a breath. "There are certain aspects of friendship that make me very uncomfortable. I suppose what I am trying to say is, as much as I would like to be your friend, I myself am not good at it."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI tried not to be offended because I could see where he was coming from. "You don't think you can be friends with a student?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus hesitated. "I do not believe it to be the best option of the two."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I like you a lot, Severus."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHe raised an eyebrow. "It's Professor Snape, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI took a breath. "I think I care about you."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus sighed impatiently. "And in a week you will finally admit the truth?"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I'm not going to get feelings from saving your life!"/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongSeverus scoffed and went to sit at his desk. He coughed, clearing his lungs. "You are dismissed, Miss Jones."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongI crossed my arms over my chest, watching him scribble grades in fine calligraphy across parchment./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I said you are dismissed, Miss Jones." The silk voice repeated, more annoyed./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"No." I disagreed./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHe looked up from his desk with a deep sigh. "Very well, Miss Jones. I shall be your friend, nothing more."/strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strong"I love you, Severus." I said so low he could barely hear me./strong/span/p
p style="max-height: 999999px; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.079999923706055px;"span style="font-style: italic;"strongHis head snapped up and he was in front of me within seconds. "Now we need to have an urgent conversation."/strong/span/p
