~*~
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper.
~*~
"I can't do this anymore."
Five simple words, said calmly and quietly.
"Why not?"
"All we do is fight, Severus. And it's not getting any better."
He stands very still, a statue.
"So that's it?"
"Yes. I think it is."
"You'll just walk away, not caring that you're throwing away four years of - "
"Four years of fighting."
"You know that's not true."
She says nothing.
"Hermione. Don't." A pause. "Please."
She kisses his cheek, and walks out the door.
He walks stiffly to a cabinet, pours himself a brandy, and sits in his chair, in front of the fire.