Alright, alright, I've conceded to it! I have created a little place in my heart for Hermione/Severus fics. After reading Christina Hilt and Mylaea's wonderful pieces (go read, if you haven't already), I have decided to give it a go myself. *cringe* I hope this goes well, and it won't end up being trite and cliché, like some horrible Potter-world soap opera. I need a Muse now, to give me some sort of original idea… here goes!

Obligatory disclaimer: JK Rowling owns all of the characters in this story (no, I won't be creating any originals), I just borrow them and occasionally use them as my love slaves *pets Severus*

What Is, And What Should Never Be

Tears were stinging threateningly in Hermione's eyes as she stared down the stranger standing in front of her. He stared back, just as determined as she, clenching his fists and tightening his lips with frustration.

'So, this is it, then?' he asked.

'Yes,' she replied.

'Long time coming, I guess.'

'Perhaps,' said Hermione, her eyes narrowing.

'You're always overreacting, Hermione,' Ron spat. 'You have to make everything an issue, whether it's house elves, staying out late or this.'

'Oh, I see. So, I should just let you run around kissing other girls?'

'It was an accident, 'Mione!' Ron shouted. 'I've told you that a million times!'

'You accidentally put your tongue in her mouth? Oh yes, I can see how that would happen,' she said, sarcastically.

'Hey! It takes two people to kiss, alright?'

'But only one person to stop it, Ron,' Hermione said softly, throwing her bag over her shoulder. 'I don't want to carry on this argument anymore. It's over, Ron, it's over. I'll see you later.' And with that, she quietly exited through the portrait hole, leaving Ron standing alone in the middle of the common room. She found it hard to believe that it was actually over, after nearly a year. The tears she had been holding back were finally flowing freely down her cheeks, and she made no effort to stop them. Ending such a long relationship, the longest she had ever been in, deserved tears, she thought.

Wiping her face on her sleeve, Hermione pushed open the door to the library and placed herself in a small corner at the back to finish up her History of Magic homework. She managed to finish it in fifteen minutes without comprehending one word of what she had written on the parchment. She found herself suddenly extremely tired and, not thinking, she lay her head down on the table and drifted off to sleep.

The sleep was not pleasant, and nor was the awakening.

'Look at this! The mudblood's sleeping in the library! I guess she must never leave.'

Dull chuckling.

'What do you say we leave her a little… er… present to wake up to?'

Hermione felt body heat coming closer and shot straight to her feet, with her wand out. 'Don't you even think about it, Malfoy.'

'Sleep well, Muggle?' Draco Malfoy said, a sneer curling his pale lips. 'Aw, look, the Muggle's been crying. Did Weasley finally realize he could do better than a sodding mudblood like you, Granger?'

'Piss off before I curse you back to first year, Malfoy.'

'Such language! I ought to tell Professor Snape,' he taunted, sarcastically.

'You needn't do that, Mr Malfoy,' said a voice from behind them. 'Indeed, I have heard enough already.'

Startled, Hermione dropped her wand and spun around to see the very person who could make her day a million times worse.

'Speak of the devil!' Malfoy said, jovially.

'You three,' said Snape, pointing a long finger at Malfoy and his cronies. 'Get back to your common room. I very much doubt that you've finished your essays that are due tomorrow. Miss Granger will come with me.' The Slytherins smirked and retreated out of the library.

'Professor, I…' Hermione stammered.

'I do not wish to hear any excuses,' Snape snapped. 'You will gather your things and come with me.'

Briskly and silently, she pushed her papers into her bag and followed the professor to the dungeons. She was trembling, both with mild fear and the feeling that the tears would come back soon. She couldn't imagine anything worse than crying in front of Snape, so she bit her lip and repeated a calming mantra inside her head.

'Sit,' he barked, once they reached his office.

She obeyed, fidgeting nervously with robes. Snape placed himself behind his desk and looked straight into her eyes.

'This school does not tolerate the language you used -'

'I'm sorry, Professor. I didn't mean…'

'Be quiet, Miss Granger!' Snape bit. 'You would kindly allow me to finish what I am saying before you interrupt me again.'

Hermione nodded.

'Hogwarts does not tolerate the language you used, no more does it tolerate that of Mr Malfoy. You both displayed unacceptable behavior, and ordinarily I would give you both detention, however…' he paused for a moment. 'Given his provocation, I shall let you both slide this time. Prejudice like this is, unfortunately, somewhat common in pureblood families. But… you can't expect me to give detention to a Slytherin.'

Hermione was dumbfounded. She had just witnessed something she never thought she would - Snape not only slipped on an opportunity to punish a Gryffindor, he actually made a joke. This couldn't be right. But, despite her shock, she grinned at his humour.

'You may return to your tower, Miss Granger,' Snape said, standing up and returning to his usual demeanor. 'I expect to see your essay finished on time tomorrow, and…'

'Yes, Professor?'

'… do kindly not mention this to anyone else.'

***

*dies* ha ha ha! I actually wrote a CHAPTER! Bwahh! Tell me what you think, because I'll prolly go back for some editing later!

Au'revoir!