Disclaimer: Everything you recognize isn't mine…. Except the plot of course

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He turns back around, his back to her, reluctant to see the one he loves crying because of him. "She'll thank me later, even if she doesn't realize it now." As he walks down the dark, empty corridor, he hears her sobs, still echoing off the barren walls. "She'll thank me later," becoming his mantra.

With his heart knowing that he cannot be within the same walls as her after what he has done, or he just might take it all back, he walks the long, winding and steep path to the headmaster's office to give in his resignation.

As he reaches the stone gargoyle, it starts to revolve to reveal the headmaster declining the staircase. As they make eye contact, Severus notices that he doesn't have his usual twinkle in his eyes, nor does he have the face of a 165 year old man with a 25 year old spirit, rather he looks like all his years have caught up with him.

"Ah, Severus, to what do I owe this visit?" Albus asks, although Severus can see he already knows. "You know very damn well why I am here." He spits. Taking a collective breath he tries again, "Here is my resignation and I hope you can find a suitable replacement by the time term starts." He hands him the roll of parchment officially stating that he has resigned. Dumbledore takes it with a sigh and asks him to rethink his decision. "With all due respect Headmaster, I would not have given it to you without thinking it over multiple times." He says cool and detached.

"Why, Severus? Why would you want to leave? Were you not happy?" Albus asks. Severus knows quite well that he doesn't mean the teaching position. "Headmaster, I cannot stay. Now is that all, because I must leave." He states coldly, hoping his inner turmoil does not show within his features.

"Severus," Albus warns, "I know when you are trying to make yourself less vulnerable. You act prude, stuck up, and too formal for my liking," Albus smiles as Severus smirks at that. "Now please tell me why you would want to leave her."

He lets down the façade and plainly asks, "Albus, let me ask you, when was the last time you saw me happy? When was the last time I was this complete as a person?" A look of comprehension shows on the headmasters face. "Now, if you'll excuse me I will be in Hogsmead until I can find appropriate arrangements." He takes his trunk and starts walking toward the Great Hall to leave the place he's called home for over 35 years.

"Severus!" Dumbledore calls. "Why go to Hogsmead? We have ample space here at the school." "Now Albus… I don't think that will be a wise idea…" Severus starts tentatively. "Relax dear boy. We can have you situated in one of the unused guest quarters and your meals can be delivered to your rooms. No need to go out of your quarters, and if you do wish to leave, I shall—let's say—place Miss Granger's attention far from that area of the castle for the day." Albus assures him.

They start walking down the corridor when Severus says, "Thank you sir, I appreciate that. Of course I could just cast a disillusionment charm on myself." He smirks. Albus laughs at that, "Yes I believe you could my boy. Now why don't we get you situated on the 3rd floor corridor on the right hand side? I believe that should be enough space for our recently departed Defense against the Dark Arts Master. Now, if you would… I don't know… wish to reclaim the position, it will be yours to claim before August 30th." He hints with a hopeful glance. Severus stops and turns to face his surrogate father, "Thank you Albus, but I sincerely doubt I will be doing such a thing." Albus pats him on the shoulder, "Can't blame me for trying my boy," they start walking when he says under his breath, "can't blame me for trying."



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A/N: Yes I know my chapters are a bit short, but you know what, TOO BAD! =P.  Respond s'il vous plaît.