Disclaimer: Same as usual.
Chapter Two: So, now what?
Anne was tired of crying, and tired of feeling sorry for herself. So he was frightened away. That wasn't necessarily because of her, was it? Maybe he was just shy around girls. Really shy.
She punched a pillow angrily. "I am NOT ugly!" she growled at the pillow, wishing it bore the face of a certain pale, thin Slytherin. "How dare you leave on me!" She punched it again, "bloody Squib-licker."
Anne finally tired of this endearing little game and stood up. If Snape didn't want her, fine. Maybe that Lupin kid had better sense. He wasn't bad looking, and besides, he looked pretty desperate. Those friends of his were real degenerates, but they always had their own little girly entourages following them around. She'd give help where it was really needed and maybe assist Remus Lupin in polishing the old wand.
She wanted to believe that her heart was really in these lustful plans, but really she knew she only wanted to hurt Severus. Anne's pride was hurt, and she didn't want to let him get away with that, but she knew she would. Brewing Lupin's potion wouldn't change anything, and Anne was aware of that.
But oh, how she wanted Snape. Everything about him enchanted her and she revelled in her infatuation. Where she had been originally drawn to his mystery and lonely status, now she was physically enraptured too, and it was stronger than she'd ever imagined.
With a pang, she realized she'd lived seventeen long years and never had a boyfriend, never kissed anyone except for quick pecks underneath the mistletoe at Christmas...until now, of course. And though she was inexperienced, she was still a normal teenager and she ached for Severus Snape with all of her awareness. She thought she could love him very easily and oh, how she wanted to show it.
"Just- give me a chance." Anne pleaded to the empty room.
And serendipitously, somehow Anne's plea was answered as the door swung surprisingly open on her for the second time in a day. Severus stood framed in the doorway for a moment, just long enough for Anne to take in his long hair (conveniently glossing over the oiliness), slender frame (some would say gaunt), and long, thin fingers that were graceful and agile (though rather a bit skeletal). Then he shut the door, as always cautious about wandering Gryffindors.
"I'm sorry I left," he said stiffly, "I- well, I shouldn't have done that."
"Its all right," Anne replied quickly, "really. I mean, I did come on way too strong. I'm really sorry."
"No, it was me. Really. Not about you. Just...other things. I'm sorry."
They looked at each other awkwardly for a few seconds that seemed to both to last an eternity. Then Anne started grinning, which soon metamorphosed into helpless giggles.
Severus looked at her, vaguely hurt. What the hell– ?
"I...I...I'm sorry!" she gasped, still giggling. "We're a very sorry pair, you and I."
He snorted and attempted to roll his eyes disdainfully, but Anne was not fooled.
"Oh, come on," she teased, "you know you love my pathetic puns."
"I love everything about you," Severus said without thinking.
Anne stopped short and simply looked at him.
Hooray for fluff. The next chapter may be entirely different, but there's only one way to find out, yes?