Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter

I know very little about love. When it comes to books and logic, I am an utter genius. I don't know anything about how to do my hair or makeup, or how to dress fashionably. That area was always left up for Lavender or Parvati. They were the mistresses of such things.

I have always been the bookish tomboy type, what little friends I had being of the male gender, even before I met Harry and Ron. I was always the little sister, the best guy friend with a female brain and body parts. It wasn't until my 4th year that people began to realize that I was indeed a girl. Boys began to look at me with longing eyes, and even Ron began to act strangely around me. I thought at first that I fancied him a bit, but his idiocy took care of that problem for me. I became very grateful for Harry, who seemed the only one who did not try to catch my eye or impress me. He remained the lovable boy-who-lived, forever trying to hide from the spotlight.

I remember the first day I realized that perhaps I fancied someone a little darker than allowed. Most people would probably lock me away in St. Mungos for my attraction to this utterly somber man.

He wasn't exactly prince charming. His eyes were so dark, both windows to his blackened soul. I entertained the idea of bringing him out of his hole, always trying to gather the bravery to stay after class and speak with him. Instead, I channeled that energy into my studies, hoping to capture his interest in that way.

"Put your hand down, you disgusting know-it-all! In your seven years of potions, have I EVER called on you? For someone who prides herself in her rather large brain, you are the dumbest creature I have come in contact with!"

I felt my heart break at those words that he delivered to me. I could only stare at him. It wasn't until Malfoy said something that my reverie was broken and I could look down fast enough to hide my tears.

"I guess your brain isn't as big as your front teeth after all, Mudblood!"

My lip trembled at that. I tried to compose myself the best I could. It was my last day after all. I would walk out of those doors with my head held high, no matter what was said to me, and with the last word. I looked up at my beloved professor.

"I hope that your life turns around and gives you a second chance. Then perhaps you will recognize what exactly is placed in front of you and won't kill it with your sour words."

It didn't even feel as if I were the one talking. I saw his eyes flicker with a strange emotion and as I gather my things and walked towards the door, I couldn't help but look at him, my guard down. I felt him probe my mind tentatively, as my feelings and thoughts flowed from me. Let him see exactly what I feel. Let him see exactly what he has done. Let him see that possibly his only hope is now walking out of his door forever. Let him see what I see in him.

I love you.

There it was. My feelings were as clear to me in my mind as they had ever been. And soon, they would be clear to him as well.

I left. I walked out of that door and didn't look back again.

The rest of the day went by too fast. Everyone knew what they were going to do. I didn't know whether I was going to go to university, or study an apprenticeship. Amazing. It was said that I had the most brilliant mind that Hogwarts has seen in years, and I can't even decide what to do with my future.

The Ceremony of Steps was frightening. It was a time for us all to walk down the stairs of the castle, newly graduated wizards. The future. All I could do was look into the past. I felt his eyes as I left, stepping into the carriage with Harry and Ron.

"Say…Hermione, want a bite to eat before we go home? I could buy…kind of a…you know…date maybe?" Ron asked clumsily once we were well on our way.

"No Ron."

My insides were crawling and my heart felt like it was breaking with each step the Thestrals took. I had to go back. I had to tell him. I had to see him.

I stood up, knocking a bewildered Crookshanks from my lap and dove out of the door, the boys screaming in protest. Before I knew it, I was on my feet and running. I had to see him again!

When I reached the castle, McGonnogal watched me, a twinkle not unlike Dumbledore's bombarding her once fierce eyes.

I ran though the door, down the stairs, to the potions room door. I froze. I was there.

I spent what felt like an hour waiting, catching my breath, convincing myself that I was doing the right thing.

Slowly, I pressed my palm against the cool, heavy door, and pushed. It made no sound whatsoever, and revealed a rather distraught looking Severus Snape hunched over his desk.

I stepped gingerly into the office. He did not move.

"Professor Snape?" I said quietly, almost shyly.

It took him a moment, but he looked up. Even now, I remember that look. That beautiful, happy look as if suddenly, his world would forever be changed. And he was right.