It seemed forever until my graduation night. I suffered through many long nights, dreaming of what I wish could happen. But I knew that it could only ever be in my dreams.

Just after our Leaving Feast, however, the strangest thing happened…

I was walking out of the hall for the last time ever when a hand grabbed my arm. Looking behind me, I realized Professor Snape was standing in the shadows.

"Miss Granger, may I have a word?"

"Of course. Give me a minute." I quickly returned to my friends and told them I would catch up with them later. Then I returned to the now empty hall.

"Yes professor?"

"I wanted to wish you good luck in the future, Miss Granger." He held out this hand.

"This is the last time I shall ever see you." I remarked as I took in his extended hand. I doubted he had ever willingly offered to shake hands with anyone before.

"Yes, that is why I'm-"

I cut him off with a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for being so amazing and… understanding." He stared wide eyed at me but as I watched those dark eyes of his softened.

"Miss Granger, you can't possibly… like me that much."

"Why not?"

"There are numerous reasons why not."

"Any of them decent?" Then before he could reply I added, "And while we're at it, how come you like me so much?" My tone was more inquisitive than forceful.

Snape paused for a moment. "That I can not answer."

"So we're even then. " My voice had become quieter now that I knew the conversation was drawing to a close.

"So it would seem."

A silence ensued. In which we both took in every aspect we could about each other and the moment.

"Well, thank you. You're a brilliant teacher and… and you never put me down for… liking you… and-" I don't usually ramble and I have never felt my breath catch in my throat like that before. My heart was racing as I stared into those bottomless eyes of his and watched him staring back. I could never have imagined I would actually get time to talk to him and-

-kiss him.

I can not tell who kissed whom; it seemed to be a unanimous decision. Hesitantly, we pressed our lips together. I felt a tear find its way down my cheek. It was the most glorious sensation ever. We just couldn't stop kissing though Heaven knows we probably should have stopped, should not have even started. I felt his hand on my back, drawing me closer, and a warm hand rested on my cheek. I had the sudden urge to run my fingers through his hair but refrained. (1)

Somehow we untangled ourselves, probably when we couldn't hold our breath any longer. I was out of breath and on the verge of crying outright. Never was there anything more tender, more heartfelt than those kisses. I knew I would remember that moment for the rest of my life.

"Don't cry, Mi- Hermione."

I could melt. I could melt right then.

He wiped another tear away and took a step back. I suddenly felt very cold. "Goodbye."

I couldn't say a word, so I slowly nodded, took one last, heart-wrenching look and left.

………

Epilogue to come.

(1) I was picturing the wonderful artwork that snapesnogger did on deviantart dot com. It's a pink background picture of Snape and Hermione in the same position as I just described. You can see the pic here (no spaces):

http/smg.photobucket. com/albums/v64/lady24? actionview¤t snapeandhermionebeinggrossbys.jpg