Don't Go

"Hermione?"

"Severus! What are you doing here?" Hermione looked up at her former potions master, and wondered why, on today of all days, he wanted to see her.

"You're…leaving today, are you not?" Severus sounded like he was holding something back.

"Yes." She replied. Severus swallowed hard. There was a moments pause.

"Stay."

"I'm sorry?"

"Stay. Don't go Hermione, stay." She closed her eyes to steady herself, she couldn't deal with this, not now.

"Please don't ask me to stay." she whispered. He swallowed again.

"I don't want you to leave Hermione, you're a wonderful teacher and a good friend. Why do you want to leave?" Hermione tried to keep the tremor from her voice.

"Things have changed Severus, I can't stay, not now not after…everything." She looked away. Severus sighed, then knew he had one last chance. Throwing caution to the wind he played his final card.

"I love you, Hermione." Hermione started to cry.

"I know. I have to leave Severus. I'll never forget or night together but it wouldn't work. You and I are too different!"

"How are we different? Please Hermione I couldn't bear to see you go." Hermione looked up at the man she loved more than life itself.

"Close your eyes."