Severus watched Hermione at breakfast, she sat there with Potter as always
Laughing and chatting he felt as if he was less important
He never wanted to be so jealous, he just couldn't help it, 'Hermione is mine' he thought to himself
Hermione looked up at him and he tried to hold her gaze, but she just looked at him with sadness. It pained him to see her sad, 'is it because of me?' He questioned himself

After breakfast Severus followed Hermione out of the great hall
"Hermione, a word" he scolded making sure Potter heard every word
He walked on, his robes billowing behind him and Hermione followed him out into the fresh air
Severus led her to the black lake and sat down beside her
"What have I done?" He asked rolling his eyes
"You totally dismiss my closest friend and you ask me what you've done?" She sneered at him
"Hermione....." He began

"No, you listen Severus. It's obvious you detest Harry and I want to know why"
"Its difficult Hermione, I don't hate him as much as you assume, it's just Lily..." He explained
"Who is someone you loved, so why hate Harry?" Hermione pressed
"Because he looks just like his father" Severus snapped
Hermione fell silent, she didn't really know what to say

"So it's because you're jealous of James Potter" she sighed
"It's not just that you insolent girl, there's more to it, and you would never understand" he said with tears forming in his onyx eyes

"Explain then Sev, I'm your girlfriend and I think you owe me that"
"It's his father who used to torment me, it's his father that made my life a living hell, then he stole Lily from me and left me with nothing. Every sleepless night... Is because of him! And now Potter JR comes into my life and acts like nothing's happened, like my life hasn't been ruined"
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose as a lone tear fell from his eye

"Oh Sev, I promise you Harry is nothing like his father...." Hermione tried
"I know that, but he's his twin.... And I still just cannot...I've tried to like him, for Lily...I really have"
Hermione was pained to see such conflict in her lovers mind, she understood now that he didn't want to hate Harry, it was a feeling he couldn't control... Like his intense jealousy, or his bitterness

"Severus Tobias Snape, I love you more than anything but Harry is my best friend. And although it must be hard for you, and it may take some time.... He always will be. So if you want us to be happy together you need to except him" Hermione said honestly
Deep down Severus knew this, and he would never want to take her from her best friend.
The rest of the time that they spent by the black lake was silent
After a while Severus rose to his feet to leave, but before doing so he said one thing
"Fine, Invite Harry to Spinners End... He can join us for Christmas. Hermione, I would do anything for you" and with that he disappeared