Harry Potter

Bailey blinked softly, "No, but I have a hunch she's out on the grounds.." She muttered softly, looking down. "Do you need an extra person.. or can you handle it?"

Snape narrowed his eyes a bit. "If she keeps on like this, she will be fired." He growled slightly.

Bailey blinked softly, side stepping him, she had a question on the tip of her tongue, but she just looked at Severus. "I'm sorry.." She said softly, continuing to walk towards her chambers.

He watched her closely for a moment. "What is it?"

Bailey looked at him, "Something that happened a long time ago." She said, gripping the door knob. "Tell me, Severus, did you ever really love me or was it all just.. a lie?" She said softly, looking at the door knob.

"We were only together for barely half a year and you knew how I felt going into it." He frowned slightly.

"That doesn't tell me.. anything. Quit dodging the question.. Just please give me a straight answer.."

"I am not dodging the question. You do not have to love someone to be in a relationship with them. Yes, I cared for you but I loved Lily and you knew that going into the relationship. I made no pretenses."

Bailey looked at him, "Thank you for being honest with me.." She smiled slightly, "You've got to be the only one all day." She said softly, conjuring her fawn and watching it speed off towards Albus's office.

"Who has lied to you today?" He frowned slightly, watching her Patronus speed off. "What was that for?"

Bailey licked her lips, "I'm leaving.." She said softly, "Rei can handle the class herself.. and Belle will still be here, but.. I'm just. It's not for me.." She said softly.

"Why?" He frowned. "There is no reason for you to leave."

"There is every reason. Belle senses the tension between you and I. She's not benefiting from it. It'll be better if I just go.. It won't be hard for me to find another job.." She said softly.

"Tension can be resolved." He stated simply. "If you leave, we will have to find another Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher as well."

"Can it?" She looked at him, "I don't think so. Look, Severus. I'm no saying it's your fault, but I can't be here.. I realized I still care for you quite a bit.. And knowing that you don't reciprocate.... It's hard." She closed her eyes gently. "and that's not the whole reason I'm leaving either.."

"I believe it can." He raised an eyebrow. "No, I do not love you but I do care for you."

Bailey looked at him, "What does that even mean?" She said softly, "Caring about someone is one step below loving them.."

"I will not lie to you. I still love Lily, even after all these years. I do not feel that I am capable of loving more than one person. But I do care for you and I do not want you to leave." He murmured.

"It doesn't matter.." She said softly, "I seriously..." She sighed gently, closing her eyes.

"What?" He looked at her, taking a small step forwards.

Bailey leaned on the wall and sighed gently, "I'd never be able to stay away from you."

"And why is that a bad thing?" He raised an eyebrow.

Bailey looked up, "Because I'm afraid I'll get hurt, you'll hurt me.." She said softly, "Or that you'll reject me."

"Why would I reject you?" He raised an eyebrow slightly. "I cannot promise that you will not get hurt though. I will not hurt you purposefully however."

Bailey looked at him, "So.. if I stay, what are we? Discreetly in a sort of kind of relationship?"