Writing this was a challenge for me. I tend to get inside of a character's mind and just go on, and on without one word of dialogue. This is a brief "dialogue only" story. This was a personal challenge that I issued to myself. I am almost certain that it has been done before, although I am not sure where it was issued or by whom. I make no claims about originating it.

The usual disclaimers apply. Props to TiesieKale, beta extraordinaire.

Conversations

"Go away."

"I won't."

"Why do you insist upon making my life a living nightmare?"

"I have been doing nothing of the sort. Why must you push away the people who obviously care about you?"

"Woman, have never heard of privacy? I am by nature a solitary person. If you truly cared, you would leave me alone."

"I'd say more by nurture than by nature, and if I left you alone you would fall in to decay."

"I will ignore that first remark, since it not your concern one way or another. However, I cannot ignore your implying that I am incapable of taking care of myself. I have been doing that far longer than you have been living, Miss Granger."

"Maybe so, but you haven't done a proper job of it, Severus. I'll ask again that you not refer to me as Miss Granger; I thought we agreed to drop the formalities?"

"No, Miss Granger, we did not agree to do anything, you insisted that we use our first names. It is not something I feel comfortable with… I hardly know you and I would rather keep certain barriers firmly erected, thank you very much."

"Severus, we just fought a war against 'certain barriers'. I know that you did not believe in the propaganda they spouted, but if you keep 'certain barriers firmly erected' what's to make other barriers that people wish to keep erected any different?"

"Miss Granger, you are a witch of above average intelligence. I would like to believe that your level of comprehension is beyond that of the average dunderhead I was forced to teach. Do not try to twist my words. Now, kindly cease accosting my person with your presence, and leave."

"Very well, Severus, but I'll be back."

~*~

"Why are you doing back in my home? I asked you to leave."

"That was two days ago."

"Yes it was, and I do not recall issuing an invitation for you to return."

"Oh don't be such a grouch, Severus. I didn't come empty handed. I've brought food."

"Once again, you imply that I cannot take care of myself, Miss Granger. I am quite capable of feeding myself."

"From the looks of you, it doesn't seem as if you do it often enough. Just eat, you insufferable man."

"Now you've resorted to name calling. How original."

"Eat your lunch before it gets cold."

"Bossy know it all Gryffindor."

"Quit muttering, and clean your plate."

"This is one of my favorite dishes. How did know that I enjoy shepherd's pie?"

"I have my ways."

"Thank you… Hermione."

"You're welcome, Severus."

~*~

"Severus?"

"Yes, Hermione?"

"Do you ever think about how things would have ended between us if I had gone away like you asked?"

"No, you insufferable woman, I don't."

"I may be insufferable, but you would be skin and bones without me."

"I survived long before you were born, and have continued do so for a very long time afterwards, nor do I intend to suddenly keel over any time in the near future."

"I certainly hope not. I would miss you terribly."

"Just keep feeding me and never leave me. You will not have to worry about it."

"You're such a git, but I love you."

"And I you, my little harridan."

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