Let Me In

Chapter Eleven

Hermione couldn't understand Professor Snape's sudden change - she really thought (or rather, hoped) that he was trying. She felt incredibly humiliated and angry at him for being an utter bastard - she told herself she shouldn't have been surprised by his cruelness, really, but she couldn't help feeling slightly disappointed. She couldn't believe how stupid she felt for truly believing he could change - she should have known better.

She sighed and sat up in bed. For the first time this year she actually felt grateful that she didn't have a shift in the infirmary tonight. Today was a Saturday and she could spend the whole day lounging to her hearts content. She remembered there was a Hogsmeade trip today and decided to tag along with Harry and Ron. It was time to start thinking of herself first. She was going to stop trying with Professor Snape, she was foolish to think she could have any kind of impact on his life. Insufferable Gryffindor, she scolded herself. Snape already had his path laid out for him and there was nothing that Hermione or anybody else could do; Dumbledore would just have to accept that. She also missed spending time with Harry and Ron. She felt quite guilty for abandoning them, especially with the threat of war looming closer and closer, but she knew they understood.

Hermione quickly got dressed and went to the Great Hall for breakfast

"good morning" she greeted them, cheerfully. They both avoided her eyes slightly and mumbled their greetings

"what's wrong?" She asked

"nothing 'Mione" Harry smiled at her and she let it drop, for now

"Ok... so, I was wondering if you guys were going to Hogsmeade today, and if I could come with you?"

"Of course you can, Hermione!" Ron beamed at her; they all ate their breakfasts in a hurry and left immediately.

No matter how many times Hermione made the short trip to Hogsmeade, to her, it never got any less beautiful, especially at this time of year. The trees were starting to blossom; the last remains of the winter snow melting away and the birds sang with, what could only be described as, contented joy; the gentle breeze was playing with a few of her curls - this really was her definition of perfect.

The first place they all went to was Zonco's joke shop but, after visiting Weasley's Wizards Wheezes before the start of the school year, Zonco's didn't seem that impressive anymore. All Hermione ended up buying, whilst at Hogsmeade, was a charmed quill that automatically wrote in shorthand, before the three of them found themselves in the Three Broomsticks with a pint of Butterbeer each. Hermione still couldn't shake the feeling that there was something off with the boys

"Okay, what's wrong with you two?"

"there's nothing wrong, Hermione" Ron assured

"oh, don't give me that rubbish!" She told them; Harry sighed

"okay, promise you won't get mad?... When Snape came to speak to you in the Infirmary, last night, we were listening at the door. We were just worried about you, we heard him talking about cancelling your plans or something, and we just thought it was strange, that's all" Hermione's initial reaction was to be angry at them but, in all honesty, she'd have done the same thing

"well, I appreciate your concern but, you don't have to worry about that anymore. I won't be seeing him any longer"

"what? You weren't, like, together, were you?" Ron asked

"don't be ridiculous, Ronald, why on earth would I be with a man like him?" They all laughed, but Hermione felt slightly guilty about what she'd said.

Back at the castle, Hermione announced that she was going up to the library and told the boys that she'd meet them in the Great Hall for dinner. As she approached her favourite table over by the window she noticed Lacey sitting there