CHAPTER 4
Hogwarts life went on. It was almost Christmas now. Hermione of course was doing exceptionally well in all her classes. Harry coming up behind her in almost everything. He was proving to be quite the talented wizard. Snape continued to shut everyone out, even Lily Potter. His letters grew less frequent and short. He was giving out detentions left and right. Professor McGonagall took note of this. She went to talk to Snape about his actions.
McGonagall: Good evening Professor Snape, may I come in?
She peered her head through his classroom door, the lecture hall, as she spoke.
Snape: Yes of course, come in.
McGonagall: I've noticed you have been giving out more detentions then usual. I'm here to inquire why.
Snape: Oh! Well I've taken on a new teaching method.
McGonagall: And what would that be?
Snape: If a student pisses me off, or annoys me, they get detention.
Snape chuckled. McGonagall frowned.
McGonagall: You know that's not acceptable Severus. You cannot keep the students out of their activities. Quidditch games have been canceled all week due to lack of players. You have to stop treating the students like they are worthless. How will they learn to be great if we cannot help them achieve their full potential?
Snape: Most of these brats will be working at the Leaky Cauldron, or worse, here. They ARE worthless.
McGonagall: I will not have you speak like that. Severus you have been at Hogwarts for over 20 years and never have I seen such disrespect. What ever is the matter?
Snape: I will cancel all detentions. Away with you old woman.
McGonagall: Watch it Snape.
With that she left quickly. Snape went back to what he was doing, writing a letter to Lily Potter. It read:
My Dearest Lily,
I cannot tell you what pains me, but know it is a heavy burden.
I feel alone. I feel sad. I am empty in this cold place.
I don't know what to do with myself. It seems time is a punishment that is never ending.
Please help me. Tell me what to do.
Always,
Severus Snape.
Snape had been using Hedwig to send and receive his letters as he did not have an owl of his own. He quickly walked up to the owlry and handed Hedwig the letter. With a swoosh, she was off. He hoped Lily would report back that same day.
******In the Gryffindoor common room
Harry: Hey Hermione where are you off to?
Hermione: The library.
Harry: Mind if I come? I have a lot of studying to do and you always help me focus.
Hermione: I would rather go alone actually.
Harry: Ok then…
Hermione: I'm sorry, I just have to focus. Maybe Ginny can help you.
Harry: Right, ok. Bye.
Hermione left. Ron came down the stairs and sat next to Harry.
Harry: You saw that right? She blew me off.
Ron: I saw alright. She's up to something.
Harry: Well then we best not bother her.
Ron: We should follow her and see if she is actually going to the library.
Harry: No. Why do you care? If she wanted to tell us she would. I'm sure she will in her own time. Give her space. She is under a lot of stress.
Ron: How do you know about what stress she is under?
Harry: She talks to me.
Ron: She talks to me too but she hasn't mentioned anything unusual to me. What has she gone on about to you?
Harry: Snape has been keeping her after dinner every day for the past few weeks. He seems to be pushing her harder then she can manage. Piling on the work during detention. He just makes her read for hours and hours.
Ron: We should tell Dumbledoor, That's not right.
Harry: We should wait and let Hermione stand up for herself.
Ron: That girl has got to sort out her priorities.
They both laughed and went on talking about their upcoming Quidditch game.
Hermione walked down the abandoned corridors and past the library. She made a sharp left and entered the girl's lavatory. She walked back to the last stall.
Hermione: Alohamora.
The bathroom stall door swung open to reveal a bubbling cauldron with white smoke pouring off the top. Hermione stirred the green bumpy liquid until it sizzled, almost an hour later.
Hermione: Almost done.
She whispered to herself.
Hermione locked the stall and made her way out of the bathroom and back to the common room. Ron and Harry were still sitting on the sofa. She plopped down next to them.
Hermione: Got any chocolate?
Ron handed her a chocolate frog.
Hermione: Thanks, I could use a "pick me up".
She smiled
Ron: You alright, you seem stressed.
Hermione: Yes. I'm fine. Just a lot to do before we leave tomorrow.
Harry: You're still coming to stay with us yes?
Hermione: Yes. When will your parents be here to pick us up?
Harry: Right after breakfast.
Hermione: Perfect, I'll be sure to be packed and ready to go by then. Speaking of which, I better go finish. See you boys tomorrow.
Ron: Night.
Harry nodded goodbye. Hermione went back up to her dorm.
Ron: Why is she staying with you again?
Harry: I don't know. She asked, of course I said yes. Maybe because Ginny is staying with us as well and wanted to be with her?
Ron: Right, that makes sense. Well I hope my sister has more fun with you. I'm stuck going to Romania to see Charlie.
Harry: Well maybe we will apparate to you. Just send an owl if you want us to visit.
Ron: Oh, I will be in need of that for sure. Two weeks with mum and dad, alone, and Charlie? I hope I survive. Bill and Fleur may join us as well.
Harry: Yes. Well. I'm tired. Let's turn in?
Ron: You go ahead. I haven't even started packing.
Harry walked up into his dorm and went to sleep.
******Breakfast the next morning in the Great Hall
Hermione walked in with her trunk.
Harry: Good morning, my parents have just arrived.
Hermione: Do I have time to eat quickly?
Harry: I suppose, but be fast.
Hermione ate in a hurry. They both went down to find the Potters sitting outside talking to Dumbledoor.
James: Ah Harry, Hermione. About ready?
Harry: Yeah, ready.
Hermione: Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter, thank you so much for hosting. Where is Ginny? I thought she was coming too?
Harry: She is going to coming a bit later. Mr and Mrs Weasley are driving up and then apparating to Romania, leaving Ginny with the car. I hate that thing. I never know if it will stay off the ground long enough. I hope she is safe flying it.
Lily Potter: I'm sure she will be fine. Say, do you know where Severus is? I would very much like to say hello before we depart.
Dumbledoor: Why he should be in his office.
Lily Potter: Thank you.
Lily turned to James.
Lily Potter: I'll be right back dear.
James Potter: Don't take to long. I want to be home in time for lunch.
Harry and Hermione started packing the car up with their luggage. Lily headed down to the dungeons. She knocked on Professor Snape's door.
Snape: Come in.
Lily Potter: Hello Severus.
Snape looked up and smiled.
Snape: Why Lily, what a surprise! I'm so glad to see you.
Lily Potter: I can't stay long I just wanted to give you my letter. I didn't risk sending it by owl in case Harry were to receive it instead.
Snape: Sure sure. Well Happy Christmas Lily. I hope to see you soon.
Lily Potter: You are welcome over for Christmas dinner Severus. You are always welcome at my home.
Snape: I wouldn't want to intrude. But thank you for the invitation Lily dear.
Lily hugged Snape and kissed him on the cheek like she always did. Then went back to the car. Snape opened the letter which read:
My dear Severus,
Too long have you been this way.
Too long have you yearned for love, yet it never came.
You are alive but not living.
You are a flower in an open field. Vulnerable and alone.
Why you cannot talk to anyone I do not know.
Talk to Albus.
He is a friend, a kind soul.
He can help you.
Find help dear one. You do not deserve the life that has been bestowed onto you.
You deserve much more. You deserve what I have. Happiness.
I am sorry my happiness does not involve you.
I want it to. Be my friend again. Come visit us. You will always have a home here.
~Lily.
Snape loved Lily's letter. She pushed him to be a better person. But he did not let her in. He couldn't be honest with her. To be honest with her would be to admit how he really felt. And that was dangerous. He must look for happiness somewhere else. But not at Hogwarts.