Ahh, another chapter has finally arrived! Now, I wasn't planning on submitting today, but I decided to treat you guys with this since I can't give ya candy, lol :PI hope you had a Happy Halloween, everybody! :D

: Thanks! i'm glad ya think so :)

Mabajama: I am glad you like it ^.^

Jellybeanlover2010: Lol, I know. Snape can be so cruel sometimes :P

Snape: what was that?

Me: Uhh, nothing?

Snape: Lying, too? You'll be writing lines!

Me: You can't make me! I own you!

Snape: No you don't. You are to write the line "I do not own Harry potter or any of the characters except my own." until you fill three parchments. Start now.

Me: Nooo!

Snape: Now!

Me: *starts writing while glaring at the paper.*

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters except my own.

~GharrahGirl

After Madam Pomfrey finishes reversing the effects, I open my eyes and wipe my eyes carefully. Harry frowns.

"What's wrong?"

"I tried to explain that you were taking notes, and Father just called me a liar. He's never been so rude to me before," I say, my eyes filling with unshed tears.

Harry looks uncomfortable, but he sets a hand on my shoulder nonetheless. He squeezes my shoulder slightly, and I wipe my eyes angrily.

"Sorry, Harry. I shouldn't be crying. I'm-"

"If it makes you feel better, I know what it's like to not have your guardian believe you when you're telling the truth. My aunt and uncle never believe me. They always believe my cousin, Dudley."

I look up, knowing that is can't be easy revealing that to someone you don't' really know. Not to mention a Slytherin. I give him a small smile, and he returns it with a bright one.

Ron and Hermione meet us outside the Hospital Wing, and Hermione hands me my stuff.

"Thanks."

"Oh it's no problem. Professor Snape also wishes you to know that he'd like for you to go to his office before you go to bed tonight."

My jaw clenches once more.

"Yes, well, I hardly doubt I'll be going."

Harry glances at me.

"Would you like to come with us to Hagrid's house? Ron and I are heading there now."

I bite my lip, seeing the uncertain look on Ron's face. I glance at Hermione to see her look a bit dejected.

"Um, no thanks. I think I'll go back to my common room. Thanks for inviting me, though Harry. I'll see you around."

He nods and leaves with Ron, and Hermione starts off. I quickly catch up to her and smile as she looks over at me, surprised.

"I thought you were heading to the Slytherin common room?"

"I was. Where're you headed?"

"The library," she states with a smile.

I raise a brow.

"The library? On the first day?"

"Yes, well, I really need to find a book for Professor Snape's essay on brewing potion bases and what can go wrong."

"Oh, I know just the book, actually. Mind if I join? We could work together on the essay, if you'd like."

Her face brightens considerably, and she gives me a wide smile.

"Okay!"

After an afternoon in the library, I find that Hermione is actually a pretty good friend. She's smart, and has a bit of a know-it-all posture, but it just makes her unique, and it's not overbearing. Finally, though, it is nearly curfew, and we must be heading off soon.

"Wait, do you know any good books for flying? I heard they're starting lessons this Thursday."

"They are. I'll be in your class, actually."

"How do you know?"

"My father is a teacher. I've looked through the official papers he gets. He doesn't usually mind, as long as it's already open on his desk back home, of course. Oh, and the book you'll want is Quidditch Through the Ages."

I walk with her to the bookshelf and hand it to her. She smiles gratefully, and I can see how nervous she is.

"It's fine, Hermione. Many first years can't fly well. A few pureblood families let their kids fly, but nobody muggleborn or who live in a muggle community would know how to fly."

She blushes bright red at the words and I smile reassuringly.

"Hermione, your parents are muggles, right?"

She nods, looking down slightly. I keep up my smile and elbow her side gently as we walk through the corridors.

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with that. My parents were both magical, but your blood status doesn't count. It's your abilities that counts here, and, from what I can figure, you're probably the best in the grade."

She flushes, but smiles.

"Thanks."

"Of course. Don't ever listen to people if they comment on your parents. In fact, coem to me, and I'll set them straight myself."

Her smile widens.

"Does this make us friends?"

"I'd hope so, Hermione. I definitely consider you a friend, hopefully a close one with time."

"As do I."

"Good, then would you mind if we met by the library every evening to finish homework together or to walk the grounds?"

"Not one bit."

"Your other Lion friends won't mind?"

"I've not exactly made friends with my fellow Gryffindor girls. They, I guess, don't care too much for books and learning."

"I, too, haven't made friends with the other Slytherins. I don't like their stuffy, I'm-so-much-better-than-you attitudes."

She nods understandably as we arrive at the place where we must split to get to our common rooms. I smile at her, readjusting the strap to my backpack as we stop at the split.

"See you tomorrow, I hope, Hermione. Good evening, and happy sleeping."

"And to you as well, Charity."

We each go to our common rooms.

When I arrive there, I groan at the sight of Father sitting at one of the couches, glaring silently at the fire. He looks up and stands upon seeing me. His face is clear of any anger, but I know just how well he can hide emotions. I can't trust his face to tell me whether or not he's upset. I have to use his body language. He has small ticks that go off whenever he's upset, mad, sad, and even happy.

"Charity, where have you been?"

I can see his fingers twitch, meaning he's trying not to clench them in anger. I bring up my own indifferent mask, which I hope will make him see that I don't want to talk to him right now.

"Working on my essay in the library. If you think I'm lying to you, then you can check with the librarian," I say coldly.

He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance. I narrow my eyes slightly at that.

"Charity, I-"

"Don't believe me? Think I'm lying to you? Would rather torture an innocent boy than believe he's done nothing wrong? Can't-"

"Enough!"

I fall silent at his angry shout, and several others flinch.

"I do not want you defying me in my class again, is that clear?"

I merely clench my jaw and cross my arms over my chest.

"I said, is that clear?"

"Chrystal," I spit, my eyes shining with anger. He sighs and walks past me, setting a firm hand on my shoulder as he does.

When he leaves, I fight to keep my face indifferent. I walk toward the dorm and see Draco coming down. He stops when he sees me.

"Hey, I thought I heard someone down here. Was Professor Snape here?"

"Yeah, he just wanted to yell again," I say bitterly.

"Yell? What for?"

"For disrespecting him in class."

"Did he take any points away?"

"No. Goodnight."

I walk past him, but he sets a hand on my shoulder.

"Are you, uh, okay?"

I nod and continue to the dorm. The other girls are already sleeping, so I change silently and go to bed.

Ah, and it is the end of Friday! What else could go wrong? Well, what could go right? Hmm... Was Draco showing care? Eh, probably not... but maybe so! O.O

Lol I hope you enjoy this third chapter. Don't forget to read and review!

~GharrahGirl