Author's note: Well I know I have neglected this story ever so much but I shall continue now, I hope you like.

Thanks: MaiBlack - Thank you for reading and I am glad I influenced you even more over your opinion of Snape, I have to admit that I think Snape is a slimy git!

Pinkfluffyjellybean - issy just like you to have the strangest name! Thanx you are a pal really!!!

The Freshest - What can I say; you are my little freundin really!!

Beta Puella - Beth I just wish you would write your fic quicker!!

Rosi - Hope you like, and I really thing the amount of money they spent on LOTR (the film) you think they could have dyed Orlando's eyebrows to match his wig. (no offence meant to any Legolas fans)

Snapecake - Thanx for all the sweet reviews and I hope you enjoy this

Vikki - Thanks for being such an excellent friend

Boo26 or Anna - Hope you like!

Aegina - Thanx for reviewing.

J.H. Wheatley - I can never be as good a writer as you but I will try!

Emma-Kitty - Sorry for the long wait but I hope you enjoy

Spordelia Chase - Do you know something, I hate the ship too and I don't know why I decided to do it but I had a sudden burst of inspiration.

Chantal9 - thanx for all the encouragement

Wild one - thanx and here is the fifth chapter

Darkest of Autumn - changed name have we, any way thanks for reviewing my fics anfd I hope you enjoy this

Slytherin's Snake - interesting, I hope.

Dear Diary,

Today we had our first proper day of lessons. In the morning I had Transfigurations, which I have to say, was utterly challenging but also wonderful. How much I have missed a complex, surprise quiz. I could not understand why Ron was moaning. He always does that and it is so annoying. The task was easy really, if you thought about it but Ron can't work out how to use his brain properly. All we had to do was turn crickets into lutes. (A N: For those that don't know, a lute is a medieval instrument often used in fairy tales to woe women. Don't ask me why I choose it.) Simple really, in half an hour Ron managed to change the table, his pen and the chandelier into lutes and lost 15 crickets at last count. Ron should have just used Petrifictus Totalus to stop the crickets from jumping away and then used the normal spell. Instead of shooting at anything and earning himself 7 consecutive detentions and than moaning 'cause it means he has to miss Quidditch practice. I was pretty glad that my next lessons were not with Ron, I don't think I could stand that whiny voice in my ear.

I had two lessons free of that boy and then after lunch I had Potions with Ron again. I was not really looking forward to it but the moment Professor Snape swept past me, his black cloak billowing in his wake, a warm feeling filled me and for the first time I actually wanted to go in that dark, dank dungeon. I also felt like thumping Harry as he whispered in my ear "Great another thrilling lesson from the Potion Master from hell." and was ready to nut Ron as he laughed with glee at Harry's sarcasm. But before I had time to snap back the queue was shuffling towards the door, which unusually was being propped open by Professor Snape.

Harry and Ron were still whispering as I approached, most were avoiding Snape's gaze so looked to the floor. But I was looking forward to looking into his eyes; they have a kind of warmth, which I love. As the person in front shuffled into the room, I transfixed my gaze upon Snape. At first he was glaring at Harry so did not see my stare but as he moved his eyes he caught mine and once again I felt his tenderness, but he shifted his gaze quickly to the floor, and mumbled "Come on Hermione, we haven't got all day."

I was filled with disappointment and just as I was about to take up a free space at the end of the front row, Harry grabbed my arm.

"The back row is free. Look." He said with glee and I sat down unwillingly at Harry's side.

Snape, like many other teachers had a surprise quiz, for the first half an hour we had a written paper and in the second half we had a practical. The quiz was simple really, as I had already read the textbook for this year 3 times so I suppose that helps. I took my time and after each question would look up at the clock, I noticed that Snape was staring at me. One of those blank stares that people often have while contemplating, but this was more of a focused stare and as I managed to make eye contact with him, each time, he would immediately go back to whatever was on his desk. There were 15 questions and after each one I would always catch him staring.

I was finished within 20 minutes and sat still, arms crossed and paper overturned to stop Ron feeble attempts at copying. I, too, stared but this time at him and every time he looked up due to a small whisper or scuffle of paper, he would catch my gaze and look away.

I can't understand why, though. I swear that when we bumped into each other he had looked pained to leave me but now he could not look me in the eye. This was totally out of character; Snape's cold stare was enough to break the strongest of witches and wizards. I can't believe I am saying this but it was breaking me not to have his eyes, by keeping his beautiful gaze away from me he was hurting me like I have never been hurt before.

The practical went swiftly and I was so hurt that I was not concentrating. I added the wrong ingredient and the cauldron overflowed but I was able to fix it before Snape saw. Harry got concerned and kept asking if I was all right, another one of my pet hates and I snapped. I know I shouldn't have but it really aggravates me. Snape heard and he moved quickly across the room.

"What is all this noise about Granger?" He said coldly. I looked at the floor, Snape sounded disgraced with me and I hated that he felt that way.

Malfoy butted in, "Lovers tiff, Sir!" To which the group of Slytherins in front started giggling.

"Enough, Malfoy." Snape said silencing the sniggering snakes. "They seem further on than you are so get on." Strange really, normally Snape dotes on Malfoy but this time he seemed disgraced by what Malfoy had said.

When we were dismissed I was the first one out of that dungeon, and I ran all the way to the common room with Harry and Ron in hot pursuit. I ignored their shouts and came straight up here. As I was unloading my bag, to get you out, I picked up my Potions textbook and a note slipped out. It said:

Meet me by the gargoyle near the dungeon entrance with your wand at 2 a.m.,
bring no one else with you. Do not tell anyone!!

I don't understand but I am filled with intrigue, it maybe a trick or it may be something important.

One thing I am sure of, as I sit here on the verge of tears. Have I fallen in love with Snape's eyes? No, I think I have fallen for Snape himself and there is no way any spell can get me out of this predicament. You are the only thing I can confide in and in you I will write all my woes.

Yours truly,
Hermione

A/N I promise to be more devoted to this as I am now enjoying writing this chapter on a brand new year.

This was written on 1/1/04!!!

Happy New Year