Author's Note: Hey everyone, once again, my reviewers rock my world! Thank you. This chapter is a transition between basically two parts of the book. Enjoy, and leave a message if you wish. I hope you all enjoy this story as much as I enjoy writing it.

"I'm not the one who broke you, I'm not the one you should fear... I thought I lost you somewhere, but you were never ever there at all." Here is Gone, Goo Goo Dolls

Snape woke up early on September 1st, an unusual feeling of loss in his stomach. Soon the brats would be lurking in the halls, and he would lose her among the crowd. He burst open his bedroom door in a panic, and to his relief, Hermione slept peacefully under her covers; a book rose and fell on her chest, matching her breath.

He lingered in the shower longer that morning, letting the warm water slide away the memories of yesterday. It amazed him how much she reminded him of Lily now that he noticed the connection. Her quiet demeanor, with the thoughtful glance and gentle smile every once in a while, was a flashback every time he looked into her face. It hurt at the same time as warmed him, knowing she was forbidden, in a completely different way.

He sighed and dressed, pulling his hair out of his eyes and tying it back. Flipping through the mail, he found an answer to the way he could heal the burning emptiness he felt.

Severus, The letter read,

I'm sure Miss Granger would like some new clothes, and her parents have mailed me her funds for this year. Perform the spells you need to disguise yourselves, and if she would like, take her to Hogsmeade. Consider this an outing for yourself as well, and try to remember she's been locked up for a month. Let her have a little fun, but be safe.

Dumbledore

He couldn't wait to see the delight on her face when she found out she was allowed out. It was unlike him, he knew, but he couldn't wait either.

Hermione woke up on September 1st, and wished she was still asleep. This was the day she'd been dreading since she came to Hogwarts. This was the day she officially became invisible.

A note was on her bedside.

Miss Granger,

Come to the classroom when you are decent. Wear something presentable.

Professor Snape

She wondered what was in store, and slipped on jeans and a silky tailored shirt she loved. She grabbed her wand, and wandered out to the classroom, the cold stone floor stinging her feet.

Snape placed her usual array of potions in front of her, and waited until she had drunk them to speak.

"Dumbledore has sent you your allowance for the year, from your parents, and he gives his permission for us to go into Hogsmeade to shop, if you wish."

Her face lit up like a lamp, and she practically bounced. "Really? Are you sure you don't mind? Oh, thank you! This is fabulous. Let me go get my coat."

Bemused, he strode through the living room to get a cloak. He felt himself catching some of her enthusiasm, and he brought a handful of coins along for himself. Maybe she'd permit them to stop in the potions shop. He knew it was a little obvious for him to order potion ingredients in disguise, but he didn't go into town often.

She reappeared, her face pink with excitement, a scarf and beautiful pink coat on. "Obviously, Miss Granger, we will have to go in disguise. Is there any appearance you might prefer?"

"Well," she grinned, remembering the fun she'd had with Ginny and Tonks the previous summer, "I've always wanted to be a red head." It wasn't a lie, but she couldn't help asking, despite the nagging part of her that told her she was crossing the line.

With a wave of his wand and an incantation, she'd completely changed. Looking in the mirror, she was greeted by smooth, straight auburn hair, a gently curving figure a few inches shorter than her normal self, and dazzling blue eyes. Snape didn't trust himself around her if her eyes were green.

Hermione gasped. She looked exactly as she'd pictured. Waiting patiently at the door, a middle aged man with salt and pepper hair stood. He was lean, and three inches taller than her, about Ron's height. He wore slacks and a simple cloak. He wore a scarlet sweater, which complemented his hazel eyes. His choice of disguise left her wondering, and she would have never guessed who was behind it, had he not had the familiar smirk playing across his lips.

"Are you ready to go?"

Was she ever.

Snape held back a laugh, as Hermione dragged him down the street towards the bookstore. He found himself buried among the volumes for more practical use, while she explored the fantasies and adventure tales. She paid for a few staggering books, and they found themselves out among the crowd again.

"Where next?" she pointed to the robe shop. He shot her a reproachful glare, but she simply grinned and led the way. He hated shopping for clothes, but then again, this was her day. He waited, somewhat less than patiently, for her to try on a few garments. She wistfully stared a rack of dress robes, and he felt himself pitying her.

"Miss Granger," he started, but she tore her eyes away from the satin material that tempted her.

"It's not like I'm going anyway." She tried to brush off disappointment

"You never know what will have happened by December." He didn't know how to handle this.

"You're right." She perked up a little. "I might as well try some on."

His stomach skipped a beat when she picked out a beautiful green one. His memory shot back to Lily, waltzing gracefully with Potter on a Christmas Eve so many years back. She caught his eye, and her face fell slightly. He left the ball early that night.

"What do you think of this one?" She held up the sea green robe, and he realized he'd been staring off into space the whole time she tried them on.

"It looks nice." He said indifferently, and he bit back his emotions. It wasn't right, letting his memories get in his way. They never had before.

He hadn't known Hermione Granger so well then, either.