Chapter 3

I woke the next morning, feeling good about the day that was in front of me. Getting my things, I hurried and showered and got dressed. Grabbing my books, I decided to wander about the castle until I had to make it to my first class.

As I left the Common room and walked out into the corridor, I felt relieved to be alone. I passed a couple of ghosts, and talked to a couple of paintings.

"Miss Isabella, what are you doing up so early? One would think that you would want to get all the sleep you could." Professor Snape sneered.

"I get all the sleep I need, what I am does NOT effect what I do in my everyday life...Professor?" she said.

"Watch your tongue girl, and it's Professor Snape. I will be addressed as such." he said.

"Well then, Professor Snape, as I respect you as a teacher, you must respect me as a student..." she started, "and don't forget, I know how happy you are, or better yet, how miserable you are."

Professor Snape was stunned, his jaw dropped, and I just walked away.

"That will teach him, he knows NOTHING about me, or my life... How Dare he!" I thought.

As I walked around the corner, I heard a voice, "You know, you shouldn't test his patients. He's a very stubborn man, but he is a Professor."

"Look, I didn't mean anything by it, I was just angry. But I need to keep myself in check, or I will end up having a bad day...and so will everyone else..." I said.

"I know, I understand. I do understand a little bit more about you than you think." she said.

"What do you mean? And who are you?" I asked.

"Well, My name is Hermione Granger, Head Girl. And I know what you are. And I just want you to know that I'm okay with it. I don't understand everything, but I do understand some things...please, trust me. I'm here for you." she said to me.

"You're okay with what I am? You must not have lost anyone recently...right?! That's the only way anyone would be okay with what I am." I said to her.

"That's not true. I have lost some people that were very close to me. But the difference with me, is that I learned to accept it, and I do not mourn for them anymore. I don't feel pain when I think of them." she said.

Instantly, I felt relief. "That's a good way to do it. If everyone could do that, there would be no need for what I am. I could have a normal life, and not scare everyone with these electric blue eyes." I said with a small smirk.

"You are who you are because there is a need for you. While some think that you are dark and sinister, I believe that you are good and merciful." she said with a smile. "And not to mention, I love your blue eyes."

That comment made me laugh. I could see the good in this girl, even if everyone else sees a know-it-all bookworm. Hermione Granger is a wonderful person, and hopefully a good friend.

"You know, it's great to hear someone say that. I could really use a trustworthy friend. It's really lonely being me." I said.

"Well," she said as she put her arm around my shoulder, "Stick with me and you'll always have that."

I smiled as we walked to the Great Hall together.

"Um, would it be okay if I sat with you at your table? Seeing as I don't have any other friends, I would love to sit and just talk...about anything..." I asked.

"Sure, I wouldn't have it any other way. Besides, it really doesn't matter where you sit, they encourage inter-house relations. And I'm sure Harry and Ron would love to meet you too." she said to me.

"Alright, sounds good to me." I said as we walked into the Great Hall, and sat down at the Gryffindor table.