By dinner, Hermione's anger had simmered a little bit. So what if Jasmine was clever? She, Hermione Jean Granger, did not need to be jealous of another intelligent witch.

Even so, after eating steak and kidney pie, Hermione resolved to do plenty of research before her next Potions class, just to make sure she stayed top. She couldn't help but wonder why Snape praised her like that when she was a Gryffindor. Snape hated Gryffindors, it was well known, and the man certainly never said anything nice to them.

She pushed the thought out of her mind, and finished off her dinner. Jasmine, who was sat beside her again, of course had eaten nothing. Hermione had given up pushing it already; it was clear she had some sort of issue with the Hogwarts food. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Jasmine was staring at her again with big brown eyes. It was slightly unnerving.

"Could you show me where the library is? Professor McGonagall said that there'd be lots of books to help me with my lessons, and I have some catching up to do," Jasmine explained. Hermione felt annoyed at the fact that she was justifying why she had to go to the library. Why did she have to justify it?

Plus, the library was Hermione's favourite place to be, somewhere quiet where she could do her work.

"Sure, I'm heading there in a minute," Hermione said irritably. She had ignored all the mouth-watering desserts, so she got up and strode off, expecting Jasmine just to follow.

Outside in the corridor, Jasmine ran to catch her up.

"So, I heard there's lots of really interesting books," Jasmine said earnestly, as something to say. There was an awkward pause as Hermione decided not to grace her with a reply. "Urm… I heard some of them are quite complex though-"

"Oh well, I'm sure you'll be able to manage," Hermione snapped, completely out of character in her annoyance. Jasmine Lloyd was like an irritating insect, constantly buzzing at her. In truth, there was no reason for Hermione to be annoyed at her, she just felt like it.

"I really hope so," Jasmine said timidly, "but I'm sure you could help me! Everyone says you're really smart!"

Hermione snorted, pushing the door open to the library and allowing Jasmine to go in first.

"Oh wow," Jasmine whispered, staring round her in awe. "There's so many books in here!"

Leaving her to look round, Hermione walked confidently to the Potions section. She began looking at likely titles and pulled a few out, before Jasmine approached yet again.

"Sorry to disturb you, but where could I find books on advanced Arithmancy?"

"Ask the librarian!" Hermione naturally knew exactly where the books on Arithmancy were but she wasn't about to waste time. Jasmine nodded.

"Will you show me the way back to Gryffindor Tower? I can't remember how to get back from here."

"Yes," Hermione said rudely.

Jasmine crept away.

After five minutes, Hermione took all the books she could carry and slipped away. She checked all the books out, then slid out the door silently. Once she was in the corridor, she marched quickly back to Gryffindor tower and took her books upstairs to the dormitory. Then she got out her homework and returned to the common room to sit with Harry and Ron.

"We have so much homework," Harry grumbled.

"I hate Divination so much," Ron said. Hermione felt a wave of pity; she had hated the lesson too.

"Hey, where's Jasmine?" Harry asked suddenly.

"In the library," Hermione said with a scowl, remembering that she was meant to lead her back. Harry didn't notice.

Time passed, Hermione finished her homework quickly. She sat and watched the boys complete their work, feeling sleepy.

Then the portrait hole opened, and Jasmine was led in by Professor McGonagall.

"Tomorrow I shall give you a map, should you ever get lost again," McGonagall said kindly to Jasmine. "Maybe Miss Granger could help you?"

"Thank you," Jasmine whispered, and slinked away, to the dormitories. Hermione realised how late it was getting, and how the other girls had already gone up, so she said goodnight to Harry and Ron and slowly made her way up to the dorms.

"Thanks for showing me back," Jasmine said as soon as Hermione entered. She looked away, avoiding eye contact. Hermione stared at her back. Then she chose not to reply.

"You know, I have no clue why you dislike me so much, but I haven't done anything wrong," Jasmine went on, her voice trembling. "I just want to make friends here-"

"Oh, give up the act," Hermione snarled. "You pretend to be all helpless and innocent and sensitive, when I know that you aren't!"

"Look. I've had a really difficult time these past four years-"

"Poor you," Hermione said sarcastically. This seemed to anger Jasmine, who turned on her in a sinister manner.

"My mother is dead, my father is an abusive alcoholic and I live with foster parents!" Jasmine shouted at her. Hermione stopped, feeling shame flow through her. She wouldn't let it show, though.

"We don't have much money, I live in a tiny house, and now some girl who I've only just met is being nasty to me," Jasmine said angrily. "I don't even see why."

Lavender and Parvati were watching, glaring at Hermione. They didn't like her too much.

"All I want," Jasmine finished, "is some friends here."

Hermione knew she should apologise, but instead stuck her nose in the air. If she hadn't beaten her in Potions…

"Just don't talk to her," Lavender said in disgust. "I never knew she was that mean. Always knew she was a stuck-up know-it-all but still…"

There was a sniffling sound behind her – Jasmine was crying. Hermione now felt bad, and turned to face her.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said, looking at Jasmine's feet. "I didn't mean to-"

But Jasmine buried her face in Parvati's shoulder and refused to look at her. Somehow, Hermione knew damage had been done.