PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: This story contains rape and violence. It is probably my most disturbing story, although love does prove out in the end and that is the real message. That said, this story is not for everyone. The disturbing bits start in chapter 2. If you are unsure at all about this, then DO NOT proceed. I appreciate reviews, but please no flames if you decide to continue past this warning.

This story was originally published almost a year ago and is part of my rewrites that I am doing on my early stories. The main fixes here are in the dialogue formatting, as well as a couple grammatical errors. The plot remains unchanged.

o-o-o-o-o

Chapter 1 - Potions

Hermione took a deep breath. Her potion looked good and smelled wonderful, like freshly mown grass, broom polish and a bit of spearmint. She was lost in thought when Snape swept across the room, analyzing each cauldron. It was their fifth year of Potions and Snape seemed to get meaner by the day. Pausing at Hermione's cauldron, he scowled and moved on. Hermione smirked 'won't say a damn thing, but he knows it's good' she thought to herself. She looked over at Harry and Ron as Snape made his way to their cauldrons.

"Mr. Weasley, why does your cauldron resemble catsick more than an amortentia potion? Disgusting."

Then he vanished the contents of Ron's cauldron while Ron stood, balling his fists and trying to contain his anger. Snape continued around the room, making snide comments but complimenting no one. As he reached Draco Malfoy's cauldron, Hermione felt certain that Snape was about to lavish his usual praise on his favorite student. She was pleasantly surprised when the fumes from Draco's cauldron caused Snape to cough as he tried to comment.

"Draco, you must pay attention more."

Hermione was furious. Ron's potion had looked horrible, but at least it wasn't emitting noxious fumes throughout the dungeon. But of course, it was a Gryffindor who would have their potion vanished and receive zero points. Never a Slytherin. Snape finished his swooping and assigned them a two foot essay detailing all the ingredients for amortentia and what each contributed to the potion.

"And, for those of you who failed to concoct a proper potion today, I would like details in your essays on where you went wrong."

Snape issued the last order in his usual, low, malicious tone. Then he scowled at Ron, rolled his eyes at Draco, and left the room.

Hermione, Ron and Harry cleaned up quickly. Hermione and Harry made enough rude comments about Snape to calm Ron down a bit. As they finished, Hermione offered her advice.

"You didn't do bad Ron, but I think your toad livers may be a bit spoiled."

Ron nodded his head. Hermione was probably right as usual. Then Hermione looked up and saw Draco staring at them.

"What's your problem Malfoy? Looking for the porcupine quills you obviously forgot to include in your potion?"

With that said, Hermione turned and left the classroom with Ron and Harry. When she reached the hallway, Ron was grinning at her.

"That was perfect Hermione. I love watching you insult Malfoy. Of course, that's only one of the many things I love about you."

Then he had his arms around her and his lips began devouring her, and Hermione forgot all about potions. Harry chuckled and turned away from his two friends.

"Well, I'm going back to the tower. I'll leave you two alone."

Several minutes later Draco left the potions dungeon and came to a dead stop. Granger and Weasley were right in front of him and snogging each other so hard that they didn't realize he was there. He was still angry at Professor Snape and then stupid Granger and her oh-so-smart comments. Now, he had to find the two of them here like this. Draco hurried by them, trying to remain disgusted, but also realizing that the sight of the two of them had hardened him slightly and also made him sick.