Chapter 10:

"Well," Dumbledore said. By the tone of his voice, Harry assumed he was annoyed. "I would ask that a man of your stature and intelligence could at least try and work out a solution. If not I will just have to go about finding someone else who can. That person would probably make for a very good potions master…"

Snape stopped smiling. "Are you threatening me?"

Dumbledore laughed. "Severus, why on earth would I do that? Trust me, if I was threatening you, you would not have to ask…"

"Fine," Snape said aggravated. "I'll see what I can do. If in fact I was the one who did this to her, then I'm sure I can create something…"

"Ahh," Dumbledore said. His tone returning to its more passive and jovial tone. "That's the attitude I prefer. Now it's late and I need to be in bed. Good night." He turned to walk out of the classroom. Harry swore he saw him smile right at him. Harry glanced back to see Snape standing there staring blankly.

"So it worked…" Snape mumbled to himself. "It actually worked. But how did I never know?"

"*******," Harry thought to himself. He considered Snape very lucky that he couldn't see the look that he was giving him under the cloak.

Snape was now staring blankly around the room, still mumbling to himself. "I mean it didn't even get to Potter…"

"What?" Harry mouthed as he tried desperately to hear more. "Get to Potter?" Snape suddenly straightened out and headed for the exit. Harry jumped out of the way and quickly made his way back towards the Gryffindor common room.

00

"Peanut brittle," Harry told the Fat Lady as the portrait hole swung open and let him in. He ran all the way up the stairs into his dorm. All the other boys were still fast asleep. He needed to talk to Ron, to Hermione, to his mum. Maybe they could help him piece this together. Neville's loud snores suddenly jolted him back to reality. It was three o'clock in the morning. Whatever he had to say, no one would want to hear it until the morning…

*************************

"Wake up, Ron?" Harry said pushing Ron's deadweight body as it lay in bed.

"No…I don't want to de-gnome the garden today…" Ron mumbled sleepily. "They'll be there tomorrow."

"Oh Geez, Ron," Harry said shaking him harder. "Wake up!"

"What?" Ron said rolling over and squinting at Harry. "What time is it?"

"Seven-thirty," Harry said.

"There's a seven-thirty in the morning?" Ron said rolling over on to his back. "Since when do we get up at seven-thirty? We've got a good hour before we need to go down to breakfast, and that's still an early breakfast!"

"I know," Harry said. "I couldn't get much sleep. I have to talk to you…"

"I was having a wonderful dream too…" Ron said not listening to Harry. "It was this really beautiful girl and I, and we were on this beach. Wow, was it great. Suddenly, the wind kicked up and her bathing suit…"

"Ron," Harry said shaking his head. "You always have this dream set in different place. The wind always kicks up…"

"No," Ron said still not fully being able to open his eyes to look at him. "Last time it was the rough waters that kicked up and made her bathing suit…"

"My mistake," Harry interrupted. "Look, I need to talk to you."

"It couldn't have waited an hour?" Ron asked. "Or at least until breakfast when Hermione was around?"

"Damn!" Harry said standing up. "You are officially the worst morning person I've ever met."

"Ah, don't look so surprised?" Ron said smiling as he turned back over in bed and buried his head in his pillows.

"You know Hermione would wake up to listen to me…" Harry said as he walked over towards the bathroom.

"Mmrummpppphhh…" Ron mumbled.

"Yeah, well same to you," Harry said shaking his head.

*******************

By 8:30 the Great Hall was already starting to become crowded with people eating breakfast. Harry sat there stabbing his eggs with a fork when Hermione and Lily suddenly walked up.

"Morning!" Hermione said especially chipper.

"Morning," Harry said looking up at her and Lily. "Sleep well?"

"Fantasic," Lily said. "Like a rock."

"Good," Harry said as Ron approached the table and sat down.

"Hello," Ron said smiling at everyone.

"Morning sunshine," Harry said sarcastically.

"Oh you're not still on about that are you?" Ron said helping himself to eggs.

"On about what?" Hermione asked.

"Harry's mad because he woke me up to talk to me and I feel back asleep," Ron said.

"Way to go Ron," Hermione said looking at Harry. "Talk to him about what? Is it important?"

"Told you she'd care," Harry said looking at Ron, who was happily eating his eggs.

"I care," Ron said with his mouthful. "But I'm also lazy."

Harry ignored this and instead turned right to Hermione. "Last night I heard Snape and Dumbledore talking…"

"Did you?!" Hermione said sitting up straight. "About what?" Lily and Ron both looked right at Harry.

"About you," Harry said looking at Lily as he recalled the story to the three of them.

"I hate him," Lily said frowning. "He's always after James…always!"

"What a *******," Ron said shaking his head. "I can't believe he lied to Dumbledore…"

"Well," Hermione said. "I can't say I'm too surprised. Why though? Why would he deny it?"

"Cause he's a twit," Ron said.

"I need a little more to go on other than that Ron," Hermione said casting him a look. "Wait…Harry why were you out of bed last night?"

"Oh," Harry said. "I needed to go to the owlery…"

"Why's that?" Hermione asked intrigued.

"I needed to send a letter to someone," Harry said slowly. "I needed to tell them something."

Hermione smiled widely. "I'm glad you thought about it."

"Don't think that just because you convinced me to do this that…" Harry stopped talking as he noticed Professor Snape walk into the room and over to the head table.

"What?" Ron asked. "What is it?"

"There he is," Harry said pointing. "Snape."

Lily turned around the second Harry finished his sentence. "Him!?" She asked.

"Yes," all three of them said in unison.

"He's looks the same as he always did!" Lily said glaring at him. "He finally got around to having that growth spurt. It was long over due. Otherwise…everything! Even the hair is the same. He just looks older!" Suddenly Snape cast his eyes towards the Gryffinfor table, as if looking for something. Harry had a pretty good idea as to what that was.

Lily swung around to have her back face Snape. "Is he looking?"

"Yes," Ron said glancing up slightly.

"Uggg…" Lily said. "When I get back…if I get back…I swear, James and Sirius will know everything that he's ever done or said to me."

"He's gone," Hermione said nonchalantly turning around. "He's left."

"Good," Harry said. "Glad we don't have Potions today."

"You're telling me," Lily said. "I don't think I could tolerate having him teach me anything!" As she finished her sentence a sudden barrage of owls entered the Great Hall, all of them carrying letters and packages.

"Mail time," Ron said as a letter and the Daily Prophet landed in front of him. Hermione too got a letter and a copy of the Daily Prophet, but Harry was shocked when he suddenly saw Hedwig appear.

"She's back already?" Harry stammered as Hedwig landed on the table and dropped a piece of parchment down in front of him.

"Is that your owl?" Lily asked in awe. "She's beautiful."

"Thanks," Harry said not really listening, as he took the parchment and opened it up. Ron and Hermione both staring at him intently.

Harry-

Glad to hear you're well. I was beginning to get a bit nervous since I hadn't heard from you in awhile. I've kept close to the news however, and Dumbledore's been informing me of things happening around Hogwarts, so I know you've been safe. Now about your letter. Who would be at Hogwarts that Remus and I would like to see? As you know, we've both been very busy out "fighting the battle." I do miss you though, and would like to see you. I'm actually very near to you in a small Scottish town. If this is so important that I come to Hogwarts, then I'll come, and I will try to convince Remus as well seeing as I'm meeting with him tomorrow to discuss things. I'm sure he'd love to see you as well. This weekend most likely. I'll keep you posted. Til then, cheers.

-Sirius

"What day is it?" Harry asked looking up.

"Thursday," Ron said. "Why? What did that say?" Harry handed the letter to Ron. He and Hermione both quickly read over it and looked up.

"This weekend?" Hermione said. "Fantastic!"

"What's fantastic?" Lily asked.

"It's a surprise," Ron said smiling. "Oh joy look who it is…" They all turned to look in the direction of where Ron was looking when they saw what he meant. Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, and Gregory Goyle were all walking over towards the Gryffindor table.

"Well, well," Draco said looking at the four of them. "Isn't this sweet. All of you pouring over letters and what not…" Crabbe and Goyle laughed.

"Buzz off, Malfoy," Harry said.

"Oh not so soon, Potty," Malfoy said snearing. "I came over to remind you that I hope you're prepared to loose gracefully this Saturday."

"Loose what?" Harry asked.

"You really are getting dumber by the day aren't you?" Malfoy said rolling his eyes. "The Quidditch match against Slytherian. Father just bought us all new brooms again. Top of the line Firebolt360's." Ron's mouth dropped.

"Quidditch match?" Harry said rubbing his head. "I totally forgot with everything that's been going on. I have practice tonight…"

"Why bother?" Malfoy said smiling. "I don't know if you heard me or not, but with our new Firebolt360's, we'll annihilate you. So you might as take the time to rest up or hope for a miracle…"

"Isn't it sweet how daddy still pays his way for everything his son's ever accomplished?" Hermione said scowling.

"Shut up, Granger," Malfoy said glaring at her. "No one cares what you have to say. I'm not a professor, so you can't kiss my *** to get anywhere."

"Hermione wouldn't kiss your *** no matter how much daddy paid her," Ron said glaring at Malfoy. "So go find someone else to do your bidding…"

"Good one Weasley," Malfoy said turning towards Ron. "I sure know mummy and daddy didn't pay for that one. Seeing as they would have to go without eating for several weeks…"

"Why I ought to…" Ron said standing up to hit Malfoy square in his jaw, before Lily jumped up to stop him.

"Stop!" Lily said. "Enough of this!"

"Who the hell are you?" Malfoy said looking at Lily up and down.

"I'm Lily," she said staring at Draco. "And you must be Lucius Malfoy's son?"

"Quick one aren't you?" Draco said.

"He was just as rotten as you," Lily said staring at him. "Walking around with his head up high, thinking that him and his cronies could just do whatever they wanted and say whatever they wanted…"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Malfoy said. "Or how you know my father, because he certainly wouldn't hang around the likes of you, but seeing as you're hanging out with those three, you must be mental." With that he turned away, Crabbe and Goyle laughing and following him.

"What a brat?!" Lily said outraged. "Just like his father!"

"You knew his father?" Ron asked. "You had to encounter two Malfoy's?" He shuddered.

"Yes," Lily said scowling. "He was a good four years ahead of us in school. Played as a beater on the Slytherian Quidditch team the first year that Sirius and your dad started playing. He purposely put the entire Gryffindor team in the hospital wing. Everyone one of them! Sending bludgers right into James' face. He had a horrible black eye. Sirius was uncurious for three days because he got one in the side of his head, this other girl named Anne…she broke both legs when she feel off her broom…"

"Sounds like Draco is coming along nicely then," Hermione said. "He'll be just like his dad."

"Seems that way," Lily said rolling her eyes. "So you have a Quidditch match this Saturday?"

"Yeah," Harry said. "I don't know how we're going to win. I have too many things on my mind…I forgot to call practice today. I'll have to do it tonight. Firebolt360's…I dunno what we're going to do…"

"You can do it," Lily said smiling. "I hope I'm at least here until this weekend. I'd love to see a Quiddtich match, and see what this surprise you have…" Harry, Hermione, and Ron all smiled as they suddenly realized that it was time for class.

"We'd better get going," Hermione said. "We don't want to be late for Charms…"

"Charms!" Lily said excitedly. "That's my favorite class! Is Professor Flitwick still there?"

"Yes," Hermione said smiling. "It's my fanorite subject too!." She seemed thrilled at the fact that someone else was sharing her academic enthusiasm.

"Wonderful!" Lily said. "I can't wait."

"Oh great," Ron whispered to Harry as they walked to class. "Now we've got two of them!" The four of them walked into class as tiny little Professor Flitwick stood on a footstool trying to reach something from a high shelf.

"Hello Miss Granger!" he said excitedly. "So glad to see that I have…" He stopped and stared blankly at Lily. "Miss Evans!? Lily Evans?!"

"Professor Flitwick," she said smiling widely. Not as widely as Professor Flitwick however. "How are you?"

"Very well!" He squeaked. "I heard Professor Dumbledore saying something about you earlier, but I never really thought…This is magnificent! Have a seat, have a seat." Lily walked over and sat down in between Harry and Hermione.

"Well is everyone here?" Professor Flitwick asked looking around. "Wonderful! Well. To start things out, I'm quite excited to say that we have an exceptional bright new addition to our class." Lily blushed.

"Hi I'm Seamus," Seamus said from the other side of Harry.

"Hi," Lily said quickly, not really taking her eyes off of Flitwick.

"Well first of all," Flitwick began. "I want to start with the 'Stunner Charm,' for it is a very difficult charm to master and requires much concentration."

Hermione raised her hand. "Professor?"

'Yes, Miss Granger?" He asked.

"I believe I know it," she said smiling.

"Well I'm sure," he said smiling as well. "Would you like to demonstrate it for us?"

Hermione stood up and walked in front of the rest of the class. Professor Flitwick pulled out a small hamster and sent it on the desk. "Now," he said. "If this is performed properly, this charm should disorientate the subject for up to 2 minutes depending the concentration level. Comes in very handy for a slip of the tongue moment, or an embarrassing moment you'd like to forget. As simple as it may look, the concentration level is not easy to achieve." Hermione smiled meekly as she pulled out her wand and pointed it at the hamster.

"Extrenus Petrifunis," Professor Flitwick said encouragingly.

Hermione glared hard at the hamster, "Extrenus Petrifunis!" She said as the hamster vibrated a little, and the suddenly went back to eating a leaf of lettuce.

"I don't understand?" Hermione said. "I did it the other day…"

"It's all right, Miss Granger," Professor Flitwick said smiling. "It's very difficult. I'm sure you'll master it soon enough however…"

"Professor?" Lily asked with her hand raised.

"Lily!" He said turning towards her, "What can I do for you?"

"I believe I can attempt it," she said smiling. "If you'd let me try."

"Of course!" He said as shuffled Hermione back to her seat. She frowned as she went back and took her seat next to Ron..

"Please," Professor Flitwick said as he motioned towards the hamster.

Lily looked around the room and at Professor Flitwick. She seemed a little nervous. That all changed however when she pulled out her wand. The expression on he face dramatically changed. She suddenly had a new air of confidence and determination about her.

"Extrenus Pet…" Professor Fliwick began, before he was suddenly interrupted.

"Extrenus Petrifunis!" Lily said glaring at the hamster as it suddenly began to vibrate dramatically and then stumble around the table. It was completely disorientated.

"Wow," Ron said staring. Hermione glared at him.

"Excellent!" Professor Flitwick said. "Just like that!" Lily smiled as her face returned to it's normal state. Hermione did not look very happy.

Class continued as normal, though no one else was able to do what Lily had been able to do. In fact Hermione had come closest, but this did not satisfy her.

"Wonderful lesson," Professor Flitwick said as the Gryffindors all began to leave. "Absolutely splendid. Lily?"

"Yes," she said turning around. Harry, Ron, and a very disgruntled Hermione all stopped.

"I just wanted to thanks you for a wonderful performance," he said smiling. "You always were one of the brightest students that I've ever encountered."

"Thank you," Lily said smiling brightly. Hermione turned and walked out of the room.

"I hope you do get back to your time," he said smiling. "But I have enjoyed seeing you."

"I have as well," Lily said as she turned and walked back over to where Ron and Harry were. "Where'd Hermione go?"

Ron and Harry looked around as if just noticing she had disappeared. "She was right here." Ron said looking around. "She didn't look to well in class though. Maybe she didn't feel well."

"Yeah maybe," Harry said as they walked out into the hall and ran right into Ginny.

"Hey sis," Ron said grinning. "Oh I'm sorry that smile isn't for me is it?" He looked at Harry.

"Hi Harry," Ginny said blushing. She looked at Lily and smiled politely.

"Hey Ginny," he said. "This is Lily."

"Hi," Lily said smiling brightly at Ginny. Ginny nodded politely.

"Ginny is my sister," Ron said looking at Lily. "And she's Harry's…" He paused. "Date for the ball."

"Ball?" Lily asked.

"Yeah," Ginny said nodding. "It's next weekend."

"Oh how fun," Lily said smiling. "Ron who are you going with?"

"No one yet," Ron said shifting his weight awkwardly.

"Well," Ginny said. "If I could make a SUGGESTION!!! I know a person who would be more than willing to go with you…"

"Ginny," Ron said glaring at her. "You really don't know what you're talking about…"

"I do too," she said. "She told me herself."

"Whatever," Ron said. "I'm not going with one of you little friends."

"She's not little!" Ginny said annoyed, "I mean how can you not realize that it's Her…"

"Hey Ginny, could you come with me for a second," Harry said laughing as he pushed her aside. "I'm going to talk to him. You don't need to make a big scene."

"He's never going to ask Hermione if someone doesn't tell him," Ginny said pointing at him.

"I'll talk to him," Harry said. "I promise…"

"Fine," Ginny said as she turned to walk to her Defense of the Dark Arts class. "See you later."

"Where's Lily?" Harry asked as he walked back over to Ron.

"Bathroom," he said as he began to walk. "She told me she had Arithmancy next, so I told her to meet up with Hermione."

"Oh all right," Harry said as they made there way to Divinitation. Hey Ron,, look about this ball…" Harry began before Ron cut him off.

"Taken care of," Ron said.

"What?" Harry asked. "You're going to ask her?"

Ron looked confused. "I all ready did, but how'd you know?"

"You did?" Harry asked. "When did you ask Hermione?"

"Hermione?" Ron said surprised. "What makes you think Hermione would want to go with me. She'd probably consider it some sort of torture."

"She wouldn't," Harry said. "I mean you need to come off it. I know you fancy her."

"Maybe," Ron said distantly. "But like I said. I highly doubt she feels the same way."

"Ron, she does feel…" Harry said before he stopped. "Wait, what's taken care of then?"

'Huh?" Ron asked.

"You said it was taken care of?" Harry said. "What's taken care of?"

"Oh," Ron said. "I got a date for the ball."

"Not Hermione?" Harry asked confused and somewhat disappointed for her. "Then who?"

"Well," Ron said slowly. "I kind of asked your mum…"