"Harry, for the last time, it wasn't me!" Ron exclaimed.

"You're just worried he's going to actually kill you this time."

Ron sighed.

"I think he's telling the truth Harry," said Hermione with a sly smile.

Harry turned to her slowly. "It was you?"

Ron turned to stare at her too, his eyes getting wider and wider.

"No, you idiots!" Hermione let her hand drop to the table and sighed. Then she leaned over to them. Sensing a secret the boys leaned in. "I don't think it was an illusion. I think they were really out there," she said with a wicked gossipy grin.

"Oh, no way! Why would she want him?" said Ron rather loudly.

Harry shushed him and looked nervously at the teachers' table to see if Snape was watching them. He seemed oblivious, picking joylessly at his lunch.

"Ron, I realize this may be hard for you to understand, as a boy," Hermione emphasized the word to indicate she considered him not nearly as sophisticated as herself, "but women are attracted to charisma and power. It is not, inconceivable, that a woman would find Snape, compelling."

"You have got to be joking me." Ron rolled his eyes.

"Hey, maybe Hermione's right. After all, she has that crush on him," Harry said with a poorly stifled giggle.

"I do not! I just appreciate his intellect."

"Mmm-Hmmm." Harry nodded knowingly, in hopes that she would embarrass herself further.

"Stop. I don't want to know about this. Either one of you. It's just icky," said Ron looking between them.

"I think it's sweet."

Ron and Harry just gaped at her.

"Think about it, maybe she can do something about that temper of his," Hermione said.

"I wouldn't count on it," said Ron.

"I still think it should be a prank," Harry said sulkily.