Disclaimer: The characters are not mine. The plot is. Please don't take it.

A/N: I have Snapie and Harry listed as the main characters. They are. This is not slash. They are not romantically connected in any way, seeing as Snape HATES Harry, and the feeling is more than mutual. I will be fostering that hatred, for now at least.

The walk to Dumbledore's office seemed longer than ever. Snape's glaring presence at his side was enough to make Harry walk as fast as possible, slowing only when he realized that he was about to pass Dumbledore.

The old professor looked over his shoulder at the two as he continued to walk, sighing softly to himself. Though they wouldn't have known it, Severus, Harry, and especially their continued antagonism towards each other were burs in Dumbledore's knickers. Why can't we all just get along? Severus had to take his hatred of James out on Harry, not letting the grudge die like it should have... Then again, maybe they would know it- Severus at least. And he would be very sorry, but wouldn't relent at all.

Maybe this is my chance... to right a wrong that has festered for more than twenty years. Well, if it is, they sure aren't going to like me very much. Dumbledore thought it over, then decided to commit himself. He commandingly said, "Ton-tongue Toffees!" and the door slowly opened.

Dumbledore entered, sighing as he tried to ignore the two unlikely debaters behind him.

"After you, Professor."

"No, no, I would never wish to detract from one of your grand entrances, Potter. I must insist that you go first."

"No, you must go. I insist."

"Just get in here, both of you!" It was one of those rare times that Dumbledore lost control for just a second, but it was enough.

Severus and Harry both tried to get into the room at the same time, getting themselves stuck in the doorway in the process. Each glared at the other, bracing themselves on the doorway, and forcing the way through.

"Sit. Now." They remained standing, warily, until he added, "Now." Snape set himself delicately into one of the two plush armchairs before the desk, and Harry headed for the other.

"You two have been at each others throats since you met. I know the reasons behind this hatred. I also know that it must stop. That is why I have chosen this topic for your debate." He eyed them carefully. Oh, were they ever going to be mad. It's for their own good. They just can't see it yet. Not that they necessarily will ever see it, but that is beyond the point.

"The topic is whether certain teaching styles are more effective than others. For instance, could you, Professor Snape, obtain equal or better classroom results were you to nurture a more... comforting attitude ... I suggest you study up on both sides, as you won't know which side you will be fighting until the day of the match. I think, also, that it would be easier for both of you to split the work up a bit- so you can each take a partner for the debate. Well?"

They both sat, staring at him in shock. The topic was supposed to be something that was easy, for this not really real debate- how on earth had Dumbledore come up with that topic on the short walk to his office? (A/N: Especially since it took me two days to come up with it, and it's not even funny like I was hoping for. Definitely not fair, that is. Dumbledore is so much smarter than I, even when I'm writing him.)

Dumbledore sat down easily in his big armchair, rolling his fingertips across the oak of his desk. He sat innocently, eyes twinkling away as Severus Snape, still at a loss for words, suddenly stood up, looming very threateningly, then spun and walked out of the office, robes swirling around him. He still sat as Harry slowly regained his speech, if not his knowledge of the English language.

"Professor- You- It- We-"

"One pronoun at a time, please, Harry. I know very well what you are undoubtedly thinking of me right now, just as I know what Severus Snape is, and as I knew before I announced the topic. I did, however, seriously consider making you forget the whole idea of a debate and instead forcing you into resolving your differences through an Air Hockey match- a very good way to get your inner aggression out.

"Fun as it would be, this will work better. I know what I am doing. Now, why don't you go inform your friends of the topic, and pick your partner. I believe that they are to be found in the lounge, perhaps?"

"Uggh- Umm- Urgh- yes, professor." Harry left slowly, a dazed look on his face.

Oh, dear. Have I just made one of the biggest mistakes in my life? Or will it all work out as it is supposed to? ... I think I need a lemon drop.

* * * * *

Hermione and Ron had gotten into a bit of an argument by the time that Harry got down to the lounge. To put it more precisely, they were screaming their lungs out at each other, both at the same time. Ginny sat in between them at one of the couches, and was squirming down lower and lower, looking as if there was no place that she'd rather be less.

Every person in the lounge, and there were a good number, stared at that single Gryffindor couch, and the two screamers seemed oblivious to it all. Ginny just grew redder and redder, looking worse with a blush than even Ron.

The screamed words slowly became distinguishable to Harry, who wanted to know what the fight was about before he attempted to break it up.

"DO YOU UNDERSTAND ANYTHING? HARRY IS GOING TO HAVE TO BEAT SNAPE, OR BOTH YOU AND HE ARE GOING TO BEAT SIRIUS'S DETENTION RECORD!" Hermione screamed, turning a purplish-red.

"IF YOU HAD WARNED ME ABOUT THE STUPID POP NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED!" Ron snarled.

"IF YOU HAD WATCHED WHERE YOU WERE GOING!"

"IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!" they both yelled, then both fell silent as they realized precisely how loud they had gotten.

Harry looked from one to another with amusement, the debate topic forgotten, then locked eyes with Ginny. She nodded, much relieved now that Ron and Hermione weren't going on so outrageously. He walked to the couch, and held a hand out to the middle girl.

Ginny smiled brightly, took the hand, and walked out with Harry, leaving the other two to stare. "Did- did my sister just walk out with Harry?"

"Yes. Yes, she did. I wonder how long it's been?"

"What do you mean how long it's been? You think- oh, no!" He made to go running after them, but Hermione pulled him back.

"It's sweet. Let them go. They deserve each other."

"Yea, they both know how to put up with us when we get like that..."

"You know, I think that they would say that we deserve each other, too." Hermione spoke somewhat softer, turning her face away.

"Well, I know that they're wrong. I could never deserve you." Ron stood and held his hand out to Hermione, who took it and followed him out.

"You know, Harry never did tell us what the topic is- for the debate? Or any of the rules, or anything."

"We'll find out soon enough. Probably something stupid, or something."

A/N: I didn't like this chapter. It wasn't funny. I couldn't make this part funny. I wanted it to be funny, but... oh, well. It will get funnier. Every time I think about the debate I picture Harry pacing, in a suit and tie, and carrying a briefcase, with that 'studious hero' expression on his face.

I apologize for the fluff, but it seemed the right way to end this chapter. There shouldn't be too much else, but then, who knows? (certainly not me...)

Please review, comments and criticism are very welcome.

Thanks!