At breakfast Monday, they look over our schedules for the week. Neville reads his.

Neville moans, "Oh no, Potions this afternoon."

Ron says, "Unfortunately yes."

Gia looks at Harry's schedule. She says, "Well, this looks better than Algebra."

Then something hits the table. Errol is carrying a red letter addressed to Ron. Ron trembles as he removes the Howler and opens it. The sound of Mrs. Weasley's voice fills the room.

=== LETTER ====
RONALD WEASLEY

Once again you exposed yourself to mortal peril! You should be ashamed of yourself!

Mum

================

Fred says, "That's bad."

Harry asks, "Huh?"

George says, "When Mum is very, very angry, She never writes much."

Ron scratches his head and says, "I haven't been in mortal peril lately."

Seamus says, "Dumb ass, your little show after Quidditch ..."

Ron mutters, "That was nothing really."

Harry says, "Ron, don't worry about it. Let's get to Hagrid's class."

* * * Insults * * *

Harry, Hermione, Gia, and Ron enter the Potions dungeon and take seats at a table near the back. Snuffles lies down under the table.

Pansy Parkinson yells out, "Potter like your girlfriend? Are you trying to get her killed too?"

"Where is your boyfriend, Draco? Is he still suspended?" asks Hermione.

Ron says, "Calm down Hermione, that's what Malfoy gets for bungling a Muggle Killing."

Harry says, "No Ron, Draco had two choices. He could either accept the suspension, or keep sucking my socks."

The Gryffindors laugh. The Slytherins start jaunting, but Snuffles growls very loud and barks. Everyone immediately grows quiet. Snape witnesses this, but ignores it as he steps into the classroom.

"In line with your review, we're going to make a Swelling Potion today." says Snape.

Snape collects their essays. The students write down the next essay topic from the board. They get out the ingredients and start their potions.

Neville moans, "It's been a while."

Gia is standing between Harry and Neville. She leans over and asks, "What ingredients does this require?"

Neville is stunned, but he looks in his notes.

"List them." says Gia.

Neville writes it down on a spare piece of parchment. Over the next hour, Neville actually manages to make a viable potion.

Snape comes over and looks at Neville's cauldron. Snape says, "Five points taken Mr. Longbottom for being helped."

Gia protests, "He was not helped with the Potion. I merely helped him concentrate."

Snape says, "That was uncalled for, Miss Slut." The Slytherins are chuckling.

Harry says to Snape, "You are out of line."

"Do not speak to me like that Potter. Five points." says Snape.

Harry says, "You brute! Gia managed what you could not. Do not insult her for that."

Snape says, "Another five points Mr. Potter. I am the Potions Master here, Mr. Longbottom will learn from me."

Harry says, "By bullying him? You may be the Potions Master but you are a lousy teacher."

Snuffles growls at Snape.

Snape gets out his wand and points it at Harry. Snape says, "Potter, ten points, and if you can't control your guests, I will."

The potion in Harry's cauldron explodes drenching Harry. Every other Gryffindor draw their wands and point them Snape. The Slytherins point theirs at the Gryffindors.

Harry says, "Come on Gia, we are leaving." The Gryffindors quickly pack.

Snape says, "Potter, I need to give you some Deflating Draught."

"Poisoned most likely." says Harry and starts to walk out of the dungeon.

Snape is nearly boiling. Snape says "Imperio!" and hits Harry.

Harry however, grabs his wand and yells "Stupefy!" The curse hits Snape and Snape collapses.

The Slytherins are speechless by this.

* * * Bullies * * *

The Gryffindors, Snuffles, and Gia walk up the stairs quickly to the Hospital Wing.

Ron says, "Harry, that was really serious back there." says Ron.

Harry says, "Snape attacked me. I do not care what Snape says, teachers do not have that right."

"The rest of us got hit a bit." says Seamus.

"Pomfrey will be busy." says Dean.

They enter the Hospital Wing.

"What is it this time with Mr. Potter?" asks Pomfrey. Then, Pomfrey comes out of her office.

Ron says, "How did you..."

"Large group and Mr. Potter is scheduled for Potions." says Pomfrey.

Hermione says, "Swelling Potion and Harry was drenched."

Pomfrey asks, "Did Professor Snape offer a Deflating Draught?"

Pomfrey brings over a bottle and hands it to Harry. Harry takes a drink. He passes it to Gia.

Ron says, "Snape did, but after last week..."

Pomfrey says, "Understandable."

Lupin walks in and says, "Well, I wanted to see Harry after class. Once I realized he was scheduled for Potions, I came here."

Ron explains the incident in Potions.

"Professor Snape put Harry under the Imperius Curse?" asks Lupin.

"He tried to." says Harry.

"Teachers are permitted to use that if circumstances warrant." says Lupin.

"Harry perceived it as an attack." says Hermione.

"You resisted Snape's curse Harry?" asks Lupin.

Harry says, "Yes, it didn't really phase me at all."

Lupin says, "Severus is quite capable of casting it, too."

Gia says, "Harry, I have to admit that this is interesting. I can now see why Derek didn't bother you."

"Derek?" asks Lupin.

Gia says, "The Chief Bully at my school. Him and his gang seem to own the place."

Lupin says, "Yes, even Hogwarts has those. Severus Snape was one in my day."

"He still is from what I saw today." says Gia.

Harry says, "Yep. Snape hated my father so he hates me. In case you didn't notice today."

"So, why are the rest of the Gryffindors here?" asks Lupin.

Seamus says, "In support of Harry. Snape routine harasses the Gryffindors in Potions. Today, he went too far."

Lupin says, "Professor Snape is the Potions Master. Nobody else can teach it. Never trust my antidotes."

Hermione says, "We should be heading to Transfiguration."

Pomfrey says, "Well, you're all fine now."

Snape walks into the Hospital Wing and heads for Harry. Lupin intercepts.

"Severus, stay away from Mr. Potter." says Lupin.

"Remus, I can see Potter if I wish to." says Snape.

Lupin replies, "No you may not Severus, leave."

Quickly, Harry slips past. The Gryffindors, Snuffles, and Gia head to Transfiguration.

Neville says to Gia, "Um, thanks for your help earlier."

"You're welcome. I saw Snape bullying you in Potions." says Gia.

"I'm not good at Potions." says Neville.

Gia says, "That is because of Snape. You would do better with just about anyone else."

Neville is grinning and says, "Thanks."

* * * Elfs and Dinner * * *

After Transfiguration, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia are sitting around a table in the Gryffindor Common Room.

Harry says, "I wish we still had Quidditch practice."

Gia says, "That is an interesting game. It's definitely better than soccer."

"Why have a game where you can't maim and injure your opponents?" Hermione asks sarcastically.

Ron says, "That would be dull. Quidditch is more challenging than the other sports."

Neville comes over and asks, "I'm having trouble. Mind if I join you?"

Harry points to a chair and says, "Have a seat."

"Witch Weekly will be an interesting read tomorrow." says Ron.

"What? That thing?" asks Harry.

Hermione says, "Harry, you announced Gia to the entire school. It's going to be in there. It was in this morning's Daily Prophet, here." She hands Harry her copy.

Harry and Gia reads the caption underneath the big full page picture.

=== ARTICLE ===
Harry Potter Has Girlfriend
by Rita Skeeter

Rumors have been confirmed. Harry Potter has revealed that he has a girlfriend. Harry Potter appears to be quite taken with the blond haired and blue eyed Witch named Gia. Harry Potter is attempting to fill the void of his parents with the love of a helpless Witch. A Witch who is in grave peril due to her involvement with Potter. What role Hermione Granger's Love Potions have played is unknown and should be investigated. ================

Harry says, "Gia, you are on the front page."

Gia says, "I can understand why you avoid her." Harry wraps his left arm about Gia and smiles.

Neville looks at the essay Harry is working on. Neville says, "You're already working on the Transfiguration assignment? I'm still working on Charms for tomorrow."

Gia says, "Neville, concentrate on it. Have you read the material yet?"

"No." says Neville.

"Then read it." says Gia.

Harry says, "Neville, that's what I started doing. Each day, I read the material, outline the essay, and then write it. Takes me about an hour or so for each essay."

"An hour?" asks Seamus, pulling up a chair.

"It's about focus Seamus. With Gia, I've got an incentive." says Harry.

"We don't doubt that." says Dean, also pulling up a chair.

"If you three will excuse me, I've got an essay to finish." says Harry.

"Incredible." says Seamus, watching Harry rapidly finish the essay.

"Harry is now a match for me." says Hermione.

"That's a compliment." says Ron, working the essay.

Harry finishes the essay and notices the empty sofa near the fire. Harry and Gia go over and sit on the sofa. They start snogging.

Dean says, "Nice reward. Pavarti, will you reward me?"

"You're dreaming." says Pavarti.

"So how long is she staying at Hogwarts?" asks Seamus.

"For the rest of the term." replies Ron.

"Doesn't she have school?" asks Seamus.

Ron says, "Closed. The building was leveled Saturday."

"That's convenient." says Dean.

"I suppose it is." says Ron.

"So, what do you think about her?" asks Seamus.

"Gia's nice." says Neville.

"Of course to you. She helped you in Potions." says Dean.

"Well, what if Snape had done that ages ago?" asks Ron.

"We get your drift. She is pretty." says Seamus.

"Anybody looking forward to Potions on Thursday?" asks Ron.

"What? Are you kidding?" asks Neville.

"We've walked out on the last two." says Dean.

Hermione looks at Ron's watch and she says, "Time for Dinner."

Everybody else exits for the Great Hall, but Dobby enters. He delivers dinner to them.

Dobby sees the couple snogging on the sofa and his eyes go very wide. Dobby says, "Harry Potter!"

"Hey Harry!" says Ron.

Harry looks up and pulls up Gia. He says, "Gia, I'd like you to meet Dobby, the House-Elf. Dobby, meet Gia, my girlfriend."

Gia stares at Dobby for a moment.

Dobby says, "Dobby thinks she must be special for Harry Potter to fall in love with her."

"She is." says Harry.

"Dobby, Quidditch is done for rest of the term." says Ron.

Harry says, "Which means, we will now have the time to have dinner in the Great Hall with everyone else. So, after tonight, stop the catering."

Dobby says, "Dobby is good House-Elf Harry Potter. Dobby enjoys helping Harry Potter."

Harry and Gia sit at the table. Harry says, "Dobby, we enjoy dinner wherever."

Ron says, "Dobby, I enjoyed the catering service. Thank you."

Dobby disappears.

* * * Alternate Explanations * * *

After eating dinner, Harry and Gia resume snogging on the sofa. Hermione heads up to the girls dormitory. Ron follows.

"Hey this is the girls dorm!" yells Hermione.

"You never worry about the boys!" says Ron.

"That's different."

"How?"

"I have to pee!"

"Then pee. Do you want me to watch?"

"Argh, you pervert!" says Hermione.

Hermione enters the bathroom and closes the door. Ron sits on the floor next to the door and opens it a crack.

"Ron!" yells Hermione.

"Hermione, I wanted to talk. Can't through a closed door." says Ron.

"You've had all day!"

"Not with privacy."

"So you invade mine?" asks Hermione.

"I've seen you naked! Hearing you pee is not a problem."

"You are a pervert."

"With you, I'm proud of it."

"Argh! Well you've cornered me, what did you want to talk about?"

"You. I just wanted to talk with you without Harry around."

"So, you came into my dormitory for this?" asks Hermione.

"Sure, you've came into mine for less."

Hermione comes back out of the bathroom and sits on her bed. Ron sits next to her.

"What is there to talk about?"

"You tell me. Something is really bothering you, and it's more than just me."

"Not really."

"Something is, Potions perhaps?"

"That did irk me today. Snape insults a guest on their first visit."

"The entire incident sucked." says Ron.

"Why did Snape splash Harry?"

"Are we certain Snape did it?"

"Snape pointed his damn wand!" says Hermione.

"Hermione, like Sirius, other possibilities exist. Snape could have cursed the potion. Harry could have cursed the potion. Neville might have thrown in a Wet Start Firecracker. Crabbe and Goyle might have sought revenge for what we did during our second year."

Just then both Pavarti and Lavender enter the dormitory.

"Boys are not supposed to be in here." says Pavarti.

Ron says, "Just like girls aren't supposed to be in the boys dormitory?"

Lavender giggles but says, "We have never been over there."

Ron asks, "So, what was in Seamus' bed several weeks ago?"

"McGonagall said for no fraternization." says Pavarti.

"Like that really stops us." says Ron.

"I will tell Dean about this." says Lavender.

"Dean would award Ron points." says Hermione.

Ron says, "Hermione, I've got a bit more studying to do. I'll see you later."

Ron kisses Hermione and then he leaves.

Hermione says, "You know, Ron is right."

Pavarti says, "So? Let the boys open up their dormitory as the brothel. Ours should remain a sanctuary."

Hermione says, "No. It goes both ways. Therefore, Ron will occasionally be in this dormitory."

Lavender says, "You two have the hots for each other. Pavarti, any guesses as to how long?"

"Dunno, a month at the most, if not already." says Pavarti.

* * * Snape's Card * * *

Ron enters Lupin's office Monday evening.

"Yes?" asks Lupin.

Ron says, "I was just trying to find some privacy in this castle. With the increased security, that's nearly impossible to find nowadays."

Lupin asks, "So, my office fits that description?"

"I figured you might have some good ideas. There seems to be no place left."

"Do you mind if we talked?" asks Lupin.

Ron replies, "Okay."

Ron sits at the desk and Lupin pours some tea.

Lupin says, "Lately, things have been getting ugly between Severus and Harry."

"I have noticed that."

"No doubt you have. Professor Snape has requested that Harry be removed from the Potions class."

Ron says, "What?" Then, Ron jokes, "Pomfrey would have nothing to do then."

"Poppy is supporting Severus in this matter. In addition to the incidents, Severus claims Harry is not going to pass Potions."

"Harry's recent work is very good."

"Severus is discounting that on grounds of suspected cheating."

"Harry has not been cheating. Snape is unbelievable. First he chastises Harry for sloppy work and when Harry improves, Snape assumes cheating."

"Minerva mentioned an incident from last fall."

"It was a joke between Harry, Hermione, and me. She didn't appreciate it."

"Nevertheless, it does not help when cheating becomes suspected."

"What else can Harry do to disprove them? McGonagall watched Harry several weeks ago and we did an essay right under her nose. She seemed satisfied that the work was genuine. Hagrid even watched us on one occasion."

"I have compared the essays between the three of you and I concur that there is no basis for cheating. While I believe you, Severus is not convinced."

Ron says, "Snape has been trying to flunk Harry for years."

"Why has Snape not flunked Harry before?"

"Dumbledore stops Snape, that is the only explanation. Every final, Snape scribbles a zero next to Harry's name regardless of Harry's performance. Even Neville does better."

"Severus' other argument is the recent encounters. Severus feels that Harry is a threat to his teaching authority.".

"Snape acts like a tyrant and bullies Harry. Only recently has Harry had the nerve to stand up to Snape. This morning, Snape insults Harry. Harry tells Snape that insults are out of line. Snape docks points."

"Harry stunned Severus!"

"Harry was leaving for the Hospital Wing. Snape uses the Imperius Curse on Harry and Harry reacts."

"That did take Severus by surprise. The charge of insubordination is a tough one to fight."

"What would happen if Harry is pulled from Potions?"

"Potions is a required subject. This would result in expulsion for Harry."

"If expulsion could be avoided, I would support Harry being removed. Harry and Snape do need to be kept apart. In class, the majority of Snape's hatred is always aimed at Harry."

"The majority?"

"Yes. Snape usually tortures the Gryffindors, but the majority is aimed at Harry. Harry finally stands up and Snape tries the Imperius Curse!"

"Snape's request is getting serious consideration."

"Ask Sirius what happened. I can tell you that most of the fifth year Gryffindors will back Harry in this matter. If Harry is removed, most of the others will not attend Potions."

"They would be putting themselves in jeopardy of expulsion too." says Lupin.

"Harry draws Snape's fire. Potions is intolerable to the rest when Harry is not there."

"That is not on the table for consideration at this time.."

Ron says, "I do have things left to do. Thanks for the tea and I will have to tell Harry about this."

"Certainly." says Lupin.

Ron gets up and exits Lupin's office.

* * * Boycott * * *

Ron returns to the Gryffindor Common Room. Ron sees Ginny and Colin on the sofa.

Ron sits next to Ginny and says, "Good evening Ginny."

"Ron, I assure you, Colin is not doing anything." says Ginny.

"I'm not worrying about that right now. When is your Witch Weekly submission deadline?" asks Ron.

"Why?"

Ron says, "Snape has formally requested to kick Harry out of Potions. However, you did not hear this from me, so no quotes." Ron winks.

Quick as lightening, Colin rushes up the stairs to his dormitory.

"What if the request is approved?" asks Ginny.

Ron says, "Harry would be expelled. Snape hates Harry because Snape hated James Potter, understand?"

Ginny rushes up the stairs after Colin.

Hermione comes over to Ron and asks, "What did you just tell them?"

"Simple really. Snape has formally requested to kick Harry out of Potions. It would result in expulsion." says Ron.

"And you tell your sister?" asks Hermione.

"Sure, because it will be published. The owls this week will be bad."

Hermione snorts and says "Harry will not like it."

"Hermione, sometimes the press is exactly what is needed Regardless of how Harry likes it, the uproar will be big when the country reads it."

"What if Harry is still kicked out of Potions?" asks Hermione.

"Well, I will boycott it. Harry and I will go down together."

"You would risk expulsion!"

"Do you want to face Snape and Potions without Harry? If Snape kicks one Gryffindor out, he should be kicking all of us out."

Hermione asks, "So, you intend to risk expulsion yourself?"

Ron says, "Yes. However, it would be more effective if everybody joins in this. Boycott Potions, support Harry."

George overheard this and asks, "Ron, what are you suggesting?"

"Everyone boycott Potions. Protest Snape's behavior toward Harry." says Ron.

Fred says, "With the rumors flying, we heard about today's incident. But that doesn't seem to warrant a boycott."

Ron replies, "Fred, because of that incident, Snape has requested to remove Harry from Potions. Removal will result in expulsion."

Within minutes, the boycott idea spreads throughout the Tower. Seemingly, everyone agrees to this.

Ron says, "I must warn that this may lead to expulsion for all of us."

Seamus asks, "What? Expel the entire house?"

Dean says, "As Prefect, I should not condone this. As a Gryffindor, I'll join."

Ron gets up and heads for the exit.

"Where you going?" asks Hermione.

"Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, see if they want to join." says Ron.

Hermione follows Ron out of the portrait hole.

Pavarti catches up and says, "I'm going to see Padma in Ravenclaw. I'll see if the Ravenclaws will join."

Ron says, "We'll find the Hufflepuffs."

Ron and Hermione descend the stairs and search for the Hufflepuff Common room.

"You should have grabbed Harry's map." says Hermione as they enter the Entrance Hall.

Ernie McMillan comes up from behind and asks, "Where are you two doing?"

Ron says, "Ernie, we want to talk to the Hufflepuffs."

"What about?" asks Ernie.

"Potions and Professor Snape." says Hermione.

"Nothing new, he's a bastard." says Ernie.

"Can we discuss this matter in your common room?" asks Ron.

"It's a bit too sensitive for the hall." says Hermione.

Reluctantly, Ernie says, "Okay."

Ron and Hermione follow Ernie into the Hufflepuff Common Room.

Justin Finch-Fletchley says, "Ernie, they're Gryffindors."

Ron says, "We've come to discuss the latest incident concerning Snape."

"Professor Snape is always a bully." says Hannah Abbot.

"Today was different." says Hermione.

"We heard." says Ernie.

"As a result of today, Snape has formally requested that Harry Potter be kicked out of Potions. If successful, this would lead to expulsion." says Ron.

"Why?" asks Susan Bones.

"Snape has always hated Harry with a vengeance, worse than anyone else. After today, Snape thinks he can manage it." says Ron.

"The Gryffindors will be boycotting Potions until this improves." says Hermione.

"Will the Hufflepuffs join us?" asks Ron.

"Snape will be very vindictive after today. Only the Slytherins will be able tolerate him." says Hermione.

"Won't we risk expulsion on this?" asks Ernie.

"Yes, but would they really expel half the school?" says Ron.

"The more that join us, the better." says Hermione.

"I'll join." says Justin Finch-Fletchley.

"I will." says Ernie.

In short order, most of the Hufflepuffs agreed to this.

"So, what triggered today's incident?" asks Megan Jones.

Ron says, "Snape insulted Harry's girlfriend. Harry stood up to Snape on this."

"Did Snape really use the Imperius Curse on Harry?" asks Michael Corner.

Hermione says, "Yes, Snape definitely tried and hit Harry with it. Harry stuns Snape in return."

"Now, that takes guts, stunning Snape." says Anthony Goldstein.

Ron says, "Remember, Harry has been marked for execution by You-Know-Who. To Harry, the Imperius Curse is an attack."

The remaining Hufflepuffs join in the boycott.

Hermione says, "This room is nice. We've never been in here before."

"It's much better than the Slytherin's." says Ron.

"You've seen the Slytherin's?" asks Ernie.

"Yes, and its a dump." says Ron.

Ron and Hermione start motioning for the door.

Ernie says, "You can stay for a while. We really don't talk much."

Ron and Hermione sit on a sofa near the fireplace. They chat with Ernie for several hours.

* * * Bad News Delivery * * *

Ron and Hermione enter the Gryffindor's fifth year boys dormitory. Harry and Gia are in bed, still snogging.

"Harry." says Ron.

Harry sorta stirs to this, but he still is focusing on Gia.

"Harry." repeats Ron.

Harry says, "What? Can't you see I'm a bit busy?"

"Snape." says Ron.

Harry looks around quickly and asks, "Where?"

Ron says, "Snape wants to kick you out of Potions."

"So? He's wanted to for ages."

"Snape has submitted a formal request, according to Lupin.teeth."

"Oh. Not that I'm sad to hear that."

"Harry, the consequence would be your expulsion."

"Well, there's nothing I can do about it." says Harry.

"Maybe not, but we are acting."

"What are you doing?"

"Done. It's being leaked to Witch Weekly...."

"What? You're publishing?" says Harry.

"Yeah, Ginny's taking care of it. Imagine the Howlers Snape will receive."

"That's cruel, even by our standards."

"Snape's behavior was inexcusable. Undoubtedly today's incident was already written up." says Ron.

"Glad you agree."

"Anyways, all the Gryffindors will be boycotting Potions until this is resolved."

"Won't that get you into trouble" asks Harry.

"Probably, but we are supporting you in this matter. Also, are they going to expel half the school?"

"Gryffindor is not half the school."

"Hufflepuffs have joined us in this matter." says Ron.

"Pavarti is speaking with the Ravenclaws." says Hermione.

"So, lemme get this straight. You two find out I'm being booted from Potions. It's getting press in Witch Weekly and at least half the school will skip Potions?" says Harry.

"Yes." says Ron.

"But why worry about something so trivial?" asks Harry.

"Harry, what Snape is doing is not trivial. His treatment of you is unacceptable. Snape is a bully and you are the first one to put up a fight. That is why Snape is trying to boot you." says Ron.

"What are the official reasons?"

"Snape still thinks you're cheating, plus your insubordination."

"Why does he still think I'm cheating? I mean, to him I'm either flunking or must be cheating. It doesn't cross his mind that I might actually be studying."

"That's never stopped Snape before."

"True."

"Anyways, now you know. Expect a meeting about this soon." says Ron.

"Meeting?"

Ron says, "Certainly. An action of this magnitude likely requires it, but once the mail starts coming they will have to."

"That's a nice tactic, even though I hate it." says Harry.

Ron says, "In the meanwhile, we had better make sure our trunks are packed. Expulsion might result. I'll get a couple of fake wands from Fred and George."