Hermione ran through the castle, nearly tripping over her robes but managed to make it to the one place she knew she could have privacy.

The dungeon stores.

Hermione knew plain and well that if she were caught Snape would have her either expelled of murdered on the very spot, this is why Hermione had perfect the "Innundio" spell. It had taken a few weeks during summer vacation, having ordered some texts from the Daily Prophet.

That was before her run in with Draco.

She shivered just recalling it. It took a great effort on her part to not burst into tears, and she turned her attention to the hex on the large cupboard doors. Hermione withdrew her wand and murmured the enchantment. In a moments time the previous charm on the hinges wore off and Hermione stepped inside, not noticing the figure that stepped in after her.

Potions had ended in the similar matter of every past year; Neville was tormented, Gryffindor lost many unfair points, but the oddest thing yet was the announcement of the "Potion's Assistant".

"I bet Snape's getting 'dowry' from Malfoy's slimy father. Paying him off he is!

Harry shook his head,

"I dunno Ron, I mean what if he's different this year, maybe Dumbledore asked him…never mind."

Harry adding noticing Ron's face. Ron turned and shot him his characteristic look of astonishment.

"Harry! Don't even say anything about it. I know you…Snape wouldn't be caught dead with anything, let along anyone, in his presence. Even Malfoy is too human to associate with him."

Ron waited for Harry's joining laugh but there was silence.

"What's up with you…"

Ron gulped, and took a sudden step backwards. Snape was glaring at them both.

"Mr Weasley, it seems as if you are always getting yourself into troubles like this."

The two boys swept their faces of anything burdening.

Snape noticed and narrowed his eyes so their brows met sharply above his hooked nose.

"I don't like that look on you Potter. If I know you and your 'godly ways' you're plotting something aren't you?"

Harry opened his mouth to protest but Ron stomped on his foot, urging Harry to keep shut.

Snape laughed wickedly. The only kind he knew how.

"I'll be expecting you both in the dungeons nine tonight. For your detentions. Dismissed!"

With a pause to glare hatefully at Harry Snape turned in his cloak and headed towards back towards his classroom.

The shocked pair walked back up to the Dorms, dinner would be served in an hour; that was enough time for a game of exploding snaps.

Harry and Ron separately cursed Snape out then as they reached the winding stairs led on a discussion about what he would make them do.

Ron snorted half-heartedly as he reached The Fat Lady.

"I bet he'll make us Potion's Assistants as well. God knows what Malfoy's been up to."