Chapter ten Disclaimer on opening note

Ruby sat up in her bed working on the homework Hermione had just given her. Hermione stayed today and worked on something for Hagrid while Crookshanks curled up on the bed.

"It's for when Hagrid goes to court for Buckbeak."

"I thought Harry and Ron would be helping you with that." Hermione then got very quiet. "Did you all have a falling out or something?"

"Something like that. Harry's mad because he got this new broom and I told him McGonagall should check it, just in case it was from Sirius Black."

"What would Sirius want with Harry," Ruby asked.

Hermione quickly filled Ruby in on Sirius being Harry's godfather and how he had might have tried to attack Ron in his sleep.

"Wow."

"Well," Hermione said, "Ron now thinks Crookshanks killed Scabbers, but I don't know. They aren't really talking to me. And I'm rally stressed with all this work."

"You need a break. It's ok to breath."

Hermione smiled, "I'm sorry I haven't been able to talk with you too much this year."

"No problem. I'll just guilt you with it later," Ruby laughed.

Ruby had been in bed for weeks. She missed the Quidditch match against Ravenclaw, not that she felt she missed much there. Hermione would take Ruby's homework back to the teachers and she seemed to keep on schedule.

Snape had pretty much brought Potions Mastery to her. They would even make some potions, even though Pompfrey discouraged it. * * *

One of her potions lessons ended up becoming a discussion of enemies and friends. Ruby had been in the middle of reading about Sarah in the bog of eternal stench when Snape came in, flustered.

"Here," he thrust the glass in Ruby's direction. She took it drank it and gave it back to him.

"What's your problem," she asked.

"My past."

"Well that was an unexpected answer."

"I hate them."

"Hate is a strong emotion. Who do you hate?"

"You wouldn't know them."

"Schoolmates of yours or something?" Snape looked at her surprised. "Your face just gave it away. You're getting soft. I'm rubbing off on you," she teased. He sneered. "Ok, all kidding aside; what did they do to you that it happened to bother you tonight?"

"They were Gryffindors who thought they ruled the school. They pretty much did. They did everything to me."

"So they like to bully you around. Well everyone has a bully." He raised his eyebrow. "I mean, and you may not agree with this, but Draco bullies my friends all the time. It sucks. It isn't fun and it makes for awkward situations when we are expected to work together."

"I guess."

"By the way, what made you tell me this?" He looked at her, confused. "I mean, most of the time, you never tell me, or I figure out what's bothering you from deduction."

"I'm not quite sure myself, Miss Kennedy."

"Well, I guess this takes place of class today."

"I suppose." He then changed the subject. "How are you feeling?"

"Why," she tried to smile.

"You look more tired then normal."

"Well, I am. I feel completely drained. I feel asleep while Hermione was helping me with my Charms homework."

Snape thought about this. "Have been feeling colder or warmer then usual?"

"No, I mean I get chilled at night, but I would whether I was sick or not."

Snape then put his hand on her forehead. She jolted a moment then relaxed. She thought it was weird that he would check her temperature.

"You think I have a fever?"

"I think you might get one. It's known with this poison."

"But, that's why I'm taking the antidote, right?"

Snape paused in thought. "Yes, but unfortunately, most people get much worst before a recovery is made."

Sure enough the next day Ruby awoke with a fever.

*Man, I'm doing great with the short chapters. Urgh. I wanted to add more, but didn't know where. So, next chapter.