Students spilled out of Hogwarts doors, chatting happily amongst themselves about where'd they go first in Hogsmeade. Fred and George went over a long piece of parchment, seeing what they needed from Zonko's. But in the midst of all of it, there were two people who kept silent.

Harry shivered, and wrapped his scarf tighter around his neck. He looked down at Hermione, who was still clutching Harry's hand. He sighed, wishing this wasn't so hard.

Er, Hermione, we need to talk. Hermione nodded, and looked back up at Harry.

I know, Harry, I've been wanting to talk to you too.. Harry put his arm around Hermione, and wordlessly, they walked into the village.

It was so crowded that nobody took a second look at Harry and Hermione. People milled about, looking at each other's purchase's, laughing at Fred and George putting on a fire breathing display, thanks to Pepper Imps from Honeydukes.
Also going into Zonko's and visiting the infamous Shrieking Shack. Harry didn't go up there much, he'd been inside the Shrieking Shack in his 3rd year, and had found out the Legend the Townspeople believed, was quite untrue. Prof. Lupin was a werewolf, and was brought to the Shrieking Shack to transform. His cries were the cries the Townspeople believed to be violent ghosts. Instead, Harry normally went to the Three Broomsticks, a pub that sold excellent Butterbeer, Zonko's, Honeydukes and other attractions of the village. Harry and Hermione past all the excitement, and laughter, instead heading up to the Three Broomsticks.

Ducking in from the bitter cold, Hermione made her way over to a booth in the back as Harry got two Butterbeer's from Madam Rosmerta. She sat down, and stared at the table, until Harry's voice brought her back to reality.

Here's your butterbeer.

Huh? Oh, thanks. Harry set the tankard down with a thump on the table, then sat down opposite Hermione. They sipped in silence for a few minutes, until after Harry took a long draught to nerve him. Harry set down his tankard harder then needed, and clenched his fists. Hermione looked at Harry, startled to see the look on his face, his eyes were hard, and face set.

Ha-Harry! What's wrong? Harry took a hold of her hand, forcing her to set down her butterbeer. Harry's expression softened, his eyes sparkled, looking calmly at Hermione.

Hermione, I can't go on like this, just avoiding one another and acting like we don't like each other. Harry leaned over the table closer to Hermione. It's silly Hermione, and its too hard for me to do anymore. Hermione, I- Hermione silenced him by taking a hold of Harry's hand. They looked into each others eyes, and slowly, moved closer, until their lips met, and they kissed infront of the whole bar,but Harry didn't care, neither did Hermione. Harry stroked Hermione's hair, while Hermione held onto his hand, their fingers intertwined. To them, nobody else was there, they were the only ones in Hogsmeade.

After a few minutes, they slowly pulled away, and looked in each other's eyes. Feeling a tickling feeling on the back of his neck, Harry looked out of the corner of his eye and saw everyone in the entire bar gaping at them. Harry got out of the booth and whispered something to Hermione. They walked through the bar headed for, hand in hand, and as they passed, people gasped in surprise.

Look, it's Harry Potter!! Harry and Hermione quickly went out of the bar, and laughed.

Hermione, feel like going to Honeyduke's? I heard they just
re-stocked everything! I need some more Sugar Quills, Snape confiscated the last of them when I was supposed to be writing the magical uses of Toad warts, Rat spleen and Pixie wings. Hermione grinned up at Harry.

Sure, love to! Harry put his arm around Hermione, and she snuggled against him and they walked down through the village.

Meanwhile.....
Madam Pomfrey's tea cup rattled as her hand shook. Dumbledore had just called Professor McGonagall and the other member's of the staff down to his office. He sat, stroking Fawkes' golden plumage, thinking of the situation. There was a knock upon the door.

Come in. Headed by Prof. McGonagall, the staff filed into Dumbledore's extraordinary office, and stood before his desk.

You called us here, Sir? McGonagall's mouth twitched. Fawkes flew up to his perch, put his head under his wing, and went to sleep. Dumbledore sighed, turning to face the curious faces that were before him.

Yes, indeed I did do such a thing. Dumbledore got up and walked to a bookshelf, and looked up at a picture that hung over it. Important Officials and Head of Departments for the Ministry of Magic stood milling around the picture, laughing and gossiping about Arnold Peasegood's party last Tuesday. Also in the picture was Albus Dumbledore himself, talking to Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. Seeing Dumbledore looking up at them, they stopped what they were doing, walked over to to the edge of picture and looked politely down at Dumbledore, but also waving their hands happily to greet him. Dumbledore smiled and waved up at them.

Ah, the old days, when all we had to worry about was students cursing each other, and checking our chairs for super glue and stereo Whoopee cushions. He chuckled. I recall a young James Potter and an also young Severus Snape arriving at the Hospital Wing, James was turning into a large warty toad, while Severus's skin was sprouting tiny Willow trees with termite's. Dumbledore heaved a great sigh, and looked out at the window.
Such times we have no hope of seeing again. Well, students will often try to turn one another into various magical creatures, but the point I have is that things will never be as simple. The room became quite silent. Snape cleared his throat.

Headmaster, I believe you called us down here for a different purpose besides reminiscing old times? Snape ran his hand over his arm, as though checking for any Willow tree sprouts. Dumbledore gazed at the staff.

Indeed Severus, there is a purpose. It is about the safety of the students in this school. A student - Dumbledore looked at Madam Pomfrey who nodded. A student in this very school, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has been poisoned. People in pictures rushed to one another's frames talking in hushed tones, some casting worried looks around the room, as if they would too be attacked. Some teachers gasped and began conversing with one another, many with a worried look on their face. Dumbledore restored order with a wave of his hand.

Please, please settle down. I have not finished what I was going to say! All faces looked tentatively at Dumbledore.
The student, Ronald Weasley, is quite alright, thanks to the wonderful work of Madam Pomfrey. He is, as Poppy tells me, locked safely in the Hospital, and is resting. Dumbledore smiled, but his brow furrowed as he turned and walked up a small staircase, leading up to a telescope.
The more important matter is we find and discipline whoever is responsible for the attempt at Mr. Weasley's life. Dumbledore looked sternly at Snape, who looked as though he was rather disappointed that Ron escaped a terrible death. All of us must be aware of this problem. Though, it looks like we have the answer...

Dumbledore took down a broom from a top of a large bookcase. Holding it gingerly, he slowly made his way down the golden steps. He placed it upon his desk, everyone inching closer to have a look. Turning the shiny mahogany handle so Nimbus 2000 and 1 was visible, Dumbledore looked up, sighing wearily, before plunging his hand into his robes. Drawing out his wand, Dumbledore tapped twice on the handle and once again the wood swirled before the fiery red letters appeared and burned brightly right above Nimbus 2000 and 1. Snape's face went exceedingly pale as he saw the name etched upon the handle. McGonagall's nostril's flared.

What is to be done Headmaster? Surely some action must be taken? Snape stepped forward angrily.

How do we even know it was him? Malfoy could've been set up! Dumbledore I demand that expulsion not be a choice for such a ridiculous accusation! Poisoning and broom have no relevance!Dumbledore looked gravely at Snape.

They do, Severus. Mr. Weasley was trying out for the position of Gryffindor Keeper, and was riding this broom. I believe Mr. Malfoy may have lent Mr. Weasley the broom as a favour, as to show there weren't any hard feelings that day. The broom was not tampered with at all, but is a valuable clue as to Mr. Malfoy's guiltiness. Dumbledore sighed and looked at the faces around him.
I do not like expelling students for matters such as these, or any matter. They should be given a fair chance, innocent until proven guilty. There was a sound of tinkling beads, when an airy voice said.

Please excuse my lateness, there was a fascinating angle of the planets which I felt I had to observe. Professor Trelawney strolled into sight, her eyes blinking bemusedly at them, magnified behind her extremely thick glasses. Adjusting her shawl, she parted the crowd, if you could call it such, and peered down at the broomstick. She gave a gasp of dismay and teetered dangerously, before collapsing on Headmaster Dumbledore's chair. Dumbledore's mouth twitched as he fought back a smile.

Comfortable, are we, Sibyll? Professor Trelawney's head rolled to the side so she could look at Dumbledore.

Pray forgive me sir, but when a person such as myself is so extraordinarily gifted with the power of the Inner Eye, they can easily be over whemeled by powerful visions, such as the one I have just experienced. Professor McGonagall snorted.

And what exactly was that vision Sibyll? You saw another one of your tea cups breaking? Or you saw yourself ten years from now, lying in the gutter of Knockturn Alley?, snapped Professor McGonagall. Professor Trelawney's eyes narrowed. She slowly lifted herself from Dumbledore's chair, and walked to within an inch of Professor McGonagall's face.

I wouldn't expect one such as you to be knowledgeable about seeing into the future. But I advise you to not talk about things you do not comprehend., Professor Trelawney hissed dangerously , not at all in the matter of her normal fairy like self.

You would know a great deal about that wouldn't you! You wouldn't know what the future was if it popped up from your pumpkin juice and spat in your eye! Dumbledore stepped in and separated the pair, who were pulling each other's hair and scratching at each other like alley cats. Dumbledore's eyes flashed.

Stop! Stop this very instant! I would expect such behavior from 2nd year students, not grown up teachers! Who is to set the example? Dumbledore stepped back, his blue eyes blazing, though he looked rather amused. Shake hands please, I will have no more of this childish behavior. Covered in scratches, hair very disheveled, Professors McGonagall and Trelawney glared at each other, before shaking hands. Dumbledore looked happy enough and sat back down in his chair.

Back to the matter at hand. I believe that Mr. Malfoy has indeed done something very wrong, but according to my research, the rules of Hogwarts state that any student trying to poison another student must go through a series of punishment: Number 1. Student that has tried to poison another student must help clean out bedpans, and any other chore that is to be done in the Hospital for one week. Number 2. Student must be personal assistant of a chosen teacher for one week, but their homework load fo that class will be diminished, so that they may serve said teacher better. Number 3. Student must be a slave to student they tried to poison for two weeks, and must help them with their homework. We, Gordic Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rawena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin do hereby approve the above rules, and thank students for their suggestions. Dumbledore rolled up the parchment of which he was reading off of.

It truly does sound like ludicris, but these are the rules, and so we will use them. Now, who'll volunteer to have Mr. Malfoy be their personal assistant? Snape stood up at once.

I volunteer Headmaster. The stress he will be put through in that month will be very hard on young Draco.. I was thinking it'd be better if I did it, since I am head of Slytherin House. He would feel so much more at home, down in the dungeons, I mean that is where Slytherin's Common Room is.. Do you follow me Headmaster? Dumbledore stroked his long silver beard before replying.

I see what you mean Severus. Of course Mr. Malfoy will be placed into your care. Dumbledore sighed wearily. If this news leaks out to the Daily Prophet, I could be sacked. It must all be kept quiet, you all understand that? Everyone nodded, Professor Flitwick barely seen from behind all the dark robes. One more thing, before you leave, I require to speak with Mr. Malfoy. Will someone please go and fetch him with the upmost urgency?

I will do it Albus. Professor Snape looked around at the room, as though daring anyone else to step forward.

Then I dismiss all of you back to your duties. Snape did not budge, his coal black eyes staring at Dumbledore.

I swear I will investigate this, and I will find out who the real culprit is! He turned, but then stopped. And in the case of Mr. Weasley, will he continue his detention as assigned?

Yes he will Severus, but not a month, I am shortening the number of weeks he serves to two weeks, as I first thought, because of stress he may have suffered through this ordeal. And Severus, Dumbledore looked down his crooked nose at Snape. You will not treat him the least bit differently then you would a student of your own serving detention. I do not want to tell you this again. Is that understood?

Dumbledore waited patiently, while Snape stood looking furious. Suddenly Snape turned, his robes swirling, making students and teachers alike scatter as he stormed out of the office and down into the dungeons.
Everyone walked silently to the revolving staircase, and getting off the bottom, they each went their own ways.

Dumbledore sat down with a weary sigh, his hands over his face. Fawkes landed down on Dumbledore's shoulder and began singing a beautiful song, making him feel more confident and strong. Leaning back, he reached up and stroked Fawkes neck.

Well old friend, our being friends is the only thing I'll never have to worry about, eh? Fawkes sang happily and tickled Dumbledore with his feather's. Dumbledore laughed heartily, and for an afternoon, forgot his troubles.