…So at 9:30 Harry gave Ron a nod and they set off through the portrait hole together to meet their doom.

"He couldn't expel us, could he?" Ron was anxious.

"I don't think so...he'd have to explain to Dumbledore and McGonagall what he knows we know, and if he did he'd get himself into trouble."

"But what if he framed us or something?" Ron gulped, "What if he blackmails us?"

"Then we'll just have to swear not to tell anyone," Harry said, as they turned the corner and went down the stairs that led to the dungeons.

They approached the Potions classroom door with extreme caution and with a meaningful look to Harry, who nodded, Ron knocked on the door three times, each knock echoing in the dark, frightening corridor with a deafening tone. The door creaked open by itself and the familiar, low, evil voice came from inside.

"Enter."

Harry went first and Ron, a nasty shade of green, entered after. Snape was sitting at his desk in the front of the room with an expression of either deep hatred, anger or anxiety; Harry couldn't decide.

"So," it was amazing what effect this simple word had. Ron gulped again and Harry shifted uncomfortably, "I believe you two have something of mine."

"Wedontknowwhatyouretalkingabout," Ron spoke so fast it was hard to understand him.

Snape's eyes narrowed, "Do not lie to me, Weasley. I saw you run out of my classroom during my..." he paused, "meeting. And I am quite aware that my dia -ahem- journal that has nothing serious or truthful in it whatsoever, just a few fictional stories that I..." he caught himself, "Anyway, I know you two have it, so I would appreciate it if you gave it to me right now and not breathe a word about the...um...fictional contents within...because that's what they are...uh...fictional..."

Harry and Ron gave each other confused looks; they had never seen Snape confused or ramble on like he was doing now.

Snape stood up and slapped his hand on his desk, "Give it to me right now or you will both be on the train home tonight," the evil professor checked his desk clock quickly, "And hurry up about it. I'm expecting someone...I mean...I'm having a meeting soon, and I don't want you two or this rather - ah - stupid matter to interrupt it."

"We don't have it," Harry said suddenly, not knowing where he managed to scrounge up enough courage to do so (Ron shot him a nervous look).

"DO NOT LIE, POTTER!" Snape exploded, "IT'S MISSING FROM MY DESK AND I KNOW YOU HAVE IT! NOW GIVE IT TO ME NOW OR I'LL CURSE YOU SO FAST YOUR MOTHER WILL FEEL IT IN HER GRAVE!"

"Don't you talk 'bout my momma like that!" (heehee, couldn't help myself)

"ACCIO DIA-" Snape couldn't finish, because Hermione walked in.

"Is everything okay, Severus? I heard some shouting outs-" she couldn't finish either, she had just looked up to see Snape pointing his wand furiously at Harry and Ron, "Harry! Ron!" Her eyes opened wide, "What're you doing here?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing!" Ron had finally managed to open his mouth.

"I...well I..."

"Hermione is here to take -erm- extra Potions lessons. Because you see, unlike you, she doesn't struggle with simply stirring her potions."

"And since when are a student and teacher on first name terms? What's going on here?" Harry interjected.

Hermione and Snape exchanged quick glances.

"Who called who by their first name?" Hermione said, innocently.

"Don't lie. You know you called Snape Severus," Ron reminded her, clearly not fooled.

"Listen, we know you know that we know," Harry said plainly, flinching when Ron pinched his arm hard.

Hermione gave Snape a shocked look and mouthed the words "you told them" when Harry and Ron weren't paying attention.

"We don't know what you're talking about. We don't not know that you know anything about what we know -or don't know because there's nothing to know between us except a few facts about potion-making- that you know about...our business," Snape finished lamely, "So I would appreciate it if you returned my journal to me and leave Hermione and I to our...extra lesson."

"We don't have it with us, we told you already," Ron forgot about his fear of Snape.

"Then I suggest you bring it with you to your next Potions lesson. Quietly," the professor warned.

Harry and Ron left the room, quite relieved and shocked at what had just happened…