A/N: Hi all, just updating really quickly...Was the movie not the most AWESOME THING EVER?!?! It was so great!

Anyway, read on...

Chapter 10: Hunter's Second Rebellion

Just as Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Neville prepared to discuss what had just taken place, another unfriendly face appeared in the classroom. This time, it was a teacher, not a student. Snape, sure enough, was back.

"Good morning, students," he said, oily as ever. He looked around the room, surveying his class. When his eyes landed on Harry's table, he sneered, "Some of you fine, intelligent students have worked long and hard to get here…others of you have friends in high places." Snape stared at Harry as if he was a wad of gum stuck to his shoe. Harry just stared right back.

Snape turned from the table. Ron made an angry gesture at his retreating back. Luckily, Snape didn't see. He continued, "There is no doubt in my mind that some of you will fail this class; however, to fulfill your career requirements, you must do the best you can. With that," Snape swept to the front of the room and waved his wand at the blackboard, revealing complicated instructions, "you are receiving your first assignment." Turning to Hunter, he added, "McEwan, if you have any trouble, ask Malfoy for help; he knows what he's doing. But I don't expect any disasters from such a fine student as yourself."

Hunter smiled warily, glancing at Malfoy. "Yes…sir," he finished, his grin growing wider. He seemed to be enjoying a private joke with himself.

The class began working on their Dizzying Droughts, Neville begging for help every few seconds. At the end of class, Snape interrupted the chatter.

"Longbottom!" he exclaimed loudly, so the entire class could hear. "What are you doing here? This is an advanced class; the 'Beginner's Magic 101' class is just down the hall. You must have taken a wrong turn somewhere." He said this all with an evil glimmer in his eyes.

Neville shrank in fear as Snape advanced on him. Malfoy and his thugs cackled with laughter in the background.

"Excuse me, sir," an angry voice interrupted. It was Hunter again, his hazel eyes burning with fury. "Maybe if you taught the class, instead of scaring the class, he would do better," he snipped, as if speaking to a kindergartener.

Snape turned slowly and now advanced on Hunter, scowling unpleasantly at him. "You're new here, so perhaps no one has informed you yet, McEwan: Longbottom is hopeless."

"No one's hopeless," Hunter shot back.

Snape stroked his chin, as if not quite sure what to say.

"Maybe if you gave him a chance, he'd be able to learn," Hunter plowed on. He gazed coldly at Snape, as if daring him to challenge him.

The room was silent. No one dared make a sound. Neville looked as if he did not know whether to feel horrified or happy.

Snape stared at Hunter. "Since this would be considered your first offense, McEwan, I'll let this slide by. But next time I get any insubordination like this from you, you'll be serving detention. I'll fill you in on another little secret: Detention at Hogwarts is not a right, nor a privilege."

"What exactly does THAT mean, sir?" Hunter inquired with a note of sarcasm.

Snape broke the stare. "Class dismissed," he declared, not acknowledging Hunter's query. The students left the dungeon, each chattering about Hunter's actions.

Hermione, Harry, Ron, and Neville were just heading out the door when they heard a "Wait for me!" coming from the back of the classroom. They turned once again to see Hunter shoving books into his bag while walking to catch up with the group.

"Hey," Hunter said, pushing his Potions textbook into his bag and snapping it closed. "Merlin, what was his problem? Did he get up on the wrong side of the bed or something?"

"Ah, no, he's always like that," Ron said dismissively.

"Wow," Hunter said, genuinely surprised. "How have you all survived five years of listening to him?"

"I have no idea," answered Harry heavily.

"And that idiot, Malfoy, what does he think he's playing at? He's just so-oh, sorry, I'm ranting and I haven't even introduced myself. My name's Hunter McEwan. My mom transferred me to Hogwarts from Beauxbatons over the summer."

"Wow, Beauxbatons!" gasped Hermione. "So you saw the Triwizard Tournament in fourth year, right?"

Hunter's face went blank. "The what, sorry?" After a few moments, he seemed to remember. "Oh, oh yes, that. And you all are…?"

"Ron Weasley," Ron said, sticking out his hand.

"Oh, Ginny's brother, of course," Hunter replied vaguely, shaking his hand, "And you're Harry Potter," turning to face him. "I expect you get tired of everyone recognizing you at first sight."

"Yeah, it gets kinda weird, I guess," said Harry.

Hunter then turned to Neville. "Now, I know you're 'Longbottom', but what's your first name?"

"Neville," he replied, his voice sounding very grateful.

"Oh, okay, I never would have known since Snape never mentioned it. Is he always like that to you?"

"Erm…basically, yes, he is," Neville said sadly.

Hunter's face shadowed. "What's his problem?...Oh, and the lady," he said, turning to Hermione.

"I'm Hermione Granger," she said cheerfully. "Nice to meet you."

"Granger?" Hunter said thoughtfully. "That name's really familiar…hmm, well, it is a real pleasure to meet such a beautiful girl as yourself in the most horrible class I could imagine." He took the hand she had extended for him to shake and kissed it lightly. "I hope to see more of you in the future," he said softly.

Harry and Neville stared at the two of them, completely dumbstruck. This guy was hitting on Hermione Granger, resident know-it-all. What was going on?

Ron's expression was even more extreme. Although he previously was friendly to Hunter, now he looked as if he would like nothing more than to beat him to a pulp. He clenched his fists and spluttered, "Um, ah, we've got to get to Charms, and, well, see you later!" He immediately began walking in the opposite direction. Harry and Neville followed, with Hermione trailing behind, looking longingly back at Hunter, who gave a jovial wave and then set off for his next class.

A/N: Okay, PLEASE PLEASE read and review! I haven't gotten any lately for the last couple chapters, so I'm gonna wait till I get 5 (yes five) review before I post the next chapter. Yes, it's cruel, but I want FEEDBACK please! So....review away...: )