Every time I close my eyes

A/N: I'm really, really really sorry I haven't updated in so long. I've had exams which sucked so I had to spend practically all my time studying.

Anyway, thanks to all who've continued to review. I understand that the story is kinda running slow but please, these chapters are here for a reason and if I don't write about these scenes the story won't make sense (well... for me it won't... i dnt know about you intelligent readers out there :) ) so yeah... it'll start becoming interesting soon so yeah... thanks again!

Disclaimer: Ah... if only...

Chapter 7:

'Longbottom, can't you read or did you just happen to glue your eyes shut? It states clearly on the board that two Jobberknoll feathers are needed for the Veritaserum potion, not three!' Snape sneered standing in front of Neville's cauldron. 'It's suppose to be a clear blue in color. Fix it Longbottom or I'll use it on you next lesson. Now!'

'Ye...yes professor', Neville stammered as he looked around widely for someone to help him.

'Now, next week I will test a student's Veritaserum on him or herself so be prepared!'

'Please professor, I've read that using a Veritaserum potion on a student is forbidden unless...' Hermione started as Snape uncorked a few bottles and handed it out to the students.

'Unless you get permission from the ministry, and I have done so Miss Granger. I've even gone as far as asking Professor Dumbledore so if you have finished telling me how to do my job, fill in that bottle before I use that serum on you and we find out what kind of secrets a little muggle girl holds', Snape said rather quietly as his lips curled menacingly.

Hermione flushed a deep scarlet as she ladled some of her clear blue potion into the bottle.

'Easy Ron. You can't afford another detention', Harry whispered when he saw Ron's clutching knuckles go white with anger.

'Yeah', Ron mumbled.

'Class dismissed', Snape shouted over the bustling of the students.

They didn't need telling twice. After packing up their books and clearing their cauldrons the class exited the classroom smugly. As usual, only the Slytherins (who the Gryffindors unfortunately shared Potions with again) seemed to have found the class very amusing.

'Miss-know-it-all strikes again', Malfoy shouted as he passed Harry, Ron and Hermione. 'I don't suppose you'd like to tell us one of you deep dark secrets would you Granger? Or do we have to slip in a drop or two of that potion in your pumpkin juice', he roared with laughter accompanied by the rest of the Slytherin gang.

'Know what Malfoy? Maybe I could use it on you and see what kind of mysteries a son of a death eater possess', Hermione said smiling.

Malfoy narrowed his eyes at her. He looked as if he was about to say something but hesitated as Ron and Harry stepped forward. He gave them one last menacing look then walked off towards the front doors.

'Well, we'd better get going if we want to be in time for Defence Against the Dark Arts', Ron said still staring as Malfoys retreating figure.

'Yeah, suppose', Harry replied.

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'Wow! That was a great lesson wouldn't you say?' Ron exclaimed after the class finished their last Defence Against the Dark Arts class on Friday afternoon.

'You only think that was great because Professor Beau asked you if you'd like to volunteer as her partner so she can show the class how to avoid curses without a wand', Hermione retorted as they moved towards the Great Hall for dinner.

'Yeah, was worth it though wasn't it?' Ron replied smiling wildly. Harry beamed mischievously and nodded in agreement.

Hermione just rolled her eyes and adjusted the weight of her backpack to the other shoulder.

'Hermione, your not taking extra classes again this year are you?' Ron asked watching her struggle with her bulging bag.

'Don't be silly Ron of course I'm not. I've just started studying in preparation for our N.E.W.T.s' Hermione responded now taking a few books out of her bag.

'But Hermione, our N.E.W.Ts aren't until next year! Oh, here, let me get that for you', Ron said groaning at the weight of her books.

'Thanks Ron. Well, there's no better time to start studying than this year. You two should start studying too if you want to pass next year. I heard the exams are quite hard, especially you Harry, if you want to be an Auror', Hermione stated with an air of confidence in her voice.

'Hermione, we've got other things to worry about for this year, like quidditch maybe! Hey by the way Harry, do you know who our captain is for this year? McGonnagall hasn't said anything has she?' Ron asked suddenly turning towards Harry with a worried look on his face. 'You don't think they've cancelled it do you?'

'Ron calm down. I don't think they have. McGonagall's asked me to meet her at her office to talk about the team, you know with most of them gone and everything. I'll ask her then', Harry replied, taking the whole thing calmer than Ron had.

'Right, good thinking Harry. Lucky one of us has got their head screwed on straight', Ron admitted.

'Yeah, well, lucky that person's me', Harry laughed as Ron shoved him into a group of second years entering the great hall.