Disclaimer: The only thing in this story of my own invention is the plot (but not the previous plot of the first five Harry Potter books). I own nothing else.

Author's Note: I am sooo happy with all the reviews I got! Thanks everyone—keep reviewing! This chapter's longer... let me know if you like it, or if you think it just goes on and on (I sure hope not!)...

Time passed by at Hogwarts; Ron had made up with Hermione and no further owls from Krum had been seen by Ron. Much to their fellow Gryffindors' disappointment, Ron and Hermione remained, as always before, "just friends".

It seemed as if every teacher was already piling on loads of homework, although it was only September, and Quidditch was about to begin. Much to his relief, Harry was allowed back on the team, although this would make for far less homework time.

About two weeks into term, Ron announced that Pigwidgeon had gone missing. "Woke up one morning to dead silence, and he was gone! The lock was broken, so I assume he got some help from a friend... I'm sure Crookshanks is very good with locks—"

"Ron, you know perfectly well that Crookshanks was only after Scabbers because he was really Pettigrew. My cat, for your information, is not an excuse for all your problems!" And with that, Hermione stormed off.

"When are you two ever gonna stop bickering, mate?" Harry asked after a brief silence, leaving Ron to ponder on his own.

When will we ever stop? he thought. If only I could tell her, but she for sure doesn't return my feelings.

September faded into October, along with some very foul weather. All sixth years were now studying Ashwinders in Care of Magical Creatures class (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them, page 2), and had to resort to Hagrid's hut for shelter. Everyone was constantly covered in sweat, due to the fact that Ashwinders are born in magical fires and that their eggs radiate sweltering heat. Hagrid had them constantly searching the hut for eggs in great caution of keeping his house from going up in flames. Rumor had it that Malfoy had stolen a few eggs to make himself a love potion for Pansy.

"Hey Weasley," shouted Malfoy at Ron's back as they made their way back up to the castle. "It's fortunate that you haven't got any of those eggs in your house. Then again, there probably wouldn't be much to burn in the first place!" Crabbe and Goyle guffawed next to Malfoy, who was wearing a particularly smug look.

As Ron turned around with an expression that radiated pure hatred, Hermione grabbed his arm. "Restrain him," she whispered to Harry, then proceeded in smacking Malfoy in the face.

After a quick recovery, Malfoy's smirk returned. "Ooh, what's this, Granger? Sticking up for your ickle boyfriend?"

"He is not my 'ickle boyfriend', but at least I don't resort to love potions when it comes to getting someone to return my feelings." She then pulled Ron and Harry into a tight huddle and marched back to the castle. I wonder if Ron does return my feelings, though. I doubt it, she thought miserably.

Before they knew it, it was already November. Heavy sleet turned into fluffy snow, and everyone's spirits were raised. "You two staying for the Holidays?" Harry asked after one particularly violent snowball fight.

"Sure... am," panted Ron.

"Me... too," replied Hermione.

Harry sincerely hoped that there would be no arguments, but reasoned that this would be a bit too much to ask for.

Three weeks later the Gryffindors found themselves, once again, in double Potions class with the Slytherins. "Today, class, we will be brewing... Energy potions." (here he stopped in front of Harry and gave him a menacing glare) "Energy potions cab be powerful tools. They can keep you awake to study for exams... Or allow you to play particularly well in a..." (now looking, pleased, in Malfoy's direction) "...Quidditch match." The class took this as a cue to start whispering, but was silenced by Snape. "However!" (silence) "I must ask you all to be very... very careful. Energy potions can go wrong, as any other potion. You will be drinking these yourselves, too. We wouldn't want anyone to be... unfortunately..." (now grinning rather sourly in Harry's direction) "...hurt, do we?" (a murmur of "no"'s) "SILENCE!" (silence) "I have written everything on the board. Now... get to work!"

"Seems to be in a particularly foul mood today, doesn't he?" observed Ron as all three of them began chopping up dried beetles.

"Big surprise," muttered Harry.

"He sounds like her really has it in for you, Harry. Like he's gonna try and mess you up," Ron pointed out.

"Do you really think he can do that as a teacher?" said Hermione. "If you ask me, Malfoy's more likely to screw up someone's potion."

They continued to chat quietly, Hermione helping them with their potions, when Malfoy walked up to them. "Your potion looks a little off-color, Potter," Malfoy snarled, peering into Harry's cauldron.

"What does that matter to you, Malfoy?" Hermione replied fiercely.

"Well, don't you think it would be most tragic..." (here pausing to peer into Ron's and Hermione's cauldrons) "...if one of you had to be taken to the Hospital Wing?) He smirked and strolled away.

"What was that all about?" asked Harry, both bewildered and angry. No one answered him, however, since Ron was staring at Hermione, who was glaring at her cauldron with a look of malice.

"He's done something to my potion! It's just turned jet black!" (Harry's and Ron's were both deep purple).

"Well, we've got to try and fix it then!" suggested Ron. Harry and Ron quickly finished up their own; then they all three scrambled to fix Hermione's. It was banana yellow when Snape announced that it was time to drink their potions. In turn, Snape walked over to each and every student, and asked them to drink their potions in front of him. All the while, Hermione continued adding ingredients to her potion.

"Ms. Granger, would you be so kind as to drink your potion for me?" asked Snape in a fake polite tone.

"Yes, Professor," she muttered, then took a small sip. She immediately collapsed onto the floor.

"Pity," said Snape. "Malfoy, take her to the Hospital Wing. Potter? Weasley? Potions!"

"Right," they both said together, then gulped down their potions.

When class ended, they had enough energy to run at full speed to the Hospital Wing, without catching their breath (they got a few odd stares).

Madam Pomfrey greeted the two at the door. "Ms. Granger will have to stay here until the Christmas Holidays, boys. I'm sorry to say that you won't be able to visit her right—"

"B-But, she's okay, right?" stuttered Ron anxiously.

"Knocked out cold, but she'll be fine."

"It was Malfoy, I know it," spat Ron.

"We'd better get down to the common room, Ron." Harry grabbed Ron's wrist and dragged him away.

"When he looked into her cauldron, that's when he did it," Ron continued. "Must've added something. Probably spat in it!"

However, Harry and Ron were particularly energetic at Quidditch practice that night.

Author's Note: So... Was it horribly long or just fine? Please tell me. :-) I wanted to make Ron Quidditch captain, but I wasn't sure if Angelina was still at Hogwarts or not. I couldn't find her age when I looked through the first book or the fifth book. :-( Also, I wasn't sure if Hermione or Ron's thoughts were exactly in character. One can act one way and think another, and the books never tell you how Ron or Hermione think.

Next Chapter: Fred and George carry out the plot.