A/N: Ok, this is where I think it goes a little OOC. Judging by all your glowing reviews, (blushes) you seem to prefer it not go that direction. Truth be told, I prefer that too, but in some instances the story just seems to write itself; it goes in directions I hadn't intended. This is one of them.

Amour-Lily: I hope I'm not making it too predicable! Glad you're still enjoying it! FYI, I'm posting this chapter just for you; I wasn't going to post this until tomorrow!

Anna-Nanna: It is sad isn't? Here's a (possible) mini spoiler for you: a scar's a souvenir you never lose. ( I say possible, it's just an idea at the moment, not written yet! ; ) )

Spazzy Babe: You're actually recommending this to others? I'm utterly flattered!!

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6. Testing the potion

"Before you is the potion you concocted," Snape sneered. "If you've done it correctly, you should know what will occur. If not..." he cast a disapproving and irritated look toward Neville, "Madame Pomfrey has beds ready for those of you who will shortly be needing her services."

With a flick of his wand, goblets of pumpkin juice appeared in front of each student.

"As I do not care about the innermost, secrets fueled by teenage angst, use one drop only. The effects will wear off before class is over. BEGIN!"

Harry grinned. "Who wants to go first?"

They both looked at Ron. "Great. Just great. Just get it over with."

Harry tipped the vial over each of their goblets. "What are you worrying about? We already know your biggest fear, your favorite, well, everything. We share a dorm! I even know who sneaks in at night...and out in the morning!"

Ron's blush reached his ears. Hermione looked interested. Now HERE was some information she didn't know.

"Drink up Ron!" she said sweetly.

Ron gulped. "Here goes nothing." He downed the glass.

"So...Ron...who's sneaking in and out of your bed?" Hermione asked grinning.

Ron muttered the name of a girl in Ginny's dorm. Hermione's eyes widened.

"Oh really? Well, I'll never look at her the same!"

Harry laughed. "Don't look so smug 'Mione. He'll get you back for that."

"Damn right I will." Ron's face was positively purple.

Hermione didn't look deterred. She turned back to Ron. "How long have you been shagging her?"

"3 weeks."

"That's all?" Harry looked surprised. "She's been coming in since the second week! What have you been doing in there?"

"Snogging. And sleeping. Who do you take me for? Malfoy?"

Harry shrugged. "Fair point."

"That's enough of me. Drink yours Potter! There are a few things I'd like to know too!"

Harry shot him a dirty look, but drank anyway.

Ron looked thoughtful. "Hmmm...better make this a good one. Let me think on it. You go Hermione."

"Who was your first shag?" It just popped out automatically.

"Hannah Abbott."

"Where and when?"

"Last year, room of requirement. She stuck around after a DA meeting."

Hermione sat back, satisfied. This aspect of their lives was about the only one they didn't share with one another. She looked at Ron.

"How many others?" he asked.

"One."

"Who?"

"Ginny."

Hermione caught Ron as he lunged across the table. "Ron! Calm down! She told me, but she asked me not to tell you. Don't worry. It was consensual, and he didn't use her."

Her words calmed him little, but at least he sat back down. Hermione continued to hold her arm across his chest. His breath told them he still seethed, but when Harry asked if he would really kill him, Ron answered no. He'd just rough him up a bit. Thankfully, the million other questions Ron had regarding his sister and his best friend went unasked...to the immense relief of all three.

"Ok...that's enough of Harry. I don't want to know anything else he did to my baby sister!!!" Ron spat. "Go Hermione."

Hermione looked worriedly at her goblet. How much did she have to drink? There wasn't much in there, but pumpkin juice had calories. 100 calories give or take a few would be a close guess.

Harry's eyes narrowed at her expression. "C'mon Hermione, you can't get out of it."

She sighed, and closed her eyes. She gulped it down. Harry looked slightly happier.

"Payback time Hermione!" smirked Ron. "Who was your first shag?"

"For your information, I don't give anything away."

"Are you a virgin or has the potion not worked yet?"

"I'm a virgin, and I intend to stay that way for a while!"

Ron looked disappointed. "That's all I got."

Harry took a deep breath. "How's the diet going?" he asked conversationally.

"Great!"

"How much have you lost?"

"33 pounds." She grinned like the Cheshire Cat.

Harry and Ron exchanged an alarmed look.

"Any plans to stop soon?" Ron asked tentatively.

"Nope, I still have a bit of fat to burn off."

"Oh....dear..." Harry and Ron looked scared now.

"What?" Hermione looked thoroughly confused.

Harry's brow furrowed. "Hermione....dieting is one thing, but you're going a bit far don't you think?"

Her eyes flashed angrily. "What do you care? I feel better than ever, now BACK OFF!" With that, she stormed from the class room.

Ron stared after her, his eyes wide. "I never would have thought...Hermione...she's too smart for this..."

"I know mate. I didn't even suspect until yesterday. Some friends we've been."

"I guess some people are too busy shagging other people's sisters to notice anything." Ron's eyes flashed dangerously.

"I think some are too busy shagging their sister's roommates, and forgetting silencing charms to notice anything," Harry shot back.

Ron ducked sheepishly. "Sorry 'bout that."

"Don't be sorry! Just fix it! I think Neville's curiosity will get the best of him one night."

Ron looked horrified. "Ok, enough of that. What'd'ya think we ought to do about Hermione?"