Hey. Decided I would continue this as I quite liked how it turned out. Please review it and let me know whether I should do more. I don't mind constructive criticism, in fact i welcome it, but do not give me abuse because i will either report you or remove it. Not mine blah, blah, blah. REVIEW!!!

"You've really done it this time, Potter," said Snape glowering over Harry.

Harry stared ahead at the dismal dungeon wall, jaw set. He didn't care what Snape said or threatened. It was up to McGonagall to punish him and Harry got pleasure knowing how much that fact got Snape's back up. Harry didn't even regret what he'd done. Malfoy had been pushing him; it wasn't like he hadn't warned him to back off. Could anyone blame him for having snapped?

"It is inconceivable for a student to administer such a vicious and irresponsible attack on another student. If McGonagall doesn't give you a severe punishment for your atrocious behaviour, I'll have something to say. Mark my words."

Harry opened his mouth to say something in his defence but Snape cut him off.

"And don't go telling me you were provoked, Potter. You knew full well you had an unfair advantage over Mr. Malfoy due to your...gift. Using this against another student is simply unacceptable!" His flaring nostrils were white and his eyes were mad with anger.

Harry just looked at him, his expression passive. He would not give Snape the satisfaction of thinking he had him worried. He even considered daring a glance at his watch; that would really hack Snape off. He decided not to push it. Snape was just about to give him another lecture when Professor McGonagall came in. Snape looked over at the doorway.

"Ah. Professor," he said.

"Severus," said McGonagall nodding acknowledgement at Snape, "Sorry I took so long; one of the first years thought it would be fun to set off some fireworks in the toilets. But I will take Potter from here, thank you. Come on, Potter."

Harry walked out of the office, unable to stifle a smirk as he walked past Snape. McGonagall didn't say anything to Harry all the way to her office.

"Sit down, Potter," she said, walking over to her desk and sitting down behind it. Harry seated himself tentatively before her. It was only now, with McGonagall, the person with the authority to punish him, that he began to get anxious. Harry tried to hold McGonagall's piercing gaze but failed. He took off his glasses and nervously cleaned the lenses on his robes.

"Well I don't know what to say, Potter," she began, "You've never set much store by the rules, but this is by far the worst thing you've done. If Mr. Malfoy was hurling abuse then you should've done like Miss Parkinson did and told a Professor and let them deal with him. But using your ability to speak Parseltongue to attack another student is really appalling conduct. Using your wand, or physical force against Malfoy wouldn't have been as bad; at least he would've had a chance to defend himself. I am extremely disappointed in you, Harry. Professor Dumbledore arranges this trip to try and take pupils' minds off these dark times, you especially, Harry, and this is how you repay him?"

Harry stared down at his lap, guiltily. It was true that using Parseltongue against Draco was unfair, but so was the fact that Malfoy's abuse was, as per usual, being overlooked. He felt like telling McGonagall that he hadn't asked for Dumbledore to arrange the stupid trip, but thought better of it. He remained silent and awaited his sentence.

"As bad as it is, I don't think this offence merits expulsion, Mr. Potter. However, I don't think that a simple detention would be harsh enough. I think it's safe to say we would have Lucius Malfoy on our backs, were I to let you off so lightly. In light of this, I am going to give you a week's detention and take fifty points from Gryffindor. Also, you will not be allowed to play in the first Quidditch match of this season. Nor, will you be allowed to attend practices. And to ensure this, I will be confiscating your broom until the first match is over. Furthermore, I think a formal apology to Mr. Malfoy is in order. I will call the two of you to my office for you to do this."

Harry looked up. He opened his mouth to protest but she cut him off.

"That will be all, Mr. Potter. Good afternoon."

"That's bullshit!" cried Ron. The trio were sitting by the fire in Gryffindor common room. Harry had just told them what McGonagall had said.

"Ron!" said Hermione reproachfully.

"Sorry, Hermione, but it's true! Formal apology? It's ridiculous! If it'd been the other way round, Snape would've been 'Now, now, Draco. That wasn't very nice was it? I'm going to have to take a few points from Slytherin for that. Is that alright with you, Drakypoos?'"

"More like 'Is that alright with daddy dearest?'," said Hermione, "McGonagall practically admitted it!"

Harry nodded grimly.

"Can you imagine the look on his smarmy little face when I have to apologise, though?" Harry punched the arm of the armchair, imagining it was Draco's face.

"I know, Harry, it's really unfair," said Hermione, "But you have to do it."

Harry just looked at her.

"I'm going to bed," he muttered and stormed up the stairs to the dorms.