Author's Notes: Finally an update! I had trouble getting the last 4
chapters up and running. Hopefully these will go up more smoothly. I'm
uploading in batches of 4 because that's all I can realistically switch to
Word format and proofread in a night. The story was started this past
fall, and the disk put aside until I had more time to work with it.
Thanks for all the reviews. I really hesitated to post the story, because after about the first couple of chapters I thought it was getting silly. I went back and re-wrote several, trying to improve it a bit. I started with the initial 20 chapters, and it will probably finish up at 24 or so. The story is complete, the ending chapters are just outlines being fleshed out right now. I hope to have it completely up by the end of the week.
There are a few plot twists left, and some interesting character exploration in coming chapters. Maybe one more sex scene, but every time I finish rewriting it and go to review it, I hear the cheesy 70's porn soundtrack playing in my head. Heh.
Oh well, on with the story.
The Gryffindor trio makes their appearance as the school term begins. They experience a few growing pains, but their friendships hold sound. Everybody is tense. The growing threat of Voldemort is essentially the big pink elephant sitting in the middle of the room, which everybody tries their best to pretend isn't there. Dumbledore is confident in his ability to provide a safe haven to the students, and strives to maintain a sense of normalcy within the school walls. Snape is literally holding on by a thread, unfortunately Malfoy Jr. finds out just how slender that thread is when he goes too far in Potions class.
The professor's only human you know. We've already established that in earlier chapters. He's certainly not above giving in to temptation and projecting his anger onto the first available scapegoat.
Dislcaimer: None of the characters from the books and movies belong to me.
Chapter 17: Nowhere Near Back To Normal.
The day before start of term was very busy at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. House elves bustled about preparing the dormitories and cleaning the classrooms. Professors and other instructors made last minute changes in their lesson plans, and took stock of supplies needed for their classes. The groundskeeper made one last trip around the school, making sure all was in order. Headmaster Dumbledore took some time to reflect on the events of the summer and previous term.
These were unsure times in the wizarding world. Dark forces were gaining power, and attacks upon muggle born witches and wizards as well as upon muggle sympathizers had increased. There was a not so subtle backlash against people who flaunted muggle heritage or who were open mugglephiles. Nobody wanted to court disaster by drawing undue attention to himself or herself. In an attempt to answer this growing level of prejudice, Dumbledore arranged for Muggle Studies to be a required class for all grade levels.
Satisfied with his preparations for the coming term, Professor Snape left the school to take a walk to the village in order to clear his mind. He walked through the streets, seeing the familiar faces of many returning students who had come with their families to Hogsmeade for start of term tomorrow. He went to the Treadle family tailor shop, but it was closed. A sign in the window read: "Closed until further notice, all special orders may be picked up at Gladrags." He had done some snooping and found out that the entire Treadle family had packed up and went into hiding somewhere in the Middle East, probably being sheltered by one of Albert's textile industry connections. Dumbledore had sent a letter to Susan, letting her know that Mira was safe and receiving medical care, and Susan replied that regrettably, her daughter Tricia would not be returning to Hogwarts for the Fall term.
The professor stopped at the tavern for a pint of ale, and then returned to the school to sit with Mira in the hospital ward for a while. She was getting better, but still completely unconscious. Madame Pomfrey said that she might remain unconscious for weeks while the negative curse energy dissipated from her body. Aside from a slight fever and pallor to her skin, she appeared to merely be sleeping. Mademoiselle Lowrey poked her head behind the screened off partition and told him that she needed to change Mira's bedclothes and he could come back and visit her later on if he wished. He rose, leaned in kissed her on the forehead, and returned to his chambers, where he read a little about the long-term effects of exposure to massive amounts of magical energy. He was reassured that Mira would probably suffer little, if any, permanent damage. He retired early for the busy day ahead, but spent most of the night tossing and turning in light fitful sleep.
The day of the students' return flew by in a blur of activity and excitement. Snape completed a last minute inventory of the Potions classroom supply cabinets, making sure that the supplies he ordered were all accounted for. Satisfied that all was as it should be in his classroom, he left the dungeons to meet with Professor Vector, who had sent a message to him by pet rat the previous evening. Vector wanted to meet to discuss matters pertaining to the Dark Lord, and the rise of his followers.
Vector, the Arithomancy professor, was nervous but enthusiastic about making a connection with other supporters of Voldemort within the school faculty. Snape informed her about the existence of two other instructors who had similar leanings, and suggested that they form an alliance, and he would keep them informed of events relating to the Dark Lord. After laying the groundwork for his plan to entrap the three Voldemort sympathizer professors, he returned to his chambers to freshen up and change into his new faculty robe before the start of term banquet.
He arrived in the great hall just before the students were due to arrive from the village. Some came to Hogsmeade via the Hogwarts Express train, some arrived in town via floo network, and some came from nearby with their families for the day via broomstick, enchanted carriage, or portkey. But all students met at the Hogsmeade train station and traveled to the school via either horseless carriage or on rowboats across the lake.
With the entire faculty assembled, headmaster Dumbledore called them together for a quick conference before the banquet. He reminded them that the term would start off as usual, and that they should do their best to prevent the uncertainty of the times from working their way into the day to day lives of the students. This was to be a haven for them, from the fear and escalating violence in the wizarding world. He praised the new faculty robes, he himself wearing a slightly more embellished version, and told them to take their seats at the head table, as the students were due to arrive at any time.
The returning students, arriving by carriage, trickled into the hall first. They had some time to greet each other and talk about their summer holidays before the new students arrived and the sorting ceremony began. Many arrived tan and rested, but others had looks of uncertainty on their faces.
Hermione Granger was the first Gryffindor to arrive at the banquet hall; she took her place at the house table, joined shortly by her best friends, Harry and Ron. She looked different from the last time they saw her, more grown up and worldly. Neither of the boys had seen her over the summer, she had gone on a cruise with her family and spent some time with her long distance beau, Viktor Krum. Harry greeted Hermione warmly with a brotherly hug, while Ron shrugged an aloof "Hiya Herm" in her general direction. That summer, over a couple pints of purloined ale, Ron had confessed to Harry that he fancied Hermione and was none too happy that she had been keeping company with Viktor.
The trio settled in at the table and looked around to see what familiar faces were returning. On the train ride, they found out that some of their classmates were not coming to school this term, their parents having taken the families into hiding to escape the growing threat of an all out wizarding war. Most parents however, trusted that Dumbledore would provide the safest place in the country for their children, and sent them on to school.
Ron elbowed Harry in the side. "Psst, Harry, look up there, what's up with the professors' robes?"
Both Harry and Hermione turned to look at the head table, where the professors were sitting, chatting idly, waiting for the banquet to begin.
"It looks as if they've gotten formal academic robes for special school occasions." Said Hermione.
"No shit Sherlock!" Replied Ron, rolling his eyes. The two boys giggled and Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and turned to talk to Parvarti Patil about their summer holidays.
The rest of the returning students took their places at the house tables, and Headmaster Dumbledore called the assembly to attention. He said a few short words about keeping those who did not return this semester in their thoughts. And to remember that as returning students, they would need to make an extra effort to help the first years adjust to school life as smoothly as possible. And finally, they should try and not dwell on current events to the point where it intruded into their school lives. He motioned for the doors to the great hall to be opened, and Professor McGonagall led the new students towards the head table for the sorting ceremony.
Once all the new students had been sorted and seated at the proper house tables, Dumbledore addressed the entire student body. He told them that while the state of affairs in the wizarding world grew dire, they needed to focus on their classes and assignments. He reassured the children that Hogwarts was one of the safest places in the wizarding world, and they could rest well knowing that they were being protected by an array of sophisticated charms, spells, and other magical wards against evil. He announced that there would be no new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor; all suitable candidates were performing more pressing duties for the Ministry of Magic, therefore Professor McGonagall would be taking over the class this year. He also announced that all grade levels would be taking a mandatory Muggle Studies class. There was a buzz of hushed discussion at that announcement. He cleared his throat, regained the attention of the student body, and informed them that there would be no trips off campus to Hogsmeade, and no students would be allowed out of their dormitories after dark unless traveling with a partner, and absolutely no student was to leave the building after dark unless chaperoned by a teacher. There was an audible groan over the last set of announcements. He then wrapped up his speech, and bid the feasting to begin.
Disappointment over the strict rules melted away as platters laden with every type of food materialized on the tables in front of the students. The conversation grew animated and cheerful as they dug in for their first meal of the term.
Harry's attention drifted to the head table. Dumbledore and McGonagall were having an intense conversation, heads bowed close to each other. Hagrid and Professor Sprout were having a cheerful conversation while enjoying their meal, but Professor Snape had an even sourer look on his face than usual, and was merely pushing his food around on his plate with his fork. Abruptly, he dropped his fork onto his plate, pushed it away and got up from the table and swept out of the hall. Several students looked up, and a few of the professors looked away uncomfortably.
"I wonder what's up with him?" Questioned Harry.
"Who knows, probably just cross about having to wear that ridiculous looking robe." Shrugged Ron.
"No, something's not right." Said Hermione. "All the Professors look a little tense."
"Here we go again!" Sighed Ron sarcastically. "Hermione the brain has another profound revelation."
"Why are you being such a jerk to me Ron? What have I ever done to you?" Snapped Hermione as she got up and excused herself from the table.
"Jeez Ron, lay off of her." Said Harry.
"Whose side are you on?" Replied Ron.
"Neither. I'm not taking sides in this. You're both my friends, and I think you really need to think about how you're treating Hermione before you fool around and trash your friendship with her and never get a second chance to let her know how you feel."
"Piss off Potter, you have no idea what it feels like to be the one who has to settle on being just friends. I suppose now you're free to make your move on Cho this term."
Harry was taken aback at such a hateful comment from his supposed best friend. "I can't believe you would say such a thing Ron!" He threw his napkin down on the table and stormed out of the hall to a barrage of stares and hushed whispers among his tablemates. Ginny shot Ron a caustic look. His cheeks flushed red, and he finished his meal in silence.
The next day, none of the trio had much to say to each other. Hermione was sticking close to Parvarti, and Ron was being standoffish to Harry. But the events of the second day of classes brought the trio back together before day's end.
It was their first day in Potions; they were teamed up with the Slytherins again.
"Oh joy, just what I dreamed of all summer. Potions with my best friends: Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle."
"Don't dwell on it Harry, it'll only make the hour go by more slowly." Replied Hermione.
They had not yet settled in at their tables when Professor Snape startled them. He slammed the door from the back potions lab open and stormed across the classroom to his desk. He slammed a large scroll down onto his desk with such force that the jars lined up on the edge of the desk clinked together.
"Now, listen to me. I will tolerate no foolishness or misbehavior whatsoever, this term. Any student caught acting out will be given a most unpleasant detention and a hundred points will be deducted from their house score. Is that clear!"
The wide-eyed students replied with a timid "yes sir, professor."
"Good, now that we have reached an understanding regarding acceptable behavior in class, you may turn to page twenty-four of your texts, and read the introduction on basic wound healing salves."
Draco Malfoy leaned in behind Potter and whispered: "Let's hope that it heals ugly old scars too, 'eh Potter?"
"MALFOY! Come here NOW!" Bellowed the professor, his face paling to a frightening shade of white.
Draco smirked and sauntered up to the professor's desk, his arms crossed cockily over his chest.
"Always one to stand out in a crowd, aren't you Malfoy? Well, your clever little comment has earned you a week of detention, scrubbing the floor of the quidditch locker room by hand."
Malfoy looked taken aback, the rest of the students sat staring with their mouths open.
"But, professor."
"NO buts, mister Malfoy! You will now clean it for TWO weeks!"
Crabbe and Goyle snickered from the back of the classroom.
"CRABBE! GOYLE! Since you find this so amusing, you will be assisting your little friend with his nightly chores!"
The two boys groaned and clucked their tongues.
"One hundred points from Slytherin! EACH!"
The rest of the class gasped and looked back and forth at each other. Were they really seeing and hearing what they thought they were seeing and hearing?
"Now, you will return to your seat mister Malfoy. If you think that you are able to keep your sarcastic little mouth shut and pay more attention to your studies than trying to impress your little toadies!"
Blinking, and with mouth open in shock, Draco stumbled back from the professor's desk and returned to his seat, head down and cheeks burning with shame.
The rest of the class went by quietly and very tensely. Afterwards, the students were abuzz with talk of how Snape raked Draco over the coals and humiliated him in front of the class. Malfoy stomped off with his two friends, grumbling about how his father "had the goods on that bastard Snape" and that the professor would live to regret ever crossing the Malfoys.
Shocked by Professor Snape's outburst in Potions class, the trio called an immediate truce to their bickering and became good friends again.
Thanks for all the reviews. I really hesitated to post the story, because after about the first couple of chapters I thought it was getting silly. I went back and re-wrote several, trying to improve it a bit. I started with the initial 20 chapters, and it will probably finish up at 24 or so. The story is complete, the ending chapters are just outlines being fleshed out right now. I hope to have it completely up by the end of the week.
There are a few plot twists left, and some interesting character exploration in coming chapters. Maybe one more sex scene, but every time I finish rewriting it and go to review it, I hear the cheesy 70's porn soundtrack playing in my head. Heh.
Oh well, on with the story.
The Gryffindor trio makes their appearance as the school term begins. They experience a few growing pains, but their friendships hold sound. Everybody is tense. The growing threat of Voldemort is essentially the big pink elephant sitting in the middle of the room, which everybody tries their best to pretend isn't there. Dumbledore is confident in his ability to provide a safe haven to the students, and strives to maintain a sense of normalcy within the school walls. Snape is literally holding on by a thread, unfortunately Malfoy Jr. finds out just how slender that thread is when he goes too far in Potions class.
The professor's only human you know. We've already established that in earlier chapters. He's certainly not above giving in to temptation and projecting his anger onto the first available scapegoat.
Dislcaimer: None of the characters from the books and movies belong to me.
Chapter 17: Nowhere Near Back To Normal.
The day before start of term was very busy at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. House elves bustled about preparing the dormitories and cleaning the classrooms. Professors and other instructors made last minute changes in their lesson plans, and took stock of supplies needed for their classes. The groundskeeper made one last trip around the school, making sure all was in order. Headmaster Dumbledore took some time to reflect on the events of the summer and previous term.
These were unsure times in the wizarding world. Dark forces were gaining power, and attacks upon muggle born witches and wizards as well as upon muggle sympathizers had increased. There was a not so subtle backlash against people who flaunted muggle heritage or who were open mugglephiles. Nobody wanted to court disaster by drawing undue attention to himself or herself. In an attempt to answer this growing level of prejudice, Dumbledore arranged for Muggle Studies to be a required class for all grade levels.
Satisfied with his preparations for the coming term, Professor Snape left the school to take a walk to the village in order to clear his mind. He walked through the streets, seeing the familiar faces of many returning students who had come with their families to Hogsmeade for start of term tomorrow. He went to the Treadle family tailor shop, but it was closed. A sign in the window read: "Closed until further notice, all special orders may be picked up at Gladrags." He had done some snooping and found out that the entire Treadle family had packed up and went into hiding somewhere in the Middle East, probably being sheltered by one of Albert's textile industry connections. Dumbledore had sent a letter to Susan, letting her know that Mira was safe and receiving medical care, and Susan replied that regrettably, her daughter Tricia would not be returning to Hogwarts for the Fall term.
The professor stopped at the tavern for a pint of ale, and then returned to the school to sit with Mira in the hospital ward for a while. She was getting better, but still completely unconscious. Madame Pomfrey said that she might remain unconscious for weeks while the negative curse energy dissipated from her body. Aside from a slight fever and pallor to her skin, she appeared to merely be sleeping. Mademoiselle Lowrey poked her head behind the screened off partition and told him that she needed to change Mira's bedclothes and he could come back and visit her later on if he wished. He rose, leaned in kissed her on the forehead, and returned to his chambers, where he read a little about the long-term effects of exposure to massive amounts of magical energy. He was reassured that Mira would probably suffer little, if any, permanent damage. He retired early for the busy day ahead, but spent most of the night tossing and turning in light fitful sleep.
The day of the students' return flew by in a blur of activity and excitement. Snape completed a last minute inventory of the Potions classroom supply cabinets, making sure that the supplies he ordered were all accounted for. Satisfied that all was as it should be in his classroom, he left the dungeons to meet with Professor Vector, who had sent a message to him by pet rat the previous evening. Vector wanted to meet to discuss matters pertaining to the Dark Lord, and the rise of his followers.
Vector, the Arithomancy professor, was nervous but enthusiastic about making a connection with other supporters of Voldemort within the school faculty. Snape informed her about the existence of two other instructors who had similar leanings, and suggested that they form an alliance, and he would keep them informed of events relating to the Dark Lord. After laying the groundwork for his plan to entrap the three Voldemort sympathizer professors, he returned to his chambers to freshen up and change into his new faculty robe before the start of term banquet.
He arrived in the great hall just before the students were due to arrive from the village. Some came to Hogsmeade via the Hogwarts Express train, some arrived in town via floo network, and some came from nearby with their families for the day via broomstick, enchanted carriage, or portkey. But all students met at the Hogsmeade train station and traveled to the school via either horseless carriage or on rowboats across the lake.
With the entire faculty assembled, headmaster Dumbledore called them together for a quick conference before the banquet. He reminded them that the term would start off as usual, and that they should do their best to prevent the uncertainty of the times from working their way into the day to day lives of the students. This was to be a haven for them, from the fear and escalating violence in the wizarding world. He praised the new faculty robes, he himself wearing a slightly more embellished version, and told them to take their seats at the head table, as the students were due to arrive at any time.
The returning students, arriving by carriage, trickled into the hall first. They had some time to greet each other and talk about their summer holidays before the new students arrived and the sorting ceremony began. Many arrived tan and rested, but others had looks of uncertainty on their faces.
Hermione Granger was the first Gryffindor to arrive at the banquet hall; she took her place at the house table, joined shortly by her best friends, Harry and Ron. She looked different from the last time they saw her, more grown up and worldly. Neither of the boys had seen her over the summer, she had gone on a cruise with her family and spent some time with her long distance beau, Viktor Krum. Harry greeted Hermione warmly with a brotherly hug, while Ron shrugged an aloof "Hiya Herm" in her general direction. That summer, over a couple pints of purloined ale, Ron had confessed to Harry that he fancied Hermione and was none too happy that she had been keeping company with Viktor.
The trio settled in at the table and looked around to see what familiar faces were returning. On the train ride, they found out that some of their classmates were not coming to school this term, their parents having taken the families into hiding to escape the growing threat of an all out wizarding war. Most parents however, trusted that Dumbledore would provide the safest place in the country for their children, and sent them on to school.
Ron elbowed Harry in the side. "Psst, Harry, look up there, what's up with the professors' robes?"
Both Harry and Hermione turned to look at the head table, where the professors were sitting, chatting idly, waiting for the banquet to begin.
"It looks as if they've gotten formal academic robes for special school occasions." Said Hermione.
"No shit Sherlock!" Replied Ron, rolling his eyes. The two boys giggled and Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and turned to talk to Parvarti Patil about their summer holidays.
The rest of the returning students took their places at the house tables, and Headmaster Dumbledore called the assembly to attention. He said a few short words about keeping those who did not return this semester in their thoughts. And to remember that as returning students, they would need to make an extra effort to help the first years adjust to school life as smoothly as possible. And finally, they should try and not dwell on current events to the point where it intruded into their school lives. He motioned for the doors to the great hall to be opened, and Professor McGonagall led the new students towards the head table for the sorting ceremony.
Once all the new students had been sorted and seated at the proper house tables, Dumbledore addressed the entire student body. He told them that while the state of affairs in the wizarding world grew dire, they needed to focus on their classes and assignments. He reassured the children that Hogwarts was one of the safest places in the wizarding world, and they could rest well knowing that they were being protected by an array of sophisticated charms, spells, and other magical wards against evil. He announced that there would be no new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor; all suitable candidates were performing more pressing duties for the Ministry of Magic, therefore Professor McGonagall would be taking over the class this year. He also announced that all grade levels would be taking a mandatory Muggle Studies class. There was a buzz of hushed discussion at that announcement. He cleared his throat, regained the attention of the student body, and informed them that there would be no trips off campus to Hogsmeade, and no students would be allowed out of their dormitories after dark unless traveling with a partner, and absolutely no student was to leave the building after dark unless chaperoned by a teacher. There was an audible groan over the last set of announcements. He then wrapped up his speech, and bid the feasting to begin.
Disappointment over the strict rules melted away as platters laden with every type of food materialized on the tables in front of the students. The conversation grew animated and cheerful as they dug in for their first meal of the term.
Harry's attention drifted to the head table. Dumbledore and McGonagall were having an intense conversation, heads bowed close to each other. Hagrid and Professor Sprout were having a cheerful conversation while enjoying their meal, but Professor Snape had an even sourer look on his face than usual, and was merely pushing his food around on his plate with his fork. Abruptly, he dropped his fork onto his plate, pushed it away and got up from the table and swept out of the hall. Several students looked up, and a few of the professors looked away uncomfortably.
"I wonder what's up with him?" Questioned Harry.
"Who knows, probably just cross about having to wear that ridiculous looking robe." Shrugged Ron.
"No, something's not right." Said Hermione. "All the Professors look a little tense."
"Here we go again!" Sighed Ron sarcastically. "Hermione the brain has another profound revelation."
"Why are you being such a jerk to me Ron? What have I ever done to you?" Snapped Hermione as she got up and excused herself from the table.
"Jeez Ron, lay off of her." Said Harry.
"Whose side are you on?" Replied Ron.
"Neither. I'm not taking sides in this. You're both my friends, and I think you really need to think about how you're treating Hermione before you fool around and trash your friendship with her and never get a second chance to let her know how you feel."
"Piss off Potter, you have no idea what it feels like to be the one who has to settle on being just friends. I suppose now you're free to make your move on Cho this term."
Harry was taken aback at such a hateful comment from his supposed best friend. "I can't believe you would say such a thing Ron!" He threw his napkin down on the table and stormed out of the hall to a barrage of stares and hushed whispers among his tablemates. Ginny shot Ron a caustic look. His cheeks flushed red, and he finished his meal in silence.
The next day, none of the trio had much to say to each other. Hermione was sticking close to Parvarti, and Ron was being standoffish to Harry. But the events of the second day of classes brought the trio back together before day's end.
It was their first day in Potions; they were teamed up with the Slytherins again.
"Oh joy, just what I dreamed of all summer. Potions with my best friends: Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle."
"Don't dwell on it Harry, it'll only make the hour go by more slowly." Replied Hermione.
They had not yet settled in at their tables when Professor Snape startled them. He slammed the door from the back potions lab open and stormed across the classroom to his desk. He slammed a large scroll down onto his desk with such force that the jars lined up on the edge of the desk clinked together.
"Now, listen to me. I will tolerate no foolishness or misbehavior whatsoever, this term. Any student caught acting out will be given a most unpleasant detention and a hundred points will be deducted from their house score. Is that clear!"
The wide-eyed students replied with a timid "yes sir, professor."
"Good, now that we have reached an understanding regarding acceptable behavior in class, you may turn to page twenty-four of your texts, and read the introduction on basic wound healing salves."
Draco Malfoy leaned in behind Potter and whispered: "Let's hope that it heals ugly old scars too, 'eh Potter?"
"MALFOY! Come here NOW!" Bellowed the professor, his face paling to a frightening shade of white.
Draco smirked and sauntered up to the professor's desk, his arms crossed cockily over his chest.
"Always one to stand out in a crowd, aren't you Malfoy? Well, your clever little comment has earned you a week of detention, scrubbing the floor of the quidditch locker room by hand."
Malfoy looked taken aback, the rest of the students sat staring with their mouths open.
"But, professor."
"NO buts, mister Malfoy! You will now clean it for TWO weeks!"
Crabbe and Goyle snickered from the back of the classroom.
"CRABBE! GOYLE! Since you find this so amusing, you will be assisting your little friend with his nightly chores!"
The two boys groaned and clucked their tongues.
"One hundred points from Slytherin! EACH!"
The rest of the class gasped and looked back and forth at each other. Were they really seeing and hearing what they thought they were seeing and hearing?
"Now, you will return to your seat mister Malfoy. If you think that you are able to keep your sarcastic little mouth shut and pay more attention to your studies than trying to impress your little toadies!"
Blinking, and with mouth open in shock, Draco stumbled back from the professor's desk and returned to his seat, head down and cheeks burning with shame.
The rest of the class went by quietly and very tensely. Afterwards, the students were abuzz with talk of how Snape raked Draco over the coals and humiliated him in front of the class. Malfoy stomped off with his two friends, grumbling about how his father "had the goods on that bastard Snape" and that the professor would live to regret ever crossing the Malfoys.
Shocked by Professor Snape's outburst in Potions class, the trio called an immediate truce to their bickering and became good friends again.