Title: The Evil Plot Bunny.

Rated: G.

Disclaimer: If you think I actually own this, where is my money?

Author's Note: A. U. around PoA time. All this is relatively unnecessary but I wanted to bore you. No, really. You don't need to know anything more that that first statement of it a. u. ness. Anyway, this bases itself differently in that the 'feud' between Snape and Black wasn't quite as intense. James did save Severus, but from Lord Voldemort. So, the professor did not find out about Remus' "condition" until Headmaster Dumbledore let the staff know. And, just for my own personal kick, he's a she. Though rumors run rampant, no one really knows that for sure save Dumbledore. So, she'll be called or thought of as a he by most of the student body. Heck, Sev even thinks of herself in those terms. If this is confusing, let me know.

Oh, and its in its second, edited state. Happy Readings! And even if you don't get it, please review. sending my niece's puppy dog eyes your way (Don't you feel compelled to review now? She's good at that.)

It was generally agreed among the student body of Hogwarts that the class most reviled was Professor Snape's potions, unless you were in Slytherin house. Only in that dubious house was one sure to get his honest opinion, if the teacher even knew what that was. Nevertheless, they knew they had to attend.

And so, they were on their way down to the dungeons for the most dreaded class of their lives. So, it surprised them to see Professor Snape making his way towards them, an unhappy look on his face. Then again, the students had rarely seen him look any other way, so they wouldn't have been able to tell the difference.

Seeing the professor walking towards them, they couldn't decide what was going on.

"Class, follow me. We are going to the Forbidden Forest to pick out rare potions ingredients. Stay close, because if you get lost, I have no intention of going after you," his face twisted into a semblance of a smile. "I'm sure you'll find it a most satisfactory new home."

This was said mainly to the Gryffindors.

It was half-way through the class when Draco Malfoy called out, "Professor Snape, there's something you should see."

"Very well," he rose and brushed off his hands. "Don't touch anything, that goes doubly for you, Longbottom." Making his way over to Draco, he let his gaze follow the pointing finger.

On the forest ground, a big, black dog lay ensnared in a bear trap. It was obvious from the exposed bone that he'd been trying to free himself from the trap for a few days. The foul stench of infection twitched the professor's sensitive nose, making her wish, not for the first time, that it wasn't so large.

"POTTER!" she barked out. "Go get Hagrid, Granger, accompany him. Weasley, get a medium length stick, no more than two fingers thick. Crabbe, Goyle, see these clips? When I give the word, you will twist them. Well? Why are you all still standing around?"

She didn't bother to see if they obeyed the orders, kneeling beside the fevered animal, her sensitive hand reached out and stroked the animal lovingly. Though the beast shied from the touch at first, he relaxed under the constant, reassuring pressure.

"Here, will this do?" Ron asked, panting a bit.

Severus glanced at it, accepting it. "Crabbe. Goyle." The two young men looked at her, nodding that they were ready. "Longbottom, hold the mutt's head in place. I trust you can do that without damaging it?"

The boy nodded nervously and sat down, stroking the head and whispering.

She waited for a moment and, when nothing happened, continued to bark out orders to the class. "Parkinson, in my pack is a medical kit, remove it and take out the vial marked cure all. Then remove the caldron and pass it to Zabini. You will get some water for it, which will go over the fire that Patil and Bulstrode will start. Into this water, put in a few drops of the potion. No more than six or seven."

"You wanted to see me?" Hagrid said, stopping at the sight. Around him, the students were either following orders or staying out of the way. He wondered which sight startled him more, the wounded dog.

Or the fact that the two houses not known for working well together were cooperating with each other.

"In a minute, I will hand you this wretched thing. I fear there may be more to be found in the area and you need to warn the inhabitants to watch for them. Though, Merlyn knows, I hope I'm wrong. Boys, we'll do this on the count of three. One. Two. Three!" Prying the jaws open, the trio worked the leg lose from the trap. "Pull the leg free, Longbottom!" She snapped through tight lips.

Once free, they let the trap spring shut. Severus followed the chain to where it had been locked into place. Using the wand, it was easy to sever the chain in half. "I believe that you shall need this." Passing it to Hagrid, the professor went to the caldron and tested it, nodding in satisfaction. "Brown, wet those strips in the hot water. Be very careful not to burn yourself. The rest of you are to finish gathering the ingredients."

Bending down, the potions master lifted the dog easily into her arms and made her way over to the shelter. "Longbottom, you bonded with the creature. Keep him still while I clean this wound."

"Why not use a potion, Professor?"

Severus glared, "Ms. Granger, surely you remember what you've read in those books you insist on toting around with you? If I were to be so idiotic as to give an animal a potion, it would not be when the creature in such a state of extremis. The potion would do no good and would, in fact, be detrimental to the health of the creature. Kindly remember that, it is elementary medi-witchery after all."

Flushing, she subsided and walked away. Shaking her head warningly at Harry and Ron's looks of outrage, she knew that they wanted to fight for her. "He's right. I did read that."

"Still, he could've been nicer about it."

"He's Snape, Ron. Don't expect any favors from him." Harry bitterly replied. The trio finished the work and, with the rest of the class, left the forest.

Professor Snape and Neville remained, working silently together. Finally, Severus drew back with a sigh. "That's the best I can do here. Go to class, Longbottom. Oh, here is an excuse, can't have a precious Gryffindor getting caught without one, can we?"

Neville took the pass and ran for it, never hearing the professor whisper, "five points to each student for their help."

Severus sighed, wondering what she was going to do with a dog. "Come on, you mangy mutt. Let's go to the castle. Unless you want to stay at Hagrid's with Fang?"

Author's End Note: End of the evil Plot Bunny that refused to leave me alone until I wrote this little piece of story. Actually, its one of my best pieces because it stays plotless. Hope you enjoyed it. And, if you more, you should probably do it yourself.