Author's Note: I did not in any way create/write nor do I claim to own Harry Potter or any related material. All of my credit goes to J.K. Rowling and her publishers.
"What the bloody hell was that about?!" Ron exclaimed to Harry in the Great Hall, seconds after Hermione made her dramatically frantic exit. Harry shrugged nervously. In his head, he replayed the incident but could not find to the slightest reason to provoke Hermione's odd behavior. In truth, she and Ron had been getting on rather well considering their past history.
Ron, stupidly attempting to relieve the tension with a change of subject, began to complain loudly about the impending double-potions class. Potions, a vile subject for all students (naturally excluding Slytherins) was particularly painful for Harry, Snape's most hated student. Just at the mention of Potions, Harry thought it wise to head for the dungeons to prepare accordingly for the class that would commence in seven minutes time. After all, Ron, Hermione, and himself had miraculously qualified for the advanced, post-O.W.L. course (much to Snape's displeasure), and Snape was even more so demanding on his more advanced classes.
The two boys got up and arranged their things quickly, but there was one question from Harry, "Should we go check up on Hermione?"
Ron thought for a moment, "We can't, mate, we will be late. Plus, Hermione is probably already ready in the dungeons for class. The only time she has skipped class was three years ago when she was messing with that Time-Turner thingy. Don't worry about it."
Harry, in agreement, followed Ron to the dungeons. Unfortunately, with the delay in the Great Hall, the help of an ill-gotten changing staircase, and the ripping of Ron's book bag, the two boys arrived ten minutes late all the same. Professor had already begun his usual methods of teaching: complicated instructions on the board for the students to perform as he slinked around to express his displeasure. When they reached the room, it was silent, in exclusion of the soft, bubbling sound of brewing potions. Unfortunately, this was interrupted with a tirade, "POTTER! WEASLEY! You are late! 10 points each from Gryffindor! And may I ask the whereabouts of Miss Granger? " Snape yelled menacingly, as if daring one to argue.
Unfortunately, Ron did not pick up the hint, "But sir! It wasn't our fault!"
"Detention, Weasley, but neither of you answered my question. Where is your show-off of a friend today?" Snape said silkily with a smirk.
Ron and Harry looked towards there seats in amazement as the entire class stared silently at them. Hermione was nowhere to be seen, and Snape was making a great performance of rage.
"I dunno, sir," Harry answered, slowly, to Snape, "The last I saw of her was at lunch, but she left the table early."
"This is most unacceptable. I will be certain to speak with Professor McGonagall about this utter lack of discipline. I do not want three students in my class unwilling to work!" Snape replied with a look of utmost glee. However, he then turned to his desk (as Ron and Harry tentatively made their way over to their seats to begin the potion). The class did not see that his face had taken a different tone, he furrowed his eyebrows in wonder: Hermione Granger skipping class?
The two friends attempted to brew the potion, but their bewilderment on Hermione's odd behavior slightly distracted them. Ron accidentally spilled the vial of dragon bile he was measuring as Harry said, out of the blue, "We have to talk to her. We absolutely MUST talk to her. This is all too strange."
"I say we go now, mate. Something could be wrong, " Ron replied as he hastily scrubbed the space of floor with the spilled vial and broken glass before Snape could observe his blunder.
"No. Not during potions, it won't help any of us to all three get into trouble. You already have Snape's detention to do now. But I will risk being late to McGonagall to find her," Harry fervently replied.
Suddenly, a voice behind muttered softly, "Going to find the Mudblood then? You made her cry again during lunch I saw."
"Shut up, Malfoy!" The boys said menacingly back.
"Well, alright then. I do hope poor Granger is alright. The poor muggle already is ugly, but to be an ugly baby is even worse."
With that comment, Ron (completely losing his head and knocking over his and Harry's cauldron) picked up his wand, threatening a duel.
"Expelliarmus!" Snape furiously shouted from across the room, Ron's wand immediately flying to him, "I believe that is 50 points more points from Gryffindor."
The long, double period dragged on. Snape's mood, if anything, plummeted. By the class' end, all of the houses, but Slytherin, had been deducted at least 50 points each. As all of the students packed up their bags, all failed to notice Snape slip quickly out of the dungeon toward Dumbledore's office…
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Author's note: Sorry about how long this update has taken! It has been hectic for me, but I will be picking up the pace, and you will have another (longer) chapter by Saturday! To tell the truth, this chapter does not really please me. I am sorry that it is rather boring, no? Something significant is about to happen in the next chapter, so stay with me please and continue to review.
Other note: I believe that at the end of the fifth book, it is decided that Professor Trelawney and Firenze will both teach, am I right? If not, in this story, that is the case. A big "thank you" to anniePADFOOT.
I am still looking for an editor or "proof-reader"! Email Yodaballerina@aol.com if interested.
Thank you so very much to all of my faithful reviewers! It means a lot to have the input of fabulous authors like yourselves. Please review this chapter, now that you have read, and I would be much obliged. As always, Have a wonderful day and weekend.