Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent a good amount of time basking in the glory of the newly published article. Even though Hermione thought it had been a bad idea, she seemed satisfied so far with the school's response and figured that nothing bad was going to happen to them after all. The thing they did have to worry about, however, was Rita. They still weren't sure if Malfoy had spotted her or not. Sure the article came out unscathed but there was still a possibility that he could have tracked her down afterwards and threatened her. Hermione suggested several times to Harry and Ron that they should take it down a notch so as not to blow their already fragile cover; she even suggested that they stop for a while to let things cool down but Harry and Ron quickly stomped on that idea.

However, they all agreed to take turns sneaking out to the Three Broomsticks during their lunch period one by one and every other day just to make sure nothing fishy was happening. The days that she was there provided Harry and Ron with immense relief as she informed them every time that she was safe and that there was no need to worry. Hermione, however, found it slightly unsettling that Rita could just go from panic mode to no worries after such a close call on their last meeting. Of course, she thought to herself that Harry and Ron were too thick to pick up on this because they seemed like an enormous weight had been lifted from their shoulders. Hermione made a note to herself to be careful with the next article, no matter what Harry and Ron said.

Potions. Not exactly the most fun of all the classes at Hogwarts, but after the article about Snape was released to the public, people were practically counting down the hours until their lesson with him. The response to his article was slightly different than Malfoy's and Filch's. Nobody mentioned it to him, nobody made fun of him, they all kept quiet about it. It was almost as if they were waiting until they got him into his own territory to mention it. As the three of them left the common room the next day and headed towards potions, they all had a sense of anticipation flowing within them.

"What do you think will happen?" asked Ron as they left the portrait hole.

"I really feel like this is actually going to be a fun potions class," said Harry with a dreamy sort of look.

"Oh honestly," said Hermione. "You know how Snape is. He doesn't tolerate any nonsense in his classroom. I doubt it'll be any different from any other day."

"You really know how to squash the fun out of things, Hermione," said Ron. "Snape will be surrounded by students who've read that article and they are all going to try and take a crack at him."

"Are we talking about the same teacher, Ronald? Everyone is afraid of Snape, including you. Nobody's going to dare take a crack at him."

"I am not scared of him!" Ron said looking outraged.

Hermione raised her eyebrows. Even Harry stopped to look at him.

"Wha…I'm not!"

"Okay, Ron, you aren't," Hermione said with a grin as she started to walk again.

All Ron could retort was a dramatic puff. That was proof enough for Hermione.

When they entered the dungeons, there were a series of whispered rumors floating throughout the room. Parvati and Padma had their heads down and were giggling frantically. Harry saw Dean and Seamus bewitching their noses to grow similar in appearance to that of Snape's and then taking turns violently snogging a picture of a flobberworm. Hermione heard a rumor from a group of Ravenclaw girls nearby that the flobberworm had left on it's own because Malfoy wasn't able to keep it happy. Others were saying that Snape was keeping the flobberworm and Peter Pettigrew both locked up in his office. Hermione smiled at Ron. She had always wanted this to happen. A form of mass media spreading awful rumors about an enemy, so to speak, and what was even better was having the readers telling their own versions of the story to others as if it were actually true. Harry was finally getting the spotlight away from him, and Hermione and Ron could definitely tell he was happier.

They heard a loud bang behind them as the dungeon doors closed and Snape entered the room. Everyone went quiet upon his appearance but Hermione wasn't sure if that was a result of the story or just because he had that effect on the students. He was his usual self, sneering maliciously at everybody who made eye contact with him and beginning the lesson of the day with the usual snide comment.

"Well, let's see if we can get through today's lesson without screwing up as, of course, somebody always does. Turn to page two hundred and eight. Today we will begin discussing the ingredients needed to brew the Polyjuice Potion."

Hermione, Harry, and Ron all looked at each other and smiled. They had already, mastered this. Well at least Hermione did. There was silence for a while except for the rustling of pages and the scrape of the bewitched and levitating chalk on the board. Hermione began to copy the notes from the board when she noticed a hand in the air. It was a Ravenclaw boy whom Hermione had never met before. She was glad that it wasn't a Gryffindor because she really didn't feel like losing points while she was on a roll with other things. Snape continued to look back and forth between his notes on the table and the chalkboard, oblivious to the outstretched hand. Other people started to make noises with their chairs and books to get Snape to look up but nobody was successful. Somebody, whom Hermione was pretty sure was Ron, cleared his throat loudly and in doing so, grabbed Snape's attention. He didn't call on the boy right away. He simply stared at him, probably trying to guess what the question would be. He finally straightened up over his books and asked in a very deep and annoyed voice, "Yes, Mr. Monaghan?"

Everyone turned to look at him, all most likely expecting him to say something about the article. Ron was hanging on the edge of his seat.

"Will this be a part of our NEWTS?"

The whole class let out a disappointed sigh. Hermione heard Ron curse under his breath and she looked over at him with an expression of "I told you so" written on her face. Leave it up to a Ravenclaw to ask a question about education in a moment of such great potential for hilarity.

"Yes, Mr. Monaghan, the Polyjuice Potion will be on your NEWTS so I suggest you take excellent notes," Snape said with much emphasis on the word 'excellent'. "I know that even taking the simplest of notes is difficult for most of you to do but I have neither the time nor the patience to speak slowly."

Ron had a tortured look on his face. He did not like that the opportunity his story had provided to make fun of Snape was slowly slipping away. Hermione saw Ron show the initiative to raise his hand a few times but he was never brave enough to go through with it. Hermione smiled to herself. She loved being right.

"Now, we will begin, as I said before, with the ingredients for the Polyjuice Potion. Over the past year, the ingredients have changed slightly to allow the drinker to keep in his altered form for a longer period of time. I have written the original ingredients on the board and I would like you to copy them down now."

The room was filled with the sound of scratching quills for a brief moment and Snape walked back and forth between desks to check on each student's progress. Hermione, who had already copied the notes, was already trying to figure out which new ingredients would go into the modified recipe. The scratching stopped and Snape spoke again.

"The new ingredients are as follows." He stopped speaking and pointed at the board with his wand. All fourteen ingredients of the Polyjuice potion separated at steps nine and ten to make space for the new ingredients to fit in. After the rearranging, two new ingredients appeared and all at once, the class broke out into explosions of laughter. The tenth ingredient that had appeared on the board was labeled 'Flobberworm Slime'. Ron had practically fallen out of his seat and was clutching his sides with laughter.

Snape turned quickly to look at the class in an outrage. "SILENCE!" he yelled.

The class stopped laughing at once but an occasional giggle was still audible.

"What is the meaning of this horrible racket?" he demanded, eyeing the class suspiciously. "What is it that you find so irresistibly funny?"

The class remained silent. Everyone was too afraid to say anything.

"So you were just laughing idiotically for no reason?" Snape asked maliciously. "I see this class has taken their stupid potions this morning. MOVING ON!"

The class jumped but many of them had scowls on their faces. Hermione noticed that Seamus had suddenly raised his hand.

"Yes Mr. Finnegan?" drawled Snape.

"I was wondering if you yourself came up with these new ingredients?" asked Seamus in a mock serious tone. A number of loud snorts were heard throughout the room.

Snape stared at him as if he had transformed into dancing polar bear. "What kind of question is that Mr. Finnegan? If I had made this great discovery I certainly would not still be here teaching retched students such as yourself and your fellow classmates. Now start on your potion or you will receive detention."

Seamus looked thoroughly disappointed. Dean then decided to take action and Ron could hardly contain his happiness.

"What is it, Mr. Thomas?" Hermione could tell that Snape was becoming annoyed.

"So you had no part in this discovery even with your great experience with certain parts of it?" This time the class laughed out loud as Dean placed much emphasis on the word 'great'.

"Mr. Thomas. What would give you the impression that I would have great experience with…"(he looked back at the board)"…Flobberworm Slime and Dragon Scales? That will be a detention for you and for anyone else who has another stupid question."

Dean sunk down in his chair in defeat and anger. Ron couldn't resist. He thrust his hand into the air; a sight in which Hermione was quite sure she had never seen before. However, this time it seemed as if Snape had elected to ignore him. Ron began to wave his arm frantically which looked very similar to what Hermione would often to do. Snape still chose to ignore him. Finally Ron did something he had never done in Snape's classroom before; he called out.

"Professor, I have a question."

He said this rather forcefully and it made the whole class grow still. Neville looked at him in admiration for having such bravery while in the midst of Snape.

"I believe it is common procedure for a teacher to call on a student to give them the right to speak, Mr. Weasley." Snape said as his lip curled. "Five points from Gryffindor. Now sit down and do your work."

Ron didn't give up that easily. "Well I was raising my hand and I believe that it is common procedure that a teacher should call on anyone who has a question."

Hermione widened her eyes. Many people gasped. This was so unlike Ron.

"Ten points," growled Snape.

"Why, because I have a question?"

"Are you trying to lose the house cup for Gryffindor, Mr. Weasley?"

"Was your own species not good enough for you?" Ron blurted this out rather quickly as if this were his only chance to say it. Nobody laughed. They simply gaped at him. Hermione had hidden behind her potions textbook. "You have no sense of subtlety, Ron," she mumbled to herself.

Snape stared at Ron for a few moments before swooping out from behind his desk and down upon him like an angry hawk. It was Harry's turn to hide behind his textbook. Snape's face stopped inches from Ron's who now looked horrified as if he only just realized who he had been talking to. "Well," Snape hissed, "You're so…how was it phrased? Oh yes...incredibly intelligent. Why don't you figure that one out for yourself?"

If it were even possible, Ron's eyes and mouth grew even wider. He looked helplessly over at Hermione as Snape swept back up to his desk. Hermione, who had been sitting in the next desk over from Ron, looked just as horrified as he did. For the remainder of the class period, the students kept quiet. Everyone wanted desperately to leave the dungeons in one piece now that Snape was angry. The atmosphere of the room was suddenly no longer funny.

As soon as Potions was over, Harry ran over to Ron and Hermione who still looked shocked. "What was that all about?" Harry asked.

"He knows about the article," said Ron with a still horrified look. "We're going to be in so much trouble."

"I told you," Hermione said airily.

Ron scowled at her but deep down he knew that she had been right. She always was.

"Great," said Harry, "Now he's going to turn us in."

"No he won't," said Hermione very certainly.

"What do you mean 'No he won't'? Of course he will. He loves to punish us."

"Well yes he does but Snape wouldn't mention anything unless there was solid evidence to back it up."

Harry stopped and gave Hermione a heated look. "Uh, I mean, except for when it comes to Harry. But usually he plays by the rules."

"Where are you going with this, Hermione?" asked Harry rather impatiently.

"What I'm trying to say is that Snape would never run to Dumbledore and flash that article in front of his face, he'd embarrass himself. Not just because of the content of the article but also because he'd be caught reading the Quibbler."

"Yeah I guess so," said Ron who sounded a little less worried. "But then why did you look so worried back in the class?"

"Because, he and Malfoy are practically father and son," she began logically. "Snape could just ask him about it since he was also a target. If Malfoy knows about us he would definitely rat us out to Snape. Then he'd tell Snape about Rita and then he would probably start sneaking around and spying on her."

"Do you really believe Snape would take the time out of his miserable life to do that?" asked Ron, alarmed.

"Snape loves making our lives difficult, especially Harry's. That would probably be fun for him."

Ron and Harry exchanged nervous glances. Hermione continued.

"That's why I think we should stop for a while. Let things cool down. We could tell Rita to stop going to the Three Broomsticks and, therefore, Malfoy won't be able to find her."

"Assuming he hasn't already found her," said Harry.

"Yes, well, we just have to hope that hasn't happened. So do you two agree with me now?"

Both Harry and Ron looked torn. Neither wanted to give up what they had been so successful with just because Snape was on to them but neither of them wanted anyone to know that they were the writers and that it was all a joke. They were both reluctant with their responses.

"Alright," Harry and Ron said together, looking equally gloomy.

"Let's shake on it then, to make it official."

Hermione held out her hand and Harry and Ron shook it.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"It's nice to see Hermione so cheerful today," Ron said sarcastically as he looked over at Hermione. Ron and Harry were filling their plates with sausages and eggs and an assortment of other breakfast foods while Hermione, who had gotten up earlier than them, sat at the table already enjoying her meal. She did indeed have a look of cheerful smugness this morning and Ron found it very annoying.

"I mean, you'd never have guessed that she was the one who started it all."

"Mm," Harry said, paying more attention to his food than Ron.

"Don't you find this annoying?" Ron asked when he heard Harry's uninterested response.

"Well, I did all day yesterday but to tell you the truth, I'm kind of glad it's over."

Ron gave Harry a disgusted look, "It's nice to know you're still on my side."

"Oh come off it, Ron. I'm still on your side. It's just nice not having to worry."

"I know mate, but it was so much fun," said Ron with a look of a child being deprived of his candy.

They had walked over to the table and sat down next to Hermione who was chatting up a storm with Ginny. Ron mocked her as she laughed and made faces behind her back. Harry laughed causing Hermione to turn around to greet them.

"Hello, lovely day isn't it?"

"Yeah, real lovely," said Ron, each word dripping with sarcasm.

Hermione heard the sarcasm and changed her happy attitude into a sour one.

"Oh stop blubbering about the you-know-what, Ron," she said, still aware that Ginny was within earshot. "We had to stop sometime."

"What 'you-know-what'?" pried Ginny.

"It's nothing," Hermione said quickly.

"You mean the article, right?" Ginny said almost immediately after Hermione spoke.

Ron, Harry, and Hermione froze. Ginny watched them all like they were a bomb ready to explode. She snickered at the looks on their faces.

"Ginny," Ron said, "that's not funny. How did you know about that?"

"Everybody knows about it," she said, but after seeing the shocked looks on their faces she added," Well, at least all of our friends know."

"How?" asked Hermione.

"Well, incredibly intelligent was kind of a dead giveaway for me. I mean, come on. Everyone knows that Ron isn't in... Never mind."

"Isn't in what?" Ron demanded.

Hermione and Harry snorted loudly while Ron sat in a stupor. Ginny had pretty much proved her point.

"Yes, I figured that would get us into trouble one day," said Hermione.

"Maybe that's how Snape found out," said Harry.

"Snape knows?" gasped Ginny. "Wow, now you three are in serious trouble."

She stopped and smiled.

"What is it?" asked Harry.

"Well, I just have to hand it to you. Those articles were pretty damn funny."

Harry beamed at her. Hermione frowned slightly. She had never heard Ginny swear before.

"Hey!" Ron suddenly exclaimed causing the other three to jump. "I'm smart enough to be called incredibly intelligent!"

The three of them burst out laughing while Ron sat there steaming at Ginny. "Okay Ron," Ginny said between giggles, "That part of the conversation ended about five minutes ago."

Ron turned away hiding his scarlet cheeks and began shoveling down his food while the others resumed their conversation.

"So do you think that there's a possibility that Dumbledore knows?" asked Harry.

"I doubt it. Nobody but Snape would tell him about it. And Snape would never show that article to Dumbledore." Ginny started laughing again as the thought of Snape kissing a flobberworm entered her mind again.

"That's exactly what I was saying the other day," said Hermione.

"What the...?" Ron said suddenly through a mouthful of egg. Harry, Hermione, and Ginny looked at him as he sat staring at the ceiling. They all looked in the same direction and found themselves speechless. The morning post had arrived and four owls were carrying their usual large bundles of the Quibbler with them. Hermione thought for a moment that they were heading towards another table but they were indeed heading for her. As soon as they landed on the table the Great Hall around them fell silent. They were all waiting for their own copies as usual.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat wide-eyed for a long time until Ginny said something. "I thought you said you weren't doing it anymore?"

"So did I," said Hermione. "Which one of you did it?"

"What? I would never," said Harry looking scandalized.

"Ronald?" Hermione demanded.

"No, not me," he said honestly.

"What's the matter?" came the malicious drawl that belonged only to Draco Malfoy. "Not what you expected?"

The four of them jumped up and whipped around to stare at Malfoy who was flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. The three of them had equally crafty looks.

"See, I always thought that I was no good with journalism," continued Malfoy. "In fact, I found it a downright bore. But lately I've found it rather enjoyable."

"What have you done, Malfoy?" demanded Harry.

"Nothing you wouldn't do," he said with a sneer. Crabbe and Goyle snickered loudly.

Hermione, Harry, and Ron exchanged looks of fear. Had Malfoy found Rita? Was he just playing with them? As they stood in a state of shock, they forgot that the magazines were only inches away from them.

Malfoy's eyes glowed maliciously.

"You forgot I am the king..."

"YAY! MALFOY AND THE FLOBBERWORM ARE BACK!" cried a loud voice that seemed to come from the very opposite end of the room.

"What the…Who said that?" yelled Malfoy.

He scanned the room for the person who shouted out but there were just too many students to pick one out. The room was silent again.

"As I was saying, you forgot that I am the king of..."

"HOW'S YOUR INTER-SPECIEAL GLUTINOUS PARTNER DOING AFTER THE INCIDENT?"

"Don't make me come over there! If I find out who that is they will pay!"

Silence again fell throughout the hall. Crabbe and Goyle looked around stupidly.

"Anyway, I am the king of...(there was a brief pause to make sure no one else decided to yell out)...revenge."

The three of them, like the rest of the hall, remained silent. Malfoy snickered.

"Read page four."

They hesitated for a moment and then walked over to grab a copy. As one, they all turned to page four and what they saw made their jaws drop.