A/N- Please Please Review! I thrive on it!

Chapter 4- The Potions Brawl

All Ron and Harry talked about was how cool Professor Harmone was on the way back to the great hall. The Feast ended pretty much as Ron and Harry returned from Professor Snape's office. But It was time for the prefects to walk up the first years to the dormitories. Harry and Ron didn't have time to tell Ginny and Hermione what happened in Snape's office. Ron and Hermione quickly said goodbye to Harry and Ginny.

"We'll meet you in the common room later, all right?" Added Ron as he and Hermione barely said two words to each other as they left to go walk up the first years to their dormitories.

Harry and Ginny walked back to the Gryffindor common room by themselves taking their time.

"So what happened In Snape's office? Do you guys have like a week's worth of detention?" Ginny asked chuckling.

"Er- actually no, Professor Harmone stepped in, and Ron and I didn't get in trouble at all."

"Your kidding? "Ginny said surprised.

Harry then told Ginny the whole story about what Professor Harmone said, and how surprisingly fair and cool she was. And how Snape absolutely hated her.

"Maybe potions won't be half as bad now that Professor Harmone is on our side, "said Ginny sounding hopeful.

Harry and Ginny then walked up to the Fat Lady. There was a tall, brown-haired boy in front of them who seemed to know the past word already.

"Holten Bolten!" The guys said. The portrait of the fat lady opened and the boy walked into the Gryffindor common room. Harry and Ginny walked in behind him. There were only a few people in the common room sitting in a few of the chairs. They took a seat one of the couches by the fire and waited for Ron and Hermione. A minute later Ron and Hermione walked in through the portrait hole.

"No, Ronald! Whatever you say is right, isn't it?" Shouted Hermione at Ron. Ron shook his head and sighed, as they sat by Harry and Ginny. Harry couldn't believe that Ron and Hermione were still fighting. Apparently neither could, Ginny.

"You two are still at it?" Ginny blurted out.

"What else is new?" Said Hermione glaring at Ron.

But Ron seemed to ignore this comment and faced Harry.

"So, did you tell Ginny about Professor Harmone?" Ron asked Harry.

"He did, and I still can't believe it," Ginny uttered. "I'm actually looking forward to Potion class now for once!"

Ron shook his head in agreement. "I think she's the best thing that's happened to this school."

Hermione was looking at all of them perplexed. "What on earth are you talking about?"

"You mean you didn't tell Hermione?" said Harry.

"No. We were two busy fighting!" He replied annoyed.

"Well, what exactly happened, Harry?" Hermione questioned curiously.

"Well Malfoy," Ron started to say.

"I believe I was talking to Harry, "Hermione said coldly.

Ron's ear turned red as an apple, and he muttered something under his breath.

Harry explained everything to Hermione about when they got brought down to Snape's office, and how Professor Harmone saved them from Snape's wrath.

"Wow. She seems really nice. Especially being co-head of Slytherins and all, "admitted Hermione.

"I know, she's-" Harry started to say.

"But I don't trust her," Hermione blurted softly.

They all looked at her. Even Ron. It looked as if Ron was going to say something but instead looked down.

They all decided to go to their dormitories. Harry had said goodbye to Ginny and Hermione. Ron muttered something to Ginny, but said nothing to Hermione. Hermione and Ginny went up to the girl's dormitory. Harry and Ron went up to the boy's dormitory but before Harry could go to bed he had to ask Ron something.

"Ron? Er- What's going on with you and Hermione?"

Ron looked at Harry weirdly, but then acted like he was fine. "You know how Hermione is Harry, er- You know how she gets worked up over stupid things, "Ron mumbled.

"Yeah, but she seems really angry, Ron, "Harry pointed out.

"I wouldn't worry about it Harry. I'm not. She'll be fine in the morning," Ron said while yawning.

"Ok, then. Goodnight Ron, "Harry said.

"Goodnight, Harry," Ron placed the covers over his body in his bed.

When Harry pulled the covers over him that night he realized just how tired he was. He knew there was something going on with Ron and Hermione; more than their ususal fighting. He just couldn't figure it out. Maybe Ginny knew something about it, Harry thought. Hopefully things would be back to normal in the morning between the two. But before Harry fell asleep that night one thought still remained in his head. Why had Hermione said she didn't trust Professor Harmone?

The next morning they we're all down for breakfast. Harry was eating everything in sight. (He was still ravenous from being at Dursley's). He looked over at Ginny who was sitting next to him eating, and smiled at her. But Ginny had a worried look on her face.

"What's wrong, Ginny?" Harry asked.

"I'm just worried about my brother, "Ginny whispered in Harry's ear, (which made him blush) as she pointed across from them. Ron who was across from Harry was hardly eating. He was also staring at Hermione who was sitting next to Ginny, but Hermione was ignoring him. Harry was about to ask Ginny if he knew what was going on between them but he noticed that Hermione had a big smile on her face.

"So Ginny, what's your first class today? Hermione asked her brightly.

"Oh, Potions. But I'm quite looking forward to it. It should be pretty entertaining to see Snape and Professor Harmone working together, "Said Ginny chuckling.

"Hmmmm," said Hermione suspiciously.

"Come off of it, Hermione! Why are so down on Professor Harmone? She saved our hides last night!" Ron blurted out at Hermione.

"Well, she may have. But we can never trust new teachers in this school can we? "Replied Hermione.

"Well what about the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher? How come you're not suspicious of him yet?" asked Ron.

Just then Professor Harmone walked into the great hall wearing robes of purple with a smile on her face, and headed straight for the Gryffindor table. She stopped by Harry and Ron.

"Hey Harry, Ron. How are you today? "Professor Harmone said.

Was it Harry's imagination or was Hermione gagging?

"Oh-er- just fine Professor, "said Ron.

"Good, added Harry.

"So, who's your friends?", Professor Harmone said referring to Ginny and Hermione.

"Er- This is Ginny and that's Hermione," said Harry, blushing a little.

"It's nice to meet you, "she beamed.

Ginny smiled at Professor Harmone and said, "Hi"

Hermione glared at Professor Harmone. "Pleasure," she said in an irritated voice.

"Are these your guy's girlfriends? Harmone blurted smiling.

Harry could see Ron's face turn bright red, and Harry was pretty sure his was too. Harry could see that Ginny and Hermione looked flushed as well.

"Er-"Harry started to say.

But Professor Harmone interrupted. Obviously she picked up that was an awkward question.

"So, I'll be seeing all of you in potions then. It should be pretty fun. Probably more than any of you are used to," She said with a chuckle as she walked to the head table. Harry then noticed that Professor Snape walked into the great hall, seen Professor Harmone, and quickly walked out with a dirty scowl on his face.

In potion's class later that afternoon all of the Gryffindors were really excited, because everyone had heard about Professor Harmone. But for most of the Slytherins it was a different story. Especially, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle who were all talking about how much they hated Professor Harmone already. Harry was sitting next to Ron and Hermione waiting for class to start; although Hermione was sitting next to Harry and was still not looking in Ron's direction. Harry was getting quite sick of them ignoring each other. They were all friends, and none of them hardly spoke because Ron and Hermione were constantly mad at each other. Harry had to find out what was going on between them. Ron had claimed that it was nothing. But Harry knew better. So, Harry then turned to Hermione who was going over her Potion's book.

"Hermione?" Harry whispered.

Hermione didn't look up from her book. "Yes?"

"What's going on with you and Ron?"

She then looked up at Harry and smiled. "I don't know what you're talking about Harry," she said.

"Ok Hermione," Harry said sarcastically. "But -er-your ignoring Ron. You guys have to be fighting about something," Harry said quietly but frustrated.

Hermione looked as if she was about to say something, but then Ron looked in their direction. "Why don't you just tell him Hermione? Ron said angrily.

Hermione turned extremely red.

Just then Harry heard an annoying voice from behind their desk.

"What, you and your girlfriend having problem's Weasley?" Malfoy shouted out with Crabbe and Goyle standing right beside him.

Harry couldn't believe that after what happened yesterday Malfoy had the nerve to even show his face to them.

"You know what Malfoy? You're just a waste of space. So just go sit back down," Harry said cooly.

Malfoy looked mad but hid it with laughter. "You are your friends think you the run of this class now ever since that pathetic excuse for a teacher- Harmone came in."

Then Ron stood up. "Yeah that's right Malfoy. At least now we all know that there is someone in this school that's not afraid to give you what you deserve, "Ron said angrily.

Malfoy's pale skin flushed for a moment, but then a smug smile returned to his face.

"What's wrong with you Weasley? Your MUDBLOOD girlfriend holding out on you? Malfoy raised his eyebrow. Then Malfoy leaned closer to Ron. "Your girlfriend not giving you any, eh?" Malfoy whispered, although the whole class practically heard.

Ron looked outraged. Hermione looked really embarrassed. All the Slytherins were laughing. Harry had enough.

Harry rose up from his seat and faced Malfoy closely. "Sit down," Harry said coldly in a whisper.

"What are you going to make me Potter?" Malfoy said threateningly.

But then a moment later something outrageous happened.

Hermione sprung up from her seat and exploded with anger and shoved Malfoy knocking over a cauldron, spilling a green potion all over the floor. Malfoy fell onto the floor and Hermione close by him.

Harry and Ron exchanged shocked glances.

"You're such a jerk, Malfoy! Can't you come up with anything better? OO I'm a Mudblood!" Hermione blurted while she started hitting Malfoy wherever her fists landed. "You don't care about anything but yourself! You're nothing but a sniveling little bastard who will end up the same as his father! Your own cousin doesn't even like you! You think that Professor Harmone is the only one who could put you in your place, but your wrong!"

Malfoy never looked more embarrassed in his entire life. He almost looked as if he might start to cry. Just as Harry and Ron were going to stop the fight Malfoy shoved Hermione off of him. Hermione fell back onto the floor.

Malfoy got up off the ground in utter embarrassment. He turned to Ron with a look of pure disgust.

"You know Weasley? You ought to keep your girlfriend locked up in a bloody cage! They shouldn't let half-breed garbage like that in the school! "Malfoy inched up closer to Ron.

Ron looked madder than Harry or Hermione had ever seen him before. Just as Hermione got up, Ron swung at Malfoy, put he ducked. Instead, Malfoy punched back and hit Ron right in the eye. Blood spurted from Ron's face and Malfoy punched Ron in the gut really hard.

Hermione gasped. "Ron!"

Harry was about to break up the fight but the dungeon door slammed open revealing a furious Snape and a confused but calm Professor Harmone, as Ron and Malfoy were wrestling on the floor, near the broken caldron, and the foul green potion smoking on the floor.

Back in Snape's office sat Harry, Ron, Hermione and Malfoy. Ron was clutching his stomach, and he had a very badly bruised eye. Hermione looked really angry. Harry didn't know how they were going to get out of this. Harry couldn't believe that Malfoy had managed to get them into Snape's office twice in almost twenty-four hours. Harry glared at Malfoy, but Malfoy had a smirk on his face.

Snape looked madder than ever as he stared at them. But Snape's deathlike stare and utter silence was broken by Professor Harmone's calm and controlled voice.

"Well, why don't we"-she started to say but was cut off by Snape.

"There will be none of that foolishness," he spat at Professor Harmone.

He stood right above Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and Draco,

"I repeat, nothing, and I mean nothing can excuse what went on in my classroom today. What I saw was not only immature, childish, and unacceptable behavior by all of you, but you destroyed my classroom, and that I will not tolerate. Now as you can expect, some severe consequences are in order, "Snape eyed Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Draco, then began to talk. "As I must tell you Professor Snape, it was Granger who started this whole thing, and who broke your caldron and destructed your classroom. I-"

"That's not true!" said Ron shouted as he stood up and glared at Malfoy. "It was Malfoy who started it. He-"

"That's enough, Weasley, before you get yourself into more trouble than you're already in, Snape blurted. "If that's even possible, "he added slowly.

Ron sat down, but while giving Malfoy deathlike stares. Malfoy, on the other hand, was smiling subtly.

"Now as for your punishments. Let me think. I am actually going to be enjoying this. I don't remember a time when I had to think this drastic of a punishment," Snape snarled with a small smile.

Harry couldn't believe this. He probably wasn't even gonna punish Malfoy. He was going to punish him and his friends. It was Malfoy who started it, like he started everything else. Didn't Snape know that Malfoy's objective in life was making their lives miserable, and getting them in trouble? Harry guessed that the reason why Snape wasn't punishing Malfoy was because he had to punish him yesterday. He had to show him so kind of loyalty, coming from the same house. But that's why Professor Harmone was so cool. She didn't care what house you're in. Malfoy was taking such a delight in this. You could see the sick smile plastered on his face. Harry looked at Professor Harmone who was standing there, but she looked as if she wanted to say something. She started to shake her head and sigh. Snape apparently tried to ignore this but couldn't.

"What?" He growled.

"Would It be okay if I put my two cents in? I mean as I am part head of Slytherin and everything," she said smiling.

Snape looked as if he wanted to strangle her, but instead he clenched his teeth.

"As you wish," he leaned back on the desk with his arms folded.

Professor Harmone started to talk and she shot a sympathetic look at Harry, Ron, and Hermione. She turned to Snape.

"Now, Sev, "she began calmly. "As we are the head of Slytherin house, it is in well- your case- to favor the Slytherins. But favoring is one thing. You on the other hand seem to forget about the rest of the students. In your eyes, your students, especially Mr. Malfoy over here, can do no wrong."

Malfoy's smile immediately ceased. Snape looked even more furious.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged hopeful glances.

"Well, I guess I could be wrong. You were planning on punishing Draco then were you?" Harmone smirked.

Snape glared at her. "What are you muttering about?"

Harmone raised an eyebrow.

Snape then sighed and said something under his breath. "Fine! I suppose I can see your point of view.".

"What was that? "Harmone said. "Did I hear you right?" she said with a chuckle.

"What do you propose we do about it? "Snape yelled in anger obviously ignoring her comments.

"Well, that's easy, Sev! Don't tell me you forgot the drill already?", Professor Harmone questioned.

Snape eyed Harmone with detest. "Fine! I am obviously left with no other choice! I suppose we'll be out of her before dinner?" he fumed.