Snape handed back their poems next class, along with his comments on them.

Ron had finished his. It now read:

The cauldron is empty before I begin,

Because I need it to make potions in.

I'm very careful as I add the stuff.

Boy, I never knew writing poems was so tough!

*Stuff, Mr. Weasley, is not accurate potions terminology. Rewrite this and turn it in next class for partial credit.*

Harry had, at Hermione's prompting, added lines. His now read:

The Potion should turn blue.

Instead, it sticks like glue.

I think it's wrong once more.

I'm sure I'll get a low score.

But I won't let that ruin my day,

Because I know Snape hates me anyway!

*Detention, Mr. Potter. Need I say more?*

Hermione's poem turned out to be a story about a wizard who was stranded on an island with only his cauldron, and how the wizard was able to use local ingredients to make potions because he knew the properties of the real ingredients. Even Snape couldn't find any reason to take off points, though he did try to punish her for being "too creative."

Ooh, I've got an idea! All you kind, smart, creative, enthusiastic reviewers can request other people's poems when you review! Even better incentive than rabid weasels! Just assume that Snape gave this assignment to all his classes, so people in other houses/years can write poems too. And if you can think of a reason for a teacher to write a poem, I'll do them too. Except Hermione's poem, because it's too long. If I ever finish it, it'll get a chapter to itself.