Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or ideas in the Harry Potter books, written by J.K. Rowling. I only own this small plot.

Summary: Things at Hogwarts tend to have a certain pattern. Malfoy hates them. They hate Malfoy. But what happens when a certain spell reveals that the last thing Hermione Granger wants to hear is "He doesn't love you." Who could it be about? Draco is sure curious...(A Draco/Hermione and Harry/Ginny piece.) A friend and I originally co-wrote this as a role-play. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 3: Love Potions

Harry and Ginny walked into the great hall and sat down and filled their plates. "So, Ginny, how has your day been?"
"Fine" Ginny managed to squeak.

Harry had never seen Ginny so red, "Are you ok? You look like you have a fever, here - " He placed his hand on her forehead to check for a fever.
Ginny shuddered. This was hard. She hadn't been alone with Harry since she broke up with Dean.

"I'm fine." Change the subject..."Umm...so, Malfoy was being a prick to Hermione again today."
Harry's Eyes widened, "Was he...How so?"
"She didn't quite say...why? It's not as if they've never spoken before."
"Yeah, oh nothing, I was just wondering. He's got it coming you know. We're going to kill those Slytherins in the game next week. By the way, you were great on Friday during practice. You've gotten really good."
"Oh...thanks" Ginny was rouge again.
"You're a really great captain," She said.

"Are you sure you're feeling ok? You're all red again," Harry looked genuinely worried. "We need you for that game on Wednesday." Suddenly the Bell rang. "Oh, well looks like I have to face the music in potions, see you at practice!"
"Yeah, see you." Ginny mustered, and then quickly ran off to the Gryffindor commons to study and dream.

"Harry!" Ron came charging down the hall. "Harry, good news!"
"What is it Ron?"
"Snape has gone missing!"
"What?"
"That means no test! Come on, let's find Hermione and go tease the squid at the lake!"
Ron was ecstatic, completely oblivious to the gravity of the situation.

"What, Harry, do you feel sorry for the old bugger? He'll show up eventually, don't worry. You'll get your darling potions instructor back. Come on!"
"Ha ha, no Ron, I'd rather not have him back, but that beside the point. That is very strange...Snape wouldn't miss torturing us for the world...""True...if you want we could go to the dungeon and set up a search party," Ron said sarcastically.
"Let's just find Mione and go to the lake like you said."

Hermione had gone to potions to find the room completely empty. "Oh no! I studied so hard last night! Oh well, I guess Ill just go find Harry and Ron..." she turned to leave when the dungeon door suddenly slammed shut.
The silence was eerie.
Then a voice began to chuckle, and Snape stepped out from behind a pillar
"Now I've got you"
"P-professor? What's going on?" Hermione began to pull her wand out from her robes in case she needed it.

"No that won't be necessary Granger. You're just here for a little...chat"
"About what?" Hermione held the grip on her wand tight, just in case.
"As you well know, I am head of the Slytherin house, and I take deep pride in the accomplishments of my students. I also consider Slytherin to be the most...pure...of houses, so to speak" he sneered.

"Now Granger surely you know by now that I am all but fond of you."
"Obviously, Professor."
"You are a snotty girl - a know it all. I fear this time, Granger, you know too much. Your over exuberant studies, it is my belief, have lead to a knowledge of the magic world which a girl of such...heritage...has no right to possess."
"Excuse me?"
"Furthermore, with this knowledge of the intricate workings of magic, you have begun to cause the downfall of one of my most prized students."
"What are you talking about?"

"Don't be so dense Granger. You are the brightest witch of your age, surely you can figure this one out! Or have you lost your brain in your time of peril? Shall I spell it out for you?"
"Ihave no idea what you're talking about."
"Love potions, Granger! You have no right to meddle in such things!"

"I have never in my life meddled with such things! That's only a fool's way into love!"

"True, granger, true…and there are no fools in this dungeon, are there? I am not speaking of love potions for love; I am speaking of love potions with the purpose of torment."

"What?"

"I have no proof yet Miss Granger, but you can be sure I will obtain some. The Malfoys are very distressed...it is not good to get on their bad side."

"The Malfoys? What do they have - wait, you're not seriously implying that I put a love potion on Malfoy?"

"Think about your actions mudblood. I will see you in class next week."
And with that, Snape threw open the door and disappeared into his office.

Hermione was stunned. 'Where the hell would he get that idea?'

Just then Harry and Ron came rushing up to her.
"Mione, come on, where have you been? We're off to poke the squid!"

Hermione stood there with her mouth open, still in shock. "Uh, um, I - yes, let's go." She decided it wouldn't be the best idea to tell them, she had to go to the source to solve this: she had to talk to Malfoy.

AN: Hope you all enjoyed! Please read and review, more to come soon! Happy Thanksgiving.