Chapter 5

"We have Double Potions today don't we?" Harry asked at breakfast, a pained expression on his face.

"Yeah, with the Slytherins, as usual," Ron said, his expression equally as pained.

"I don't see why you're making such a big deal about it. Honestly," said the third member of the Trio.

"Oh come off it Hermione. We know you don't like it either," replied Ron, slightly irritated.

"I just meant you should be used to it by now."

"Used to it, sure. Doesn't mean we enjoy it."

After lunch the Trio made their way down to Snape's dungeon and took their usual seats in the back of the class. Professor Snape entered the room, robes billowing behind him, and the class fell silent.

"Today you will be concocting the Draught of Cunning. The instructions," he flicked his wand, "are on the board. The ingredients," he flicked his wand again, "are in the cupboards. I doubt any of you will succeed in making it correctly, yet if you do, the draught will have a noticeably violet shade, an herb scent, and emit an amethyst vapor. Well, what are you waiting for? Get to work!"

As the students took out the cauldrons and ingredients, Malfoy knocked over Harry's rucksack, spilling its contents. "Oops, sorry Potter. How clumsy of me," he said sardonically.

"Mr. Potter," said the cold drawling voice of Snape, "you really should try to not be so inept. Five points from Gryffindor for disruptive behavior."

Harry's hatred for his Potions teacher burned deep inside him. At that moment, the dungeon doors opened and in walked Professor Aspen wearing robes of the deepest crimson. This greatly perplexed the students because no one has ever interrupted a Potions lesson before, aside, of course, from little Colin Creevey during the Triwizard tournament. Snape looked up from his desk and smiled at the sight of his colleague and friend. "Yes Professor?" he asked, though his tone wasn't harsh in the slightest. Harry thought he noticed a slight twinkle in his eye.

Just then, Malfoy stated loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Hey, Potter, why don't you just give up now? We all know your potion's not going to turn out right anyway. You could save you ingredients from being wasted." Apparently, Malfoy hadn't seen this other teacher walk in.

Natalie turned and saw the blonde Draco sneering at the legendary Potter. "You must be Master Malfoy, you look a great deal like you father. You're probably just as intolerable. I hear tell you make an amazing bouncing ferret, though. She winked at Snape. "Perhaps, when you make it to my class, we can see just how bouncy a ferret you make - which brings me to the reason I am here." She turned to Snape but still spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. "Master Malfoy has not been coming to my classes. I have sufficient evidence to believe he has been skiving. Aside from Professor Binns and Sinistra, the other professors and the can confirm that he has been in class. Being that you're head of Slytherin, I decided to speak with you. I do apologize for interrupting your class."

At this Snape gave Malfoy a rather malicious smile indeed, something Harry had never seen. He beckoned to Malfoy to approach his desk, continuing to look at Malfoy even as he spoke to Natalie. "I understand perfectly Professor. Do you understand perfectly Draco? You do realize that skiving results in a week's worth of detention and I sense I should inform your father. What do you think Professor?"

Natalie nodded in agreement. "Quite a wise decision."

"What about you?" He said looking at Malfoy, "What do you think Draco?" Though, Snape really had no intention of contacting Malfoy Sr.

Malfoy returned to his seat, a slight shade of green and looking quite terrified. A wide smile spread across Harry's face; he had never seen Malfoy look so utterly speechless.

After a private word, Natalie left the class and Snape went back to grading papers.

Ron turned toward Harry and Hermione. "Did you see Snape when Professor Aspen walked in? He looked positively cheerful! What going on?"

Hermione replied with, "Your guess is as good as mine."

They continued to talk about the possibilities of what could be going on with Snape.

Suddenly, a cold drawling voice was heard behind them. "Perhaps if you spent less time talking about things that don't concern you, you wouldn't seem so incompetent when concocting potions, Mr. Potter." It was Snape. It seemed that he had gotten up to check on the potions and had overheard them speaking. The Trio fell silent and continued to work on their draughts.

At the end of class Snape called Harry up to his desk. "I hardly think, Potter, that my personal life is any of your business to meddle in, let alone discuss with others. Fifteen points from Gryffindor. Perhaps next time you'll keep you mind on the lesson."

Harry left, his veins coursing with hatred for his Potions Master, to find Ron and Hermione waiting for him at the end of the hall. "That slimy git! Fifteen points! " Harry was seething.

"Well, Harry, we were talking about his personal business." Hermoine added hastily upon seeing Harry's expression, "Not that I'm trying to defend him or anything!"