Chapter 3

"For god's sake – it's the first day of class and you're already late!" Hermione called to Ron and Harry as they ran down into the dungeon corridor.

"Look, we're used to sleeping in! Give us a week to get used to waking up early again!" answered Ron defensively.

"Well a week of risking being late for potions should put your mind at ease." Hermione laughed. "Or any class for that matter – McGonagall will give you lectures about taking this year seriously".

"Why would we need them Hermione? We hear it everyday from you." Replied Harry.

"Hahaha good one Harry!" Added Ron.

Professor Snape came sweeping down the corridors and opened the door to his potions classroom, allowing the students to file in silently behind him. As she had the night before, Hermione secretly thanked Snape for his timing, otherwise she may have said something she would regret later.

"Last year's advanced potions should have shown you how much you must strain yourselves, let alone taking potions at NEWT level, and seeing as you all managed to pass, I have no hesitation in gruelling you to the ground with this year's workload. Especially if you don't stay up to scratch." Snape glared at Harry and Ron. "some," Snape continued, his eyes now landing on the Slytherins, "will not have trouble, but be warned that I do not give second chances."

Ron glanced at Harry across the room and gulped. The students all set to work on the day's potion carefully, especially Hermione, who knew that one mistake could cost her a much needed NEWT.

Not even ten minutes into class…

"Hermione." Whispered Ron, "How big should I cut these…"

"Granger! Stop helping Weasley! 10 points from Gryffindor!" Snape snapped. Hermione didn't answer back, she knew it was best.

"I was just wondering how these should be cut!" Answered Ron. Hermione and Harry cringed.

"Weasley! Another 20 points from Gryffindor! The instructions are on the board and if you can't understand them or follow them appropriately I don't see why you bothered signing up for this class." Hermione could almost see the steam coming from Snape's ears as he gave Ron a famous death stare.

"Well that makes two of us." Replied Ron, getting up from his seat. He walked across the classroom and stood by the door. "Harry, 'Mione, you coming?"

"No, we're not Ronald" Replied Hermione blatantly. Harry motioned for Ron to leave as Snape stated.

"If that foot goes out the door Weasley, you will not be coming back into it at any time this year."

"Suits me". Ron walked out the door and slammed it behind him.

Hermione shook her head and continued working. Ron would be dealt with later, but in the meantime, she had a potion to perfect. It appeared the rest of the class also had the sense to move on… they'd all heard what Snape had said, Ron was just the one who didn't take it in.

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At the end of potions class, Hermione hung back as everybody left the dungeon and walked up to Snape's desk to hand in her potion sample and ask him what extra study and research she could do to put her ahead in the class. She hadn't expected Snape to give her any hints, he didn't exactly praise her but just called her a 'know-it-all' in normal circumstances. She approached the desk.

"Here's my sample professor, and I was wondering if…"

"Granger, I have no time for your boyfriend Weasley. I will not give you his homework. He is not coming back to this class. I will not teach him, nor will you tutor him."

"He, he's not my boyfriend…"

"I don't have time Granger. Get out of my dungeon before I dismiss you from my class as well."

This was too much for Hermione.

"HE IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND! I WANTED TO ASK YOU FOR EXTRA ASSESSMENTS SO I COULD KEEP AHEAD IN YOUR CLASS! I COULD NOT CARE LESS WHETHER RON COMES HERE FOR LESSONS – IT'S HIS LOSS, IT'S HIS LIFE!" Hermione stopped abruptly, realising what she'd just done. Professor Snape sneered at her in shock.

"Get. Out."

Hermione walked quietly out of the classroom infuriated, yet embarrassed, at her outburst. She left the dungeons, as Snape zoned off and stared into space. Granger had just shown she was an individual, interested in more than Potter and his fan club.