The silence between the trio at breakfast was awkward. Since Harry didn't know what had happened, he had coughed once or twice, clearly sending the message; are you gonna tell me or should I just live the rest of my life in silence?
After what felt like forever, Hermione finished and made her way to her classes.
But what was going on? Soon, she was leaving Charms (very awkward) ... Transfiguration (impossibly more awkward) ... Muggle Studies (phew) ...
She was Defense Against the Dark Arts, a strong feeling of dread coming over her. Oh no. Oh no.
Oh no oh no oh no.
She was an idiot. She had given the Potions Master a sleeping solution? After he had given detention to Ron? Snape would blame Ron! Oh no, oh no, oh no ...
The door swung open to a horrible scene. Snape was glaring at Ron and Harry viciously, like a snake about to bite. He waited until the trio were seated until he gave his speech.
'Unfortunately, last night I was unable to mark all of your work because somebody,' he paused for dramatic affect. 'decided to slip me some Sleeping Potion. So, I wish you to correct twice the amount of homework tomorrow.'
Groans echoed through the class as Snape slipped closer to the desk, so if he spoke, only the three would hear. Malfoy was trying desperately to eavesdrop. Snape had a malicious smile tugging at his lips as he said,
'Next time you decide to give me a potion, get a more reliable house-elf. Detention from five on Sunday and Saturday for the rest of the year and next year.'
'Sir,' Hermione piped up, 'please, it was me. My idea ...'
Hermione trailed off as Snape spoke.
'The elf said - and i quote - "Potter sir told we to take a Sleeping Potion to you, sir. We is glad to give you a nice potion to make you feel better!'' '
'But why are you giving detention to them if it was only me?' Harry said, not bothering to hide his not-so-silent cursing.
'You are not smart enough to think of that plan, Potter. And Granger wouldn't do that without reason - surely Weasley's detention? And even if it wasn't their fault, boy, they didn't do anything to stop you, awardable by detention.'
Malfoy chuckled silently. Hermione gulped. Maybe ... maybe ... maybe ...
But for once, Hermione was out of plans. Done for. Through.
She had let her friends down. She had let Ron down. She had let herself down. She was a failure.
They left the class soon and entered Potions.
'Today, class, we will be learning about the Luckless Liquid. It is the opposite of Liquid Luck. It will the drinker bad luck for a day ...'
Cue Light Bulb.