As they were searching for Harry and Ginny, the course of the procession took them down to the basement. In the Hufflepuff common room, Ernie MacMillan heard the commotion, and left to investigate.
"Looks like the Gryffindors are celebrating their win."
"Let's join them." Justin Finch-Fletchly suggested. "We never win anything anyhow, and I'm sure they won't mind."
And so, most of Hufflepuff house joined the group…
Harry was slightly nervous as he and Ginny peacefully walked through the castle. Although Ginny had not reacted against the fact that he kissed her, it was possible that she was saving him from a public humiliation, and was going to unload on him in private. Harry glanced apprehensively at Ginny, who glanced back, a slight smile on her face.
It all happened so quickly. One moment, Harry was anxious, the next, he and Ginny were laughing their heads off at ludicrousity of the situation. They were laughing so hard they failed to notice someone glide up to them.
"May I share the joke?" A silky voice belonging the Defence against the Dark Arts inquired.
Harry and Ginny were stilling giggling away as they tried to control themselves. Ginny was the first to recover. "Well, Professor Snape, Sir…" Ginny started guffawing again, while Snape fixed them both with a sneer.
It was at this very moment that Ron arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, Harry was obscured from his view by a wall. So the scene he took in was Snape, alone, but not alone, Snape alone with Ginny.
With a furious warcry, Ron leapt forward, but he was forced to stop, as the path in front of him was blocked by Hermione Granger, who was furiously closing the gap on the potions master.
Just as the two were about to physically accost Snape, Harry step between Snape and them, and they lowered their fists.
"Detention, Potter!" Snape screamed, showering Harry's back with spit. "I mean, even more detention than before, Potter!"
"What did I do?" Harry asked.
"You're just like your father! If he hadn't saved my life I could've had Black expelled! I could've had Weasley and Granger expelled now!" Snape just seemed to notice the huge gathering in front of him. "It's an army of Weaselly brats here to annoy me!"
All of the group shook their heads as Snape walked off, ranting under his breath.