Never the Two Shall Meet

He’s on one side, I’m on the other, and never the two shall meet. Or so the saying goes. Who ever said that obviously wasn’t in my shoes. I know the truth. Although he says he is on the side of the Darkness, I know he is only pretending. He is really on the side of the Light. He tells me he is doing this to protect us all. He swears it is safe for him but I can’t help the worry that comes when I know he is not here. Finding the chance to meet has been getting steadily harder as the final battle approaches. Secret looks over smoking potions, notes delivered by owl, whispers in the halls, none of it is good enough for me. I am going to ensure that I can see him tonight. I will get his attention during today’s lesson, he won’t be able to let the opportunity slide.

“Hermione, are you in there?” Ron asked as he waved his hand in front of my face.

“Oh! Sorry Ron, did you say something?”

“I asked if you were ready to go to potions?”

“Yes, I am,” I say not realizing that a small smile has appeared on my face.

“Why are you so happy about class? You normally hate going to potions,” Harry commented.

Oops, I almost forgot that I have to keep up appearances.

“Oh, umm…Aren’t we supposed to be working on laughing potions today? I was just thinking how fun it was going to be for a change.”

“Hmm..” Harry said thoughtfully.

We continued on our way to the dungeons, stopping in the hall where the rest of the class was waiting. I looked around nervously at all the faces as I thought about how close the war was to us. I know it’s only a matter of days now until we were going to have to stand up and fight for the final time. The outcome will change all our lives in one way or another. The thought of which made it that much more important for my plan to work, this was likely to be our last time together. There are still things I need to tell him, before he has to leave. Things I need to show him. I just hope when it is all said and done he will be able to come back to me.

Noticing my blank stare Ron once again gets my attention. This time with a rough tap on my shoulder.

I shake my head to clear my thoughts. I need to concentrate or my plan won’t work. I notice that everyone is walking into the room and taking their seats. I automatically follow behind. Inconspicuously looking around for the face that has been occupying my thoughts. Sighing in relief when I spot him towards the front of the room.

“You will be brewing a laughing Potion today. The ingredients and directions are on the board. I expect it to be ready by the end of the lesson, be sure to follow the instructions exactly for I will be selecting one to test on a member of the class. Begin now!” Snape told everyone in his most evil voice. I shiver at the sound.

The room is full of groans, mostly from the Gryffindors. They all know Snape would pick the most poisonous looking potion and he would never test it on a Slytherin.

To make sure my plan works I set up next to Neville. He needs help more than anyone else. I figure his potion will be the one chosen to be tested, so I want to help. At least with me aiding him whomever, probably Harry, gets picked to test it won’t have as many adverse effects to deal with. Not to mention I can get the attention I am looking for in this manner.

“Psst…Neville cut the Shrivel fig like this,” I say under my breath to him. “Now when the potion turns green add the feathers.”

“Thanks,” Neville sighed.

We didn’t notice Snape walking up behind us until we heard his smooth voice, making us both jump.

“No helping Longbottom, Granger! If I see you give him anymore instruction it will be ten points from Gryffindor and detention,” He told me. Adding in a whisper. “I’m on to you,” before moving on to the next table.

I smiled a little, then went back to helping Neville with the rest of his potion. At the end of the lesson Snape stood at the front of the room once again.

“Longbottom, bring a vial of your potion to me. Potter get up here. You will be my test subject,” He added with a sneer. The Slytherins all snickered.

Neville gulped as he ladled up a bit of the bright yellow potion. Slowly carrying it to the front of the room, where he gave Harry an apologetic look as he handed over the vial. Harry just smiled and tried not to show the worry that was surely making it’s way through him.

“Drink it Potter. If Longbottom managed to brew it right you should be laughing like a loon. If he didn’t follow directions, well… we’ll see….” Snape trailed off, smiling at Harry in a wicked way.

Harry took a deep breath, then hurriedly swallowed the contents in his hand. Moments later a smile appeared on his face, getting bigger by the second, before he suddenly let out a huge guffaw. He was laughing like he had just heard the best joke in his life. Tears were running down his red face. All the Gryffindors joined in at the sight of their friend falling over in glee. Slytherins though were not looking too pleased, at least until Snape spoke again.

“Finite! Back to your seat Potter!”

Harry immediately stopped, he wiped the tears from his face with his sleeve as he walked back to his chair.

“Now since you have proven that you do not listen well Miss Granger, you will be serving detention with me tonight. Be here Promptly at 8. Oh and ten points from Gryffindor! Dismissed,” Snape gave me a dirty look to be sure I felt his displeasure.

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A/N- this story is done but a friend is helping me edit so I will add to it as we clean it up. I hope you like it so far.