Chapter Text
Henley walks around the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, looking around at the place with amazements, giving Fred and George a smile as they pass by him.
"Step up! Step up!" Fred and George exclaimed over the crowd.
"We've got Fainting Fancy..." George began.
"Nosebleeds Nougats..." Fred added.
"And just in time for school..." George trailed off for Fred to finish.
"Puking Pastilles!" Fred exclaimed.
A boy stood chewing, turning pale green -- literally.
"Into the cauldron, handsome." Fred and George said.
Together, with the tips of their toes, Fred and George launch a sloshing cauldron down the counter, drop down on either side of Harry, and begin to steer him through the store.
"What'd you think, Harry?" Fred asked.
"Amazing." Harry answered, looking around the place for Henley and saw him talking with Ginny.
George turns to a browsing boy. "Pocket that and you'll pay in more than Galleons, my friend."
"We've got eyes in the back of our heads." Fred and George said.
The boy, working a screaming yo-yo, blanches as Fred and George turn, revealing that they do in fact have eyes in the back of their heads-- phony, but unnerving. As the eyes wink, the tiny boy bolts.
"Bloody urchins." George said.
Harry eyes a display of orange and black lumps. "Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder?" He questioned, looking at Fred and George.
"A real money spinner that." Fred said.
"Handy if you need to make a quick escape. Hello, ladies and gentlemen!" Fred said, approaching the trio.
George drops one of the lumps in Harry's hand, turning to Ginny, Henley and Hermione, who peruse a display of Wonder Witch Love Potions.
"Yes, they do really work." George said.
"Then again, the way we hear it, you both are doing just fine on your own." Fred said, making Henley and Harry smile at each other.
"Meaning?" Ginny asked, glancing at Henley and Harry with a small smile.
"Are you not currently dating Dean Thomas?" Fred asked.
"None of your business." Ginny said, looking away from her brothers.
"These are adorable." Hermione said, looking at the small round balls of fluff rolling about, melting at the squeak they let out.
Just then, Cormac McLaggen passes behind Hermione, and with his eyes, takes the full measure of her. Noticing, she turns, and receives a faint smile as he moves on.
"How much for this?" Ron asked.
A tiny wooden man ascends a tiny gallows and drops. George rides a rolling ladder, dropping next to Fred.
"Five Galleons." Fred and George said at the same exact time, smiling as they watched Henley give them five Galleons, smiling at Ron who returns the gesture with a small smile.
"Thanks, Henley." Ron calls out to the Ravenclaw who nodded at him. He looks at Henley, Harry and Hermione who are looking at him with a knowing look. "C'mon. Let's go."
The four headed for the door, passing Lavender Brown, who smiles flirtatiously at an oblivious Ron.
"Hi, Ron." Lavender said.
"Hi." Ron said.
The sun fades over an iron archway as Henley, Harry, Ron and Hermione pass beneath. Henley and Harry are holding each other's hands, having made up with each other in the hospital wings a while ago.
All around them, shops sit silently, windows boarded-up or shattered. People scurry by, avoiding the scary faces of the witches and wizards who peer out from the security posters plastered to every lamp post.
"How is it Fred and George are doing it? Half of the alley's closed down." Hermione said.
"Fred reckons people need a laugh these days." Ron answered.
"Reckon he's right..." Harry said, eyeing the poster of Bellatrix, her mocking half-smile.
"Oh no. Look." Hermione said.
Henley, Harry and Ron follow her gaze to the wreck that is Ollivander's Shop.
"But everyone got their wands from Ollivander. Young. Old..." Hermione said.
"Good. Bad. Speaking of which..." Harry said.
Across the avenue, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy pause, glance around, then slip quickly down an alley.
"Is it just me? Or do Draco and mummy look like two people who don't want to be followed?" Ron questioned.
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The four trails Draco and Narcissa, who navigate these dark streets with ease. Hermione, who is lagging a bit, glances up at the darkening sky. When she looks back, she sees Ron, Harry and Henley far ahead. They turn a shadowy corner, vanishing from her view.
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Henley, Harry and Ron duck inside a shop front. At the end of the alley, a single shop glimmers dully. Narcissa and Draco enter, and greet a stopped man. He points. Draco walks to a lacquered cabinet, plays his fingers over its glassy surface.
Narcissa speaks and Draco turns, finds Borgin holding the curtain to the back room aside. Draco hesitates, then follows his mother through.
"What're they playing at?" Ron questioned.
"Dunno. Let's get closer." Harry said, noticing Henley looking around and turned his head to look at him.
"Where's Hermione?" Henley asked, looking at the two in front of him.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Hermione moves through the shadows, alone, peering down side streets, each darker than the next, lost, but holding it together, when a shadow flickers overhead. She looks up, sees a figure leap from one roof to another. She stands perfectly still, then hears voices.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Henley, Harry and Ron race down one passage then another. Stopping.
"Harry, where is she?" Ron said, looking at the two.
"I don't know. I'm turned around." Harry answered.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Hermione creeps to the end of a narrow passage, towards the voices, and finds herself behind Borgin & Burkes. Figures encircle an old cauldron, among them are Greyback, Bellatrix, Narcissa, and in the very center is Draco.
Hermione squints against the brilliance of the fire, the figures twisting like Giacomettis. Draco extends his left arm, when a shadow falls over Hermione, fingers find her arm. She wheels, terrified.
"Bloody hell." Hermione said when she sees Ron.
"Sorry." Ron apologize.
Just then, the cauldron explodes with light. Instantly, the group, including Draco, disperses.
"What just happened?" Harry questioned, wondering what just happened.
"I don't know."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
The light in the Hall begins to gently dim and all eyes turn to Professor Dumbledore, standing at the top of the Hall, ashen hand raised to the enchanted ceiling, where clouds respond to his gestures and shroud a gleaming full moon.
"What happened to his hand?" Cho questioned, looking at Henley who shrugs.
"The very best of evenings to you! First off, please join me in welcoming the newest member of our staff, Horace Slughorn." Professor Dumbledore said.
Mild applause ensues. Henley's eyes drift to the entrance of the Hall as a pair of Aurors stations themselves just outside.
"Professor Slughorn, I'm happy to say, has agreed to resume his old post of Potions master. Meanwhile the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts will be assumed by Professor Snape." Professor Dumbledore said.
This is greeted by stunned silence. Professor Dumbledore frowns, then attempts to generate something by clapping his hands once. A few Slytherins join in and some dim-witted First Years.
"Now, as you know, each and every one of you was searched upon your arrival tonight. You have a right to know why." Professor Dumbledore said. "Once there was a young man who, like you, sat in this very Hall. Walked this castle's corridors. Slept beneath its roof. He seemed, to all the world, a student like any other. His name? Tom Riddle."
The Hall goes utterly silent.
"Today, of course, the world knows him by another name. Which is why, as I stand looking out upon you all tonight, I am reminded of a sobering fact. Each day, every hour, this very minute perhaps, dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle. But in the end, their greatest weapon remains... you." Professor Dumbledore said. "Just something to keep in mind. Now, off to bed. Pip pip!"
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Henley turns his head when he hears approaching footsteps coming from the doorway, seeing Harry with Ron behind him. He waves at Harry, who smiles at him and waves back.
"Harry m'boy! I was beginning to worry! And I see we've brought someone with us..." Professor Slughorn said, looking at Ron with a small smile.
"Ron Weasley, sir. But I'm dead awful at Potions, a menace actually, so I probably should just be going--"
"Nonsense, we'll sort you out. Any friend of Harry's is a friend of mine. Right then, books out--" Professor Slughorn said but was cut off by Harry's talking.
"Um, sorry, sir, but I haven't for my book yet-- nor's Ron. You see--"
"Not to worry. You can get what you need from the cupboard." Professor Slughorn said, pointing to the cupboard, turning to the students as Harry and Ron walk to the cupboard. "Now, as I was saying, I've prepared a few concoctions this morning. Any ideas what these might be? Yes, Miss...?"
"Granger, sir. That one there is Veratiserum. And that would be Polyjuice Potion. And that is Amortentia! The most powerful love potion in the world." Hermione said. "It's rumored to smell differently to each person, according to what attracts them. For example, I smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and spearmint toothpaste--" She blushes, stopping herself from talking.
Professor Slughorn regards her. "One of my best friends is Muggle-born. She's the best in your year..." He said. "Now Amortentia doesn't create actual love, of course. That's impossible. But it does cause a powerful infatuation or obsession. For that reason, it is probably the most dangerous potion in this room."
Professor Slughorn turns, finding a sea of dreamy faces leaning into the vapors. Instantly, he clangs a cover onto the cauldron, bringing them round.
"Sir, you haven't told us what's in that one..." Katie said, pointing to a small black cauldron.
Professor Slughorn steps to a small black cauldron. Begins to ladle a bit of golden liquid into a tiny vial. "What you see before you, ladies and gentlemen, is a curious little potion known as Felix Felicis. But it is more commonly referred to as--"
"Liquid luck." Hermione said.
A buzz runs through the class. Even Malfoy perks up.
"Yes, Miss Granger. Desperately tricky to make. Disastrous should you get it wrong. But brewed correctly, as this has been, it has remarkable powers. One sip and you will find that all your endeavours succeed... at least until the effects wear off." Professor Slughorn said.
"But then why don't people drink it all the time?" Katie asked.
"Because taken in excess it causes giddiness, recklessness and dangerous overconfidence." Professor Slughorn answered.
"Have you ever taken it, sir?" Blaise asked.
"Twice. Once when I was twenty-four. Once when I saw fifty-seven. Two tablespoons taken at breakfast. Two perfect days..." Professor Slughorn eyes the vial dreamily, adrift. Finally, he blinks. "So. This is what I offer each of you today. One tiny vial of liquid luck... to the student who, in the hour that remains, manages to brew an acceptable Draught of Living Death, the recipe for which can be found on page ten of your textbook." Professor Slughorn said.
Excitement seizes the class, and Professor Slughorn smiles knowingly. "You should know that in all the years of my previous tenure at Hogwarts, not once did a student brew a potion of sufficient quality to claim this prize. In any event -- good luck." He sets the vial upon his desk, where it shimmers in a shaft of sunlight.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Professor Slughorn wends his way amongst the cauldrons, nodding with sympathy at the fiascos before him. Then he stops, staring in disbelief at the pearly sheen of one bubbling potion.
"Merlin's Beard! But it's perfect. So perfect I daresay one sip would kill us all! Your mother was a dab hand at potions, but this... My, my, what can't you do, m'boy? Perhaps you will save us all in the end..." Professor Slughorn said, looking at Harry.
All eyes turn to Harry, making his smile falter.
"Here you are then, as promised. One bottle of Felix Felicis. Use it well." Professor Slughorn said.
Slowly, Harry reaches out and takes the glittering vial.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Henley sits himself next to Hermione on the Quidditch stands, looking out onto the pitch where he can see the Gryffindor Quidditch team trying out for their position.
Cayden pats Hermione's back as a greeting, looking out onto the pitch where he can see Ron glancing up at Hermione.
Hermione sees this and smiles at him, waving while she's at it.
"When are you two going to get together?" Henley asked.
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Hermione quickly said, looking back onto the pitch.
Henley smiles, shaking his head softly and looks back onto the pitch, watching the Gryffindors get onto their brooms and starts playing. He saw Ginny flying swiftly, handling the Quaffle with ease. And two second years collide in mid-air making him wince. Ron and Cormac both make a save, though Ron's looks shakier than Cormac.
Hermione seems to be a nervous wreck beside him.
Katie snatches a Quaffle with one hand, and splits two defenders beautifully and makes a slick blind pass to Dean who jets high in the air, then lets the Quaffle roll off his fingers right into Ginny's hands as she races below.
Seamus sends a Bludger rocketing into the stands, scattering a group of onlookers, leaving only Neville, who slides delicately to the right as the others leg it.
Two third years collide in mid-air, making Henley winces again.
Cormac makes another save. Ron turns the wrong way but somehow makes the save anyway as the Quaffle hits off the tail of his broom.
Demelza Robins, bent low over her stick, pins the Quaffle under her chin, and splits two Bludgers and a pair of Beaters.
Two Fourth years collide in mid-air but this time Henley didn't wince, already knowing it will happen.
Two aspiring Beaters "whiff" on a pair of Bludgers, and whack each other instead and plummet to the pitch as the Bludgers ricochet off one another and go flying into the stands, scattering onlookers yet again and leaving, as before, only Neville. This time, he sidles delicately to the left.
Cormac makes a save, and the Quaffle bounces off Ron's head.
Two fifth years collide in mid-air.
Soon after, Henley leans forward to look down at the pitch where he can see the survivors pressing ice packs to their heads, running tape around their twisted fingers. He then looks at Harry, who is talking with both Ron and Cormac.
Then Demelza and Ginny rocket forth. Ron weaves nervously while Cormac hovers in place, a confident sneer on his face.
"C'mon, Ron..." Henley mutters under his breath.
Demelza hunkers over her broom once again, flying like an arrow, then she goes into a wide, sweeping slide. Ginny blasts over the pitch, her hair streaming like flames, then rolls recklessly to the side. As one, they both let fly.
Hermione, face buried in her fingers mutters something.
Cormac, at the last moment, inexplicably rolls his broom to the right and the Quaffle sails over his shoulder. Ron, zig-zagging crazily, nearly falls off, right himself in a panic, and deflects Ginny's Quaffle with his forehead. As a few partisan cheers erupt from the stands, Harry grins, then has to restrain himself.
From beside Henley, Hermione slowly opens her eyes.
"Isn't he brilliant?" Lavender said dreamily.
Hermione stares balefully at Lavender, then notices Cormac eyeing his broom incredulously. She gets up, taking Henley's hand and slips away with Henley behind her.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
"For weeks you carry around this book, practically sleep with it..." Hermione began. "And you have no desire to find out who The Half-Blood Prince is?"
"I didn't say I wasn't curious. And, by the way, I don't sleep with it." Harry said, defending himself, holding Henley's hand.
Ron lets out a sarcastic chortle. "Yeah. Right." He said as Harry glares at him. "Well, it's true. I like a nice chat before I go to bed. Now you're always reading that bloody book. It's like being with Hermione."
This time it's Hermione's turn to glare, smirking when Henley smacks the back of Ron's head.
"You know, the last time we had a book Ginny almost died." Henley said, Hermione agreed with him.
"It's not taking control of my mind yet." Harry said, looking at Henley with a small smile.
"Isn't that what happened with the diary?" Henley questioned, looking at Ron and Hermione who nodded.
"Well, I was curious. So I went to--" Hermione's words were cut off by Harry and Ron.
"The library." Harry and Ron said.
"And?" Henley asked, ignoring Harry and Ron, as he looked at Hermione.
"And... nothing. There's no reference to the Half-Blood Prince anywhere." Hermione said.
"Good. That settles it then." Harry said.
Hermione starts to object, when Hagrid's voice breaks through them.
"Hey, you four!" Hagrid exclaimed, emerging out of the trees, beard crusted in white, looking like a crazed Father Christmas. Behind him, deep in the woods, Aurors can be seen.
Hermione eyes them briefly, then she nods to the pulsating burlap bag Hagrid clutches in his fist.
"What've you got there, Hagrid?" Hermione asked.
Hagrid tips open the bag, making Henley, Harry, Ron and Hermione grimace. "Stinksap. Burn the whiskers right off yer chin. Trees 'ere are drippin' with it."
"Stinksap? You're not sick, are you?" Henley asked, looking up at Hagrid with concern.
"It's not fer me. It's fer Aragog. Yeh remember Aragog, don't yeh?" Hagrid asked.
"I've heard about it." Henley said, nodding.
"Spider? About six feet tall? Ten feet wide?" Ron listed.
"That's the one. He's taken ill. I'm hopin' ter nurse 'im back. Keep yer fingers crossed." Hagrid said, crossing his fingers.
"Hope he gets better soon." Henley said, Hagrid sent him a grateful smile and disappeared back into the trees.
"Barking. Does he not remember that raving arachnid tried to eat us? What?" Ron questioned, looking at Hermione who is staring at the Aurors.
"The Aurors. I know they're here to protect us, but... somehow I don't feel any safer." Hermione said.
"Me too." Henley said, turning his head to look at Harry, turning his head where Harry is looking at and was confused when he sees Professor Slughorn entering the Three Broomstick. Why is his boyfriend staring at Professor Slughorn?
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Henley, Harry, Ron and Hermione enter the Three Broomstick, Harry glancing around and locate Slughorn at the bar, planted plumply on a stool.
"No. Over here." Harry said, leading them to a dirty table and sitting down before the three of them could complain.
The three of them exchange a glance, shrug, and join Harry on the dirty table. Ron starts to take the chair directly opposite Harry, blocking his view of Slughorn.
Henley takes notice of Harry trying to look at Professor Slughorn and moves Ron's chair closer to Hermione as he sits down next to Harry. He takes notice of Harry looking relieved by that, sharing a look with Hermione who is also looking at Harry weirdly.
A skinny kid in an apron appears, tossing a filthy rag upon the table-- which begins to wipe the surface on its own. Harry cranes his neck around the kid to keep Slughorn in his view.
"What'll we have?" The kid asked, looking at the four.
"Four Butterbeers. Splash of ginger in..." Hermione looks at Henley, wondering if he wants it his Butterbeer too and he nods. "His and mine, please."
The kid whistles and the rag leaps back into his pocket. Harry continues to eye Slughorn, when he sees Malfoy. They lock eyes briefly, then Malfoy exits.
"Aw, bloody hell..." Ron said, glowering at his little sister, who sits in a dark corner with Dean, their faces lit by a guttering candle.
"Oh, honestly, Ronald. They're just holding hands..." Hermione trailed off, seeing Dean kissing Ginny. "And snogging."
"I'd like to leave." Ron said, glowering.
"Leave? You can't be serious." Hermione said, raising an eyebrow.
"That happens to be my sister." Ron said, and Harry perked up at that.
"You didn't leave when Henley and I started snogging?" Harry asked.
"That was different." Ron said.
Henley smiles, shaking his head softly.
"Harry, m'boy!" Professor Slughorn's voice booms so loudly even Ginny jumps. As he waddles over, sloshing the mug in hand, Harry rises immediately-- an action so grossly out of character that Hermione regards him with amused curiosity.
"Hello, sir. Wonderful to see you." Harry said, greeting the man.
Hermione, brow wrinkling, turns to Henley and Ron, silently mouthing what Harry had said to Professor Slughorn.
"So what brings you here, sir?" Harry asked, looking up at Slughorn.
"Oh, the Three Broomstick and I go way back. Longer than I'd care to admit. In fact, I remember when it was simply One Broomstick!" As Professor Slughorn guffaws, Harry joins in, laughing heartily as well. Professor Slughorn's belly trembles next to Henley's cheek and his waving mug sloshes over, spattering the table. "Oops! All hands on deck, Rosewood!"
Henley smiles, when a whistle is heard and the rag is back, whisking away Professor Slughorn's mess as the skinny kid slides three foaming mugs onto the table.
"Listen, m'boy. In the old days, I used to throw together the occasional supper and invite a select student or two. Would you be game?" Professor Slughorn asked, looking at Harry.
"I'd consider it an honor, sir." Harry said, smiling.
"You'd be welcome too, Granger." Professor Slughorn said.
Hermione, in the midst of emptying her Butterbeer in one long draw, slams down her mug-- leaving behind a mustache. "Be delighted, sir."
Henley softly chuckles, drinking his Butterbeer.
"Brilliant. Look for my owl." Professor Slughorn said, turning to leave. "Good to see you, Wallenby, Rosewood."
Ron frowns as Professor Slughorn waddles away, turning to Harry. "What're you playing at?"
"Dumbledore asked me to... get to know him." Harry said, shrugging.
"Get to know him?" Ron questioned.
"Dunno. But it must be important. Otherwise Dumbledore wouldn't ask." Harry said, shrugging again.
Slam! Ron turns, sees that Hermione has emptied his mug as well. Ron gestures to her upper lip. "Um... you've got a little..."
Without a thought, she flicks her tongue up, wiping it clean.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
The snow falls heavily. Ron and Harry walk together, while Henley and Hermione trail several yards behind, throwing snowballs at each other with a smile on both of their faces.
Henley lets a snowball hit him when he hears a scream, running around Harry and towards Katie and Leanne. He jumps up and takes her ankle, catching her as she falls, pulling her into his arms.
"I warned her! I warned her not to touch it!" Leanne exclaimed.
Henley pulls Katie to his chest, unwrapping the scarf around her neck for her to breathe easier, then whispers comforting words to her over and over until Katie's lids flutter and her body goes limp. A big hand was placed on his shoulder, looking up at Hagrid who nodded at him.
Henley lets Hagrid take Katie away from his arms, watching Harry wrap the necklace Katie had touched with his scarf.
"How did you know how to do that?" Ron asked, looking at Henley who is still kneeled down on the snow, watching Hagrid walk away from them with Katie in his arms.
"Madam Pomfrey." Henley answered, standing up from the snow. "Let's bring that to a Professor." He said, pointing to the wrapped necklace.
Harry nods, agreeing with his boyfriend. "Yeah, let's go."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
The necklace lies green and glittering upon Professor McGonagall's desk.
"You're sure Katie did not have this in her possession when she entered the Three Broomsticks, Leanne?" Professor McGonagall asked, looking at her.
Leanne nods. "It's like I said. She went to the loo and when she came back she had the package. She said it was important she deliver it."
"Did she say to whom?" Professor McGonagall asked.
Leanne shakes her head.
"All right, Leanne. You may go." Professor McGonagall said, as Leanne exits. "Why is it always you three? Hm? When something happens?" She asked, looking at Harry, Ron and Hermione.
"Believe me, Professor, I've been asking myself the same question for six years." Ron said.
Just then, Professor Snape appears at the door, eyeing the four.
"Severus." Professor McGonagall said.
"Is this it?" Professor Snape asked. Professor McGonagall nods. Professor Snape takes his wand and lifts the necklace like a dead snake, eyeing it with fascination.
"What do you think?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"I think Miss Bell is lucky to be alive." Professor Snape said.
"She was cursed, wasn't she? I know Katie. Off the Quidditch pitch she wouldn't hurt a fly. If she was bringing that to someone, she wasn't doing it knowingly." Harry said, letting Henley lean his head against his shoulder.
Professor Snape eyes Harry levelly.
"Yes. She was cursed." Professor McGonagall said.
"It was Malfoy." Harry said.
"That's a very serious accusation, Potter." Professor McGonagall said.
"Indeed. Your evidence?" Professor Snape asked.
"I... just... know." Harry said, unsure.
"You... just... know. Once again you astonish with your gifts, Potter, gifts mere mortals could only dream of possessing. How grand it must be to be the Chosen One." Professor Snape said.
Ron and Hermione avert their eyes uncomfortably.
"I suggest you return to your dormitory. All of you." Professor McGonagall said.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
"So. How was it?" Ron asked, sitting down opposite of Henley, Harry and Hermione.
Hermione continues to read the Prophet, unaware of Ron's mood. "How was what?"
"Your dinner party." Ron said with mock refinement.
"Dead boring. Though I think Harry enjoyed dessert." Hermione said.
"I heard Professor Slughorn is having a Christmas do, you know." Henley said. "And we're meant to bring someone."
"I expect you'll be going with McLaggen. Isn't he a member of the Slug Club?" Ron said to Hermione.
"Actually, I was going to ask you." Hermione said.
"Really?" Ron asked.
"Really. But seeing as you have such a distaste for the idea--" Hermione words was cut off by Lavender who is passing by.
"Good luck today, Ron! I know you'll be brilliant!" Lavender said.
Ron sighs, looking back down at his plate. Not noticing Hermione staring daggers at Lavender.
"I'm resigning. After today's match. McLaggen can have my spot." Ron said.
Hearing this, Hermione turns back. Harry catches her eye, extends a shaking hand to indicate Ron's mental state.
"Make it your way. Juice?" Harry asked.
Hermione blinks, surprised by Harry's callousness. Ron is surprised as well -- and mildly put out. Henley is not surprised, already knowing what Harry is planning.
"Sure..." Ron said.
As Harry pours the juice, Luna arrives at the table wearing a hat that bears an uncanny resemblance to a real lion.
"Hello, everyone. You look dreadful, Ron." Luna said.
Ron nods grimly, lifts his glass to his mouth.
Luna turns to Harry. "Is that why you just put something in his cup? Is it a tonic?"
The tint vial of Felix Felicis glints in Harry's palm.
"Don't drink that, Ron!" Hermione exclaimed.
But Ron's frozen in mid-sip, looking at Harry's palm too. Quickly, he gulps down the rest.
"You could be expelled for that." Hermione said.
"Dunno what you're talking about." Harry said, pocketing the vial and winks at Luna.
Ron stood up. "C'mon, Harry. We've got a game to win."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Henley, decked out in a basic blue suit, and Harry, in basic black, make their way towards the strains of Christmas music, red lanterns lighting their way.
"What do you think the missing memory is?" Harry asked, making a small conversation with his boyfriend.
Henley shrugs. "I've honestly got no idea." He said. "It must be something big if Professor Slughorn didn't want to say anything."
Harry nods, agreeing with him. He leans forward and pecks Henley on the corner of his boyfriend's mouth, smiling when Henley smiles up at him. "I love you, Henley." He said, watching Henley smile get brighter than before.
"I love you too, Harry." Henley said, kissing Harry's lips making the Gryffindor smile against his lips.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Ron lies on his back, while Henley and Harry sit opposite, leafing through the Half-Blood Prince's potions book. Henley has his head leaned against Harry's shoulder, finding it comfortable.
"Unbreakable Vow. You're sure that's what Snape said." Ron said.
"Positive. Why?" Harry asked.
"It's just, well, you can't break an Unbreakable Vow." Ron said.
"I'd worked that much out for myself, funnily enough." Harry said, feeling Henley smiles against his shoulder making him smile as well.
"No, you don't understand -- Oh, bloody hell..." Ron said.
Lavender stands outside the compartment door. Fogging the glass with her breath, she etches 'Ron + Lav', encircles it with a heart, mimes 'I miss you', and exits with a pout.
"Lovely." Harry said, glad that Henley doesn't act like that.
"All she wants to do is snog me. My lips are getting chapped. Look." Ron said, pointing to his lips.
"I'll take your word for it." Harry said.
Just then, Hermione passes by, breaks stride as she spots Lavender's handiwork, then continues on. Ron shakes his head.
"So what happens? If you break an Unbreakable Vow?" Harry asked.
Ron glowers, watching as Lavender's heart slowly vanishes. "You die."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
"You're lucky you weren't killed." Hermione said, reading the Daily Prophet as she walks alongside Henley and Harry. "You have to realize who you are, Harry."
"I know who I am, Hermione, alright?" Harry said sharply, before frowning. "Sorry."
Hermione waves off the apology, not even angry at him. "So tell me what Arthur said."
"If Dumbledore's traveling places, it's news to the Ministry. But get this: that night at Borgin & and Burkes? It seems Draco was looking at a Vanishing Cabinet." Harry said.
"What would Draco want with a Vanishing Cabinet?" Hermione asked.
"You tell me." Harry said, shrugging.
Hermione frowns, pondering this. "He looks different, don't you think? Draco. Almost... ill."
"Who could tell the difference?" Harry said.
"Lav, c'mon. Of course I'll wear it." A familiar voice said.
They glance ahead, seeing Ron and a pouting Lavender. Ron holds a gold chain which spells out 'My Sweetheart'.
"That's my Won-Won." Lavender said.
"Excuse me, I have to go vomit." Hermione said, leaving.
Harry turns his head to look at Henley, who shrugs at him with a small smile.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Henley, Harry, Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall, Ginny and a very somber Hermione circle Ron's bed as Madam Pomfrey ministers to him. Professor Slughorn sits off to the side, in a chair, looking stunned.
"Quick thinking on your part, Harry. Using a Bezoar. You must be very proud of your student, eh, Horace?" Professor Dumbledore said.
"Hm. Oh. Yes... very proud." Professor Slughorn said.
"I think we all agree that Mr. Potter's actions were heroic. The question is: Why were they necessary." Professor McGonagall said.
"Why indeed." Professor Dumbledore said, taking the half-empty bottle of mead, still bearing a bit of giftwrap. "This appears to be a gift, Horace. You don't by chance remember who gave you this bottle, do you -- which by the way possesses remarkably subtle hints of licorice and cherry when not polluted with poison."
"Actually I had intended to give it as a gift myself." Professor Slughorn said.
"To whom might I ask?" Professor Dumbledore questioned.
"You, Headmaster." Professor Slughorn said.
Just then -- the door bursts open by Lavender. "Where is he? Where's my Won-Won! Has he been asking for me?" She stops, glaring daggers at Hermione. "What's she doing here?"
"I might ask you the same." Hermione retorted.
"I happen to be his girlfriend." Lavender answered.
"I happen to be his... friend." Hermione said hesitantly.
"Don't make me laugh. You haven't spoken in weeks. I suppose you want to make up with him now that he's suddenly all interesting." Lavender said, crossing her arms.
"He's been poisoned, you daft dimbo! And for the record, I've always found him interesting." Hermione frowns, a bit embarrassed.
Ron snorts, stirring.
"Ha! See? He senses my presence. I'm here, Won-Won. I'm here--"
"Er... My... Nee. Er! My! Nee!" Ron, in a haze, reaches out blindly.
Blushing, Hermione takes his hand. Instantly, he falls unconscious again. Lavender, vibrating with rage, stalks out.
Professor Dumbledore beams. "Ah, to be young and feel love's keen sting. Come, everyone, I think Mr. Weasley is well tended."
As Professor Dumbledore leads the others past Harry, Harry studies him. Henley passes, face very close, whispering as he indicates Ron and Hermione.
"'Bout time, don't you think?" Henley asked, smiling up at Harry.
Harry watches him go, hopelessly smitten, noticing that Professor Slughorn has paused in the doorway.
"I've always cherished my students. They're my life..." Professor Slughorn said, then he is gone too.
Harry turns back, studying Hermione, hand enfolded over Ron's. She looks up, noticing his faint smile.
"Oh shut up." Hermione said, rolling her eyes lightly.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Henley enters the Gryffindor common room, head turning to Harry who is sitting numbly on the couch, the Potions textbook lying limp in his hand.
He moves towards him, ignoring the surprised look on Ron and Hermione's face, wondering how he got in.
He kneels down in front of Harry, gaining his attention who looks at him. "You have to get rid of it. Today."
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Harry, Potions book in hand, follows Henley past the empty birdcage and down the corridor when the Ravenclaw pauses, turning to the wall and shuts his eyes.
Henley held out his hand, and Harry took it without hesitation.
"The Room of Requirement..." Harry said, following Henley into the room.
Harry eyes the shelves that tower above him and the odd things they hold: a small cage bearing the skeleton of some long-dead creature. A jar of quivering eyeballs which track him as he passes.
"Over the years, if someone had a secret, if they wanted to conceal something, this is where they came. Some of these things are almost as old as the castle itself." Henley said.
"Who showed you this? First." Harry asked.
"Cayden. Second year. I needed some privacy at the time and he showed me." Henley said, smiling softly, then a scuffling sound was heard nearby.
They turn, looking off. "What was that?" They said at the same time, looking at each other and smiling.
⋇⋆✦⋆⋇
Henley and Harry approach. The scuffling grows louder. Harry reaches out, pulling aside the tapestry. Reacts. The cabinet door vibrates. Slowly, he opens it and the black flies free in a rush of flapping wings.
"See, you never know what you'll find up here." Henley said.
Harry nods, looking back to the cabinet, mystified.
"All right. Close your eyes. That way you can't be tempted." Henley said, slipping thr book from Harry's fingers and starts to back away. He mouths the words 'Close your eyes' as he leaves him.
For a long moment, there is only silence. Then a shadow gently eclipses Harry's face.
Henley leans in and places his mouth on Harry, who instantly reacts and cupped the Ravenclaw's face and starts kissing him back.
They pulls away after what felt like forever, looking into each other's eyes with a small smile on their faces.
