Chapter 7: The Half-Blood Prince
Naruto wakes up to find himself in the other plane of existence, as he saw Hagoromo was there waiting for him. "Old man sage, what are you doing here?" Naruto asked. "Naruto, I have come with a message regarding those visions you saw," Hagoromo stated, as he looked rather serious. Naruto was shocked, "Visions? Are you saying that…" Naruto was going to ask, when Hagoromo nodded. "Yes Naruto, I was the one that sent you those visions," he said. "Why? Why did you send me these visions?" Naruto asked. "Because the time of the prophecy is coming close, events will occur that you cannot stop. From Voldemort to Menma, the fires will rage and Hogwarts will burn…and you will burn with it too, if you and Harry fail to stop the threat. You two must be ready for what is to come, as time grows short," Hagoromo stated. "Wait, can't you at least explain more on what we have to do?" Naruto asked. Hagoromo shook his head, "I'm afraid I can't explain more, as it will alter the future for the worse…but in time when that day arrives, we will meet again. The message has been delivered, goodbye," Hagoromo stated. Before Naruto could ask anymore, he was pulled back into the real world. The blond wakes up to see that it was early morning, 'What the hell was that? How can we stop Voldemort and Menma, if we don't know what to do?' he thought, before getting up and getting dressed to start the new day.
The others soon wake up and head to the common room, to see that Naruto was up and early as he was drinking some coffee, while reading a textbook. "Morning guys," Naruto said, greeting them, as they greeted him. Soon the four were walking to the Great Hall for some breakfast and as they were walking, Harry decided to talk about what he overheard from Malfoy at the Hogwarts Express. "There's no way Malfoy was being serious, he's probably showing off to Parkingson," Ron stated. "I don't know Ron, it's in Malfoy's nature to make himself look more important, but in all honesty this must've been a big lie to tell," Hermione stated. Naruto nodded, "If anything, Draco is probably hiding something and he's definitely leaving little clues to his friends by how cryptic he's being, cause there's no way he would throw his friends out of the loop." Before Harry could add on, he noticed that people were staring at him and whispering stuff to others, as they were listening in on the conversation. "Oi buzz off everyone, don't you have other important things to do instead of gawking at my friend here," Ron snapped, as everybody went back to their business.
"Thanks for that Ron," Harry said gratefully, as Ron nodded. "I love being a sixth year student. And we're going to be getting free time this year. Whole periods when we can just sit up here and relax," Ron stated, as Hermione shook her head. "First of all, we're not using that time for relaxing, as it's meant for studying, you know," Hermione stated, as Ron shrugged. While they were walking to the Great Hall, Lavender Brown was there and she noticed Ron as she winked at him, before going her way. Ron blushed, as the others smirked at him for how pink he looked. "Looks like someone here has gotten himself an admirer," Naruto stated, as he and the others laughed, while Ron was muttering shut up. The ceiling of the Great Hall was serenely blue and streaked with frail, wispy clouds, just like the squares of sky visible through the high mullioned windows. While they tucked into porridge and eggs and bacon, the four were talking about the classes they might get.
As they got their schedules, McGonagall stops Harry for some reason. "So, Potter, Potter . . ." said Professor McGonagall, consulting her notes as she turned to Harry. "Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Transfiguration . . . all fine. I must say, I was pleased with your Transfiguration mark, Potter, very pleased. Now, why haven't you applied to continue with Potions? I thought it was your ambition to become an Auror?" Harry nodded, "It was, but you told me I had to get an 'Outstanding' in my O.W.L Professor."
"And so you did when Professor Snape was teaching the subject. Professor Slughorn, however, is perfectly happy to accept N.E.W.T students with 'Exceeds Expectations' at O.W.L. Do you wish to proceed with Potions?" Harry nodded, "Yes," said Harry, "but I didn't buy the books or any ingredients or anything —"
"I'm sure Professor Slughorn will be able to lend you some," said Professor McGonagall. "Brilliant, um well I'll head there when class starts," Harry said. "Well good, good. Potter take Weasley with you, he looks far too happy over there," McGonagall stated, as Ron looked rather content with himself. After being given his schedule and also information regarding the people who wanted to try out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, Harry soon leaves for his first class of the day, which was in all honesty a free period. An hour later, Harry and Ron went to their next class, which was Defense Against the Dark Arts. They see that both Naruto and Hermione were there, waiting in the queue before class started, as they were both holding some rather heavy books. "We got so much homework for Runes," she said anxiously, when Harry and Ron joined them. "A fifteen-inch essay, two translations, and we've got to read these by Wednesday!"
"Shame," Ron said, without a care in the world. "Don't get your hopes up Ron, bet Snape will give us more work," Naruto retorted. Soon the door for the class opened, as everybody took a seat waiting for the teacher. Given that Snape was their new professor for this class, the room was much more gloomier as the paintings on the wall showed some rather morbid images of people in agony and so forth, probably implying that Snape was rather emo, which in all honesty he should be. He begins to speak about the course level they were in, which was N.E.W.T. as he goes on about how this course level will be much harder. "The Dark Arts," said Snape, "are many, varied, ever-changing, and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting a many-headed monster, which, each time a neck is severed, sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, indestructible."
Both Naruto and Harry were surprised by how detailed Snape was when he discussed this topic. Snape goes on to talk about defenses against dangerous threats such as the Cruciatus curse, the Dementor's kiss, and the Inferius. He does this by showing the class images of the described dangers. "So the Inferius…are they created through Necromancy?" Naruto asked, as Snape nodded. "Does anyone know what is the advantage of a nonverbal spell?" Snape asked, as Hermione raised her hand. "Very well — Miss Granger?"
"Your adversary has no warning about what kind of magic you're about to perform," said Hermione, "which gives you a split-second advantage." Snape nodded, though he did say that the answer was out of the textbook. " Not all wizards can do this, of course; it is a question of concentration and mind power which some" — his gaze lingered maliciously upon Harry — "lack." Yup, he was referring to the Occlumency lessons the two had during the Fifth Year. "You will now divide," Snape went on, "into pairs. One partner will attempt to jinx the other without speaking. The other will attempt to repel the jinx in equal silence. Carry on."
Naruto paired up with Hermione, while Harry paired up with Ron. Even though Harry taught everybody at the D.A. the shield charm, nobody could do it without speaking. It was rather difficult, as people had to resort to cheating in order to accomplish this. Typically, ten minutes into the lesson Hermione managed to repel Naruto's muttered JellyLegs Jinx without uttering a single word, a feat that would surely have earned her twenty points for Gryffindor from any reasonable teacher, thought Harry bitterly, but which Snape ignored. For both Harry and Ron, they were legit struggling, to the point where Snape had to intervene. "Pathetic, Weasley," said Snape, after a while. "Here — let me show you —"
He turned his wand on Harry so fast that Harry reacted instinctively; all thought of nonverbal spells forgotten, he yelled, "Protego!" His Shield Charm was so strong Snape was knocked off-balance and hit a desk. The whole class had looked around and now watched as Snape righted himself, scowling. "Do you remember me telling you we are practicing nonverbal spells, Potter?"
Yes," said Harry stiffly. "Yes, sir," Snape said. "There's no need to call me 'sir,' Professor," Harry clapped back. Now everybody was shocked, as they had expected Naruto to be the one to say that, but it was Harry who said it this time. However Ron, Dean, and Seamus were grinning. "Detention, Saturday night, my office," said Snape. "I do not take cheek from anyone, Potter . . . not even 'the Chosen One.'" Soon class ended, as everybody talked about what just happened. Ron was amazed, while Hermione was disapproving about what happened. Naruto remained quiet about this whole situation, as he was still thinking about that conversation he had with the Sage of Sixth Paths, to the point where he wasn't even focused on the conversation that was going on.
"Naruto!" Hermione called out to the blond, who woke from his stupor. "Yeah, what is it?" he asked, as the others looked at him curiously. "You were spacing out mate, are you ok?" Ron asked. "I'm fine guys, really. Come on, let's get on with the next class," the blond said, as he walked quickly, while the others looked at each other and shrugged. The next class was Potions class, and it was held in the dungeons. It was a good thing, Slughorn was teaching them instead of Snape, as if Snape taught both classes it would've been a disaster. "Ah Harry m'boy, I was beginning to worry. Good to see you too as well, Naruto," Slughorn greeted the two, as the two shook his hand. Soon the two, along with Ron and Hermione found themselves a table where they could work together. "Alright everyone, get your books out," Slughorn announced, as Harry raised his hand.
"Yes Harry?" Slughorn asked kindly. "Sorry sir, I haven't actually got my book yet. And nor has Ron." Slughorn waved it off, "Don't worry, get what you want from the cupboard." The two went to the cupboard, as Slughorn began the lesson. "Now as I was saying, I prepared some concoctions this morning. Any ideas what these might be?" Hermione raises her hand, as Slughorn calls her. "Yes, miss…?"
"Granger, sir," she said, before going up to the cauldron. Harry and Ron open the cupboard to see two books, one brand new, while the other looks worn and used. "That one there is Veritaserum," Hermione points out to one of the concoctions. "It's a truth telling serum," she explained, as Harry and Ron looked at each other before fighting over who gets the new book, while the other gets the used book. As they were fighting in the background, Hermione continued with her explanation about some of the concoctions. Harry soon gets the used book, while Ron gets the brand new book, and the two walk back to the group. "This is Amortentia. The most powerful love potion in the world. 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." Slughorn nods, as Hermione went back to the group of students. "Nice one, Hermione," Naruto whispered, as she blushed, but smiled at him for the compliment.
"Now, Amortentia doesn't create actual love, that would be impossible. But it does cause powerful infatuation or obsession," Slughorn explained, as five of the other girls went up closer to the cauldron. "And for that reason, it is probably the most dangerous potion in this room," Slughorn stated, before closing it. "So basically it's like a date-rape drug," Naruto whispered to Hermione, who nodded. "Sir? you haven't told us what is in that one," Katie Bell asked, pointing at a tiny vial. "Ah yes," Slughorn said, picking up the vial. "What you see before you, ladies and gentleman…is a curious little potion known as Felix Felicis. It is more commonly referred to as-"
"Liquid Luck," Hermione answered quickly. "Yes, Miss Granger. Liquid Luck," he said, showing off the vial to everyone. "Desperately tricky to make, disastrous should you get it wrong. One sip and you will find that all your endeavors succeed." Harry, Naruto, and Draco had a keen interest in it. "At least, until the effects wear off," Slughorn said nonchalantly. "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. Recipes for which can be found on page 10 of your books," he said, as everybody took a look into their books. "I should point out, however, only one student who manages to brew a potion of sufficient quality to claim this prize. Nevertheless, good luck to you all. Let the brewing commence."
Everybody began the task, wanting this prize as they prepared their equipment. Harry opens the book, to see that there was writing on it. It claims to be the property of The Half Blood Prince. 'Sheesh, who was edgy enough to write their name like this?' Harry thought. Meanwhile, Snape was teaching a class, when all of a sudden he sneezed, almost as if someone had insulted him. Harry looks around to see if anyone was looking at him, before continuing on with flipping the pages. He found the page he was looking for, when it came to the potion he was making. Naruto and Draco were doing fine when it came to cutting one of the ingredients which was the sopophorous bean, whereas everybody else was struggling since the bean was moving around. Instead of cutting the bean, Harry decided to crush, as hinted from the writing on the page.
As he poured the crushed bean, Hermione noticed Harry pouring the crushed bean. "How did you do that?" she asked or rather demanded. "Crush it, don't cut it," Harry said, nonchalantly. "No, the instructions specifically say to cut," she stated. "No really," he said, pointing at the page. Hermione looked at the page and looked at her cauldron. Crabbe's ladle melted, while Seamus's cauldron exploded something on his face. Meanwhile Harry was having a pretty good time with his potion. One of the girl's potion turned into some sludge-like thing. Hermione was really struggling as her hair was looking really frizzy and wild. Soon time was up, as Slughorn went up to Harry's cauldron to test out the potion, by dropping a leaf, which burned.
"Merlin's beard! It is perfect!" Slughorn stated excitedly, as everyone looked at him. "So perfect I dare say one drop would kill us all!" he said nonchalantly. Hermione looks at Harry as if her heart just dropped, as Harry looked rather smug. Soon everybody gathered around, as Harry was being presented the vial of Liquid Luck from Slughorn. Most were looking pretty jealous, whereas some people like Naruto, Ron, and Daphne were looking proud of Harry. "So here we are then, as promised. One vial of Felix Felicis. Congratulations, use it well." Slughorn clapped for him, as Harry's friends clapped for Harry, while Malfoy and his cronies seethed. Harry was smiling of course, with the book behind his hand as it was now his personal cheat sheet.