Aurora

The next day we started our first combat operations. Finding Amortentia's recipe in the Restricted Section was not that difficult. Helped us in this matter, oddly enough, Peeves. We were very lucky that Madame Pince fell for yet another stupid poltergeist trick — she had to fly out of the library just as we were thinking how to get into the Restricted Section without being noticed. I never thought that I would give praise to Peeves — he made a flood right at the entrance to the library and yelled furiously, rushing back and forth down the corridor. Realizing that there would be no better moment, I quickly pulled the right book with the help of Accio and tore out a page from there. Then I cast a restorative spell, and the page in the book reappeared by itself. Shrinking the piece of paper with the recipe, I stuffed it into my skirt pocket and cast an invisibility spell on it.

In the evening, Anna and I closed ourselves in the toilet of Moaning Myrtle (we could be overheard in the living room) and carefully studied the recipe.

Love Potion Recipe

1. Mandrake roots

2. Fern seeds (need to be collected on the eve of the New Moon)

3. Three drops of dragon blood. The more blood, the more prolonged and stronger the effect.

4. Musk

5. Chopped Basil Herb

6. Fresh red rose petals

7. Purple aster petals (5-8 flowers)

8. 1-2 sprigs of wormwood

9. A pinch of rosemary

10. Lavender oil (7 tablespoons)

11. Red wine

12. The blood and hair of the one with whom the bewitched should fall in love

To give a light aroma and pleasant smell, add a little cinnamon, a few vanilla pods, nutmeg and ground black pepper.

As I said that, I swallowed, feeling a slimy chill of fear somewhere in my stomach.

"Reluctance, of course, to shuffle into the Forest at night — who knows what game can be found there. Previously, if we did go, it was only during the day, when it was still light," Anna noticed, leaning against the door of one of the booths and watching how I add a few drops of lavender oil to boiling water.

"Have you thought about how you can get dragon blood and musk? You don't really want Snape to catch you like last time."

"He's not the only Potions master at Hogwarts this year."

"Exactly! Slughorn! He shouldn't be a problem!" Anna rejoiced.

"We may not even have to steal anything. Dragon blood is used in many medicines. We'll say we need it to treat... migraines, for example."

"But, something tells me that musk might be a problem. It's a powerful aphrodisiac! Surely the old man will suspect something."

"Musk needs a little. I'll take it while you distract old Slizzy," I said, stirring the mauve potion with my wand. The steam from it was already smoking in my face, and I had to pin up my hair in order to at least see something in the dimly lit room.

"But why me?"

"You are good at it," I replied.

*

"Professor Slughorn! We wanted to talk to you if you're not busy," I cooed, trying to look as innocent as possible, and fluttered my eyelashes.

We stood on the threshold of Slughorn's office, contemplating his bewildered face through the small crack in the slightly ajar door. He was obviously surprised by our unexpected arrival.

"Could you let us in, professor? If you have time," I added, exuding all my charm.

His face expressed confusion for only a moment, but then it changed, illuminating with a radiant smile.

"Of course, of course, come in, make yourself comfortable."

With these words, he kindly opened the door for us, letting us in.

We entered, looking at the professor's room with interest. A desk littered with all sorts of books and sheets of parchment, a variety of jars, broken pens and other utensils. Large closet, sofa, coffee table and two comfortable armchairs. The old man did well.

"We're big fans of yours," Anna put in before he could ask what brought us to him. "You are our favorite teacher, and, as for me, you know much more than Professor Sn..."

"Full, full, Miss Black," Slughorn smiled good-naturedly, his cheeks blushing from such generous compliments. "Both of you are very, very talented students. Only you, Mrs. Malfoy... that is, Miss Black, should learn to control your violent temper a little! All in father, all in father!"

Saying this, he chuckled softly.

"My father spoke very fondly of you, Professor. He said you were a great teacher and a master of your craft," Anna continued.

"Oh, how I remember Sirius now — a brilliant student, one of the best in the class... He was always distinguished not only by his extraordinary learning skills, but also by his temper!"

Slughorn fussed over to the cutlery cabinet, and to our surprise, he pulled out three bottles of butterbeer and three glasses.

"Come in, Miss Black, Miss Lestrange. Have a seat. Can I get you a glass of butterbeer?"

We both nodded and sat down in the chairs he kindly pushed aside.

"Have you long been fond of Potions, Miss Lestrange? You are just brilliant with every potion I give in class — even adding some seemingly insignificant detail to it, which only makes the potion better. You are putting a part of your soul into it! Which undoubtedly makes you just the brilliant witch!"

"Thank you, sir," I said, and took a sip of the beer that Slughorn had generously poured into my glass. "Actually, I had to deal with potions due to health problems, sir. Sometimes I suffer from migraines and indispositions. I read that dragon's blood can help with severe migraines, right, sir?"

"Of course, Miss Lestrange! It's a pity that your health is so fragile... Well, that's easily fixable."

Slughorn abruptly got up from the table, accidentally hitting him with his immense belly, causing him to stagger and almost knock over the beer glasses.

"I think I have a special tincture that might help you."

He hid in his office, and returned from there already with a bottle of blue liquid, sparkling with a radiant smile.

"This potion works great! Tones up, removes any spasms."

"Thank you, sir! Didn't know you'd be so kind!"

"Fullness, Aurora, drink and get well, all symptoms will be removed as if by hand. As for the blood of the dragon — I'm afraid it is a very valuable ingredient that is used in a number of other potions, and brewing it…"

"You see, sir, I dream of becoming a Potions master, just like you. Perhaps you will find time to occasionally give me private lessons? I used to study with Professor Snape."

"Of course, why not? Let's see, let me take a look at my schedule... What can't you do for talented youth! Yes, no doubt Severus must have appreciated your talent..."

"I would really like to learn how to brew this potion myself. Will you be able to check it out once it's ready?"

"I remember I gave private lessons to your father Sirius, Miss Black," Slughorn drawled contentedly and winked at Anna, smiling at some of his thoughts. "Oh, thank Slytherin, there have always been enough fine students in his House."

"To Slytherin!" Anna proclaimed.

"To Slytherin!" we all said in unison, and clinked glasses with our goblets.

"To Slytherin," Slughorn repeated with a loud hiccup and wiped his mustache with the back of his hand.

Anna and I looked at each other and shrugged slightly.

"Oh, have it your way, Aurora, I'll lend you some blood... Just be sure to bring it to check! I want to give you extra points later. My scientific interest has always aroused..."

Muttering something unintelligible under his breath, he disappeared into his room again.

When he returned, he was confronted with a sight that almost caused him to break the precious flask of blood-red liquid clutched between his plump fingers.

"Professor Slughorn! Anna feels bad, I think she fainted! She must have had too much butter beer..."

"Oh my God, what's going on..." Slughorn whispered in confusion as he bent over Anna, who was sprawled on the floor, and pulled his wand from his robe pocket.

"Miss Lestrange, bring me some coriander tincture, and quickly, before the poor girl gets really sick!"

While Slughorn was shaking over Anna, who was pretending to faint, I quickly ran to his office and took everything I needed. And even more.

I was not surprised that Anna suddenly felt better with my arrival.

"It's all because of Draco... We've been fighting so much lately. I'm sorry, professor," Anna said, sipping the liquid from the flask I had brought, and wincing.

"Dear Annabelle, of course, I understand that the dear ones scold, they only amuse themselves, but, believe me, you should not worry so much..."

His further chatter was of little concern to me.

After giving us good-natured advice on the importance of maintaining health, the professor hastily slammed the door behind us.