In the free period, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Claire went to see Hagrid.

'Don't be surprised if he's a bit...mangled,' Ron warned, who had seen Hagrid that morning in Care of Magical Creatures. 'I think he's been having a bit of trouble with the Jaglings.'

Mangled was an understatement. The features on Hagrid's face were barely distinguishable from the scratches. After their free period they had Charms. Harry went by in a happy daze, just relieved that he and Claire were friends again. He was determined to do nothing else to mess it up, to risk losing her again. Hours turned into days and days turned into weeks. The weather got colder and the days shorter. Harry and Claire were getting closer and closer. Hermione and Ron, on the other hand, seemed to be drifting further and further apart, until Claire demanded they call a truce. So although a little frost remained between them, at least they were talking civilly to each other again. Neither Harry or Claire seemed to be sure what their situation was, both were just treating one another as friends, but they also both knew that they felt something more.

Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting in the common room, catching up with some homework. Claire had gone to see her Uncle Severus. Lee Jordan was sitting with Angalina and laughing loudly. Harry looked over at him and saw he was holding a bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag. Lee took a long swig from it. Hermione looked over and tutted.

'He shouldn't have that in school,' she muttered as she wrote.

'Have what?' Ron asked.

'I'm sure that's a bottle of ale in that brown paper bag,' Hermione told Ron as if he were stupid.

'Oh,' Ron said. 'Cool.'

'No it's certainly not cool,' Hermione contradicted.

Ron opened his mouth to argue, but Harry shot him a warning look. They could do without more arguments.

Just then, Claire came back in.

'Hey, you guys won't believe what just happened,' Claire said, walking quickly over to them as if she couldn't wait to tell them. 'I went down to the dungeon to see Uncle Severus and I walked in on him and Professor Weasley!'

Ron's jaw dropped. 'My aunt was kissing Snape?' she asked in disbelief.

Claire nodded.

Ron shook his head. 'Bloody hell.'

'I think it's sweet,' Claire smiled.

'I'm not going to say what I think,' Ron muttered.

'What you think your aunt it too good for my uncle?' Claire asked a little sharply.

'No that's not what I...never mind,' Ron sighed.

Lee Jordan laughed raucously and Hermione slammed down her quill. 'I'm going to go up to the dormitory,' she snapped. 'Maybe I can get some peace up there to do my homework. See you later Claire.' And she stormed off. Ron raised his eyebrows.

They talked for a while, and the Common Room began to empty.

'Hey,' Ron suggested. 'Shall I ask Lee if we could have a little of his ale?'

'Go on then,' Harry said.

Ron went over to the now rather tipsy Lee.

'Lee mate, do you think we could try a little bit of that?' Ron asked, indicating to the bottle.

'Sure,' Lee grinned holding it out to Ron. 'Knock yourself out.'

Ron took the bottle and went back over to Harry and Claire.

'Hermione would kill us if she knew we were doing this,' Claire giggled.

'Yeah, good thing she's gone to bed, eh?' Ron grinned.

He lifted the bottle to his lips and took a swig. He pulled the bottle away and made a face.

'Can I try some?' Claire asked. Ron handed her the bottle.

She tentatively took a mouthful, and pulled back the bottle almost as soon as the liquid touched her tongue.

'Bleurgh,' she exclaimed. She handed the bottle to Harry who had much the same reaction.

'It's gross,' he said, grimacing.

'Maybe there's a spell we can do to make it taste nice,' Ron suggested.

'Hey, Hermione's got this 101 Really Useful Spells book that I was flicking through the other day, and I think I saw something like that. Shall I got and ask if I can borrow it?' Claire asked.

'Good idea,' Harry nodded.

Claire went up the dormitory. Harry and Ron looked over at Lee, who seemed oblivious that Ron and the others now had his alcohol and was chatting up Angelina, who was blatantly ignoring him.

Claire came back a moment later, brandishing a book.

'I said I wanted to look up a quiet spell so I could concentrate on my homework,' Claire grinned mischievously.

They began flicking through until they found the spell they were looking for.

The Taste Altering Spell

To change the taste of an item of food or drink you need a piece of something that you want it to taste like. Then wave your wand from above the item you want the food/drink to taste like, to above the food/drink, and say "tasteus changeus".

WARNING: this is a simple version of a much more complicated spell, and like all the spells in this book, isn't guaranteed to work.

'So we can make it taste like anything we want?' Ron said, ignoring the warning.

'Looks like it,' Claire said. 'What shall we make it taste like though?'

They looked around the room. Neville was sitting scribbling on a piece of parchment with his tongue half-sticking out of his mouth in a corner. On the table beside his work was a large succulent apple. Claire grinned and went over to Neville.

'Neville?' she asked. Neville looked up from his writing. 'Could I please borrow that apple for a moment?'

'Sure, you can have it,' Neville said.

'Thanks,' Claire smiled sweetly, and Neville handed her the apple.

She went back over to the others.

'Great we have the flavor,' she said, putting the apple down beside the ale.

'I nominate Harry to do the spell,' Ron said quickly.

'Okay,' Harry grinned. 'I'll do my best.'

He picked up his wand and, following the intructions from the book, waved it over the apple and then the ale, saying clearly

'tasteus changeus.'

'Hmm, now let's see if it's worked,' Ron said, picking up the bottle. He took a swig, and looked puzzled. 'Doesn't taste so bad anymore,' he commented. 'Doesn't really taste like apple though, sort of chickeny...'

Harry and Claire both tried some. It did taste rather strange, and more like meat than fruit, but at least it didn't taste quite so disgusting.

'Not bad...' Claire said.

Consequently, they all ended up drinking rather a lot. Harry began to feel light-headed and a little dizzy, and he had a strange feeling of not caring what he said, and saying the first thing that sprung into his mind. He wasn't drunk, but a little tipsy definitely.

'Hey Lee,' Ron said loudly. 'You can have your ale back now. There's only a tiny bit left,' he added in hushed tones to Harry and Claire, laughing. He got up and took the bottle over to Lee, who was now sitting moodily in his chair, as Angelina had gone off to her dormitory.

'It's might taste a little different,' Ron said, barely able to contain his laughter.

Lee tipped the bottle back, and necked the rest of the remaining liquid.

'What the hell have you done to this?' he asked, looking at the bottle. He screwed the top back on. 'Here mate, you have it.'

'Thanks!' Ron said happily.

He took it back over to the table. 'Guys, Lee said we could have the rest!' he said excitedly. His voice dropped a little. 'There's hardly any left though...'

'Here's an idea,' Harry said. 'Why don't we play spin the bottle?' In his clouded mind he thought that perhaps if Ron saw Harry and Claire kissing he would be able to accept them.

'Okay,' Ron agreed. In his clouded mind he saw this as a good opportunity to get off with Claire.

Harry put the bottle in the middle of the table. 'Who wants to go first?'

'I will,' Ron said eagerly, not considering that it could land on Harry. He spun the bottle sharply and it spun across the table. Three pairs of eyes watched it spin, and slowly turn to a halt. To Ron's delight, it landed on Claire. Ron's face lit up, Harry's fell, and Claire's looked unsure.

'You know what that means,' Ron said gleefully.

'Get on with it then,' Harry muttered.

Ron moved round to sit next to Claire. He was smiling broadly, and that was the last thing Harry saw before Ron's face closed in on Claire's. The time seemed to drag by for Harry, as he had to sit there as they kissed. At first he just felt numb, but as the kiss went on he felt himself getting angrier and angrier. After it had gone on for a little longer than seemed necessary, Claire pushed Ron gently but firmly away.

'You're turn,' Harry said to Claire.

'I don't think I want to play anymore...' Claire said unsurely.

'Oh go on,' Harry urged. He knew the odds meant that they would have to kiss sometime. Claire spun the bottle round, and it landed on Ron. Harry thought he was going to scream. Ron grinned. He lent in and kissed Claire again. Harry got a sudden irrational urge to punch Ron. After all, he had urged Claire to spin again, but he felt a surge of pure hatred. Why did it seem to go on forever when they kissed, and why could he hear the noises they made so amplified? It didn't seem right that Ron was kissing Claire when Harry felt how he did about her. When Ron pulled away, Harry felt like smacking the smug grin from his face. But his rational side kept him calm; Ron would be grinning on the other side of his face when it was Harry's turn.

Ron spun the bottle once more, and to Harry's horror, it spun to a halt facing him! Ron looked up at Harry.

Claire giggled happily. 'Go on Ron, you know what that means!'

'No...' Ron said. 'I don't have to...'

'Just a quick one on the lips!' Claire insisted. 'You don't have to use tongues!'

Harry was indignantly about to exclaim, 'you used tongues!' when Ron lent forward and kissed him! Harry felt Ron's lips press lightly against his, and he pulled away.

'Bleurgh!' he exclaimed.

Claire was laughing her head off.

'Now it's my turn to spin it,' Harry said triumphantly. He had to get his reward now, for having had to go through that. He spun the bottle vigorously, and it took a long time to slow down. And it landed on Claire. Harry couldn't stop himself from smiling.

'Well I guess it's our turn now,' Harry smiled at Claire. She smiled happily but shyly back at him. Harry moved round so he was sitting beside her. The anticipation was extreme; the alcohol was heightening his senses and making him feel horny and more attracted to Claire than he had ever been. He moved slowly toward her, feeling her breath on his face. He saw her close her eyes, and he closed his eyes too. He moved slowly closer until he felt the gentle tension of her lips against his, and he pressed his against them. He opened his mouth a little and his tongue moved into her mouth and Claire's came to meet it. The kissed passionately and Harry put his arms around her, caressing her back. They were getting very carried away with the kiss, and they became lost in their own passionate little world. A sudden loud voice made them both jump.

'What the fuck are you two doing?' Ron exclaimed. They both looked at Ron. 'I didn't get to kiss Claire for that long, so cut it out!'

Claire was blushing rather pink and Harry's head was spinning.

'Claire, that means it's your spin,' Ron said eagerly. 'How about we up the game, whoever it lands on has to kiss a part of whoever spun the bottle's body, other than their lips.' He hoped this mean avoiding anymore kisses with Harry, but getting some even better action from Claire.

'I really do think we should stop playing now,' Claire said, trying to take control of the situation. She didn't like leaving things like this up to fate and the spin of a bottle.

'Oh come on, just a few more sins,' Ron laughed. 'It's fun!' The common room was completely empty now, so under the influence of alcohol, they could end up doing anything. A little reluctantly, Claire spun the bottle. Secretly, she was praying for it to land on Harry, as an excuse to do more stuff with him. And it did. Harry grinned at Claire, a surge of pleasure rushing through him. Ron made a growling noise in the back of his throat.

'Fine, go on then,' he said in a hurry-up-about-it tone.

Claire stood up. 'Any part of the body but the lips,' she smiled.

Harry stood up in front of her, and took her waist in his hands. Pulling her close, their lips were almost touching, as if he were going to kiss her in the 'forbidden' place. Claire closed her eyes in anticipation of the kiss, but at the last second, Harry lowered his head, and placed his lips on Claire's neck. Claire gasped audibly at the feel of Harry's lips gently caressing the soft, tender skin of her neck. Harry's lips parted a little, and Claire felt the slight graze of Harry's teeth on her skin. He sucked on her skin a little sending exciting tingles down Claire's spine. Finally, Harry pulled away leaving Claire standing with a dazed/happy expression on her face and a swelling pink mark where his lips had been.

'Well,' Ron said an edge on his voice. 'If you are quite done...it's Harry's turn to spin I do believe.'

Harry sat back down, and Claire followed suit. Harry spun the bottle and they watched eagerly for its verdict. Claire hoped it would land on her, as did Harry, but Ron didn't know which would be worse, it landing on him, or having to see a repeat performance of what had just gone on. He decided he'd rather risk it himself. At least then it would be his turn. As if reading his mind, the bottle did rest pointing squarely at him.

'Joy,' Harry muttered.

Ron stood up. 'Why don't you kiss my feet Harry?' he asked slightly mockingly.

'I don't think so Ron.' Harry wondered why his best friend seemed to be getting so much on his nerves. He just felt an irrational annoyance towards him. He walked over to Ron, trying to decide where the best place would be to kiss him. Harry chose Ron's shoulder, quickly touching his lips against the material of Ron's clothes before quickly pulling back.

'There,' Harry smiled bitterly. 'Now it's your turn.'

Ron spun the bottle, a little clumsily, and it slid across the table, nearly falling to the floor. It landed, to Harry's annoyance, on Claire. She stood up a little awkwardly.

'Come over here,' Ron said. He was grinning from ear to ear. 'I think I'll stay sitting down for this one.'

Harry didn't think he could bare to watch, and yet he had to see, he had to know exactly what Ron was doing to her. He put one hand on each side of her, not on her waist as Harry had, but on her hips. Harry felt a sick feeling rising up in him. Ron lent up slightly and placed his lips on Claire's chest. Claire gasped but not a gasp of pleasure as she had with Harry, but a gasp of shock. Harry felt a rage building up inside him; his anger was making him want to lash out in any way that he could. Ron did not stop at Claire's chest. He began to make his way down her stomach, making a trail of hard kisses down her body. He got as far as her belly button and Harry knew that he would not stop there, and the anger overtook him. Not thinking that Ron was his good friend, not thinking that he knew from the start about his feelings for Claire, and not thinking that Harry would like to do the exact same thing to her, he grabbed his wand and pointed it at Ron. 'Electrico!' he shouted. Ron jumped with surprise, a jolt of pain running through him. Claire moved backwards as Ron pulled out his wand.

'Expeliarmus,' Harry hollered, jumping to his feet, and Ron was disarmed. 'I have faced,' Harry said, his voice shaking with rage 'the greatest Dark Lord ever. So don't even think about taking me on, because you will lose.'

Ron marched over to Harry. 'You bastard,' he spat, and stormed up to his room.

Harry slumped back down into his chair. 'I don't know why...I just could stand to see him...'

'It's okay,' Claire knelt down beside Harry, clutching his arm. 'I didn't want Ron to do that to me anyway. I shouldn't have given him the opportunity.'

'He's going to hate me, isn't he,' Harry said gloomily.

'I'm sure he won't,' Claire said soothingly. 'He probably won't remember by tomorrow. Besides, if he does, I'm sure he'll realize he was out of order.'

'I hope so,' Harry said.

'Anyway, it's my spin,' Claire smiled.

'But it's only you and me,' Harry said puzzled.

'Than it looks as if the odds are in our favour,' Claire's smiled widened.

Harry caught her drift, and smiled too. She spun the bottle. It landed facing diagonally away from Harry.

'Let's see...' Claire said. 'The person it's closest to in the room has to be...you!'

Harry stood up.

'Anywhere but the lips,' Claire murmured, and slowly and seductively pulled up Harry's jumper. Hidden beneath was his chest and stomach, paler than his face and rippled with muscles. His chest rose and fell in time with his ragged breathing. Claire lightly placed her hand on its warmth, and Harry tensed a little at the cool feel of her fingertips. Then Claire bent down, her mouth parallel with where her fingers had been. Harry felt Claire's warm breath on his skin and then the gentle press of her soft lips. Harry forgot about everything, and let the power of the alcohol take over his mind. He placed his hand on the back of her head and ran his fingers through her silky hair. Then he took her shoulders and pulled her up, bringing their faces together, her lips to his. Claire wrapped her arms around Harry as their kiss deepened, and Harry did the same. He began to run them up her back, up to the nape of her neck, where he gently caressed her skin with his fingertips. This sent tingles through Claire's body, and she moaned softly into his mouth. Then he began to move his hands downwards, following the bumps of her spine. They were soon in the small of her lower back, and using this position Harry pulled Claire closer to him, so that their bodies were pressing together. Claire meanwhile had put her hands inside Harry's jumper and was feeling his smooth skin. Claire could feel Harry naturally responding to what she was doing, when she suddenly pulled away.

'Night Harry,' she smiled, and turned and walked up to her dormitory.

Harry stood there for a moment, shocked. He could still feel Claire's lips on his, and he could barely believe she had just walked away. Finally he pulled himself together and went up to his room.

The next morning, Saturday Harry, Ron and Claire woke up with splitting headaches and feeling rather sick. They all buried their heads in their pillows and tried to go back to sleep and forget the events of the previous evening. Neville however got up bright and early and went down to the common room. On a table he saw the apple he had given Claire the previous evening. It looked untouched, so Neville picked it up and took a bite out of it. He spat it out again almost instantly. In the hollow he had made in the apple with his teeth was a maggot.

When Harry finally crawled out of bed, Ron had gone from the room. Harry wondered hazily where he had gone and if he was and if he was angry with Harry. Harry also wondered how Claire felt. Everything from the previous night seemed a little blurred but one thing he could remember was kissing Claire, and her ending the kiss and walking away. It was the first time Harry had drunk alcohol and he suspected it would be the last for a while. Remembering what had happened made him cringe just thinking about it and he now felt terrible. He pulled on some clothes and stomped down to the common room. Ron and Claire were sitting down there, talking. Hermione was sitting in a corner, doing her homework. When Ron saw Harry enter the room, he got up and walked out. Harry felt like he had been punched in the stomach. He went and sat down with Claire.

'I take it he hates me,' Harry said sadly. 'Do you feel the same?'

'No. Why would I hate you?' Claire frowned.

'Well I mean after last night...'

'Unlike Ron, I realize that we can't blame each other for anything that happened last night. Ron apologized to me and I forgave him, and if you had any reason to apologize to me, I would forgive you,' Claire told him lightly.

'Really?' Harry smile

Claire nodded. 'I'm not sure Ron sees it like that though,' Claire said ominously. 'I think he's upset that you pulled that spell on him. I think he thinks you think you're better than him.'

Harry frowned. 'Why would he think that? All I was doing was protecting you from him.'

'Yes but Harry,' Claire explained. 'The way Ron sees it, you had no reason to be "protecting" me from him. He was just playing the game, and he doesn't know that there's anything between us. And you also said to him something along the lines of "I've defeated the greatest Dark Lord of all time, don't even think about taking me on".'

Harry winced. 'I don't remember that. I can see why that would offend him.'

'Yep,' Claire nodded.

'What a mess,' Harry sighed. 'I'm never drinking again.'

'Oh, I don't know,' Claire smiled. 'It wasn't all bad...'

'I guess not...' Harry grinned.

Harry was desperately trying to think of a way to make up with Ron, when he and Hermione came up from breakfast. Claire had gone to get sorted, so there was an awkward silence.

'I'm getting out of here,' Ron muttered after what seemed like an hour of silence, and mooched up to the dormitory.

'Oh Harry,' Hermione said. 'Ron told me what happened.'

'Yeah, from his point of view I bet,' Harry muttered. 'You should hear my version of events.'

'Well, go on then,' Hermione prompted.

So Harry explained to Hermione his version of events. After he was finished, Hermione sat quietly for a moment.

'So what exactly is the deal with you and Claire?' Hermione asked eventually.

'What?' Harry asked, surprised.

'Well it sounds to me like there's something going on there. I mean the way you jumped to her defense like that and got angry with Ron doing things to her. I think the real reason Ron is so angry is because he thinks you were being out of order for no reason. But if there was something going on between you and Claire, then it would make sense.'

Harry was speechless. 'Well, I wouldn't say there was something going on between Claire and I. But...I do have some feelings for her,' he told her honestly.

'I see...' Hermione said. 'Well, don't you think you should explain that to Ron?'

'Come on Hermione, you know Ron feels about Claire. He'd hit the roof!'

'Don't you think he should know the truth though? He is your best friend,' Hermione said rationally.

'He won't be if I tell him!' Harry pointed out.

'Well, what you do is up to you,' Hermione sighed. 'I've told you what I think. But you know what the answer to all of this is?'

'What?' Harry asked.

'Don't drink! Especially not in school. That's why things like this happen...' Hermione lectured. Harry sighed. While Hermione prattled on, Harry tried to figure out what he was going to do. The best thing that could happen would be for Ron to realize he was in the wrong. But somehow, Harry didn't think that was going to happen.

Just then, Claire came down from the dormitory.

'Hi guys,' she said, sitting down. She really did look beautiful. It just made Harry feel gloomier. If his feelings for Claire magically evaporated then his problems would be gone.

'I was just telling Harry what a bad idea I think drinking is,' Hermione said to Claire. 'I hope you'll have sense not to do it again Claire.'

'Oh, yes of course Hermione,' Claire said, trying to keep a straight face while winking at Harry. Harry grinned at her.

'I'm going to go and get my Potions essay,' Hermione said. 'You two really should start that you know.'

'Actually I think I might ask Uncle Severus for some help with that,' Claire said. 'It's a pretty difficult subject.'

Hermione shrugged. 'I suppose so.' With that, she went up to the girl's dormitory.

'So what are you going to do about Ron?' Claire asked Harry.

'I don't know,' Harry sighed. 'Maybe I should just apologize...'

'Probably,' Claire agreed.

'Claire, can I ask you something?' Harry asked. 'I mean, it's just been bugging me. Last night we were kissing and you just walked away, it's pretty confusing...'

'Well I mean we were pretty drunk and I thought that I'd better stop it before something happened that you might regret in the morning...'

Harry laughed. 'Like I would regret it!'

Claire looked at him. 'What?'

'Oh nothing,' Harry said quickly.

'Also,' Claire said getting to her feet. 'I was trying to play to hard to get.'

Before could Harry could say anything, Claire had left the room.