Magical Origins
Author Notes: So I got asked an interesting question. Someone asked when I write 'Take the Black.' I'm not going to lie. I got it from Game of Thrones. In the story, its meaning is taking the Death Eater robes and path. Basically, saying, 'Why would you fall from grace and serve the enemy (Dark Lord).' Because Voldemort and his Death Eater wear nothing but Black Robes, taking the Black means you're a follower of the Death Eaters.
Year 6: The Potion Book
Harry wakes, feeling the familiar presence of a teenager's breast lying on his chest. Harry opens his eyes, seeing the blonde hair of Daphne Greengrass.
Harry tries to sit upright but found his arm was trapped under something or someone.
He looks down and sees Tracy Davis sleeping, using his shoulder as a pillow.
Both girls are very well developed, and Harry half wonder if Daphne helped Tracy sneak in here. He and Tracy have never done anything before, and this was a first.
Harry tries to free his hand. Instead, he found his hand had grabbed Tracy's ass, causing her to let out a small moan in response.
Harry reaches up with his left hand and confirms that Daphne wasn't wearing any knickers or panties. Both girls were naked.
Harry was used to sleeping naked with Lily and Artemis. He and Daphne had a fling going on, but nothing more. He didn't think Tracy Davis was that interested in him either.
Harry wanted to get out of bed before he got into any trouble.
Instead, his hands began to fondle Tracy and Daphne's ass.
Both girls responded by moaning and clinging to Harry tighter.
Harry had to gain control of the situation before he ended up in a threesome. He knew he would enjoy having both witches but would also regret the decision.
Harry was trapped with Daphne on top of him and Tracy clinging to his arm like no tomorrow.
Harry tries to squirm out from the two girls' grasp.
Harry didn't want the girls.
Harry begins to slide and quickly gives Tracy Daphne's arm to hold so he could escape.
"Where are you going?" asked Daphne.
"Breakfast," said Harry.
"What about our breakfast?" said Daphne.
Harry knew she did not mean 'food' when she said 'breakfast.'
"Yeah, what are you doing in my room?" asked Harry.
"Tracy and I talked over the summer. As you know, people are looking for couples to marry with the war on the horizon," said Daphne.
Harry could feel himself sweating, wondering if Daphne was going to bribe him into a marriage.
"You know I'm not into marriage at the moment," said Harry.
"I know that," said Daphne.
"We're sure you'll marry Artemis or Lily," said Tracy.
Harry turns to Tracy, wondering how long she's been awake.
"We want to be a part of your concubine," said Daphne.
"Come again?" Harry said sheepishly. His brain currently not working at the moment.
"Concubine," said Tracy.
"In other words, we want to be your mistresses," said Daphne.
"You're kidding," said Harry.
"We're not," said Tracy.
"We want to bear your children one day. Trace and I talked about it over the summer. My father has been pushing me into a strong political marriage. If not a marriage… someone to help me carry on the Greengrass lineage as there are no male heirs to inherit my family titles," said Daphne.
"My family doesn't hold any importance," said Tracy.
"We also don't want to get involved in some political marriage," said Daphne.
"Besides, are you sure you wouldn't want to beautiful teenagers to have every night?" Tracy said with a grin.
Harry felt himself getting both aroused and nervous.
Yes, he wouldn't mind having a harem of girls at his beck and call, but he wanted to focus on his relationship with Lily.
"We trust you, Harry," said Daphne.
"Even if it's a mutual benefit, we understand that. We simply want a wizard who can treat us right without… well," said Tracy.
Harry knew the feeling.
Harry knew he should talk to Sirius about this matter.
Harry quickly dismiss that thought immediately. He knew at once his Godfather would be all for a harem of young teenagers to bed every night.
He should talk to Samuel. Samuel was far more level-headed and mature than Sirius, especially when it came to relationships.
"Get dressed. You two better not get caught in my room," said Harry.
Daphne kisses Harry on the lips. French kissing him to let him know her feelings on the matter.
The moment she broke the kiss with Harry, Tracy leans forward, and Frenches kisses him as well.
Harry quickly gets out of bed and bolts of his room, knowing if he stayed any longer, he wouldn't be able to leave.
Harry didn't have time to take a shower, so he quickly conjures his clothes and flees the common room.
Harry felt sure Daphne and Tracy wouldn't follow him in the common room butt naked. They may have their robes on, but he didn't want to take any chances.
Harry quickly retreats to the Fifth Floor under his invisibility cloak and disappears into the Prefect Bathroom.
Daphne was a Prefect as he was, and he half wondered if she would walk in the bathroom with Tracy to finish their desire to become Harry's mistresses.
The doors open, and Harry quickly dives headfirst into the water. Transforming into the water, allowing him to hide within the water.
Lily steps into the water, feeling the cool and refreshing water.
Lily had to listen to Hermione's bickering and Ron's ignorance.
Ron was happy because he had no classes for the entire day. He didn't get any O's on his O.W.L.'s. Mostly Acceptable. as such, Ron only had four classes.
Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, and Potions.
Ron was so laidback regarding his schedule; he didn't have any classes until Wednesday.
Hermione didn't take it well. She not only got perfect scores on her O.W.L.s. She had nine O's and was taking nine N.E.W.T. classes. The most of anyone in their year.
Lily had to get out of the Common Room, and she quickly packed a small bag and headed to the Fifth Floor Prefects Bath. She needed some peace and quiet without Ron and Hermione yelling at each other every time they had a disagreement, which was every day.
Lily leans back, enjoying the cool water soothing her body.
Her body begins to react strangely as if there was someone in the water with her.
Lily opens her eyes and looks in front of her seeing no one.
Her breast was acting like someone was groping her, so she knew someone was inside the bath with her.
She thought perhaps Peeves was trying to harass her.
"Harry," Lily hissed as the water began to steam.
"Calm down," shouted Harry as he appears in front of her.
"What are you doing?" said Lily.
"I thought you were Daphne for a second," Harry said, sitting next to her.
"Why are you hiding from Greengrass?" asked Lily.
Harry told her what happen this morning and how Daphne and Tracy wanted to be Harry's 'mistresses.' Harry bolted out of the Slytherin Dungeons and fled here at once.
"You know you're about to get a lot more admires this year," said Lily.
"What makes you say that?" said Harry.
"Well, on my way out, I confiscated some chocolate from a fourth year, Romilda Vane. She was trying to figure out some way to have you eat them," said Lily.
"Any particular reason why you took them?" Harry said, knowing Lily never acted without reason.
"She apparently put a love potion inside them and was trying to figure out how to give them to you," said Lily.
"That's terrifying," said Harry.
"What are you going to do about Greengrass and Davis?" asked Lily.
"I don't know," said Harry.
"You're really more sensitive than others are led to believe," said Lily.
Harry was sensitive. He was considerate of others more than himself. It never showed.
Ron Weasley also spent the last five years spreading rumors and lies about Harry, believing he was emotionless and soulless.
"You don't want to turn them away because it would hurt them. At the same time, you're not completely against the idea," said Lily.
"I wouldn't say that," said Harry.
"Well, I can understand why they would go to you," said Lily.
"What do you mean?" said Harry.
"We're in a war. War tends to make one think of one's priorities and future. From what I understand, the last war saw countless families get wiped out by Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Perhaps they're rushing cause they're also afraid," said Lily.
Harry looks down, thinking about this information.
Yes, his Vassals and Sirius have told him in the previous war against Voldemort, the Dark Lord and his followers purged many families.
"I think I should talk to Samuel," said Harry.
"Well… it's your choice in the end. I'm not too familiar with wizarding customs when it comes to marriage," said Lily.
"Why did you come here?" asked Harry.
"Do you have to ask?" said Lily.
"Granger and Weasley going at it again?" said Harry.
"It's getting worse. Ron is super lazy, unwilling to do any homework or any work for that matter. Hermione won't stop nagging about classes and homework. She's going to be a lot worse this year," said Lily.
"There are seven students at Hogwarts who clearly are Death Eaters," said Harry.
Harry forced the subject on hand. They needed to compare notes and figure out who the Hogwarts traitors were.
"We know for a fact that Draco, Ron, and Ginny have all taken the mark and the Black," said Lily.
"That leaves four others we've yet to unmasked," said Harry.
"Do you think, Pansy?" said Lily.
Harry shook his head.
"Pansy might be a follower, but she doesn't have the skills or the brains to be inducted into the Death Eaters," said Harry.
Not to mention that conversation, Harry heard when Draco talked about his future on the Hogwarts express. Draco mentioned that it was service that was important, not that rubbish Hogwarts teaches. Draco also hinted he wouldn't come back next year for his final year at all. Something Pansy took alarm too when she tried to push further for information.
Draco never commented on why he said what he said and left Pansy with questions.
"Then who?" said Lily.
"I'm sure Nott is one. His father is a Death Eater, and he screwed up bad at the Department of Mysteries," said Harry.
"Who else would be…" began Lily.
"It can't be someone else in Slytherin. It has to be someone within Hufflepuff, too," said Harry.
"What makes you think that?" said Lily.
"Cedric. Cedric took the Black. He has solid ties with Hufflepuff. You know how many students in Hufflepuff looked up to Cedric. It couldn't have been that hard for Cedric to find a Puff to take the Black," said Harry.
"Okay… that makes sense. What's their objective then?" asked Lily.
Harry had no answer. It was clear while they had an idea of who the Hogwarts Death Eaters were… they didn't know their objective.
"Let's keep our eyes open for now and don't ask any questions. I'm sure they've all taken precautions," said Harry.
"Oaths?" said Lily.
"Among other enchantments," said Harry.
"We should watch our backs," said Lily.
"Are you thinking of moving back into the Room of Requirements?" said Harry.
"That may be our best opinions. I'm not sure if I feel safe in Gryffindor Tower with Ron and Ginny inside there," said Lily.
"You should make some appearances to keep them in line and punish Granger for acting like a Prefect," said Harry.
"You love bullying, Hermione, don't you," said Lily.
"I hate bullies," Harry said simply.
Lily looks at him with eyes that told him she didn't believe him. Harry didn't like bullies cause of how his relatives treated him before he escaped.
"She's a know-it-all. She's going to boss her way around the Common Room and bullies' others to do things her way," said Harry.
Lily leans back against the wall and lets out a heavy sigh.
"She does that... all the time," said Lily.
"Punish Weasley as well. Hopefully, his stupidity will get himself expelled," Harry said with a wicked grin.
Lily stands up, ignoring Harry's comment on Ron Weasley.
Lily's had countless nights of sleeping with Harry naked. She wasn't shy about revealing her body to him as she would have been around another. Lily knew Harry's slept with other girls, but she's only ever been with Harry.
On the night before they got on the train, Lily and Artemis wouldn't leave Harry alone in the bedroom or anywhere in the room.
Lily took so much cum inside her womb; she was sure he had dumbed the black lake inside her stomach. Even now, a night later… Lily could still feel his cum swimming inside her stomach. Making her feel full yet having a hunger for more.
Thank Merlin that Olivia Wynter gave her an Anti-Pregnancy Potion that made her sterile for a year. So she wouldn't worry about having kids for the time being. She and Harry were like rabbits going at it whenever that had a chance.
"Are you okay?" Harry said, standing up behind her and pulling her in an embrace.
Lily said nothing as she turns and kisses Harry on the lips.
Lily couldn't deny she shared a powerful bond with Harry.
She couldn't help but wonder if this bond was healthy or dangerous.
Harry cups her breast with his right hand as she moans in his mouth.
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Harry and Lily walk into the classroom dreading for the first time, Defense Against the Dark Arts. It wasn't a subject they were terrible at, but rather the teacher who was teaching.
Professor Snape was arguably the most hated Professor in all Hogwarts history. Foul, vile, and nasty to anyone who crossed his path.
"Inside," Snape said as he opens the door.
Everyone quickly ushers inside to avoid Snape's wrath.
Harry and Lily took one of the backseats to avoid Snape as much as possible.
The room was very dark, like the dungeons when he taught Potions. Pictures of cruelty and misery could be seen on the wall.
Hermione Grangers walks-in with several large books in her hands and drop them next to Lily.
"We got so much homework for Runes," Granger said anxiously as she sits down next to Lily. "A fifteen-inch essay, two translations, and I've got to read these by Wednesday!"
Harry had dropped several of his classes. Astronomy, History of Magic, Care of Magical Creatures, Inscriptions, Arithmancy, and Study of Ancient Runes.
He dropped Care of Magical Creatures because Hagrid was an oaf. He kept bringing in dangerous creatures for study instead of magical creatures.
History of Magic was pointless as Professor Binns only talked about Goblin Rebellions.
The others were subjects Harry felt he no longer needed to study.
It freed up a lot of free time for his sixth year.
"Late Ms. Granger, ten points from Gryffindor," said Snape.
"Sorry, sir," said Granger.
"Also for speaking out of term… a week of detention," said Snape.
Granger once again looks to be on the verge of tears.
"Not a perfect student any longer, are you, Granger," said Harry.
"Go away from our table, Potter," snaps Granger.
"I was here before you," said Harry.
Granger turns red, showing signs of anger. She didn't retaliate, knowing Snape was looking for any excuse to dock points from her again.
"Come on, Lily," Hermione said, getting up and moving the table next to them.
Lily didn't move and instead remains seated.
"Lily, come," hissed Granger.
"Stop barking orders at me," hissed Lily.
"You're really going…"
"Detention," snaps Lily.
Granger's face falls once again.
"Now leave me alone," snaps Lily.
"You can't honestly…" Granger began to rant.
The fire in the room exploded. Reaching the ceiling as Lily turns to glare at Granger murderously.
The temperature in the room began to climb very high quickly.
Everyone in the room began sweating, as everyone knew not to piss off Lily.
Granger realized the danger she was in and shrank in her seat in silence.
"Mrs. Granger, are you picking and bullying other students?" Snape appearing in front of her.
Like everyone else, he was sweating. He knew from experience not to test Lily's buttons. Once her fire went rampant, he had to address her anger source instead of her directly.
Granger was too petrified even to speak.
"A month of detention, you can stay after class to discuss your habits of belittling others," said Snape.
Harry places his hand on Lily's shoulder, burning upon impact. Harry then summons ice to cool her off.
It took a minute, but Lily finally cooled, allowing the room's temperature to return to normal.
The bell rang, causing Snape to stand in front of the small class.
"You've all had five teachers in this subject," Snape said coldly.
"You've had three incompetent teachers and two who taught you some vital information. One on dark creatures, and the other on illegal curses," said Snape.
Snape pauses as he looks around the room, making sure all students were paying attention to him.
"Given the Minister's standard last year, I'm surprised, so many of you manage to scrape together an Exceeds Expectations in this subject. I would be even more surprised if any of you manage to keep up with N.E.W.T. work, which is more advanced, and far more demanding," said Snape.
Snape walks towards his portraits of cruelty.
"The Dark Arts are many, varied, ever-changing, and eternal. Fighting the Dark Arts is like fighting a monster with many heads. Each time you severe the neck of one, another pops in place, stronger, wiser, and fiercer than before. You are fighting an everlasting force that has more than one face," said Snape.
"The ignorance of many wizards is they believe themselves wiser, clever, or more powerful than the Dark Arts. They do not bother in proper precautions and, in the end… pay the ultimate price. These pictures, [Snape points to his pictures hanging on the wall], gives a fair representation of what happens to those who suffer. For instance, the Cruciatus Curse. The Dementor's Kiss. Or provoking the aggression of the Inferius?"
"Has an Inferius been seen then?" said Parvati Patil in a high pitched voice.
"The Dark Lord has used Inferius in the past and has killed many wizards with them. Meaning it would be wise to suspect he'll be using them again," snaps Snape.
Snape returns to the classroom and turns to look at them coldly.
"All of you are complete novices when it comes to nonverbal spells. What is the advantage of a nonverbal spell?" Snape said to the class.
No one answered or raised their hand. Everyone knew Snape wasn't asking a question.
Except for Granger, raising her hand at once.
"No one?" Snape said, turning his back to the front, completely ignoring Granger.
"Miss Granger," said Snape.
"Your adversary has no warning about what kind of magic you're about to perform. Giving you a split-second advantage," Granger said in one breath.
"An answer that was the word for word from The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Six," said Snape.
"Basically, it's spellcasting without speaking," said Harry.
"Correct," said Snape.
Draco doesn't react in any way and looks bored.
"Those who are capable of using magic without shouting their incantations gain an element of surprise. Not every wizard can do this. It's a question of concentration and mind which some… lack," said Snape.
Harry's eyes glared dangerously at Snape how silently insulted him. Snape was referring to their Occlumency lessons last year.
"Two of you have already shown great skills in nonverbal casting. So you are dismissed as this lesson will only be a waste of time," said Snape.
Harry and Lily were surprised but quickly gathered their belongings and left the classroom.
"That was surprising," said Lily.
Snape has never allowed a student to skip his class before. That only would spread like wildfire within the school.
"I'm sure it's the fact he didn't want us sitting in his classroom," said Harry.
A strange object flew towards them before landing in their hands.
"It's from Professor Dumbledore," said Lily.
'I would like it if you bring me some Acid Pops to my office at 8 pm.
Yours Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore'
"Acid Pops?" repeated Lily.
"The password," Harry whispered in a low voice.
"A free period," said Lily.
"I'm going to try to get a late breakfast," said Harry.
Harry didn't get any breakfast as he fled the common room to escape from Daphne and Tracy.
They didn't have Potions until the afternoon. Meaning they had a few hours to spare.
Potions
Harry walks into Potion's, completely pissed off. Ron Weasley was the thickest and most pathetic excuse of a wizard you could find anywhere.
Ron had fired several spells at Harry. Instead, he hits Harry's bag, and some of his school items were destroyed in the process. His potion book among them.
Harry was so pissed he quickly turns to retaliate. Only for Ron to bolt faster than anyone has ever seen him since he ran after being turn down by Fleur Delacour to the Yule Ball.
Harry made a mental note to inform Professor McGonagall regarding Weasley's behavior.
"What's wrong, Harry, my boy?" asked Professor Slughorn.
Harry had taken his seat, looking sour.
"It was Gryffindors' Ronald Weasley, sir. He cast a spell that destroyed several of my books and items," Harry said, showing the ruins of his bag and the damaged books.
"Looks like a poorly performed Reducto. I shall speak to Professor McGonagall. In the meantime, you can borrow one of the used books in the student's cupboard. If you need anything else, be sure to let me know. I always keep a few items to spare just in case," said Professor Slughorn.
Harry thanks Professor Slughorn and goes to the used book section.
Harry opens the first book to see if any were good condition to use. Several pages were dark in the middle of the pages, indicating someone had puke in the book.
The second one had missing pages.
The third had a lot of doodles and nonsense written inside.
Harry didn't open the fourth book, as it gave a bad smell.
It was the Fifth book when Harry found a good used book. Someone had written in it, but it was far better condition than the others he examined.
With class about to start, Harry didn't want to hold Professor Slughorn any longer than necessary. He goes to his seat and sits down next to Lily.
Neville walks over and joins them.
Not many pass their Potions O.W.L.'s.
That was a given Professor Snape's attitude and treatment towards his class. Treating everyone outside of Slytherin like vermin.
As a result, the once crowded Potion's class was empty. With only a dozen students present.
Crabbe and Goyle unsurprisingly had failed. If the rumors were true, they had barely scarped an 'Acceptable' for Care of Magical Creatures.
Daphne and Tracy had both passed their O.W.L.'s, taking the exams seriously.
Draco surprisingly also made it, after last year his entire boasting about he knew the examiners. Apparently, he was better skilled than most had thought.
Four Ravenclaws were also present. Among them was Padma Patil.
The Hufflepuff trio of Ernie, Hannah, and Susan was present.
Harry paused as he looks at the Hufflepuff's. There was one Puff Harry hasn't seen since the school year ended last year.
"Where's Finch-Fletchley?" Harry asked Lily.
"You didn't hear?" said Lily.
Harry shook his head.
"His parents were shaken over the fact there is a world going on in the wizarding world, so they left. Rumor has it they went to Italy or in the Mediterranean," said Lily.
"That's got to be tough," said Harry.
"Yeah, he might not come back given our situation," said Lily.
Granger walks into the classroom, looking miserable because she had to deal with so much detention with Professor Snape. Weasley walks in, and he explains that he didn't think he would make N.E.W.T. Potions with Exceeds Expectations. Slughorn made an exception as Ron took the top book from the old used ones and sat down.
The bell rang, ending all the conversations.
"Now then, welcome to your sixth N.E.W.T. Potion class! I trust Professor Snape has taught you all up to standard N.E.W.T. level. I want to have a grasp understanding of your skills. After giving some thought towards your first lesson, we're going to have a little quiz before we begin today's lessons," said Professor Slughorn.
Professor Slughorn waves his wand, and a table appears holding four vials. Each one different than the other.
"Now then, who can tell the names of these potions?" asked Professor Slughorn.
Granger's hand had once again shot into the air before Professor Slughorn had even finished his question.
"Yes?" said Professor Slughorn looking at Hermione.
"That's Veritaserum. A colorless, odorless potion that forces the drinker to tell the truth," Hermione said in one breath.
"Very good," Slughorn said happily.
Granger beams with pride.
"What about this one?" asked Slughorn.
Granger was the fastest once again. Her hand in the air before Professor Slughorn
"Yes," Slughorn said once again to Hermione.
"It's Polyjuice Potion," said Hermione.
"Excellent, excellent!" said Slughorn happily.
"Now this one…, yes, my dear?" said Slughorn as Hermione's hand shot in the air once again.
"It's Amortentia!" said Hermione.
"Indeed it is," said Slughorn, looking mildly impressed. "I assume you know what it does?"
"It's the most powerful love potion in the world!" said Hermione.
"Quite right! I assume you recognize it, I suppose, by its distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen?" said Slughorn.
"And the steam rising in the characteristics spirals…"
Harry raised his wand and pointed it at Granger. With a simple thought, thinks 'Silencio,' knowing she was never going to shut up.
Hermione opens her mouth to speak, but no sound came out.
"Finally!" shouted Ron.
"Harry, my boy, what did you do that for?" asked Professor Slughorn.
Others in the class looked relieved as well that Granger had finally been silent.
"Sorry, Professor, but Hermione Granger is a know-it-all. She can't help but show off. Not to mention she never gives anyone else a chance to answer any questions. She even answers out of term," said Lily.
Slughorn paused as he looks around the class to see others were relieved that Granger had been silent.
"Granger? Granger? Are you related to Hector Dagworth-Granger, who founded the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers?" asked Professor Slughorn.
"She's a muggle-born like myself," said Lily.
"Oh, I heard of a young muggle-born who was highly intelligent in your year!" said Slughorn.
Draco faced was uncertain about what he was hearing.
"Don't encourage her, Professor Slughorn. Granger is doing this to rub it in our face that she's smarter and better than anyone else. She doesn't like it when others are better than her academically," said Lily.
"Better?" repeated Slughorn confused.
"Lily is the best Potioneer in Hogwarts," said Harry.
"That's a bold claim Harry m'boy," said Slughorn.
"I'm not lying, Professor. Lily has been able to do N.E.W.T. level potions since the Winter of our Second Year," said Harry.
"Truly impressive, my dear," said Slughorn beaming at Lily.
Hermione looks on in disbelief.
"Hardly. I could identify potions and ingredients blindfolded," said Lily.
"More like you can make potions blindfolded," said Harry.
Slughorn lets out a bark of laughter.
"Your mother was also talented in Potions as well! Most impressive! Such talent in potions is extraordinary! I take it you're also taking Alchemy this year as well!" said Slughorn.
"I think Alchemy is a joke," mutters Lily.
Slughorn had a huge smile on his face.
"Most impressive, my dear! Very well, my dear, here's something I think not even you would know… what potion… is this?" asked Professor Slughorn pulling a potion from his robes.
The veil was clear with a white-gold liquid inside.
"Felix Felicis. The Luck Potion," said Lily in a bored tone.
Slughorn was deeply impressed, and it showed on his face. This potion wasn't in any books available at Hogwarts, and Lily named it right away.
"Indeed," said Slughorn. "I trust you know what it does?"
"Given the amount inside the veil, I would say it would give twelve-hour of good luck to the user," said Lily.
Slughorn blinks in completely surprised, taken back by Lily's answer.
"As the name says, it's a lucky potion. Very difficult to brew. More difficult than a Polyjuice Potion. Even by a mere fracture, it will be a lethal poison with no cure if you're wrong. If brewed correctly, it will provide the user with a lucky day," said Lily.
Everyone sits upright immediately. No more than Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy. Ron's eyes showed greed upon looking at the potion. No doubt wondering what possible lucky day he would have if he could win that potion.
"That is the prize I'm offering for this class," said Slughorn.
"Why don't people take it all the time, sir?" said Terry Boot eagerly.
"Too dangerous," said Slughorn. "There are only a few times you can use Liquid Luck. The more you use it, the less effective it becomes. Many drinkers become reckless, giddiness, and dangerously overconfident. Some people have died from drinking too much Liquid Luck. One skilled Potioneer, Libatius Borage, grew addicted to drinking Felix Felicis and died from an overdose."
"Have you've ever taken it, sir?" asked Michael Corner with great interest.
"Twice in my life!" said Slughorn happily. "Once when I was twenty-four, and when I was fifty-seven. Two tablespoonfuls were taken with breakfast. Two perfect days!"
Slughorn drifted off dreamily, clearly remembering those two perfect days.
"To win this prize, I require a student to brew me the best possible Draught of Living Death. Now be warned. Felix Felicis is a banned substance in organized competitions… sports events, examinations, even elections. Only use it on an ordinary day," said Slughorn.
Everyone gave Professor Slughorn their undivided attention. Everyone intended to win the Felix Felicis.
"You may begin," said Professor Slughorn.
Everyone quickly got up and collected every item and ingredient they needed for the Draught of Living Death.
Hermione was the quickest. She was halfway at the cupboards before anyone had even gotten out of their seat. She had grabbed her ingredients and quickly return to her station.
Lily took her time gathering the ingredients. Harry didn't like to be picky when it came to picking ingredients. Lily knew exactly what ingredient to grab and which ones to avoid.
It was a competition where many students were quick to make the potion as fast as possible. A warning Snape gave them back in their first year, stating a potions' timing had to be accurate, or it would go horribly wrong.
Harry opens his book and stares at the ownership.
'This Book is the Property of the Half-Blood Prince'
Harry goes to the chapter on the Draught of Living Death. He sees the previous owner had written countless alternatives to making the potion.
The first step was the easy part. The second step is what gave everyone trouble.
The Sopophorous Bean was a jumping bean and not one that could easily be cut. Its thick skin made it difficult to get a clean-cut, and it jumps around… a lot.
The bean's skin would destroy the potion, but it was the juice inside that was valuable.
Harry looks at the instructions and sees the Half-Blood Prince had crossed out 'Cut' and written in their own words… 'Crush with Dagger.'
Harry holds the Sopophorous Bean in place, prevents its escape.
Ron's tried to stab his bean in frustration, causing it to fly like a rocket hitting Padma Patil in the back of the head.
Padma turns around, glaring at Ron, who didn't even look sorry. He simply looked frustrated things weren't going his way.
Harry crushes the bean under his dagger and hears the bean's skin breaking.
He holds it upright and sees it no longer moved around.
Harry holds the bean over his potion and applies the necessary pressure to have the juices drip into the potion.
Lily had seen what he had done and mimics him. She's never brewed the Draught of Living Death, but her skills could not be denied.
"How did you do that?" demanded Granger.
"Crush, don't cut," said Harry simply.
"No, the instructions specifically say to 'cut,'" said Granger.
Everyone heard him and did exactly as Harry had said. To their surprise, the bean no longer gave them any trouble.
"Merlin's beard Harry! Where did you learn that?" asked Professor Slughorn, amazed.
"Lily told me," lied Harry.
Lily never told him, as she's never made this potion. Still, if he had outsmarted and bested the best Potioneer in their year, it would have been suspicious. Lily said nothing and instead returns to her work.
"Miss Morris, you truly are amazing!" said Professor Slughorn beaming at Lily.
Granger looks on, infuriated at the acknowledgment Lily received. She always got that way during potions when Lily took shortcuts and alternate routes instead of following the 'right' instructions.
"Sir, I believed you knew my grandfather, Abraxas Malfoy?"
"Yes," said Slughorn, without even looking at Draco. "Sorry to hear he died. Not unexpected, of course, dragon pox at his age…"
Draco didn't look happy as he returns to his work.
It was clear that he expected the same treatment as Daphne, Blaise, and Harry received.
Harry continues following every instruction in the book, and his progress was getting easier with every instruction he followed.
When it came time to examine their potions, everyone was baffled at their results. Ron Weasley's potion failed to the point it gave off the smell of rotten eggs. Professor Slughorn vanished Ron's potion giving him a 'zero.'
For the first time in anyone's memories, Hermione Granger had failed to make a potion correctly. Her potion was barely passable. She frowns, looking at her book, trying to figure out exactly what she did wrong.
Lily's potion was perfect, to no one's surprise.
Professor Slughorn was deeply impressed he drops a leaf in the potion and couldn't help but be amazed at Lily's skills and talent.
Professor Slughorn tested Harry's potion, and to his surprise, he was baffled. Two students had made perfect Draught of Living Death.
Professor Slughorn clearly was impressed. He's never had two students succeed before.
At the end of the class, both Harry and Lily receive a vial of liquid luck.
"So tell me, how did you know to crush the Sopophorous Bean with the knife?" said Lily.
Harry presents his borrowed copy of the Advanced Potion-Making and shows her the instructions he had followed.
"These are very similar to my own method," said Lily.
"How much of it did you follow?" asked Harry.
"Most of it," said Lily reading all instructions the Half-Blood Prince had written. "This person is quite the Potioneer."
"Yeah, their instructions were as good as yours," said Harry.
"We should be careful," said Lily holding her Felix Felicis in her hands. "By lunch, countless students will we each have a vial of Liquid Luck."
"You want to hide it somewhere?" said Harry.
"Well, I would down in the Chamber of Secrets, but we can't go down there. Not with Filch lurking the area," said Lily.
Harry and Lily said nothing more as a couple of Aurors were seen walking around.
There were dozens of Aurors station at the school now. They were a much better choice than Dementors. The presence of the Aurors told them the Ministry was taking their safety seriously.
"We better put away our stuff," said Lily.
Harry and Lily went to their hidden chamber to lock up their things.
