A/N: Sorry it's been a while. A lot has happened in my life and things are going to get better! I've also decided to do re-writes, because as I've written these stories, I've made them up as I go, so I will go back and connect everything and change stuff a bit. But I will continue on with the series for you guys.
Chapter 5: Potter Better Than Black
After the Attack on Diagon Alley
The two landed on hard ground in an instant. One of the men began moving as the other lay still. The one who moved, banged hard onto the ground, punching it, opening up the skin on his knuckles. More and more blood poured out with each punch to the hard ground. He cried out in agony, screaming into the night sky. His eyes turned to the unmoving body of his father. Angry tears strolled down his bloody face. His heart filled with rage and revenge. He struggled up to his feet, pocketing his father's wand, now claiming ownership. He heaved his father over his shoulder and began the long track back to a hidden camp, deep within a forest.
Hours later, deep into the night, he could see light into the distance. He continued on, his legs wobbling with the heavy toll on his shoulders. As he made his way closer to the light, he could hear voices.
"Someone's coming."
"Who's there!?"
"Make yourself known or die!"
But he didn't say a word. He couldn't. He lost his voice momentarily and just continued on.
"That's it. Once he gets closer. I'm going to kill him!"
Suddenly, he stepped into the light. Campfire light hit his face, revealing who it was. "Wait! It's Emrys. It's...both of them."
Cyrus lifted his father into the middle of the Death Eater campsite. There were many of them without their masks and robes, sitting around and waiting on their commands from their leaders. They all had stopped what they were doing and watched as Cyrus stopped in the middle of the site, near the campfire and dropped his dead father on the ground. He then dropped to his knees, exhausted, physically and emotionally, from the events of today. He stared into the fire, his face expressionless.
A random death eater named Ridley walked up to Cyrus and his father. "He's dead," he muttered, and then more loudly. "He's dead! They killed Silas!" Death eaters began to angrily shout and yell.
"Who did this!?" shouted a random death eater and others added in.
"Who did it?!"
"They will pay!"
"A life for a life!"
But then it all went silent. A slim figure walked into the light. All of the death eaters watched as she strolled over to Sllas and Cyrus. She had dark tamed, wavy hair, braided down to her shoulders. Her eyes were grey and soulless, her beautifully middle-age, heart shaped face expressionless. She glided over to the two men, kneeling next to Cyrus, and then looked down at the soulless Silas. She turned back to Cyrus, reaching up with her cold pale hand and touched Cyrus's face.
"My boy," she said in almost a whisper. "My beautiful boy. What has happened on this day?"
Cyrus looked up towards the woman, his eyes full of fire. "Mother," he whispered. "He killed him. He killed my father."
"Who, my son?" She asked.
"Her son," Cyrus said in a growling whisper.
Suddenly, the woman's eyes came to life, igniting with fire, yet her face remain calm. She stood to her feet, her wand sliding out of her sleeve and into her hand. Some of the death eaters noticed this and took a step back in terror. She looked around the camp site, looking through the death eaters. She gripped her wand tightly. Suddenly, without any warning, she growled out in anger and began whipping her wand around. She screamed out as the green sickly killing curse soared out the tip of her wand, striking random death eaters and killing them. As fast as it began, it was over. She was breathing heavily, her hair no longer perfectly braided or brushed, stray strands of hair stood out. Her face no longer straight yet full of rage.
A frightened, lone death eater, Ridley, slowly moved towards her from her right. "Madam Xerina," he spoke. The woman turned her deadly eyes towards the death eater. He took a step back. "W-what do we do?"
Xerina placed her wand back into her sleeve. "We plan and get ready," she said with venom in her voice. "We be patient. When the cupboard is ready is when we attack." The death eaters nodded. "I will continue to train my son. He will be unstoppable. But you will all remember one thing! Joshua Black will be left for my son only. And his mother, is mine!"
The second through seventh year Hogwarts students began to clamor their way into the Great Hall, sitting at their respective House tables. Josh bid Daphne, Draco, and Tracey goodbye as he followed the rest of his house towards the Gryffindor table. He sat next to Ron, across from Harry and Hermione. Neville sat next to him. Soon enough, the start of the feast began with McGonagall bringing in the new batch of first years, which to most of the students' surprise, was only a handful of students. "Why are there so little new students?" Neville asked out of curiosity.
"Ever since the attacks by the Death Eaters," Hermione began, "Parents have become worried and frightened for themselves and their children."
"They probably don't want to leave their children somewhere where they can't keep an eye on them," Harry added.
"Or just fleeing the country," Ron commented, leaning his chin on his hand. A few minutes later, the sorting hat sang about unity, and the sorting began. Most of the students went into Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. There were no Gryffindors for some weird reason. "Well then, that's discomforting." Ron said.
"They're terrified," Josh spoke up. "Not an ounce of courage in any of them."
"That's a bit harsh, don't you think?" Hermione asked in shock. Josh half-shrugged and shook his head.
"He might have a point," Harry said, retrieving a few confused looks from his friends. "Obviously they've been told about the horrors of Voldemort and the oncoming war. So, they're terrified. Plus they're young, so why should they be brave right now?"
"You had it then," Hermione commented, looking at Harry then at Josh, "Both of you."
"Yeah, well we weren't in immediate danger then," Josh replied, and a second later, food appeared right before their eyes. The Gryffindors ate their feast and talked about whatever came to mind, from Quidditch to the Oncoming war. Every now and then, students would come up to Harry, Hermione, Ron, or Josh and asked about what happened at the Ministry. They were all told to just read the prophet, because no one was ready to talk about it. Soon enough, Dumbledore stood to his feet and cleared his throat. All the conversations ceased and their attention was turned unto the Headmaster. Josh noticed Dumbledore's hand which was blackened and mangy, almost as if it was dead or dying.
"Now!" Dumbledore began, "To our new students, welcome, and to our old, Welcome back! Another year full of magical education awaits you..."
"What is up with his hand?" Neville asked, looking worried. "Is he okay?"
"It was like that when he brought me to Josh's," Harry replied, "He seemed normal then, though I figured he'd have it healed by now."
"Some injuries cannot be healed," Hermione said, "Mostly because of some very dark magic."
"...Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to say that there is a blanket ban on any joke items bought at a store called Weaslyes Wizard Wheezes. Those wishing to try-out for Quidditch teams should give their names to their Heads of Houses as usual. We are also looking for new Quidditch Commentators, who should do likewise. We are pleased to welcome a new member to our staff, Professor Horace Slugorn - " Slughorn stood up with a nod and was met with small applause. " - Is an old colleague of mine who was agreed to resume his old post as Potions Master."
"Potions?"
"Potions!"
The word echoed throughout the whole Hall as people wandered if they heard right.
"Professor Snape, meanwhile," said Dumbledore raising his voice so that it carried over all the muttering. "Will be taking over the Defense Against the Dark Arts position." More murmuring rang throughout the hall.
"You've got to be kidding me," Harry sighed in annoyance, through his head in his hands. There was a thunderous applause from the Slytherin table. Josh gave a few claps, but stopped when Hermione was glaring at him as she rubbed Harry's back.
"Hey! The job's jinxed right? No one has lasted more than a year," Ron said, "Who knows, maybe he'll be gone by the end of the year." This seemed to cheer Harry up a bit.
"Or he might just go back to teaching potions," Josh added, "Slughorn might not want to stay once the year is over." Dumbledore cleared his throat. They weren't the only ones who were having a conversation as the whole Great Hall had been in an eruption of conversation. Though everyone quieted down at the sound of Dumbledore. Dumbledore then went on to speak about how Lord Voldemort and his forces had finally returned; about how Hogwarts fortifications have been strengthened and how we are protected inside and outside of the Castle. Josh looked over to the Great Hall door seeing a couple of Aurors walking past and patrolling. Dumbledore continued to speak about security, and if anyone has seen anything strange or suspicious, that it should be reported immediately.
"But now, your bed awaits, as warm and comfortable as you could possibly wish, and I know that your top priority is to be well-rested for your lessons tomorrow. Let us therefore say good night. Pip pip!"
The sound of benches scraping against the hard floor rang through the great hall as well as voices who began to converse once again, leaving to go to their dormitories. Josh stood to his feet with his friends as they began to make their way out the Great Hall. Josh was in no hurry as he slowly made his way out of the Great Hall, following some of the younger Gryffindors. He was about to head up the stairs when someone grabbed him by the hand and pulled him away. He was pulled into another corridor and into alcove and pressed up against the wall.
"Hello Black," she greeted with a silky smile.
Josh raised a curious eyebrow. "Evans," he greeted back. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Oh, I was just thinking about you," Elladora Evans told him, touching his chest. "I've been thinking about you a lot lately, really. I mean, you've really grown up."
"Yeah, that tends to happen to people as they get older," Josh said nonchalantly, pushing away Evans's hands.
Elladora giggled. "You're so funny," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck, someone catching her eye, that was moving their way. "I was wondering. How about you and I go somewhere quiet and private? Have a little fun?"
Josh grabbed her arms, trying to push them away. "Look, Evans. I'm sure you're a great girl," he said, "And I'm not the guy for you. Besides, I'm in a committed relationship and I only have eyes for her. No one else."
Elladora sighed, yet smirked as a figure came closer. "You sure do know how to break a girl's heart," she said quietly, and then suddenly pounced, smashing her lips onto Josh's. Josh quickly pushed her away, and before he spoke out, somebody else yelled.
"What the hell is going on!?"
Josh snapped his head towards a very angry looking Daphne, hands clenched into fists. "Daphne," Josh gasped out and wiping his lips. "This isn't what you think!" He looked towards his angry girlfriend and towards Elladora, who was smirking. Josh stepped over towards Daphne.
Elladora stepped back looking innocent. "Well, I'll let you two talk," she said. "See you later, Joshua." Elladora turned to leave.
"Don't you move!" Daphne said, her voice filled with venom.
Elladora chuckled, turning towards Daphne. "Don't start something you can't finish, Greengrass," she said, glaring at the younger blond. "Besides, I'm sure Black needs himself a woman who can give him all the things he needs. And I believe I can give him that. And I'll just bide my time. He'll get tired of you and he'll need a real woman. And that's where I come in." Daphne whipped out her wand and pointed it towards Elladora. Josh quickly grabbed her wrist and stepped in front of her, looking into her fiery eyes. He slowly shook his head. Daphne clenched her teeth, glaring into Josh's calm eyes, exhaling heavily through her nose and lowering her wand arm. "I'll be see you two." Josh heard Elladora say as she left the two alone.
Daphne pulled her arm out of Josh's gasp. "Daphne - "
"Shut it," She hissed. Josh sighed. Suddenly, Daphne violently grabbed Josh by his cloak and began dragging him along down the corridor.
"Daphne," Josh gasped, allowing her to drag him along.
"I said shut it, Black!" Daphne hissed, and then pushed him next to a door of an unused classroom. Josh was surprised about how strong she was, and was feeling a little worried about what was going to happen. "Don't ever let another girl kiss you! Whether it's Evans or Granger!"
"Daphne - "
Daphne pushed him against the wall. Josh winced a little, taking it as a sign to shut his mouth. "Don't let it happen ever again!" She growled. "You don't want to find out what I'll do if it does happen again. Got it!" She said angrily, poking Josh in the chest. Josh nodded, feeling very intimated and impressed by the strength and power that his girlfriend was giving off. "Good!" Josh was then surprised as Daphne pulled him close and kissed him with so much passion that she had never done so before, running her hands through his hair. Josh returned the same passion, pulling her as close as he could, and rubbing her back. Daphne released the kiss, slyly smiling towards a dazed Josh. "Come on," She said, opening the door, and leading Josh inside. The door closed behind them, and there was a click, signaling that the door was locked, and a muffled "Muffliato." was heard from the other side of the closed door.
Elladora was strolling up the stairs towards her common room. She turned into a corridor and was stopped by McGlaggen was had been waiting for her with his arms crossed. Elladora stopped next to Cormac, smiling slyly. "Well?" Cormac said.
"I believe a wedge into their relationship has begun," Elladora informed with a smirk.
Cormac nodded, looking satisfactory. "Good, and the item I requested?" He asked.
Elladora sighed, "It will be here in a couple of weeks," she answered. "Are you going to tell us what you're up to?"
"Don't worry about it," Cormac replied, "You help me, I help you. That's the deal, no questions asked." Elladora nodded and continued on towards her common room. Cormac, however, continued up the stairs, and past his common room to the top floor. He stood in front of a blank wall and began to think. A few moments later, a door appeared. Cormac entered the door and locked it behind him.
The next morning, Josh jovially skipped down the stairs from his dorm and into the common room. He had a half-smile on his face. Ron and Harry, with confusion etched on their faces, were following behind Josh. "Why does he seem so happy?" Ron asked. "It's like he won some lottery or something."
"Maybe he did," Harry said, having a feeling. "I mean, he did come in very late last night."
"I just thought he had his prefect rounds," Ron replied, as Josh led the trio out of the portrait hole, humming to himself. "Alright, now he's humming. What the bloody hell is up with him?" Harry shrugged as they continued to follow their friend. Josh could heard his friends talking about him, but he could care less. He happily strolled down the corridor, but something caught his eye. A younger student was passing by holding a fanged frisbee. Josh quickly grabbed the boy by the back of his robe and pulled him back. "Hand it over," he demanded, his facial expression more serious. The scowling boy handed over the snarling frisbee, and took off back towards the common room.
Ron and Harry caught up with Josh. Ron quickly snatched the Frisbee out of Josh's hand. "Excellent, I've always wanted one of these." Josh was about to say something, but he was interrupted by a loud giggle. The trio of boys turned around and saw Lavender Brown was the one who was laughing at Ron's remark. She continued to giggle as she passed the boys, turning glance towards Ron. Ron looked rather pleased with himself. If Josh didn't know any better, he thought that someone had a crush on Ron.
Later, after breakfast, students remained in their seats to have their schedules handed to them. It was a little more complicated this year as Professor McGonagall needed first to confirm that everybody had achieved the necessary O.W.L. grades to continue with their chosen N.E.W.T.s. Josh was confirmed for his classes that he wanted to continue; Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Herbology, Ancient Runes, Healing, Transfiguration, and Arithmancy. Josh gathered his things and began to make his way towards his first Ancient Runes of the year.
He was the first to arrive in the class, and Professor Babbling was already there, sitting at her desk, reading a book. The two greeted one another. Josh sat at a table near the front of the class and patiently waited for the other students to arrive. It was no surprise that Hermione was next to arrive. She took a seat to his left. Soon, more students began to arrive. Josh smiled widely as his girlfriend arrived, sitting to his right. She smiled as she sat next to him, grabbing his hand. Hermione glanced over to the two, noticing how both of them were staring lovingly at one another, feeling that something was different between them. There were only a handful of students in Professor Babbling's N.E.W.T class. Josh noticed it was mostly full of the sixth year Ravenclaw house, two Gryffindors, One Hufflepuff, and two Slytherins. The other Slytherin was Draco who sat behind Josh, in between two Ravenclaws. Professor Babbling went on to lecture about he N.E.W.T. level course and how it was going to be more difficult the their other years; More difficult translations of runes to magical runes for magical uses.
About an hour later, Josh, Daphne, Draco, and Hermione had left their Ancient Runes class and towards their Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom four floors below. The two slowed and stood near the entrance of the classroom, both holding onto a new book they had just received from Professor Babbling. "So much homework already and we've only had one class," Hermione commented. "An essay, two translations, and a whole book to read by Wednesday."
"We both know it's already done for you," Josh joked, placing his new Runes book in his book bag. Seconds later, more students began to arrive, mostly consisting of Gryffindors and Slytherins. Harry and Ron walked over to wait with Hermione while Tracey made her way over to her best friend. "Hi Ron!" Tracey called, waving towards Ron who smiled and waved back. Tracey and Daphne went on to have a small chat, to which Josh didn't join in. Draco did not join either as he was already reading the book he had received from Ancient Runes.
The classroom door opened and Snape stepped into the corridor, his swallow face framed as ever by two curtains of greasy black hair. Silence fell over the queue immediately. "Inside," He ordered. The students clambered into the classroom. Josh looked around once he entered. It was just as gloomier as Snape's potions classroom had been back in the dungeons. Curtains were drawn over the windows and then only light had come from the candles lit around the room. Josh sat next to Draco while Daphne and Tracey sat behind them. Once the class had settled, Snape had begun his lecture. He began with criticizing the last five Professors they have had in their Defense class and how they weren't very good at teaching the subject. He then went on to describe the Dark Arts, how unpredictable it could be and how fierce and more worse it could become.
"Your defense," Snape said, a little louder, "Must therefore be as flexible and inventive as the arts you seek to undo. These pictures" he indicated a few of them as he swept past - "give a fair representation of what happens to those who suffer, for instance, the Cruciatus Curse" - he waved a hand towards a witch who was clearly shrieking in agony. Josh and Harry knew all too well about it. - "Feel the Dementor's Kiss" - a wizard lying huddled and blank-eyed, slumped against the wall - "or provoke the aggression of the Inferius" - a bloody mass upon the ground. Suddenly, a random chill ran up Josh's spine as he looked at the last photograph. Whatever he was looking at, Josh did not like it at all. He couldn't take his wide eyes off the photograph.
"Has an Inferius been seen, then?" Parvati said in a high-pitched voice. "Is it indefinite, is he using them?"
"The Dark Lord has used Inferi in the past," Snape said, "Which means you would be ill-advised to assume he might use them again. Now..." He moved over to his desk. "...You are, I believe, complete novices in the use of nonverbal spells. What is the advantage of nonverbal spells?"
Hermione's hand shot up in the air. A few others as well. Josh, who wasn't paying attention, was still staring at the Inferius picture. It was haunting to him. Chills ran through his body as he couldn't stop thinking about the inferi. About how they moved or acted or whatever it is they could do, which could include ripping him into pieces.
"Mr. Black?" Snape called. Draco elbowed Josh who snapped back to reality. Hermione put down her hand in disappointment. Annoyed, as Josh didn't even have his hand in the air nor was he paying attention.
"What?" Josh blurted, turning to Snape. "I'm sorry, Professor, what?"
Snape sighed through his nostrils. "What is the advantage of nonverbal spells?"
"Oh, er," Josh began scrambling through his brain. "..er..so your opponent won't know what spell or curse you're about to do next, therefore, they won't know what defense they should use."
"Correct," Snape said with a nod. "Five points to Gryffindor. Yes, those who progress to using magic without shouting incantations gain an element of surprise in their spell-casting. Not all wizards or witches can do this, of course; it is a question of concentration and mind power which some may lack." Josh, who's attention was back on Snape, noticed how his gaze was maliciously upon Harry.
"Now, you will divide into pairs," Snape continued on, "One partner will to jinx the other without saying a word, The other will attempt to repel that jinx in equal silence. Carry on."
The students paired off; Tracey paired off with Daphne; Harry and Ron paired off; Josh and Draco; And Hermione paired off with Neville. A reasonable about of cheating ensued; many people were merely whispering incantation instead of saying it really loud, though it sometimes didn't have the same effect of when having to say it aloud. Though, nearly two minutes in, Josh was already able to repel Draco's whispering jinx in silence with ease. Draco was surprised when his jinx flew back towards him. He quickly ducked under it. Josh was able to perform nonverbal spells ever since the battle at the Department of Mysteries. His anger and the influence of whatever Slytherin's Ring was, helped him figure it out.
Nearly ten minutes later, Hermione was also successful in performing a shield charm in silence. Daphne followed right after performing a nonverbal jinx towards Tracey who quickly ducked out of the way, striking an unknown Neville, who's legs began to dance uncontrollably. Hermione quickly put it to a stop. Tracey was next in performing ha shield charm in silence. Ron, however, was having great difficulty, turning purple one trying to cast a jinx without saying a word. Harry, patiently waiting, stood lazily, waiting on a jinx that was probably bound to not hit him.
Tracey had noticed and walked over, whispering something in Ron's ear. Ron nodded, and slowly breathing. And then, to everyone's surprise, a jinx fell out of Ron's wand, without him speaking a word. Harry, who was shocked, quickly dropped to the ground to avoid the jinx. Ron celebrated in silence and Tracey gave him a hug. Josh felt heat behind him. He rubbed his head and glanced behind him. He was stunned to see Lavender, who was glaring daggers towards Tracey.
A couple of other students, were successful, yet Harry was not. Snape had noticed this and didn't hesitate to pounce on Harry. Snape was going to jinx him, to make an example, but Harry, who still wasn't fond of Snape, wasn't afraid to yell out his shield charm, leading into snide comments from Harry, to which lead to Snape giving Harry Saturday detention. it was a bit of a buzz among the Gryffindors when everyone left the classroom. Josh lagged behind walking with his Slytherin friends.
"Tracey, what was it that you told Ron?" Josh asked out of curiosity, as they walked through the corridor.
Tracey smiled to herself. "I just told him to breathe, and to concentrate. Pretend the Harry was someone he didn't like," she answered. "And it worked."
"I wondered who he pictured?" Daphne asked.
"Probably Draco," Josh joked. Draco lightly punched Josh's arm as the girls giggled, and out of nowhere, Lavender quickly came out from behind, bumping hard into Tracey's shoulder.
"Oi! Watch where you're going Brown!" Tracey hissed, rubbing her shoulder.
Lavender turned around. "You watch where you're going, Davis," She growled back. "And if I were you, I'd stay in my lane!" She turned away and continued on her way.
"What's that even supposed to mean?" Tracey asked, confusion etched upon her face, though Josh had a feeling about what it was.
Daphne looked at her boyfriend as Draco and Tracey walked ahead of them. "What was that all about?" She asked him.
"I believe Lavender has a huge crush on Ron," Josh informed her, noticing that down the corridor, Harry was being handed a note by a younger Gryffindor he recognized as Jack Sloper, wondering what it was about.
"Oh no," Daphne sighed.
"What?" Josh said, turning his attention back to his girlfriend.
"Tracey also has a crush on Ron."
Josh looked at Daphne in surprise. This was not going to end well. The duo had a break and decided to spend it together, somewhere private and snogging. After break was over, Josh reluctantly left his girlfriend to go to his Arithmancy class. Over the month of August, Josh was given the task of studying as much Arithmancy as he could. Professor Vector had even come to tutor Josh and get him as caught up as she could to get Josh ready for the O.W.L. He took it right before coming to Hogwarts and passed with Exceeds Expectations.
Lunch came and went, and after, Josh had his Healing N.E.W.T. class with Madam Pomfrey. Her class was more of a hands on class where the would spend their time in the Hospital Wing taking care of sick or injured students, also learning more and advanced healing spells. There were three other students in this class; Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, and Michael Corner. Today, there were helping a few younger students who were injured in their first Herbology class. Josh was tending to a second year Ravenclaw, who was crying from the small stinging cuts on her hands. Josh tried to soothe her as he healed her cuts, telling her distracting stories of his troubling injuries through the years. When he had finished, the girl hugged him in thanks before running off to her next class. It made him think of his unborn sibling, thinking that a little sister could be nice.
After his Healing Class, Josh made his way towards his Double Potions class. When he arrived in the corridor, there were a dozen people present. Of course, half of them were Josh's friends; Hermione, Draco, Daphne, Tracey, and Harry. Josh was surprised to see Ron there, and he didn't seem particularly happy to be there. Nott was there, idling alone away from the crowd, next to four Ravenclaws; Padma Patil, Terry Boot, Su Li, and Sally-Ann Perks. There was one Hufflepuff who was Ernie McMillan. Soon, the dungeon's door opened and Slughorn's belly preceded him out of the door. As they filed into the room, his great walrus mustache cured above his beaming mouth, and he greeted Harry with great enthusiasm.
The dungeon was, most unusually, already full of vapors and odd smells. Josh sniffed interestingly, passing some bubbling cauldrons, smelling to very familiar potions. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ernie sat at a table. The four Ravenclaws sat at a table together. Josh, Daphne, Tracey, and Draco sat together as Nott took a table to himself to which he seemed pleased to have all the room to himself. Josh sat at the end of the table, near a golden cauldron that was emitting such a seductive scents Josh had ever inhaled; It reminded him of something made with cherries and vanilla, quills, and cinnamon pastries. And it suddenly dawned on him as he glanced towards Daphne. She used cherry vanilla lotion, and her hands always smelled like quills, and her favorite deserts were made with cinnamon. Daphne noticed her boyfriend looking at her. She smiled. Josh, having a dazed look upon his face, smiled back.
"Now then," Slughorn said, "Scales out, everyone, and potion kits, and don't forget your copies and Advanced Potion Making..." Harry's hand shot up. "Harry, m'boy?"
"I haven't got a book or scales or anything - nor's Ron - we didn't realize we'd be able to do the N.E.W.T., you see - "
"Ah yes, Professor McGonagall did mention, not to worry my dear boy. You can use the ingredients from the store cupboard today, and I'm sure we can lend you some scales and we've got a small stock of old books here, they'll do until you can write to Flourish and Bott's..." Slughorn strode over to a cupboard, grabbing a couple of books and then handling them over to Ron and Harry.
"Now then," said Slughorn, returning to the front of the class. "I've prepared a few potions for you to have a look at, our of interest, you know. These are the kind of things you ought to be able to make after completing your N.E.W.T.s. You ought to have heard of em, even if you haven't made em yet. Anyone tell me what this one is?" He indicated the cauldron nearest Nott. Josh raised slightly to see the was colorless potion boiling away inside it. He knew what it was.
Hermione briskly raised her hand, as did Daphne. Slughorn pointed towards Hermione. "It's Veritaserum, a colorless, odorless potion that forces the drinker to tell the truth," She said.
"Very good, very good!" Slughorn said happily. "Now," he continued, pointing at the cauldron nearest the Ravenclaw table. "This one here is pretty well-known...featured in a few Ministry leaflets as well...Who can -?"
Hermione raised her hand in the hair once more, answering the it was Polyjuice Potion. Slughorn was impressed, and went on towards the last potion, and once again, Hermione answered to what it was. It was a powerful love potion, Amortentia, mentioning its characteristics, and how it smells differently to each person to what attracts them. For example, Hermione blushed as she smelled broom polish, rain, and pine soap. Slughorn was impressed with Hermione and when he learned her name, made the connection with Harry and his words of her being the smartest witch of their year. Slughorn awarded Hermione with twenty points.
"Now then, it's time to start some work," Slughorn said.
"Sir, you haven't told us what's in that one," Ernie said, pointing at a small black cauldron standing on Slughorn's desk. The potion within was splashing merrily; it was color of molten gold, and large drops were leaping like goldfish above the surface, though not a particle had spilled.
"Oho!" Slughorn said again. "Yes, that. Well, that one, ladies and gentlemen, is a most curious little potion is Felix Felicis." Josh sat up straight. He knew exactly what that potion was and what it did. I take it, that you know what this potion does, Miss Granger?"
"It's liquid Luck!" Hermione asked excitedly. "It makes you lucky!"
"Precisely!" Slugorn said, and then rewarded her another ten points. "Yes, it's a funny little potion, Felix Felicis. Desperately tricky to make, and disastrous to get it wrong. However, if brewe correctly, as this has been, you will find that all of your endeavors tend to succeed...at least until the effects wear off. Dangerous if consumed in large quantities. One should only take it sparingly and very occasionally." Everyone looked on in awe and interest. "And that, is what I shall be offering as a prize in this lesson." There was a deafening silence. "One tiny bottle of Felix Felicis. Enough for twelve hours' luck. From dawn till dusk, you will be lucky in everything you attempt. However, Felix Felicis being banned from competitions, sporting events, exams or elections, is a given. It is only to be used on an ordinary day to make it extraordinary. So, open your text books to page ten. You will find the instructions on making the Draught of Living Death. The person who does the best, will win the Felix Felicis. Off you go!"
The students, all who were interested in winning this prize, eagerly began to move, quickly weighing their ingredients and carefully reading the instructions of the potion. Josh smirked to himself, know that that prize was just as good as his. He followed the instructions down to the letter. He was very adept at Potions. As he created his potion of Living Death, he look around to take a gander at other students progress. Hermione's and Daphne's potions seem more close to what his potion looked like. Ron was cursing under his breath, sounding as if he wasn't doing a very good job. Tracey and Draco seemed to look at their potions in confusion, looking into their cauldrons to see if the missed a step. Josh looked over at Harry who was severely concentrating and reading the book very close.
"And time's up!" called Slughorn. "Stop stirring, please!"
Slughorn slowly moved among the table, peering into cauldrons. He made no comment, but occasionally gave the potions a stir or sniff. He moved over to Josh's table, giving an approving nod to Daphne, and a nod and slight grin to Josh's potion. Josh smirked. Slughorn raised eyebrows to Tracey and Draco's potions. Felix Felicis was as good as Josh's or so he thought. Slughorn moved over to the last table, with the Gryffindors and Ernie. He passed over Ron's and Ernie's potions, and gave Hermione's potion another approving nod. Finally, he moved over to Harry's potion, and a look of incredulous delight spread over his face.
"The clear winner!" he cried to the dungeon. Josh's smirk was wiped from his face to the look of shock. "Excellent, excellent Harry! Good lord, it's clear you've inherited your mother's talent. She was a dab hand at potions, Lily was! Here you are, then, here you are - one bottle of Felix Felicis, as promised, and use it well." Josh looked on in confusion as Harry accepted the Felicis. Most of others were looking just as confused, angry or disappointed. Hermione looked at Harry with all three emotions. However, Josh was always better than Harry at potions; better than most, even his girlfriend and Hermione. But what changed? Why was Harry so better at him at potions all of a sudden?