Chapter 11

- Broomstick Bustle -

Teddy pulled further at the zip of his jacket. The cold wind whisked snow into his face as he listened in to Harry and Hermione's argument.

"For weeks, you carry around this book." Hermione ranted as they trudged down the icy cobble path to the Three Broomsticks. "Practically, sleep with it, and yet you have no desire to find out who the Half-Blood Prince is."

"The who?" He asked curiously.

"Apparently that's who the book belongs to."

He let out a small snort but no one else was laughing. Harry shoved his cold hands into his pockets roughly. "I didn't say I wasn't curious, Hermione- and I don't sleep with it."

"Well, it's true." Ron butted in. "I used to get a nice chat before I go to bed. Now all you do is that bloody book. It's like being with Hermione." For once Hermione didn't respond with an offended look, instead she just nodded in agreement.

"It is true, Harry." Terry said. "Every time I try to introduce my friends to you, you're too busy reading that Potions book." They all went silent with Hermione staring down Harry then giving an exasperated sigh.

"Well, I was curious. So, I went to-"

"The library." All three of them said at once. Hermione glanced at them then looked down the pathway.

"And?" Harry added.

Her boots crunched against the snow. "And nothing. I couldn't find a reference anywhere to the Half-Blood Prince."

Harry raised his hands. "There we go. That settles it, then." Teddy glanced between his three friends, all of whom didn't meet each others eyes. Eventually, Hermione looked away from the pathway.

"I am excited to meet your new friends, Teddy. I hope you're feeling welcome in the Ravenclaw Tower."

"I am." He replied watching his own breath in the cold wind. "It's actually really nice. Very spacious, and I've found some good people to hand with."

"Full moon's tonight isn't it?"

"Yeah." He shrugged, not sounded the least bit concerned. "I'll be doing it in my old room."

"Where's Arkie? Isn't she joining us?"

"No, she's gone clothes shopping with her friends." He said with a smile.

Suddenly there was another voice in front of them and they looked up to see Professor Slughorn walking past Professor Flitwick. "Ah, Filius. I was hoping to find you in the Three Broomsticks."

"Uh no... ugh, emergency choir practice" The Charms Professor replied quickly, hobbling in the opposite direction, towards the train station. Harry had stopped walking, staring at the Potions Master as he walked into the familiar pub. He had a strange look in his eyes, the kind of look someone on a mission would have.

"Does anyone fancy a butterbeer?" He asked, speed walking forward without waiting for the others. Soon they were all kicking the snow off their boots before walking inside the warm pub. Professor Slughorn was standing by the bar, talking to a group of men and women. Teddy was able to hear parts of his conversation.

"A chum of mine was sledging down Clagsby Hill... We had a very long, home-made Norwegian style sledge. We hurtled down, we hit what most..."

"Teddy, over here!"

Teddy spun around at the sound of Freddie's voice. He was sitting at a long table in the center of the pub. Leonard, Terry and Daniel were all seated next to him, each one holding half finished butterbeers.

The four of them joined the table. "This is Freddie, Leonard, Terry and Daniel. Guys this is Harry, Ron and Hermione."

"Nice to meet you." Leonard said with a polite tip of his head. Daniel watched them all silently while Terry fumbled with the handle of his tankard. Freddie happily shook hands with each of them.

"We thought you weren't coming, Ted."

"We were side tracked." Harry still had his attention on Slughorn, who was laughing incredibly loud. Teddy smiled at the jolly professor before focusing back on his friends.

"Something to drink?" A woman asked.

"Four butterbeers," Hermione ordered. "And some ginger in mine, please." The woman nodded, returning shortly with their drinks.

"So, Teddy, when's your first Duelling training?" Leonard asked.

"First session's the end of this week."

"And the full moon is tonight." Teddy gave him a curious look, surprised he knew that. "I read lunar charts for Astronomy."

"Right, yeah it is. But don't worry I'll be downstairs."

Freddie took a swig of his butterbeer, finishing it off. Under the table was a full bag of various candy. "We weren't worried."

"Oh, bloody hell." Ron suddenly said and Teddy followed his gaze to Ginny and Dean sitting together in the corner.

"Ron, see they're only holding hands." Hermione rolled her eyes and looked once more at the couple. She straightened, looking slightly disgusted. "And snogging."

Ron pushed his drink away. "I'd like to leave."

"What? You can't be serious."

"That happens to be my sister, Hermione."

"So? What if she looked at me and saw you snogging me? Would you expect her to get up and leave?"

The thought seemed to make Ron even more uncomfortable and Teddy hid his smile behind his butterbeer. He jumped when suddenly a familiar, loud voice came from behind him.

"Harry, my boy!" Slugorn chuckled. Teddy was surprised to see the Professor but was even more surprised when Harry welcomed him like he would a long lost friend.

"Professor, so wonderful to see you."

The two shook hands.

"And you, and you."

"So what brings you here, sir?"

Slughorn's smile widened and his eyes twinkled brightly. "Oh, the Three Broomsticks and I go way back further than I care to admit." He let out a laugh. "I could remember when it was just One Broomstick." The drink he was holding spilled going on Hermione's lap. She jumped slightly. "Oh, all hands on deck, Granger. Ah, Teddy good to see you too my boy. How have you been?"

"Fine." He replied after taking a sip.

"You nervous for tonight."

Teddy was uncomfortable that the Professor too knew about the full moon tonight. "Not really, I've got it down pat by now."

"Very good, very good. Anyway listen, my boys." He said, looking hopefully at the two of them. "In the old days, I used to throw together the occasional supper party. Select a student or two. Would you two be game?"

Teddy opened his mouth to turn down the offer but Harry replied before he could finish. "I consider it an honor, sir." Teddy stared at him then at the Professor.

"Yeah, I guess so. I'll be there."

Slughorn looked down at Hermione. "You'd be welcome too, Granger."

"I'd be delighted, sir."

"Splendid!" He chuckled. "Look for my owl." Before he left he glanced down at Ron. "Good to see you, Wallenby." Ron gave a small deflated wave goodbye as the Professor hobbled away. He then turned to Harry.

"What are you playing at?"

Harry's took his seat again. "Dumbledore's asked me to get to know him."

"Get to know him?" Teddy rested his arms on the table as Harry shrugged.

"Dunno. But it must be important. If it wasn't, Dumbledore wouldn't ask."