Suspicions
I woke up to feeling something heavy on the bed and someone kissing my neck. I smiled in contentment as I opened my eyes and saw my boyfriend Cedric, smiling at me. I reached for my glasses and then turned to face him better.
"Hi," he said.
"Hey," I said. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.
I sat up and he placed his arms around me and kissed my head as I buried my face in his chest, breathing in the scent of his cologne. Now this was the perfect way to wake up, to the guy I loved.
"I've missed you," I murmured.
"Missed you too," said Cedric.
"How's your job working out? Everything okay?" He'd taken a job as part of Hogwarts security team at the end of the year.
"Yeah, we've set up security defenses at the school and everything's good. Dumbledore and I've been on better terms since we patched things up between us. So, I'll get to see you during breaks, evenings and my days off this year."
"Sounds good to me," I said, smiling.
We were about to kiss again when the door burst open and Ron, Hermione and Ginny came in and sat beside us.
"When you'd get here? Mum's only just told us!" said Ron.
"It was nearly two o'clock in the morning," I said, as I sat up. "What time is it? Have I missed breakfast?"
"It's ten o'clock. Lunch's in an hour. Mrs. Weasley's cooking up a huge meal. She thinks you're underfed," said Hermione. "So, anything exciting happen last night?"
"Not really, no. Professor Dumbledore picked me up, we went to persuade someone called Horace Slughorn to take a job at school, and he said he was going to be giving me private lessons this year."
They all looked shocked.
"Private lessons? With Dumbledore?" said Hermione. "Wow!"
"They're supposed to help me for the final battle between me and Voldemort," I said. "He didn't say what they were, but it's going to be important."
"And you call that not exciting? Jeez, Helena," said Ron.
"What do you think you'll be learning?" asked Ginny.
"With Dumbledore, who knows?" said Cedric.
"Anyway," I said, loudly. "I take it Mrs. Weasley's not fond of the idea of Bill marrying Fleur next summer?"
"That's putting it lightly," said Ginny. "I don't want her in the family either. She's full of herself and Mum doesn't like her very much. She thinks Fleur's all wrong for him, but she's not saying so to Bill and Fleur's faces, yet."
"She's also been inviting Tonks down quite a bit in hopes that Bill will change his mind, but no such luck," said Ron. "No one would look twice at Tonks when Fleur's around and besides, Tonks' powers have been off lately."
"Mrs. Weasley's, uh, also mentioning in private how she'd rather have you marry Bill than Fleur," said Cedric, looking deeply annoyed.
I stared at him. "Excuse me?" Me, marry Bill? He was at least six years older than me and I was Cedric's girlfriend—no one else's.
"I know I'd like it if you married one of my brothers," said Ginny. "You're practically family already! But you've already got Cedric. I keep telling her Bill's not for you, but she won't listen to me. She just goes on about Phlegm not being good enough for Bill."
"Oh, good grief," I said, burying my face in my hands. "Well, I'm not going to get Fleur jilted. She's expecting me to be her bridesmaid and she's one of my best friends!"
"We know, Helena, we know," said Hermione. "So, what's Slughorn like? Do you think he'll be a good teacher?"
"Yeah, I think so. He's a bit of dork, but a nice dork. He has a tendency to favor students who are famous, powerful, well-connected and talented. Professor Dumbledore's asked me to let me be 'collected,' by him as it'll have something to do with our lessons."
"Any idea what?" asked Cedric.
"None whatsoever," I said, shrugging. "So, how're things here? Is Percy still—?"
"Yep," said Ginny, her eyes darkening. "In spite of everything, he's still refusing to admit that we were right the whole time. Fred says he's still just a Ministry-loving, family-disowning, power-hungry moron."
"I'm sorry."
"Not your fault," said Ron. "So, how've you been doing since you learnt about the prophecy?"
"Fine. I'm scared, but not as much as I used to be. But in the end, one of us will kill the other. 'Neither can live while the other survives,'" I said.
"And it'll be Voldemort who dies, not you," said Cedric.
"Lunch time!" called Mrs. Weasley.
We all went downstairs to find a large buffet of food. Well, Mrs. Weasley certain went to no end to make sure people were well-fed.
"Help yourself to whatever you'd like, Helena. There's plenty to go around. You're far too thin," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Now, now, Molly, don't go all Mother Hen on her," said Sirius, appearing in the kitchen.
"Sirius!" I got out of my seat and hugged him. I stepped back to look at him. He was very well-dressed, had more color in his face, and looked a thousand times better than before. "You look really great. Freedom suits you."
"And I have you to thank for that," he said, smiling. "It's wonderful to be a free man at last. Do you know how many people I've had come up to me apologizing for believing I was guilty for what happened all that time ago?"
"Been there, done that," said Cedric and I in unison.
"Anyway, I've gotten some help fixing up and cleaning Grimmauld Place and the house is fit to live again and the Black Family Tree's gone as well. It just about feels like a normal home now," said Sirius.
"That's wonderful," I said. "Kreacher's not taking it well, I assume?"
Kreacher was the Black family house-elf. He was quite old, had the same narrow-mind as Sirius's relatives had had, and quite mad, but obedient to Sirius's commands. We all had a thorough disliking of him, especially Sirius.
"Does he ever take any form of change well?" asked Sirius. "I'd free him, but it's too much of a risk. He knows too much about the Order. Letting him go might send him straight to my cousins' where his true loyalties lie."
"Shame," said Ron.
I sat next to Sirius and talked to him over breakfast. Having nearly lost him once, I'd been cherishing even the tiniest of moments together and tried to make ever second count.
Over the next few weeks, there was very little good news.
Voldemort seemed to have gone into hiding since the incident at the Ministry, but his followers hadn't. The Daily Prophet, which was now free of yellow journalism since Rita Skeeter had been forced to quit since Hermione learnt she was an unregistered animagius, and free of Fudge's influence, reported the numerous Dementor attacks and the people who went missing or turned up dead.
Madame Bones, the kind woman at my hearing last year, was among those who'd been recently murdered, much to my sorrow. Karkarroff, Dumstrang's headmaster who'd fled after the Third Task, had turned up dead in a shack with the Dark Mark above him for abandoning the Death Eaters. To make matters worse, the old wandmaker, Olivander, had gone missing. The Wizarding World would do with other makers for the time being, but he was the best and we all prayed he was alright.
The day before my birthday, Mrs. Weasley insisted there would be no reading of the Daily Prophet and my sixteenth birthday would one to enjoy and not gloomy. Everyone agreed and on my birthday, I came downstairs to find a table of presents and a large chocolate cake.
"Happy Birthday, Helena!" said everyone.
"You did all this for me? Thank you," I said, touched. "Thank you so much."
After opening presents and enjoying cake, Cedric took me on a little walk in the grove outside the Burrow.
"Happy birthday, Helena," said Cedric.
He held out a bouquet of red and gold roses in a crystal vase and a wrapped gift which turned out to be a bottle of my favorite scent perfume.
"Oh, Ced, this must've cost a lot. You shouldn't have."
"Nonsense. Where does it say I can't spoil my girlfriend on her birthday?"
I smiled and kissed him. "I love you."
"I love you too."
The next day, I got a letter with exciting news. I'd been made Quidditch Captain. Everyone was pleased.
"Congratulations, Helena, you deserve it," said Sirius.
"This'll be cool," said Ron. "When're you going have tryouts?"
"As soon as I can," I said. "With two Chasers and our Beaters gone, we'll need more players and fast."
"I'm going to try out for Chaser," said Ginny. "I've been dying to play for Gryffindor for ages!"
"Mind if I try out for Keeper again?" asked Ron.
Last year, Ron had been made Gryffindor's Keeper since Oliver Wood had graduated three years ago and Angelina had been Gryffindor's Quidditch Captain last year as well, but she'd since graduated.
"Why would you need to try out again?" asked Hermione. "You're already a great Keeper!"
"I only got on because Angelina's other choices were whiners," said Ron. "I want to get on because of my skill."
"If it bothers you that much, I'll hold Keeper tryouts too," I said.
"Thanks, Helena."
One week later, we received word that our O.W.L. results would come.
Ron was relaxed, I was slightly nervous, but Hermione was freaking out.
"I know I made one serious mistranslation in Runes," she fussed. "The Defense Against the Dark Arts practical was no good at all. I thought I did Transfiguration alright at the time, but looking back…"
"Hermione, would you shut up, you're not the only one who's nervous!" Ron barked. "I highly doubt you've failed a thing! You're going to get eleven 'Outstanding' O.W.L.s!"
"Don't say that!" said Hermione. "I know I've failed everything!"
"Oh, for heaven's sake, Hermione!" I said, exasperated. "How on earth could you have failed everything when you're the best student of our generation?"
"Helena's right, Hermione, so just relax," said Cedric, handing her a cup of potion. "Drink this Calming Draught and settle down, for all our sakes."
"Here they come," I said, as three owls came in with envelopes containing our test results and our Hogwarts lists. I paid one owl and then they went off. Ron instantly ripped his open and Hermione hesitated and I slowly opened mine and read the following.
Ordinary Wizarding Level Results:
Pass Grades:
O—Outstanding
E—Exceeds Expectations
A—Acceptable
Fail Grades:
P—Poor
D—Dreadful
T—Troll
Helena Lily Potter has achieved
Astronomy (A)
Divination (P)
Care of Magical Creatures (E)
Defense Against the Dark Arts (O)
Charms (E)
Transfiguration (E)
Potions (E)
Herbology (E)
History of Magic (D)
I was pleased with my marks, but also disappointed with my Potions grade. How could I become an Auror if I couldn't continue with Potions? Professor Snape only took on those with an 'Outstanding,' so there went my hopes.
"How'd you do?" asked Cedric.
"Pretty well. I didn't get an Outstanding in Potions, though."
"Don't worry about it. Professor Snape might just change his mind," said Mrs. Weasley.
Somehow, I didn't think so. He had no reason to change his mind. "How'd you do, Ron?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
"Good. I only failed Divination and History of Magic, but I was going to drop them anyway," said Ron. He glanced at my report card. "Ha! Knew you'd be the best at Defense Against the Dark Arts!"
"Hermione, how'd you do?" asked Cedric.
"Not bad," said Hermione, timidly.
"Let me see," said Ron, snatching her report card. "Yep, ten 'Outstandings' and one 'Exceed Expectations' in Defense Against the Dark Arts." He raised an eyebrow at her. "You're actually disappointed, aren't you?"
"No, I am not!" said Hermione.
"No fighting," said Mrs. Weasley. "Now that you've got your lists, we'll go to Diagon Alley, but on Saturday. I want your father with us."
"I'll come with you," said Sirius. "I could use with a trip out and besides, I'm dying to see Fred and George's shop."
"From what they say in their letters, I'm sure you'll love it," said Cedric.
I tried not to let my Potions mark bother me when we went to Diagon Alley for our school supplies. I was looking forward to seeing Fred and George's shop. In their letters, they'd said their business was booming and thoroughly thanked me and Cedric for giving them our Triwizard winnings that helped them get started.
To our delight, Hagrid was the 'security' that accompanied us. I wasn't that surprised at the state of Diagon Alley, but I wasn't pleased with it either. Gone were the beautiful shops with window displays and gossiping cheerful crowds. In their place were some boarded up shops, people huddled together in fear and wanted posters for Death Eaters.
After buying what we needed, we went to Fred and George's shop, Weasleys Wizards Wheezes, which was hard to miss. It was enormous with flashing posters and fireworks. Inside was even large and quite crowded.
Shelves upon shelves were filled with prank items, Skiving Snackboxes, joke cauldrons, Love Potions, miniature Puffskiens called Pygmy Puffs in shades of pink and purple that were adorable, Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, and other stuff that was sheer brilliant. Hermione was particularly interested with the Patented Daydream which allowed you to enter the perfect daydream undetected during any class.
"This is really extraordinary magic!" said Hermione.
"For that, Hermione," said Fred. "You can have one for free."
"Hey, guys," I said.
Fred and George certainly knew their business. They were the hit of Diagon Alley and their magenta robes looked grand.
"So, what do you think of the shop?" asked George.
"Boys, this is prank heaven," said Sirius, smiling. He already had a bag full of stuff. "If this shop had been around during my school days, the Marauders could've pulled off more pranks than ever. James would've loved it if he was here."
"Coming from one of our idols such as you, Padfoot, that means everything," said Fred, grinning.
"Really, guys, this place is amazing," I said. "You're brilliant."
"Well, thank you, little sister," said George, smiling. "That reminds me, you, Sirius, and Cedric can help yourselves to whatever you want here. No charge. Just tell people where you bought your stuff, okay?"
"Why can't we pay you?" asked Cedric.
"Two reasons: One, Helena's the daughter of the one of the best Marauders who ever lived. Two, Sirius is one of the Marauders. And three, we haven't forgotten that you and Helena gave us our start-up loan," said George. "So, neither of you three pay here, alright? We won't take no for answer."
"This is very generous, guys. Thanks," I said, as I hugged them. "So, what's this stuff?"
"Ah, one of our best sellers," said Fred. "Would you believe how many people can't perform a decent Shield Charm, even people who work at the Ministry? Well, they didn't have you teaching them, Helena. But we've made Shield Cloaks, Hats, Gloves, you name it and we're getting massive orders every day!"
Cedric let out a chuckle. "Well, I'm glad things are going so well for you. Really guys, you deserve it. People will be talking about this place and its owners for generations."
"We hope so," said George, beaming.
They took us on a little tour around the shop and then left us to buy whatever we pleased. Cedric and I bought a few things and saw something curious from the window.
Draco Malfoy, my second archenemy, was heading down to Knockturn Alley alone. He and I had hated each other for six years now and Draco's hatred of me had increased after his father, Lucius, had been sent to prison after what'd happened at the Ministry. What was he doing in Knockturn Alley?
"Something wrong, Helena?" asked Ron.
"Look!" I hissed, pointing to the window.
"Weird," said Hermione. "I saw him half an hour ago with his mother. She wouldn't let him out of her sight. Why's he alone now?"
"What say we find out?" said Cedric.
"I say, let's," I said.
We snuck out of the shop and followed Malfoy to Borgan and Burkes where he was talking with the owner. Our newly bought Extendable Ears from Fred and George were quite helpful in eavesdropping.
"…know how to fix it?" asked Malfoy.
"Possibly," said Borgan. "But I'll need to see it, though. Why don't you bring it into the shop?"
"You know darn well that I can't take it without arousing suspicion! I just need you to tell me how to do it!"
"Well, without seeing it, I must say it'll be very difficult job, perhaps impossible. I can't guarantee anything."
"Oh, no? Perhaps, this'll make you more confident," said Malfoy. "You know Fenrir Greyback's an old friend of the family. He'll be checking in on your progress. If you don't cooperate, he'll pay a special visit and there might just be a new werewolf in town, or maybe a dead one."
"There's no need for—"
"I'll decide that." Malfoy interrupted. "Well, I'd better be off. And don't forget to keep that one safe, I'll need."
"Perhaps you'd like to take it now?"
"No, of course I wouldn't, you brainless idiot," said Malfoy. "Do you have any idea how stupid I'd look carrying that thing out into the street?"
"Of course not…sir."
"Not a word to anyone, including my mother, or Greyback will be here in half a second," said Malfoy.
"Naturally," said Borgan. "But I don't suppose you'd care to tell me exactly the kind of job you need it for?"
"If he didn't bother telling you, I don't see why I should. Good-day."
Malfoy left the shop and then we fled before he could spot us and went back to Fred and George's shop before we were missed.
We waited until we were alone before we talked about what we'd overheard. We were in Ron's room which had a special charm on it which prevented us from being overheard.
"What was Malfoy doing threatening Borgan?" asked Ron.
"I don't know," said Hermione. "I'm more worried about this 'job,' and who 'he,' was that Borgan mentioned. There's a thousand explanations, but which one's the right one?"
"Maybe he was talking about Voldemort. Oh, will you get a grip!" said Cedric, when Ron hissed at the mention of Voldemort's name. Ron was one of those that feared Voldemort's name.
"But why would Borgan be in contact with Voldemort?" asked Ron. "Yeah, he's dirt, but dark wizard material? I don't think so."
"What about Malfoy?" I asked. "His parents are with Voldemort, why wouldn't he be?"
"It sounds possible," said Cedric. "If he wanted revenge for his father's imprisonment, he might just do something as stupid as joining up with Voldemort."
"There's just a few problems with your theory," said Hermione. "You have no proof and why would Voldemort hire an underage wizard? You'd better not say anything, yet."
"Don't lecture me, Hermione," I snapped. "I'm not stupid. I'm not going to say anything to anyone, yet. Right now, all we know Malfoy's up to something, but believe me, I'm going to find out what."
Just then, we were called down for dinner and had to cease conversation.
The rest of our summer vacation was enjoyable. Sirius saw us off at King's Cross. I hugged him before I got on the train and then waved good-bye until he was out of sight. Since Cedric had had to travel ahead for his job and Ron and Hermione needed to patrol the corridors of the train as per their prefect duties, I sat with Luna and Neville in their compartment.
"Hi, Helena," said Neville, when I'd come in.
"Hi, guys," I said, as I sat down. "Good holiday?"
"It was great. Daddy sold the article with the interview you gave him to the Daily Prophet and we went to Africa and had a lovely time," said Luna, who was reading an issue of The Quibbler and wearing strangely colored glasses.
"Luna invited me to go with her. She and her Dad were hunting for Crumble-Horned-Snorkack. It was fun. Gran's also been raving about what we did at the Ministry. She says I've really made her proud and my parents proud too," said Neville.
"I'm glad."
Suddenly, the compartment door opened and a muscle-y, blond-haired, blue-eyed sixth year poked his head in. "Hello, Helena. I'm Cormac McLaggen. Would you like to come to my compartment with me and my friends? You don't need to sit with these two," he said, distastefully as he looked at Neville and Luna.
"These two are some of my best friends," I said, coldly, instantly disliking this boy. "I suggest you leave, Cormac, now."
"As you wish," said McLaggen. "But if you desire more suitable company, I'll be in Compartment B."
He left and then I locked the door and closed the blind, furious. More suitable company? Who was he to tell me who I should and shouldn't be friends with? Pompous, blond, jerk!
"Thanks for sticking up for us, Helena," said Neville. "I guess people expect you to have cooler friends than us."
"Two things: one, none of Cormac's lot are as cool as the two of you. Two, they weren't the ones who believed me and Cedric and risked their necks at the Ministry, you were. You guys are my friends, I don't need them nor do I want them."
"Thanks, Helena," said Luna, smiling.
"Are we going to have D.A. meetings this year?" asked Neville.
"No," I said, regretfully. While I had deeply enjoyed teaching the secret group called Dumbledore's Army, the need for the group was long gone now. "With Umbridge gone, there's not much need of it."
"I wish we still could have the D.A.," said Luna. "It was great."
"We learned loads from you," said Neville. "Wish you could be our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Helena. You should be."
"That's sweet of you to say, Neville."
I changed the subject to O.W.L. results and we shared some Cauldron Cakes when Ron, Ginny, and Hermione came down. Eventually, we arrived at Hogwarts and after a thorough check by Filch with Secrecy Sensors, we went into the Great Hall.
I instantly felt wonderful. It was great to be home again.
We four took our usual seat at the Gryffindor table and whispered softly while we waited for the Sorting to end and then Professor Dumbledore stood up.
"Before we begin our feast, I'd like to make a few announcements. First, as all of you are aware, new security measures have been taken in order to ensure your safety. However, I would remind you all to be cautious and act responsibly. Second, Mr. Filch has banned any products of Weasleys Wizard Wheezes. And third, I am proud to announce that Professor H. Slughorn will be taking over the post of Potions and Professor S. Snape will be our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," said Professor Dumbledore. "Now, tuck in."
Instantly, food appeared and then everyone broke out into whispers. Professor Snape had been denied the post he so craved for years. Why had he'd been granted his desire now of all times?
"I thought that Slughorn would be teaching us Defense Against the Dark Arts," said Hermione.
"Apparently not," said Cedric. "Helena, did Dumbledore actually say what subject Slughorn would be teaching?"
"No," I admitted.
"I don't know what Dumbledore's playing at," said Ron. "Snape? Our Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher? He'll be a nightmare!"
I was quiet. I didn't like the idea anymore than Ron did, but perhaps Professor Snape would be a somewhat good teacher. I wondered if he was still upset about our fight all that time ago.
The next day, during breakfast, we got our new schedules and I found out that since Professor Slughorn accepted students with an 'Exceeds Expectations,' Ron and I could continue with our Auror studies, which was great. I chose to continue with Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration and Potions.
Professor Snape's class certainly proved to be interesting. He gave us a practical lesson in Non-Verbal Spells, which were difficult until you got the hang of them. I actually liked the class, but it would've been better if I could've had the chance to speak with Professor Snape to know if he'd accepted my apology or not, but no such luck.
Potions was next and it was one lesson I was looking forward to. The dungeon was filled with bubbling potions and steam. One was so intoxicating that I was tempted to drink some, but didn't. There were only a few students progressing to the N.E.W.T. level—(Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests)—and that sadly included Malfoy.
"Good morning class," said Professor Slughorn. "Does everyone have their book?"
"Professor," I said. "I'm sorry, but Ron and I don't have one. We didn't expect to be able to progress to N.E.W.T. level."
"Ah, yes, Professor McGonagall did explain. Well, there are a few copies in the cupboard you can use along with some scales and such until you can write to Diagon Alley," said Professor Slughorn.
"Thank you, Professor," said Ron.
There were only two copies of Advance Potion-Making in the cupboard. Ron got the nicer-looking copy and I took the one that was dog-eared.
Ron, Hermione and I stood next to cauldron with the potion that smelled the nicest.
"Now, today, we're going to be learning how to brew the Draught of Living Death. I've also set up some other potions to show you what else we'll be learning about this year. Who can tell me what this one is?" asked Professor Slughorn, pointing to a cauldron seemed to be filled with boiling water.
"It's Vertiaserum, an odorless, colorless potion that forces the drinker to tell the truth," said Hermione.
"Correct, Miss—?"
"Granger, Professor."
Professor Slughorn looked at us and then smiled. "Oho! 'One of my best friends is Muggle-born and she's the best in our year.' Is this your friend that you said was the best in your year, Helena?"
"Yes, sir, she is," I said, as Hermione smiled.
"Well, take ten points to Gryffindor. Who can tell me what's in this one?"
I raised my hand. "It's Polyjuice Potion. Properly brewed and with a bit of another person included, it'll allow the drinker to assume the shape of another for exactly one hour. However, it can be dangerous and it's only meant for human transformations, not animals."
"Correct! Twenty points to Gryffindor," said Professor Slughorn. "Who can tell me what this one is?"
"It's Amorentia! It's the most powerful Love Potion in the world," said Hermione.
"Quite correct, take another twenty points to Gryffindor. Now, I assume you recognized it by its smells and mother-of-pearl sheen?"
"Yes," said Hermione. "It's supposed to smell according to what attracts us. I can smell freshly cut grass, new parchment and spearmint toothpaste."
So, that's what it was. Well, she wasn't kidding about the potion's attracting smells. I could smell chocolate, roses, and Cedric's cologne. Just inhaling it seemed to fill me up. It was quite lovely to be honest.
"Professor, what's in this one?" asked Ernie. He was pointing a cauldron of golden potion.
"That is Felix Felicis, also known as Liquid Luck," said Professor Slughorn. "Depending on how much is drunk, it gives the drinker complete luck and nothing whatsoever will go wrong. However, it's not used more often because it's banned in the use of elections, sporting events and examinations, and there're some slight side effects of extreme giddiness and reckless behavior. But, this little potion is very helpful, so I am offering it today as a prize for the best potion-maker."
Instantly, there were whispers of excitement and looks of glee.
"Whoever brews the best Draught of Living Death will win twenty-four hour's worth of Lucky Potion. You have one hour to do it. Time starts now, good luck."
Within ten minutes, everyone had their potion going and were trying to make the best one. With all the steam, it was somewhat hard to read the book, to make things even more annoying, whoever had owned it had written on it. I was trying to cut a bean that had the juice I needed, but the stupid thing wouldn't cut. Then I saw an inscription in the book.
Crush the bean with flat side of silver dagger, releases juice better than cutting.
Hoping I wasn't taking too much of a chance, I did as the previous owner had said. Juice seemed to spew out of it when crushed, so much juice in fact, that I was surprised the tiny little bean could've held it.
I dumped the juice into the cauldron and went on with the instructions. Hermione and I'd progressed the furthest, but for some reason her potion was still a deep purple even it was supposed to be turning a light shade of lilac by now.
According the book, I had to stir counterclockwise until the potion turned palest pink. But according to the old owner, I had to add a clockwise stir after every counterclockwise stir. Could the old owner be right twice? Deciding to risk it, I followed the owner's instructions and they worked perfectly.
"How're you doing that?" asked Hermione.
"Add a clockwise stir—"
"No, the book says counterclockwise!" she snapped.
I shrugged and continued with my work. Eventually, our time was up and Professor Slughorn inspected the potions, not commenting, but occasionally giving them a stir or a sniff. He came to our table. He smiled ruefully at Ron's tar-like substance, gave Hermione's deep purple liquid an approving nod, and then his face lit up at my potion.
"The clear winner! Oh, you've certainly got your mother's genes! Lily was a fine potion-maker in her day! Congratulations, Helena, and I hope you enjoy your lucky day," said Professor Slughorn, handing me the golden potion.
"Thanks, Professor," I said.
When we were seated at the Gryffindor table, I told Ron and Hermione how I'd done so well. Ron looked impressed and Hermione looked annoyed.
I sighed. "Let me guess, you think I cheated?"
"Well, it was hardly your own work, was it?" asked Hermione.
"It was just a couple of tips, that's all," I said.
"Could've been worse," said Ron. "Makes me wish I'd taken that copy instead."
"What's this I hear? You're taking advice from stuff someone's written in a book, Helena?" asked Cedric, as he sat down.
Knowing what he was thinking about, I rolled my eyes. "It's not like Riddle's diary, Ced." I opened the book to the recipe for the Draught of Living Death. "Look. See? It's just stuff someone's written a long time ago."
"As long as it's just that, I don't mind," said Cedric.
"So, who'd that book belong to, anyway?" asked Ron.
I looked and read the following. "'This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince.' Well, whoever that is, he's good with potion-making."
Just then, Hedwig came flying down with a message. It was from Professor Dumbledore.
Helena,
Our lessons will begin at eight o'clock this Saturday night. I look forward to seeing you. On a side note, I enjoy Acid Pops. Do you?
—Professor Albus Dumbledore.
"Why did he say he likes Acid Pops?" asked Ron.
"It's the password, idiot," said Cedric.
"This'll be interesting." I hope, I added silently.