A/N: Thank you to all those who favourited and followed.
-o0o-
Silence fell and the light dimmed.
"Planning has been in place for monthsss. Every one of you was aware of the ssssignificance of completing the ritual now. With the dawning of sssspring, new growth and new life I sssshould have been reborn into a new, body. Sssstronger than before. Through all the long monthssss of preparation, there hassss not been one word of a delay. While I ssssuffered you were ssssupposed to be ssssecuring our future and what happened? Yet again I find mysssself disssappointed. Crucio!"
The spell struck the closest Death Eater, dropping them to their knees with a scream that was muffled by their mask.
"Crucio!" the spell was repeated again and again as each robed figure in front of him fell, only Augustus, who was carrying him, was exempt.
"You were given ssssimple insssstructionssss, why were they not completed?"
"My Lord," a voice damaged beyond its ability to sound dignified, croaked, "the ingredients for the potion have all been successfully retrieved. The ritual room has been cleansed …"
"I did not assssk what you have done. I assssked why we can not perform the ritual. What is the causssse of thissss delay?"
"The woman, my lord, we could not find …"
"Are you telling me that there are no women with child on this curssssed issssle?"
"It needs to be a witch," another voice rasped out. "We ran tests a muggle won't do!" he hastened to add, only breaking of to scream as his nerves were seared by the pain curse once more.
"Preferably a pureblood," Augustus added smoothly, "and it would be even better if she were related to you. We conducted many tests to ensure that you would have the most complete recovery, the best outcome. The results last time were suboptimal at best."
The being in his arms glared up at him, contemplating if casting the Cruciatus would be worth the inevitable fall that would follow and ultimately deciding against it, Augustus did have a point.
"There issss no ssssuch witch?" Riddle hissed.
Augustus inclined his head, "Perhaps, perhaps not. The trees of wizarding families are convoluted in their extreme. If you allow me to, I will investigate further, then perhaps we can manipulate the situation to ensure a beneficial result. If that is not possible then remember the continuation of our lines is important to us, I do not know a Lord who would not shout an announcement of conception of a heir, to the four winds. At this time we are sure that there is no pureblooded witch currently with child, but as soon as there is we will know. The Halfbloods and Mudbloods are more cautious, and do not announce things, so far, our search has revealed none. Rest assured we are still seeking."
"Keep ssssearching. Asss thissss opportunity has been losssst it must be done at Lughnasssa, neither Beltaine nor Ssssamhain will do. Do not fail me again. You know what will happen to you all if you do!"
"Yes, my Lord!" the voices around the room, promised. Many of the Death Eaters having regained their feet.
"Enssssure that the other ingredientssss are not contaminated or losssst Augussstusss," Riddle ordered.
"Of course, My Lord."
-o0o-
Valentine's day dawned bright and clear, a singular day of sunshine in the midst of weeks of grey drizzle. Fortunately, the castle was not draped in pink the way it had been when Gilderoy Lockhart was in residence, and Harry had high hopes he would not be accosted by any singing messages. If he was lucky, he would not receive any gifts at all. He bustled around waking the other boys and then hurried to the common room to ensure the team knew that they had quidditch practice after lessons, promising to finish early for those wanting to set up dates, and surprises.
After practice Demelza and Jimmy Peakes had both showered quickly excusing themselves from packing away the equipment, 'just this once, thanks Harry!' 'we'll do it by ourselves next time, I promise', in order to meet with their respective beaus. When the rest of the team reached the common room, Ron was immediately accosted by Lavender Brown, however Percival was nowhere to be seen.
"Hi Harry," one of the fifth years called sauntering over to him. "Are you looking for someone?" She fluttered her eyelashes at him.
"Hi. Um … do you have something in your eye?" he asked in concern.
"What? Oh no," she giggled. "But it's nice that you're concerned."
"I'm not …"
"Here, I was wondering if you wanted some Cauldron Cakes." She pulled a gold wrapped box from behind her back. "Romilda gave them to me for Christmas, but I don't really like them. So Happy Valentine's Day." She thrust the box into his hands and ran off giggling to her friends.
Shrugging Harry wandered up the stairs into the dorm. He was somewhat relieved to see Percival lounging on his bed.
"You have more," Percival pointed to a small pile of presents at the foot of Harry's bed.
"Argh, they know I'm taken right?"
Percival laughed, "Yeah, but I think that makes some of them like you even more."
With a grimace, Harry scooped the bundle into his arms, and dropped the gifts carelessly into his trunk. "As if I would eat any of it anyway, half of it is probably laced with love potions."
"Why keep it then?"
"To hand over to Sev, I might even use them as practice for making antidotes."
"Hmm, well now you don't have any presents at all," Percival said in mock sadness.
"But I have everything I need here already," Harry shrugged and fell onto Percival's bed with a whump. With a judicious use of his elbows, he got Percival to move over and snuggled in.
"You're a sap," Percival said, though his tone was coloured by the smile on his lips. He bent to kiss Harry's temple.
"Never," Harry denied turning his face up for a proper kiss.
When they paused to breath, Harry reached out his hand and a small box, flew from his bedside table into his palm.
"What's this?" Percival asked curiously.
"You'll see," Harry replied mysteriously.
Unwrapping the box revealed a set of cufflinks with panthers engraved into the face of the silver squares.
"They match the pin, see." Harry took one and turned it over to reveal the runes engraved on the back to Percival. "But I wanted to talk to you about what wards to try."
"You are incredible," Percival whispered as he bent his head to steal another kiss. "Did you know that?"
Harry just smiled.
-o0o-
Despite giving his word to Severus, Harry kept an eye on the Marauder's Map over the next few weeks. Though he did not see Malfoy anywhere suspicious, he did note that there were times that the other boy seemed to disappear and wondered if Draco was leaving the grounds somehow or if it was just too difficult to find him in the mass of other students.
February moved towards March with no change in the weather except that it became windy as well as wet. To general indignation, a sign went up on all common-room noticeboards that the next trip to Hogsmeade had been cancelled. Ron was furious.
"It was on my birthday!" he said. "I was looking forward to that. Lavender said she was arranging a surprise!"
"Not that big of a shock, though, is it?" said Harry. "Not after what happened to Katie."
The Gryffindor chaser had not yet returned from St Mungo's, though Fred and George Weasley had sent word that she was doing well, and missing playing Quidditch.
"But now all I've got to look forward to is stupid Apparition!" said Ron grumpily. "Big Birthday treat …"
"Well, if you manage to Apparate maybe Lavender will give you a reward," Harry said, causing Ron to blush. "Besides you can always use the Room of Requirement to take her on a date; Percival and I can move our duelling practice with Sev, somewhere else that day."
"Thanks," Ron said with his ears tipped pink.
Three apparition lessons had passed, and the only thing that had managed to happen was a few more people had managed to Splinch themselves. Harry and Ron included. Frustration was running high and there was a certain amount of ill-feeling towards Wilkie Twycross and his three Ds, which had inspired a number of nicknames for him, the politest of which were Dog-breath and Dung-head. However, Harry felt like he was getting closer to success by focussing on the remember feeling of disapparating onto the roof of his school when he was younger. Maybe they would both be successful in their next lesson.
-o0o-
"Happy Birthday Ron," Harry and Percival shouted energetically when they were woken on the first of March by Seamus and Dean leaving noisily for breakfast.
"Have a present," Neville called out from his bed, throwing a package across on to Ron's bed, where it joined a small pile of them that must have been delivered by house-elves during the night.
"And another," Harry cried as he pulled a garishly wrapped box from his trunk and tossed it to land beside Neville's.
"And one more," Percival said, placing his much more carefully on the growing heap.
"Cheers," said Ron drowsily as he sat up, reached for the closest parcel and began to rip off the paper.
Harry got out of bed, digging around in his open trunk for the Marauder's Map which he now hid after each use. It took turfing half the contents of his trunk onto the floor before he found it hiding beneath the rolled-up socks in which he kept his bottle of Felix Felicis.
"Thanks, Harry!" said Ron enthusiastically, waving the new pair of Quidditch keepers gloves Harry had given him.
"No problem," said Harry absentmindedly, as he searched the Slytherin dormitories for Malfoy. "Well, I can't say for sure, but it doesn't look like he's sleeping in his own bed."
Ron did not answer, he was too busy unwrapping presents, every now and then letting out an exclamation of pleasure.
"Well, there could be more than one reason for that," Neville said waggling his eyebrows, causing Percival to snort.
"Eww gross!" Harry complained.
"Yep, that's a mental image you won't be able to erase in a hurry," Percival grinned.
"I get the message," Harry said folding the map, "but I will just check that Sev knows he is out an about."
"Knowing Snape, he is probably aware already," Neville said. "It his job as Head of House after all."
"You're probably right."
"A seriously good haul this year!" Ron announced, holding up a heavy gold watch with odd symbols around the edge and tiny moving starts instead of hands. "See what Mum and Dad got me? Blimey think, I'll come of age next year too …"
"Cool," muttered Harry, sparing a glance for the watch and a smile for his friend.
"Want one?" said Ron thickly, holding out a box of Cauldron Cakes. Percival grimaced, while Harry just shook his head.
"Not before breakfast."
"I don't see why that's an issue," said Ron, stuffing a second Cauldron into his mouth as he slid out of bed to get dressed.
"I'm not that fussed on them at the best of times, so I'm not going to have one on an empty stomach."
"Come on, if you don't hurry up, you'll have to Apparate on an empty stomach."
"That might make it easier," Neville said emerging from the ensuite in a puff of steam.
Ron looked thoughtfully at the box of Chocolate Cauldrons, then shrugged and helped himself to a third.
Harry tapped the map with his wand, muttered 'Mischief managed,' ensuring it was hidden in his trunk once more before he dressed.
"Ready?" Percival asked Harry and Ron when they both appeared to be fully clothed, leading the way to the door.
"Coming," Harry was only a few steps behind, but stopped halfway to the door, when he realised that Ron had not moved, but was leaning on his bedpost, staring out of the rain-washed window, with a strangely unfocused look on his face.
"Ron? Breakfast?"
"I'm not hungry."
Harry stared at him. "I thought you just said -?"
"Well, all right, I'll come down with you," sighed Ron, "but I don't want to eat."
Harry scrutinised him suspiciously. "In the time it took me to get dressed, you've eaten half a box of Chocolate Cauldrons, haven't you?"
"It's not that," Ron sighed again. "You … you wouldn't understand."
Harry frowned, and glanced from, Percival who was framed by the doorway, looking at Ron as though he was a puzzle, to Neville who was now standing behind Ron.
"Fair enough," said Harry, going to leave the room.
"Harry!" said Ron suddenly.
"What?" Harry replied turning once more.
"Harry, I can't stand it!"
"You can't stand what?" asked Neville who had moved to stand beside the red head.
Alarmingly Ron was rather pale and looked as though he was going to be sick.
"I can't stop thinking about her!" Ron said hoarsely.
"Why does that stop you having breakfast? It never has before, besides Lavender will meet you there," Harry tried.
"I don't think she knows I exist," said Ron with a desperate gesture.
"Oh, she definitely knows you exist," Harry said.
"Yeah, she does keep snogging you, Merlin knows why!" Neville laughed.
Ron blinked. "Who are you talking about?"
"Love potion," Percival said quietly, moving past a gaping Harry. He grabbed Ron by the shoulders, "Who are you talking about?"
"Romilda Vane," said Ron softly, his whole face seemed to illuminate as he said it, as though hit by a ray of the purest sunlight. "I think … I think I love her."
"Okay," Harry said, walking over to his best mate. His eyes wide as he glanced at Percival. "How about I take you to … meet her, and Percival can …"
"Madame Pomfrey?" Neville mouthed over Ron's shoulder getting a nod from Percival.
"I need to have a little chat with Professor Slughorn," Percival said sombrely. "And perhaps a conversation with Sirius."
"Meanwhile I could possibly get in contact with your Mum and Dad, Ron," Neville offered.
"What? Why would you talk to them?" Ron asked and slowly blinked again.
"Well," Neville shrugged thinking hard. "It's not every day a wizard falls in love, and on your birthday as well. I am sure they will want to celebrate the occasion and maybe meet Romilda."
"Yeah, Mum'll love her," Ron agreed dreamily.
"Hey Ron, where did you get that box of Chocolate Cauldrons?" Percival asked.
"They were a birthday present," Ron said huffily. "I offered you one, didn't I?"
"No you offered me one," Harry said. "Were they in your pile of presents or did you just pick them up off the floor, from between our beds?"
"They'd fallen off my bed onto the floor is all, but they were my present 'cause they were all wrapped up and everything."
"Or Harry tossed them out of his trunk when he was looking for his map."
"Were they wrapped in gold paper?" When Ron nodded, he added, "They're the ones that Romilda's friend gave me on Valentine's Day."
But only one word seemed to have registered with Ron. "Romilda?" he repeated. "Did you say Romilda? Harry – do you know her? Can you introduce me?"
Harry shook his head, he was sure when they looked back on this later, it would seem amusing, but for now he was worried about Ron, and how to keep Lavender from finding out, until after the red head was cured.
"Yeah, I'll introduce you. Come on," he grabbed Ron by the arm and began leading the way to the door. "I think I heard that she had to go to the hospital wing."
"What did she have to go there for?" Ron asked in great concern.
"Ummmm…" Harry stalled.
"A headache, I heard she had a headache," Neville supplied. "Come on, it will only take Madame Pomfrey a minute to fix a headache, you don't want to miss her, do you?"
"No!" Suddenly Ron had bolted out the door, and the others had to run to catch up.
"I'll get Slughorn to start an antidote, you try and keep him in the hospital wing."
"If he doesn't kill himself tripping on the staircases first!" Harry said as he watched Ron, trip over a rug as he tore across the common room. Moving quickly, he narrowly avoided Lavender who had emerged from the girl's dormitories just a moment too late to see Ron as he disappeared through the portrait hole.
"Romilda!" Ron called looking around wildly, as the three boys entered Madame Pomfrey's domain.
"Madame Pomfrey!" Harry called out.
"You lied!" Ron rounded on Harry accusingly. "You said she would be here!"
"We also said that you might miss her, because it wouldn't take Madame Pomfrey long to make her feel better. You didn't want her to feel poorly for longer just so you could meet her, did you?"
Looking conflicted, Ron eventually replied with a more subdued, "No. Of course not."
"Er, right, where else could she be?" Neville mused.
"Visiting Slughorn," Harry suggested.
"Why would she be there?"
"I think I heard Parvati say that she's arranging to have extra potions lessons," Harry improvised quickly.
"I wonder if he would let me join in?" Ron mused.
"You'll never know unless you ask," Neville encouraged.
"Right," Ron said, taking off out the doors of the infirmary.
"This is going to kill me," Neville grumbled as they hastened to follow.
-o0o-
Percival was slightly worried that Slughorn might be at breakfast, but he answered his office door at the first knock, wearing a green velvet dressing-gown and looking rather bleary-eyed.
"Mr Graves," he mumbled. "This is very early for a call … I generally sleep late on a Saturday …"
"Sorry to disturb you, Sir, but Ronald Weasley seems to have ingested some sort of love potion by mistake. Harry has taken him to the hospital wing. You couldn't make him an antidote, could you? I'm not sure if Madame Pomfrey keeps any on hand."
"I'd have thought you or Harry could have whipped him up a remedy," Slughorn huffed.
"Besides the ingredients not being part of those recommended for school, we are also not allowed to brew without supervision. This is after all a school. Besides we're still students, and I think it would be best to have it prepared properly, don't you?"
With a frown, Slughorn stepped away from the door, and began moving towards the adjacent classroom. "Well, I suppose it depends on which love potion he has consumed. There isn't a generic antidote."
"I have these," Percival pulled the remained of the box of Cauldrons out of his robe pocket. "It's the only thing he ate this morning."
"Right, you cast the revealing spell, and I'll start getting the ingredients."
"Specialis Revelio," Percival waved his wand over the cauldron in which he had placed the broken pieces of a Cauldron cake. "It looks like the potion has completely soaked in." He noted down all the ingredients.
"Right, let's see the list," Slughorn peered at the parchment. "Eep!" he squeaked in fright as there was a loud rapping on his office door.
"I can't see her, Harry – is he hiding her," Ron's groaning could be heard as Percival opened the door.
"Sorry professor," Harry grimaced.
"Is there any chance the potion could be out of date?" he asked as Harry and Neville man-handled the complaining Ron into the room. "They can strengthen over time, the longer they are kept," said Slughorn, now eyeing Ron with professional interest.
"I don't know sir, it was a box I was given on Valentine's Day, but I had put it aside to get it checked, just in case. Somehow it got mixed up, you see today is his birthday, sir."
"This way then," invited Slughorn. "Percival and I have sorted out all the necessary ingredients, and it's not too difficult an antidote to make. It's one you should practice, to be quite frank, and keep on hand, for these occasional … mishaps."
Ron burst through the door into the classroom, tripped over his own feet only to regain his balance by seizing Harry around the neck, and muttered, "she didn't see that, did she?"
"She's not here yet," Harry said, as he noticed Ron's eyes darting around the room. He kept an eye on Percival and Slughorn, who both seemed to be making versions of the antidote.
"That's good," said Ron fervently. "How do I look?"
"Very handsome," Slughorn said smoothly, handing Ron a glass of clear liquid. "Now drink that up, it's a tonic for the nerves, keep you calm when she arrives, you know."
"So, you make the best impression," added Neville.
"Brilliant," said Ron eagerly, and he gulped the antidote down noisily. Percival bottled up his version and passed it to Slughorn to check.
Neville and Harry watched as Ron's grin sagged and vanished, to be replaced by an expression of utmost horror.
"Back to normal then?" Harry asked with a wry smile. Slughorn chuckled. "Thanks a lot, Professor."
"Don't mention it m'boy, don't mention it. These are very good," he passed the inspected potion phials back to Percival, who gave one to each of the other boys, keeping one for himself. Ron slowly collapsed onto a nearby stool and rested his head in his hands looking devastated.
"Should I ask about Lavender?"
"She came down, just as you left the common room, I don't think she saw you," Percival replied. "Though someone else may have heard what you were saying, so I daresay talking to her about it would be a good idea."
"A 'pick-me-up', that's what he needs," Slughorn said, bustling into his office, returning with a trolly laden with drinks. "I have Butterbeer, I've got wine, I've got one last bottle of this oak-matured mead … hmmm … meant to give that to Dumbledore for Christmas, but I forgot I had it and bought him some Sherbet Lemons instead," he shrugged, "he won't miss what he never knew about. Why don't we open it now and celebrate Mr Weasley's birthday? Nothing like a fine spirit to chase away the pangs of disappointed love …"
He chortled again, causing the gather boys to wince. Harry wondered if Slughorn got tipsy enough if he would have more luck getting the memory.
"There you are then," said Slughorn, not leaving the teens a chance to protest forcing a glass into their hands. "Happy birthday to Ralph –"
"Ron," Harry corrected.
But Slughorn did not listen and by the time both Percival and Harry had shot detection spells at their glasses, he had already taken a large sip of his mead. Neville who had been watching carefully put his glass down, but Harry was only just in time to knock the glass from Ron's hand as he sluggishly raised it to his lips. They watched in horror, as Slughorn slowly crumpled to the ground, his extremities jerking uncontrollably. Foam was dribbling from his mouth and his eyes were bulging in their sockets.
"Professor," Ron and Neville exclaimed in shock.
"Quick a bezoar," Harry shouted to Percival who was closest to Slughorn's open potions kit.
"I'm on it," he yelled back, as he quickly pulled out jars and pouches, while the terrible sound of Slughorn's gargling breath filled the room. Then he found it – the shrivelled kidney-like stone. "Harry catch!" he yelled, tossing the bezoar towards the group surrounding their professor.
In one swift movement, Harry snatched the stone out of the air, and knelt. Using his free hand, he wrenched open Slughorn's jaw and thrust the bezoar into his mouth. The man gave a great shudder, a rattling gasp and his body became limp and still.
-o0o-
"So, all in all, not one of Ron's better birthdays?" said Fred.
"He didn't even get any mead!" commented Harry. "I think that is what upset him the most."
"Just as well, can you imagine what Mum would have said," said George.
"Oh, the howler!" agreed Fred.
It was evening; the hospital wing was quiet, the windows curtained, the lamps lit. Madame Pomfrey had insisted that Ron spend the night, on account of no amount of antidote being able to clear all of the potion that could be contained in a half dozen Cauldron Cakes. 'What were you thinking young man, eating them before breakfast!' she had chided, 'You're just lucky you have such good friends looking out for you.'
Besides Ron, the only other occupied bed was that of Professor Slughorn, who the matron had sequestered up one end, the curtains firmly pulled around to maintain the man's privacy. She was still seeing to him, worried about the effects of the poison on a man of his advanced years.
Lavender was sat on Ron's left, clutching his hand in hers, patting it every now and then to reassure herself he was okay. Harry and Ginny were on his right; they had spent all day waiting outside the double doors, trying to see inside whenever somebody went in or out. Madame Pomfrey had only let them in at eight o'clock, once she had Slughorn mostly settled and could spare the time to let them in. Fred and George arrived at ten past.
"This isn't how we imagined handing over our present," said George grimly, putting down a large, wrapped gift on Ron's bedside cabinet and sitting beside Ginny.
"Yeah, when we pictured the scene, he was conscious," said Fred.
"There we were in Hogsmeade, waiting to surprise him –" said George.
"What were you doing there, we told you that the Hogsmeade trip was cancelled?" asked Ginny, looking up.
"We were thinking of buying Zonko's," said Fred gloomily. "A Hogsmeade branch, you know, but a fat lot of good it'll do if you lot aren't allowed out on weekends to buy our stuff anymore … but never mind that now."
He drew up a chair beside Harry and looked at Ron's sleep slack face.
"How exactly did it happen, Harry?"
Harry retold the story he had recounted, what felt like a hundred times, to Dumbledore, McGonagall, Madame Pomfrey, Lavender, Ginny and Sam McMillan. Fortunately, except for when talking to Sam who required them each to make a statement, he had been helped along by Percival and Neville.
"… then I got the bezoar down his throat and his breathing eased up a bit, Neville ran to get McGonagall and Percival and I sent Patroni to Sev and Madame Pomfrey."
"You really need to teach the rest of us how to make our Patroni talk," Neville added.
Ginny nodded her agreement.
"When Sss Professor Snape and Madame Pomfrey arrived," Harry stalled as he caught a movement in the shadows that were beginning to form in the corners of the room, as night descended, "they levitated Slughorn up here. Madame Pomfrey wanted to check Ron over because he wasn't responding as well to the antidote as she would have liked. Still, she thinks he'll be out by Monday, she just wants to make sure he has a couple more cleansing potions, but it'll depend how old the potion was and how strong it had gotten."
Fred grimaced, "Sam contacted us as well," he said quietly, "It seems this was one of the boxes we had for sale, before Harry convinced us to stop."
"Meaning that the potion has been in them for between nine and ten months," George completed grimly.
In answer to Harry's furious look, "We recalled all the boxes we sold, offering a refund to the purchasers and everything. According to the books there are three more boxes outstanding, so we will be going through all our sales receipts to find out who bought them, so that they can be destroyed."
"Fine!" Harry huffed.
"What about Professor Slughorn?" Ginny asked.
"He'll be in here for at least another week taking Essence of Rue. Snape will be taking his classes when he can, otherwise it'll be self-study," Percival answered.
"Blimey it's lucky you thought of a bezoar," said George in a low voice.
"Lucky there was one in the room," said Neville. All the boys shivered thinking of what could have happened if they had not been able to kind the little stone so quickly.
"Do Mum and Dad know?" Fred asked Ginny.
"They've already seen him, they arrived an hour ago – they're in Dumbledore's office now, but I'm sure they'll be back soon. You know Mum, she even bought a bunch of flowers for Professor Slughorn."
There was a pause while they all watched Ron mumble a little in his sleep. Lavender who had bent in to hear what he said, straightened, with her lips drawn thin, eyebrows drawn together and a pinched look in her eyes.
"Sorry," Fred and George both said looking ashamed. Lavender nodded at them in acknowledgement but did not say anything although she looked a little less angry.
"So the poison was in the drink?" said Fred quietly.
"Yes," replied Harry at once; he could think of nothing else and was glad for the opportunity to start discussing it again. "Slughorn poured it out himself, none of us touched the bottle."
"Leave it to the Aurors Harry," Percival advised.
"I know, I also know that's why you put that ward around the bottle to preserve any evidence."
"I guess the real question is who was the actual target? Was it Dumbledore who Slughorn intended to gift the bottle too, or was it Slughorn himself? After all it's unlikely it was meant for a student, because Professor's don't usually share a drink with their students."
"Except Slughorn does, doesn't he?" Neville said slowly. "After all that is exactly what his Slug club is, isn't it?"
There was a pause while they considered this.
"The only thing that is sure is that it wasn't Slughorn himself, he'd have to be pretty stupid to lace a drink with potion and then drink it himself," Fred commented.
"I guess the real question then is where, did the bottle come from?" George said.
"Again, that is what the Aurors are for," Percival added. "We do not have access to the resources needed to answer those questions."
"Yeah," Fred agreed.
"They've already arranged to come and ask us some questions and to look through our sales to see who we sold those boxes to," added George.
"and which ones are outstanding," finished Fred.
"Who would be after Slughorn anyway?" Lavender asked.
"The Death Eaters lost their potion's master," Harry said quietly, "It could be one of them." He paused, considering the information he knew and suddenly something sprang into his mind, and he jumped to his feet.
"Harry?" Neville asked.
"It's alright, I just had a thought and need to check something out," he sounded determined.
"I'll come with you," Percival volunteered. The pair hurried out the door.
-o0o-
"Talk to me Harry," Percival said as they hurried down the corridors.
"Not here," Harry hissed.
"At least tell me where we are going?"
"Where do you think?" Harry whispered as they entered the dungeons, quickly making their way to Severus' office.
"How can I help you gentlemen," Severus Snape asked.
"Can we come in?" Harry asked.
"Indeed," he stepped to the side, allowing them into his domain.
As soon as the door was shut, Harry burst out, "Did anyone give you a bottle of mead for Christmas?"
"Yule," correct Severus, "and yes they did."
"Have you drunk any?" Harry pressed urgently.
"Not as yet why?"
"Slughorn …"
"Ah yes, but I do not think that someone aiming to harm Slughorn would also be wanting to harm me."
"But what if it wasn't Slughorn they were aiming for what if it was Dumbledore? The Death Eaters all think that you work for him now …"
Severus moved into his private rooms and returned a moment later with a bottle, which he tested several times. "It seems you were correct, Harry," he admitted quietly.
"Who gave it to you?" Harry asked.
"I will not tell you that, Harry. I don't want you doing anything about it."
"But …"
"No this is a job for Amelia and her Aurors."
While Severus contacted Sirius and passed the bottle through the floo, Harry thought.
"It was Draco, wasn't it? This is the task he has been given. To try and hurt Dumbledore and …"
With a raised hand Severus stopped Harry, "It is possible that he has been given orders to harm Dumbledore, though I doubt that I am on that same list. Riddle would intend to see to me personally."
"But that wouldn't stop him from doing something on his own, would it? If he thought it would get him somewhere with Riddle."
"No, I will keep an eye on him," Severus said sombrely. "Just so you know I would have checked the bottle anyway. I was in no danger."
Some weird ever tightening spring seemed to release in Harry then and he slumped into his chair.
"It just seems there is always something, doesn't it?"
"It would be boring if something wasn't going on, don't you think?"
"I think I could enjoy boring, given half a chance."
"So could I," agreed Percival.
"I guess if Draco did this it's more evidence that he was responsible for Katie as well. Hey," he looked at Percival, "if the Aurors asked Fred and George for their receipts, does that mean they could ask Borgin and Burkes for theirs?"
"Yes …" Percival began.
"But they didn't," Severus cut in, "because Dumbledore hushed it all up, I believe he said it was an accident borne from childish quidditch rivalries. Unfortunately, the Bell's do not have the enough pull in the Wizengamot to get the case re-opened."
"Could we let Amelia know?"
"We could but if the Wizengamot has already squashed the investigation there is not much she can do, except keep it in mind, in case any additional evidence comes up."
"Stupid, bloody wizarding world," Harry grumbled.
"Stupid British wizarding world," Percival corrected.
"Now you two had better get out of here. As you missed duelling practice today, you can do it tomorrow instead. Moody would not want you to get out of shape."
On the way back to the Gryffindor Tower, Harry and Percival decided to join Hagrid who they came across on his way to the Hospital wing to check on Ron.
"I don't believe it," the big man said hoarsely, shaking his great shaggy head. "Jus' don' believe it … who'd wanna' trick Ron inta' somethin' like that, and there's Pr'fessr Slughorn hurt too. Then Katie? Wha's the school comin' to?"
"I guess it's lucky though, isn't it?" Harry said, trying to get Hagrid to focus on the positive. "Katie and Slughorn's incidents could have been fatal …"
"Which only makes it worse. They don't even appear to be related. So who knows where the culprit will strike next."
It rankled something deep down in Percival's psyche that he could not be out there investigating, hunting down the evidence so that he could bring Draco to justice, even though he knew that the true instigator was likely to be Tom Riddle or if looked at even more deeply, probably Dumbledore, which was an odd sort of karma in itself.
They opened the dormitory doors, to reveal the Weasley parents, settled around Ron's bed reassuring themselves that he would be alright. Mrs Weasley stood as the group around the door noted the newcomers.
She seized Harry and hugged him tightly, then she stepped back arms outstretched for a moment, before, letting out a small 'oh' dropping her arms, and taking Percival by the hand instead and shaking it vigorously.
"Dumbledore said you were the ones to figure it out and take him to Horace," she said. "Thank you, Harry, who knows what could have happened to him, if he had acted on the feelings that that potion gave him! You saved Ginny and Arthur and …"
"Don't be … I didn't really do anything, Percival's the one who figured out what was wrong, and Neville was there too."
"Oh Neville," she clutched him to her in a sideways hug.
"Well, all I can say is that it was a lucky day when Ron decided to sit in your compartment on the Hogwarts Express Harry."
Harry could not think of any reply to this and was almost glad when Madame Pomfrey came hurrying over saying, "No more than six visitors at a time!"
Harry, Percival and Neville moved to leave, and Hagrid decided to go with them, leaving Ron with his family and Lavender.
"It's terrible," growled Hagrid, "teachers and students getting hurt. The teachers are getting worried, they don' say much, but I can tell …"
"Well the Aurors are looking into it and the twins have stopped selling those potions so that's one less worry," said Percival.
"Still poisoning a teacher! Wha's the world comin' too. It'll be like the Chamber o' Secrets all over again. There'll be panic, parents takin' their kids outta school, an' nex' thing yeh know the board o' governors …"
Placing a hand on Hagrid's arm, Harry interrupted, "If it comes to it, we'll vouch that you weren't there. We won't let them take you away again Hagrid," he promised sincerely.
"We've already given our statements to the lawyer. There's no way it can be linked to you."
"Don' matter does it? Not like there was any evidence las' time either. Besides they migh' just decided to close the school." Hagrid stopped talking as the ghost of a long-haired woman drifted serenely past.
"Yere gotta see it from their point o' view," Hagrid said answering the boy's dubious looks. "I mean it's always been a bit of a risk sendin' yer kids ter Hogwarts hasn' it?"
"It's a school!" Percival protested. "There should be no risk sending your kids to school!"
With a wave of his hand Hagrid dismissed the protest, "Yer expect accidents, don' yer? With hundreds of under-age wizards all locked up tergether, but attempted murder, tha's different. And if they can' protect the teachers, they can' protect the students. It's no wonder Dumbledore is angry with Sna-"
Hagrid stopped in his tracks, a familiar guilty expression on what was visible of his face above his tangled black beard."
"What?" said Harry quickly. "Dumbledore's angry with Snape?"
"I never said tha'" said Hagrid, though his look of panic could not have been a bigger give away. "Look at the time, it's getting' on fer midnight, I need ter –"
"Hagrid, why is Dumbledore angry with Snape?" Harry asked loudly.
"Shhhh!" said Hagrid, looking nervous and angry. "Don' shout stuff like that Harry, d'you wan' me ter lose me job?"
"Hagrid," you know I care about you, so that won't work. What's Snape done?"
"I dunno Harry, I shouldn'ta heard it at all! I – well, I was comin' inta the castle, jus' afore I met you boys an' I overheard 'em arguing. I tried not ter listen, but it was a – well heated discussion."
"Well?" Harry pressed as Hagrid shuffled his enormous feet uneasily.
"Well I jus' heard Snape sayin' that Dumbledore took too much fer granted an' maybe he didn' wan' ter do it any more-"
"Do what?" Harry wondered.
"I dunno Harry, Dumbledore tole he had ter do summat. An' then he said summat abou' Snape makin' investigations in his house, in Slytherin. Nothin' strange abou' that, all the Heads o' House were asked ter look inter that necklace business-"
"Yeah, but that was months ago."
There was a footstep on the stones behind them and they turned in time to see the shadow of Argus Filch looming over the wall behind them before the man himself turned the corner, hunchbacked his jowls aquiver.
"Oho!" he wheezed. "Out of bed so late, this'll mean detention."
"No it won', Flich," said Hagrid shortly. "They're with me, aren't they?"
"And what difference does that make?" asked Filch obnoxiously.
"I'm a ruddy teacher, aren't I" said Hagrid, firing up.
There was a nasty hissing noise as Mrs Norris arrived, twisting herself around Filch's skinny ankles.
"Get goin'" said Hagrid out of the corner of his mouth.
The boys did not need telling twice and they hurried off, listening to Hagrid and Filch's raised voices echoing behind them.
-o0o-
When they arrived at the portrait, the Fat Lady was snoozing and not pleased to be awoken but swung forwards grumpily to allow them to clamber into the mercifully peaceful and empty common room.
"There you are Potter!" Harry jumped in shock, his wand at the ready, not all prepared for a hulking figure to rise, suddenly, out of a distant chair. A closer look showed him that it was Cormac McLaggen. Neville patted Harry's shoulder in sympathy and headed towards the dormitories, while Percival waited just by the stairs.
"I've been waiting for you to come back," said McLaggen, disregarding Harry's drawn wand. "Must've fallen asleep. Look I … saw them taking Weasley up to the hospital wing earlier. Didn't look like he'll be fit for next week's match."
It took Harry a few moments to realise what McLaggen was talking about.
"Oh … right … Quidditch," he said, putting his wand back into his holster and running a hand wearily through his hair. "Madame Pomfrey says he'll be out on Monday. Regardless, I don't know why you're talking to me, even if he's injured, he's still Captain."
"Co-captain," McLaggen corrected.
"Captain, until Katie comes back," conceded Harry.
"Well, if he's not ready, I'll be playing keeper, won't I?" said McLaggen.
"It's not up to me," refuted Harry.
"Right, when's the next practice?"
"What? Oh, there was one planned for tomorrow evening? We'll still go ahead with it, even if Ron is in the hospital wing."
"Good," McLaggen said with a smirk. "I'll talk to McGonagall and see you there. I trust you'll be willing to listen to the ideas on strategy I've got. Once I'm in charge you'll see what it's like to work with a real Captain."
Harry, frowned as he watched McLaggen, try and shoulder check Percival on his way to his stairs. The frown was broken by a snort, when McLaggen discovered that doing so was rather like charging directly at a brick wall. It was immovable and your shoulder ended up bruised.
"Come on," Percival said once the older boy had left. "I bet you want to talk to Sirius.
-o0o-
"So, you see Professor that is why I should be made Captain of the Quidditch team," McLaggen, smiled smugly as he sat down, his sales pitch delivered.
"As well intentioned as your thoughts on the matter are, Mr McLaggen, at this time the Gryffindor team is not in need to a new Captain. Mr Weasley will be in the pink of health in time for the match, and in the meantime, Mr Potter has all of his notes, and I am sure will run an adequate training session to prepare the team for the upcoming match," she gave him a tight smile.
"But Professor you must see that I would make a much better Captain. I'm more experienced, more prepared and a much better keeper. I have whole training regiemes planned, no more of this muggle stuff! It doesn't achieve anything except tiring the team out. No what I thought was ..."
"Mr McLaggen you are missing one vital trait, that I like all my Captains to possess."
"What? I'm sure I don't," he protested. "What is it?"
"Humility," she said flatly. "Now, if you have quite finished, I have work to do."
Minerva McGonagall, looked up from her paperwork, to see Cormac McLaggen, still sitting in the seat opposite her desk, wearing a stunned expression.
"It you are unclear, Mr McLaggen, I suggest you invest in a dictionary."
-o0o-
"Amelia, this is a surprise," Albus Dumbledore stood, as the Head of DMLE made her way into the Great Hall on Monday morning.
"I don't know see why it should be Albus, I sent you a letter saying I would be here, and I crossed the wards not fifteen minutes ago." Unfurling a piece of parchment, she began to speak again, "I am here to speak to Miss Romilda Vane, Miss Elisha Cartright, Mr Harry Potter, Mr Neville Longbottom, Mr Percival Graves, and Mr Ronald Weasley. As well as Professors Snape and Slughorn. I …"
"Now, now, now. You know you cannot speak to the students without permission from their parents, and I see no reason to contact them, the matter has been settled." The tall man moved around the table, abandoning his breakfast. "Severus is very busy, and I am sure cannot spare the time, and I am sure Horace is too ill …."
"Your opinion isn't important in this matter Dumbledore. I have already spoken with the student's guardians and made an appointment to see Snape. I will speak to Madame Pomfrey about when Professor Slughorn will be well enough to make a statement," she appeared unbothered by his blustering and refused to lower her volume. All the students in the hall could clearly hear what had been said.
"Now Amelia," the headmaster wheedled.
"No, Dumbledore. A well-respected member of our community was poisoned and three heirs nearly so," Amelia ignored the gasps from the surrounding students," the matter has been reported to the DMLE and it will be investigated."
"Ah well, I am very sorry to admit that the house-elves, being as diligent as they are, may have accidently, cleaned up the bottle, leaving it useless I'm afraid. Without evidence I am afraid your investigation won't come to much, so you see you have rather wasted your time.""
"Really? Again, I thought you would have learnt after the incident with the Prefects? I'll make sure to include your neglect in my report as well," Amelia peered at him, nonplussed. "Isn't it fortunate that there was another near poisoning on your staff, and I already have that evidence in my possession."
A fleeting look of fury, flashed across Dumbledore's face, gone before many had observed it.
"Ah, then I am sure you do not need the students in your case. So, there is no need …"
"Firstly, there were four students present at the time of the poisoning. Three of those students are sole heirs to their lines. If they had drunk first, then three wizarding families would be no more. Secondly a pure-blooded boy has been given a large dose of love potion. Through no fault of his own he could have potentially assaulted someone. Would you have liked to explain to both his and her parents the results of that?!" Amelia, smiled meanly at the man's grimace at the thought of breaking such news to Molly Weasley. "Not only that but he was not the intended target. The young man it was intended for is the sole heir of his family! This could be considered an attempt to take over that line. His guardians have requested that the matter be looked into. The Wizengamot meet earlier today, and it was decided that given the severity of the incidents that they would be placed under my purview. And I will investigate them to the full extent of the law!"
The students broke into chatter, as Amelia finished her rant.
"Now if you are done, delaying the course of justice …" she raised an eyebrow.
"I insist that I accompany you then," he held an arm out to indicate the way back through the doors.
"I am sure the way has not changed since I left the school. Perhaps you could arrange a room, I can use for interviewing instead. And of course, I will need the students' timetables, so I can work around that as I would not wish to interfere with their schooling."
"I'll arrange something, and send an elf to let you know," McGonagall said helpfully, wilfully ignoring the look on Dumbledore's face.
"Thank you, Minerva." Amelia nodded and followed the headmaster from the room.
-o0o-
It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Gryffindor team was sitting on the Quidditch pitch, warming up. Harry was still running practice as Ron kept getting distracted and running off to find Romilda Vane. He was retrieved and returned by a rather patient but annoyed Lavender. Harry was rather impressed at her tolerance.
"Alright you lot into the air. Coote, Peakes, divide and conquer is the aim of the game, any time you see the chasers getting close enough to pass the quaffle, break them up with a bludger ..."
"You're doing it all wrong," a baritone voice interrupted.
The group turned to see Cormac McLaggen approaching with a swagger.
"Now I have been put in charge of you lot, so first of all I am getting rid of all those ridiculous exercises. That's right, you can thank me later." Cormac continued talking despite the team beginning to mutter. "Next, you can forget that rubbish Potter has been telling you. As I have now been made Captain, Weasley's off the team, and I am the new keeper. This means that plays will change. Your primary goal is to keep the other team away from the goals. Never fear though when you inevitably fail at your task, I will save the day. Potter your job is to get the snitch, that is all. If you can't do it in the first five minutes, you're off the team too."
There were complaints from the chasers, but Harry turned back to the team.
"First of all," he looked to his left, "Sorry Lavender, Ron's wandered off again, can you ...? Thank you. Now I highly doubt that Professor McGonagall, would have changed the captain, since I spoke to her after yesterday's practice, without advising the rest of the team. So, you'll forgive us if we don't believe you."
"That's it Potter," McLaggen spat, then he gave a twisted smile, "You're off the team."
"Good luck then," Dean glanced around, and received nods from the rest of the team, "'cause if you get rid of Harry, you'll be needing a whole new team."
"It's lucky there's an easy way to resolve this isn't there?" Harry grinned.
He drew his wand, and McLaggen, swallowed, "Now there's no need to ..."
"Expecto Patronum Loquentes, can you find Professor McGonagall," Harry said to the silver animal that coalesced in front of him, "and say, that Cormac McLaggen, has come to today's practice claiming that she has made him Quidditch Captain. Can she confirm or deny this claim, thank you." The feline turned and flew towards the school. "Now we wait." Harry said crossing his arms and staring at McLaggen.
"Really Potter, running to the teacher."
"Trust is a commodity that is earnt, McLaggen, and you don't have mine."
A silver cat approached them from the direction of the castle.
"As you were Potter, until Ron is fully recovered you have my full support as Captain." The cat turned to address McLaggen. "Mr McLaggen, I am disappointed in your behaviour, detention tomorrow evening with me. I will see you at seven o'clock sharp."
"You are making a big mistake," McLaggen complained as the silver cat faded into mist.
"Right, you'll excuse us if we return to training McLaggen." The team mounted their brooms and took to the air.
-o0o-
"Greetings everyone," Augusta Longbottom, smiled at the other members of the Board of Governors.
"Why have we been called?" Cecilia Burbage asked. "We aren't due a meeting for another month?"
"There has been an event at the school, that the headmaster is insisting be dealt with in house …"
"So let the man deal with it," Johnathan Dodge, grumbled. "There's no need to disturb us, we're busy people."
"The issue is that the matter has been investigated by the DMLE, and the guardians of the intended victim are equally insistent that it be dealt with by the Wizengamot. We have been asked to provide advice, in the case we decide it shall be dealt with by the school, then we are to determine appropriate punishment, and if not, we are to refer the matter back to the Wizengamot."
"Just tell us what it is, and let's get it over with," sighed Celia McAvoy.
"Sometime last June …"
"Come on, if it's that old, just let bygones, be bygones, there's no use even punishing someone now," complained Julia Parkinson, "A complete waste of my time."
"If attending to school matters is a waste of your time Julia, feel free to resign your position!" Augusta challenged. "Now this is merely setting the scene. Back in June, Romilda Vane, purchased a box of Chocolate Cauldron cakes that had been laced with what was allegedly a mild love potion. With a simple additional spell, she set the potion to make the recipient fall in love with herself. However, no opportunity presented itself, and the box sat unopened in her trunk until Yule. She left the gift, labelled for Harry Potter, out for the House Elves to deliver, but found it had been returned on Christmas morning."
"Surely that is conjecture," Avery Spoondle queried.
"The girl admitted it when questioned and Mr. Potter's house elf stated that they had returned the package, hoping the child would learn, and not do it again. Both the box and the wrapping were untouched. When the box and wrappings were tested both showed traces of her magic. Continuing on. It appears at some time between Yule and Valentine's Day, Elisha Cartright lost a bet to Miss Vane, with the forfeit being the completion of one task of Miss Vane's choosing. The task she was given was to ensure that the box was delivered into Mr Potter's hands. Which she did achieve on Valentine's Day."
Augusta paused and looked around the group, who were now watching her with more interest.
"Mr Potter, put the box, along with other gifts that he received that day in his trunk. On the first of March it was Mr Weasley's birthday, he was opening his presents on his bed when he noticed a wrapped box on the floor next to Mr Potter's trunk. Mr Potter had just been searching through his trunk for a piece of parchment and was in the process of repacking his trunk. Mr Weasley assumed that the present had fallen from the bed onto the floor and picked it up and opened it consuming several of the cakes. He then began to exhibit signs of infatuation and his friends took him first to the infirmary, however Madame Pomfrey was in the Great Hall, and so they took him to the Potion's Masters office, where an antidote was brewed and administered. Following the incident Mr Weasley has had several minor relapses and urges associated with Miss Vane," Augusta finished her summary.
"What is it that Dumbledore wishes to occur?" Dodge asked.
"He believes that all's well that ends well, and that the girls have faced enough consequences and therefore should have no penalties."
"And what does Molly Weasley want?" Spoondle queried.
"Mrs Weasley is conflicted. On one hand she agrees with Dumbledore but on the other they have harmed her child."
"And Potter's guardian?"
"Lord Black wants them tried as adults in front of the Wizengamot, but this is because he feels Dumbledore will just pretend it never happened and the girls will face no consequences. If we come up with a suitable solution, he has said he would be happy with that."
"And what does he feel is suitable?"
"Whatever we decide."
"I don't think they should be tried as adults. What are they fifteen?" Spoondle said consideringly, there was a murmuring as the Board considered it.
"I guess that is the first vote, Wizengamot, Us or Dumbledore. Therefore, those who think we should refer the matter onto the Wizengamot, raise your hand?" She tallied the votes. "And all those who feel that we should let Dumbledore deal with it?" She counted again. "Finally, those who feel we should deal with the matter." After a quick comparison she spoke again, "By a slim majority we will decide the matter. Is there any other evidence or matter to be taken into consideration?"
"Should both girls be considered separately? And was Miss Cartright aware of what the Cauldron cakes contained?"
"I'll address the second part first. Yes, she was aware, when asked why she would still give the cakes knowing what they contained, she said that she thought that it was a bit of a joke. That, it was a simple matter of being given a counter and that it would be discovered quickly and that there would be no long-term repercussions from the prank. She feels that it has been blown out of proportion and was just a bit of a laugh. Amelia spoke to her rather sternly about what could have happened to her friend, had Harry and the others not acted so promptly in getting him to a safe place and securing an antidote. She admitted that falling pregnant with Weasley's baby was probably not what her friend had in mind."
"So next, those in favour of treating the girls the same raise your hand? And separately?" She paused for a moment. "Alright the girls separately. Does anyone have an objection to considering Miss Cartright first?"
When no one spoke, she continued, "Is there anything else to consider with Miss Cartright's part in the events?"
"What do her parents think?"
"They are concerned that she allowed herself to become part of this and are considering moving her to Beaubaxtons. Now, what does everyone think?"
There was a fifteen-minute debate before it was decided Elisha would be suspended from school for a month, have to write an essay on the complications of love potions, and while away from the school she would be required to do community service, cleaning the maternity ward at St Mungos.
"Now to Miss Vane, are there any other considerations, or questions?"
"What are her thoughts on the matter? What I mean is does she realise exactly what she has done?"
"Miss Vane," Augusta was unable to conceal the disgusted expression that flitted across her face, "feels like she has done nothing wrong. She was angrier that Mr Weasley had consumed the cakes by accident, then anything else."
"Why did she do it?"
"She wanted to be seen as Potter's girlfriend, and she has heard that he has not had … relations before, she wanted to be his first."
"But he's seeing that boy, isn't he? The American?"
"Percival Graves, Seraphina Picquery's Godson, yes," Augusta smiled. "Neville said he's never seen Harry so happy."
"Do you have a vested interest in this Augusta?" Parkinson asked. "Is that the reason you have wasted our time."
"Would you consider this a different matter if you niece Pansy had been given a love potion and slept with a boy?" McAvoy challenged, causing Parkinson to blanch.
"My association with the children, via my Grandson has no bearing on my bringing the matter to you as Head of the Board. It is however the reason I have abstained from voting. Now are there any other questions?"
"What do her parents think?"
"Mrs Vane, believes that we are picking on her daughter, that she should be allowed to do as she pleases, and that the boys should only be too happy to be considered for being given a love potion by her daughter. Anything else? No, then what do we consider an appropriate consequence."
The debate that followed was much more vigorous than the last, and in the end, by a narrow majority, it was decided that Romilda should be expelled, and the reason would be included on her academic record. As this was occurring before the completion of her O. her wand would be snapped.
"Right," Augusta said, bundling her papers together. "I will notify the involved parties.
-o0o-
"We're going to have to find another keeper, aren't we?" Harry huffed as he watched Ron's eye's glaze over again.
"Yep?" Ginny nodded. "It's getting better, but he still has moments where he can't think of anything else, and then he just takes off. Lavender's a saint."
"Yeah," Dean agreed, as the team watched her wrestle her wayward boyfriend and point him back in the direction of the Quidditch pitch.
"We can't risk it happening during a game," Harry decided with regret. "Unlike practices we won't be able to keep an eye on him."
"Don't worry, we don't blame you Harry," Jimmy stated, clapping him on the shoulder.
"Don't be to sure," Harry grimaced. "The only other Gryffindor who plays keeper is …"
"Don't you say that Harry!" Ginny gasped.
"You know it's true Gin. It's not like I can ask Oliver to come back now, is it?
"What about Percival?"
"He doesn't even play Quodpot. It's got to be …"
"Don't you dare Harry!" Dean whined.
"Well we could go on without a keeper," Harry offered.
The team looked at each other, contemplating how disastrous it could be.
"We just have to aim to keep the game at the other end."
"Fine!" they finally agreed.
"Alright McLaggen," Harry called out. "I know you're hiding behind the stands. You're up, one game only, do not make me regret this. If you step a toe out of line, I'll take this risk and we'll play without a keeper."
"You won't regret it, Potter," McLaggen smirked appearing round the side of the stands. "In fact, after me, you won't even want Weasley back."
-o0o-
"Just do as you're told and keep the quaffle away from the hoops McLaggen!" Harry yelled, finally fed up with the other boys antics.
"But I have a great idea for …"
"I don't care, you are not the captain. Now get out there and get your arse on your broom!"
Without another word, Harry marched out onto the pitch to deafening cheers and boos. There was little wind; the clouds were patchy; every now and then there were dazzling flashes of bright sunlight.
"Tricky conditions!" McLaggen said bracingly to the team. "Coote, Peakes, you'll want to fly out of the sun, so they won't see you coming –"
"I'm the Captain, McLaggen, stop giving them instructions," Harry snapped. "Just get up by the goalposts."
Once the blonde had marched off, Harry turned to Coote and Peakes, "I hate to admit that he is actually right," he said grudgingly. "Fly in the shadows if you can.
He shook hands with the Hufflepuff Captain, and then, on Madame Hooch's whistle, kicked off and rose into the air, higher than the rest of the team, streaking around the pitch in search of the Snitch. The less time he took to catch it, the less time he would have to put up with McLaggen.
"And that's Smith of Hufflepuff with the Quaffle," said a dreamy voice, echoing over the grounds. "He did the commentary last time of course, and Ginny flew into him, I think probably on purpose. Smith was being quite rude to Gryffindor; I expect he regrets it now that he's playing them – oh look he's lost the Quaffle. Ginny took it from him, I do like her she's very nice …"
With a grin Harry turned to look at the commentator's platform. There was no mistaking that long, dirty-blonde hair, or the necklace of Butterbeer corks … Beside Luna, Professor McGonagall was looking, slightly uncomfortable, as though she was indeed having second thoughts about this appointment.
"… but now that Hufflepuff player's got the Quaffle from her, he's really big if you know what I mean. I can't remember his name, it's something like Bibble – no, Buggins – no,"
"It's Cadwallader!" said an exasperated McGonagall loudly from her side. The crowd laughed.
Harry searched the sky for the Snitch; there was no sign of it. Moments later Cadwallader scored. McLaggen had been shouting criticism at Ginny for allowing the Quaffle out of her possession with the result that he had not noticed the red ball soaring past his right ear."
"Pay attention, McLaggen!" bellowed Harry. "Focus on protecting the goals and leave everyone else alone."
"You're not setting a great example!" McLaggen shouted back, red-faced and furious.
"Maybe it's a clever ruse to distract the Hufflepuff players but Harry Potter's now having an argument with his Keeper! You know the one that looks a bit like a baboon," said Luna serenely while the Hufflepuffs and Slytherins in the crowd, cheered and jeered. "I really don't think that is going to help him find the snitch though."
"Bloody McLaggen," Harry swore, and spun his broom, to continue searching for that little golden ball once more.
The game progressed with Luna barely focussing on the match.
"Oh look, that cloud is shaped like an Erumpant. Oh I think someone scored, perhaps it was Gryffindor, they seem a little distracted today. Oh look a dragon!"
"Seventy- forty to Hufflepuff!" barked Professor McGonagall into Luna's megaphone.
"Is it already?" Luna asked vaguely. "I rather thought Hufflepuff wasn't doing that well, it looks like Smith is suffering from a severe case of Loser's Lurgy. Oh look the Gryffindor keeper has a hold of one of the beater's bats."
Harry spun mid-air. Sure enough, McLaggen, for reasons best known to himself, had pulled Peakes' bat from him and appeared to be demonstrating how to hit a bludger towards an oncoming Cadwallader."
"Timeout!" Harry called. "McLaggen!" he roared, "that was your last chance." He glanced around to his angry red-faced team. "Get your kit and piss-off, off the field. You are done!"
"What no! Just because I was showing Peakes the best way to ..."
"You are not the captain, you were the keeper, but now you are a member of the crowd. Leave!"
"Come on you are going to lose without me, and you know it."
"You just let," Harry glanced at the score board, "four goals through, while you were harassing Jimmy. Now bugger off. We'll go without, the score is sure to be closer." He turned his back on McLaggen, and the ream tried to tune out the boy's complaints. "Right Ginny, Demelza, Dean, I need you to focus on keeping your throws clean, only off load the Quaffle if it is going through the net, or the pass is secure. Let's keep time in their possession minimal. Peakes, Coote any time their chases gather, spllit them up, again it's all about possession, try and keep those bludgers in our control. I'll try and split them up when I can as well by flying through the middle. Then I just have to get the snitch, between us we keep them as far from goal as possible. Got it?"
There were grunts of agreements, and they took to the air once more.
Without a Gryffindor keeper Hufflepuff stayed ahead, but they did not have it all their own way. It was not until the score was one-hundred and fifty to ninety that Harry saw the Snitch. It twinkled in the sun as it drifted over mid-field. The Hufflepuff seeker had yet to notice it as Harry tried to fly closer without alerting anyone.
"Oh look at the edge of the forest is that a mamajuke?" Luna's voice asked excitedly over the megaphone.
Harry bent over his broom and sped towards the winged ball. Arm outstretched he followed as it darted right, down, spun a hundred and eighty degrees and then rose straight up. There was a pause at the top of its arc, as it burst through a shadow and came out twinkling into the sun light and plummeted. Gritting his teeth, Harry held tight to his broom, and angled the handle directly after the Snitch. The distance between them shrank as they fell, he could vaguely hear the hollering of the crowd, ten metres from the ground he lifted his right hand towards the Snitch and felt it's wings brush against his fingertips. He strained against the vibration of the broom, to begin to pull, up and hoped that the Snitch moved in the same direction.
A blinding, sickening pain ... a flash of light ...distant screams ... the sensation of falling down a dark tunnel ...
And the next thing Harry knew he was lying in a remarkably warm and comfortable bed and looking up at a lamp that was throwing a circle of light on to a shadowy ceiling. He raised his head awkwardly. There on his left was a familiar dark-haired boy.
"Nice of you to join us," said Percival looking relieved. "Sirius has already been. I believe he is currently threatening to remove you from the school, if Dumbledore tries to cover this up."
Harry blinked and looked around. Of course, he was in the hospital wing. The sky outside was indigo streaked with crimson. The match must have finished hours ago. Harry's head felt strangely heavy; he raised a hand and felt a stiff turban of bandages.
"What happened?"
"McLaggen," Percival said grimly. "He stole a beater's bat, snack back on the pitch and deliberately hit the bludger at you."
"You had a cracked skull," Sirius said as he walked crossed to the bedside.
"It's nothing to worry about, I mended it almost at once, but I'm keeping you in overnight. You shouldn't exert yourself for a few hours."
"Ron's staying in too," Sirius added, in response to the disgruntled look, Harry was pulling.
"Why? I thought he was getting better."
"It seems that McLaggen had been confunding Ron, to ensure he was off for the match. Lavender caught him at it," Percival said.
"I was quite impressed with the range of hexes she knows," Sirius added contemplatively.
"Note to self, don't make Lavender angry," Harry muttered.
"Do you know what we lost by?" Harry asked.
"Well, you see," said Ron. "The snitch seemed to have disappeared just before you hit the ground, but once she got over to you, Madame Hooch discovered lying in your hand. Apparently, it turned directly into your palm before you got knocked off your broom. The rest of the team is waiting outside to celebrate."
"I'm afraid that might come under the heading of 'overexertion'" said Madame Pomfrey, pushing Harry back onto his pillows.
-o0o-
- Cut -
Protecting our Heirs – Is Albus Dumbledore fit to be Headmaster.
It has recently come to light that something sinister is going on at Hogwarts. The use of love potions. Two students have been caught in a plot to seduce one of the young heirs at Hogwarts (names have been omitted due to their age). And this report has discovered that this is not the first time. Papers that have been leaked to this reporter show that on average there are four cases of illness caused by the unknowing consumption of love potions every year, two cases of overdose of the same, and one case of assault where love potions have been administered.
Why have we not heard of this before, you ask? Because the cases are swept under the rug by Albus Dumbledore. At most single detentions are handed out. In fact the not so Illustrious headmaster has been heard to state, that quite a few successful marriages have commenced that way.
Little did we now as we were sleeping in our beds, that our young men and women were being targeted this way! Let this be a waring to all who have children at Hogwarts, guard your Heirs well, teach them detection spells, teach them to be wary, because apparently Hogwarts is not as safe as we all assumed.
Anyone concerned that they may have been affected by love potions can attend St Mungo for a ritual cleansing. Do not though that this will clear all magical influence that have been applied, such as long term glamours and these may need to be reapplied.
L.J. Peters