Chapter 69. Club of Slugs
Snowflakes swirled behind the frozen windows, creating a magical atmosphere leading up to Christmas. Hogwarts had transformed into a winter wonderland, filled with festive cheer. The grand castle and its surroundings were adorned with bright lights and cheerful decorations.
Hagrid, as always, put in tremendous effort to decorate the Great Hall. He single-handedly carried twelve magical Christmas trees from the forest to take their rightful place in the hall. Each tree was adorned with holly garlands and shimmering silver tinsel that sparkled in the light of the roaring fireplace.
The staircases leading to the cozy student bedrooms were not forgotten either. Suits of armor lining the walls were illuminated by countless everlasting candles, creating an atmosphere of mystery and enchantment as if the armor itself had come to life, inviting everyone on a journey through the magical world.
But it wasn't just the halls and staircases that were decorated for the holiday. The corridors and hidden corners of the castle also received attention. Witches, armor, and wizards hung bundles of mistletoe at regular intervals, adding even more magic and mystery to the castle.
However, Harry faced some minor obstacles when passing by these bunches of mistletoe. Girls, charmed by the magic and holiday spirit, unintentionally found themselves under the mistletoe when Harry walked by. This inevitably led to collisions and moments of awkwardness, but it brought smiles to the faces of the passing students.
Nevertheless, Harry wasn't disheartened. Thanks to his nighttime walks around the castle, he had perfected his knowledge of secret passages and shortcuts. Now he could easily find routes that took him far away from the fleeting merriment that the mistletoe brought. Moving from class to class, Harry enjoyed the quiet and calm of the hidden paths, far from the noise and bustle of the festive castle.
The party in Professor Snape's office was getting closer, but Harry still struggled with choosing his date. He deeply pondered who would be the perfect candidate and decided to invite Luna Lovegood or Parvati Patil. Contrary to his plans, Parvati's parents did not take her home from Hogwarts. The news brought joy to Ron, and he invited her instead. So Harry confidently planned to invite Luna to Professor Snape's party.
However, his initial plan to invite Luna crumbled when he faced a fierce negative reaction from Hermione and Ginny. They insisted that the only logical choice was Cho Chang.
"Cho also participated in the Triwizard Tournament with you!" Ginny exclaimed in annoyance. "It would be logical for you to invite her."
"Yeah, and Professor Snape would be thrilled to see her!" Hermione added, agreeing with Ginny.
Harry felt his face involuntarily put on a mask of a smile, trying to hide his disappointment. He understood that Cho was the logical choice, but inside him, a spark of hope for Luna still flickered. He tried one last attempt.
"But Luna is so interesting and unique! I thought she would be a great choice for this party," Harry said, trying to defend his choice.
Hermione and Ginny exchanged glances, and a mixture of annoyance and sympathy towards Harry flickered across their faces. Hermione took his hand and whispered softly, "Harry, Luna is a wonderful girl, albeit a bit odd. But you have to understand that Joan of Arc would be the perfect choice for this event. She can hold conversations about the Triwizard Tournament and make an impression on Professor Slughorn."
Harry sighed, realizing that the girls were right. He nodded and said, "Alright, you're right. Joan will be the ideal choice. I'll invite her to the party."
Harry met their gaze, feeling the determination and persuasiveness of their arguments. He understood that further stubbornness would be pointless. Ron quietly nodded and supported the girls in this sea of doubt and debate. Smiles of satisfaction appeared on Hermione and Ginny's faces, and they giggled happily, congratulating Harry on making the right decision.
Therefore, Harry made the decision to invite Jeanne Alter to the party with Professor Slughorn, hoping it would be the right choice for everyone.
Harry hesitated a bit, feeling a little embarrassed about approaching Jeanne to invite her. After all, he had recently heard stories about her power and ability to effortlessly overcome any obstacles. He was still scared by those terrible dreams where she skillfully decapitated heads. He knew there was no point in talking to anyone else about it except Fujimaru. However, gradually, confidence began to sprout in his heart, and he decided to approach Joan, who was sitting by the fireplace, immersed in her homework.
A few moments passed before Joan carefully closed her book, covered her eyes, and slowly raised her eyebrows, asking with a hint of arrogance in her voice, "Oh, who do we have here? Perhaps you want to copy the homework again?"
Harry stumbled awkwardly. He looked around, making sure no one was watching them, and gained some self-assurance. After exhaling softly, Harry finally made up his mind and approached Jeanne, noticing how she sat by the fireplace, looking ahead with a focused gaze. Next to her on the table were spread a book and a notebook with the assignments she was working on. Gathering courage, he leaned towards her, coming closer to her chair from the side, and whispered softly in her ear, "Will you come with me to the party at Professor Slughorn's?"
Jeanne's reaction was exactly what Harry had expected. She laughed merrily, spreading her laughter throughout the Gryffindor common room, almost choking with laughter. A dozen curious faces immediately turned towards them. Clearing her throat, she turned to him and asked with a slightly mocking tone, "It seems like this party is so secretive that even if we manage to survive it successfully, the War of Grail would seem like an easy stroll afterwards, wouldn't it?"
Jeanne pensively bit her lip, admiring the fingers she was playing with. A secret flickered in her eyes, hidden under a veil of mysterious smile. Then she slowly lifted her gaze and locked eyes with Harry. His unwavering determination and uncertainty at the same time surprised Jeanne. She knew that this young man was capable of many things, but somehow he still managed to surprise her.
Harry broke out in a sweat as if hit by a wave of extraordinary heat. He swallowed it, along with the lump in his throat. His hands trembled, his legs lost their confidence, but he didn't show his weakness. He wanted to appear strong, determined, in front of Jeanne, even if a small spark of doubt was starting to grow stronger inside him.
Harry smiled, trying to hide his nervousness. He was filled with anticipation, not knowing what exactly Jeanne would say. His heart pounded, as if someone was trying to break it into pieces. Maybe it seemed that way, but at that moment he deeply regretted being drawn into this endless game of secrecy and riddles.
"It's not that much of a secret," Harry tried to justify himself, clenching his fists out of nervous tension. He felt his heart pounding wildly, as if trying to break out of his chest. His eyes were glued to Jeanne's expressive face, waiting for her reaction. Suddenly, her lips stretched into a smile, as if she knew something that Harry didn't yet understand. As if a dark secret hid behind these invitations.
Jeanne slowly approached Harry, her steps confident and graceful, as if she conquered not only space but also time. She looked intently at the boy, penetrating his soul with her eyes, full of mysteries and strength.
"Harry," she whispered, like the rustling leaves in a dark forest.
Harry felt his legs starting to weaken, and he leaned against the wall to avoid falling. Sweat dripped down his forehead like a hot rain after a long, scorching summer. He tried to swallow the lump in his throat, but in vain.
Jeanne took his trembling hand in hers and squeezed it warmly and gently.
"Don't be afraid, Harry," she whispered with a slight squint in her eyes. "I'll go with you to this party."
Harry looked at Jeanne and smiled back, feeling the return of strength and determination.
The evening turned out to be unpredictable and memorable for all those present, especially for Luna Lovegood and Professor Slughorn. The first thing that caught Harry Potter's eye when he entered the party room was the huge number of guests - students, professors, and even some unexpected individuals he hadn't read about in books or newspapers.
A lively atmosphere reigned at Professor Slughorn's party. The room, decorated with green and grey balloons, filled with various characters and upbeat music. Luna Lovegood, unique and mysterious, entered the event. Her eyes sparkled with a gentle glow, and a smile played on her pale lips, as if she knew something incredibly funny that others didn't yet know.
Among the guests that Harry managed to see first were Blaise Zabini, Crabbe and Goyle, as well as the ever-present Draco Malfoy. He couldn't help but notice the attractive Katie Bellows, who came accompanied by Cormac McLaggen. Separate attention was drawn to the fair-haired girl sitting next to Draco. Harry struggled to remember her name - Astoria Greengrass. Off to the side, Professor Snape occupied his own table, observing the Slytherin youth with feigned indifference. Soon, everyone else arrived, filling the room with their colorful attire and conversations.
Neville Longbottom, out of breath and sweaty, hurriedly ran from corner to corner, constantly checking to make sure no cocktail or appetizer had gone bad.
Luna, dressed in her usual eccentric dress adorned with moon rabbits, smiled warmly at Neville as he escorted her to their table. Her silver hair shimmered as it reflected the light from the lanterns as she passed by the guests. Harry couldn't help but smile to himself as he watched her. Luna always seemed to embody mystery and unpredictability. Neville had invited her to the table with such solemnity and radiance, as if declaring his love. Neville's hair lightly swayed in the wind, and his eyes sparkled at the sight of Luna, like two lit stars.
"Thank goodness he invited someone," Harry thought to himself, observing Neville. After all, Neville was the only one who stuck by his friends and greeted them with admiration on his face.
Draco Malfoy demonstrated his benevolent attitude towards the blonde companion who had previously escaped Harry's gaze. Draco's blue eyes burned with a scrutinizing gaze as he engaged in conversation with Astoria, making perfect gestures. Harry couldn't help but think that Draco, perhaps, had become a completely different person in her presence.
Blaise Zabini, Crabbe, and Goyle showed up without dates, which caused Harry some amusement. They seemed to be deeply engrossed in discussing something amongst themselves, which, from Harry's perspective, sounded like gibberish.
Katie Bellows looked rather sad and gloomy in the company of Cormac McLaggen. As usual, he never missed an opportunity to talk about his own achievements. His hands gestured so actively, as if he were talking about his heroic exploits on the battlefield.
Around the table where Professor Snape sat, there was a magical whirlwind of mystery. His black eyes, occasionally glancing at the crowd of young students, gleamed with strictness and knowledge. Snape, sitting alone, tried not to attract unnecessary attention to himself; his presence at the party added something special, even mysterious.
The castle corridors buzzed with loud voices and laughter as the rest of the guests entered the room. The sounds of music grew louder, and the aromas of food and drinks filled every corner of the room, stimulating appetite and making the atmosphere even more cozy and joyful.
Harry, with the demeanor of a gracious gentleman, elegantly escorted Jane to the table, holding her hand as a true gentleman would. Approaching the table, he politely pulled out her chair, ensuring her comfort, and brushed invisible dust off the upholstery. Then, gallantly approaching his own chair, he made a gentlemanly gesture, indicating it to his companion. In turn, Jane gracefully inclined in gratitude and whispered quietly:
"Merci beaucoup, Harry."
They both sat down next to each other, forgetting the worlds in which they existed before. Agatha Sunspark and Sam Brightwood's animated faces shone ahead of them. They had come to the party together, showing that their friendship knew no bounds.
Harry couldn't help but notice Agata Sunspark and Sam Brightwood sitting at the opposite end of the table. Agata's face was filled with joy, and Sam's short haircut accentuated his talkativeness and pleasant demeanor. Their presence did not go unnoticed, as Agata expertly waved a hovering pattern above her head, like a wizard conjuring their own magic. This time, the pattern emanated an unparalleled beauty, reminiscent of a boiling cauldron. Sparkles, symbolizing steam, rose in clusters, piercing the air with their soft glow. At the same time, crimson flashes raged beneath the cauldron, as if eagerly awaiting the moment their anarchy would erupt into a full explosion. This symphony moved in a constant rhythm, creating the illusion that time itself had stopped. The cauldron rocked on the table like a trembling giant, the steam gently rising in fluffy wisps as if promising to dissolve into the air, and the fire, glowing from within, admired its reflection on the bottom of the cauldron like a secretive guardian of an open flame.
Harry, transfixed by this spectacle, couldn't tear his gaze away from it. It was a true masterpiece of magic, and he couldn't help but marvel at Agata's skill. He turned back to Jeanne, although he felt that her gaze and even she herself were also drawn to the magic manifesting through this pattern.
"Amazing, isn't it?" he said, smiling, as if inviting her to share his admiration.
She responded with a pensive expression before uttering a single word.
"Beautiful."
The evening passed quietly and peacefully. Only once did Slughorn excessively praise Harry in front of Snape. His words sparked keen interest in Snape's eyes, and he scrutinized Harry with such an intense gaze as if intending to burn a hole through his mind. Harry barely managed to maintain his composure, and the next miracle – the intervention of the Creevies with a camera – distracted Snape and threw him off his thoughts.
"Tell us about yourself, my dear," Professor Slughorn asked Agata, with a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
Agata, taking a deep breath, felt a slight tremor in her voice and involuntarily smiled.
"Well, I...," she barely whispered the words. "I'm passionate about astronomy, professor, and I love transfiguration. I can never resist captivating fantasy novels either."
Professor Slughorn, wearing an interested frown, nodded.
"Oh!" He smiled, as if discovering an interesting new fact. "And what led you to these interests?"
Agata, as if remembering deep within her soul the moments when magic entered her life, smiled gently.
"I was born in a small town, professor. In our town, the night sky was always clear, as if it served as a luminous canvas for us. Bound to this magnificent spectacle, almost hearing the call of the stars, I became fascinated by astronomy. And transfiguration... I simply found it to be the most magical way to transform from one form to another... and to draw patterns in the air... And reading fantasy... it opens up new possibilities, new worlds where I can immerse myself and uncover extraordinary stories hidden within these pages."
Professor Slughorn listened, chin in hand, and when Agatha finished, his eyes sparkled with a mixture of interest and astonishment.
"And what about your family? Who are your relatives, loved ones?" The professor wanted to know more about how these hobbies were incorporated into the young girl's life.
Agatha hesitated slightly, feeling that her family somehow deserved special mention.
"My mother is a teacher at a school... And also... I have a brother, professor. He's an engineer and builds bridges. Sometimes he calls me a 'star girl' because he doesn't always understand my interests... but I know he is kind and caring, even if he expresses it that way. And my dad... my dad is a submarine captain." Her voice filled with pride as she mentioned her father's profession. "He always takes us on unforgettable sea journeys and tells incredible stories that captivate the mind and heart."
Slughorn, with a cunning smile adorning his face, stared intently at Katie.
"Well, Katie, would you also like to shed light on your origins?" he said with a regal tone that merged seamlessly with his voice.
"Mallowhate," Katie proudly replied, lightly running her fingers through her blonde locks. "My family is an ancient magical lineage. But, alas, in my childhood, my magical abilities attracted the attention of muggle children. Since then, I have been deprived of the opportunity to unleash my inner power. Poor little squib, that's what they called me. But I never lost hope—I immersed myself in books, studying them cover to cover. I dream of becoming a dark wizard hunter and fighting against the darkness."
Slughorn, placing the fingers of his hand in a playful triangle, continued to observe Katie, as if she were an interesting experiment subjected to his careful analysis.
"Not a bad resume," Sliznort dryly remarked, involuntarily furrowing his brow. He enjoyed being surrounded by an aristocratic atmosphere, and encountering such students from noble families meant the world to him. "Expecting something less brilliant from a descendant of such noble blood was impossible."
Not giving Katie time to feel victorious pride, Slughorn instantly shifted his gaze to Sam. In a moment, he blushed with impatience, raised a mischievous eyebrow, and addressed the young man, implying that his attention had shifted to a new invaluable find.
"So, Sam," Slughorn said, softening his voice with a melodic note, and his smile turned into an invitation to play with destiny. "What will you, young man, present to us as your debut? I'm sure you have abilities that are extraordinary for mere mortals."
"Oh, Professor Slughorn!" Sam exclaimed. His eyes flashed and he smiled joyfully. "You're right to be interested in what I can tell! We are a family of football enthusiasts—it runs in our blood! Of course, it's not as epic as Quidditch, without brooms and magical balls, but the fire in our hearts burns just the same! My father is a true hero in the special forces, a man who has dedicated himself to service and protecting others. And my mother is the heart and soul of our family, a nurse who heals and comforts us all. And my older brother, he's a doctor. Without him, our family wouldn't have been able to overcome many trials. He fights diseases every day, like a true hero. And our other older brother, he drives trains—both on tracks and in life! He zooms at unimaginable speeds, conquering peaks and always rushing forward in search of new adventures. And my younger brother—he's a hero in uniform. Last year, he volunteered for the army to serve his country and protect us. That's our family!"
Professor Slughorn smiled, nodded his head, and turned to Jeanne with intense interest.
"Well, and what about you? What will you tell us about yourself, young Miss d'Arc?"
Her amber eyes widened and sparkled like two little stars as she began to speak:
"Oh, sir, I cannot compare myself to heroes like Sam and his family. I am just an ordinary French girl. Once I herded geese and sheep, pigs and cows. My family comes from impoverished nobility..."
Jeanne's voice sounded soft and confident, and there was a fire in her eyes, like a dazzling torch of the soul. She continued,
"We lost our fortune even before the Great French Revolution, but our honor and dignity remained unchanged. My family always instilled in me a sense of pride in our past and our name."
Professor Slughorn's eyes widened in awe at this revelation.
"Nobility?" he whispered, feeling admiration. "That is an honor..."
Jeanne nodded with pride, her chin lifted, and her gaze becoming even more determined.
"Yes, sir. Though we have lost our material riches, my family is always imbued with the spirit of nobility and loyalty to our roots. We preserve our history and strive for noble values."
Professor Slughorn smiled, admiration reflected on his face.
"Miss d'Arc, you are an incredibly interesting person. Your lineage and values, combined with your accomplishments, make you special. I am glad that you are here with us. Just think! Participating in the Triwizard Tournament at the age of fourteen... It seems that, alongside young Mister Potter, you are among the rare exceptions in our world..."
Half an hour later, Harry became interested in the surroundings of the office. He walked past the shelves filled from top to bottom with different photographs, books, and extraordinary trinkets.
Harry closely examined the portraits and photos displayed on the shelf. Among them, there was a photo of a young family that stood out. Standing near a window was a seven-year-old girl, while towering above her on the right was a silver-haired man who appeared barely older than Ritsuka Fujimaru.
"Oh, Harry! These are all former students or acquaintances. They're all part of my collection," exclaimed Professor Slughorn. "For example, here is the famous Marisbury Animusphere and his daughter, Olga-Marie."
The professor reached out to point out the girl in the photo to Harry. Harry looked at Olga-Marie, remembering Ritsuka's words about her. Something stirred in his soul, but he decided that Olga-Marie was still too young for him to judge her.
"That's her," the professor continued, pointing at Olga-Marie.
It was not Saber Alter who killed her, but the Servant whom she trusted too much — Professor Lev Lionell.
Harry heard these words and a ghostly horror washed over him. He felt a delicate thread of destiny, as if this brown-eyed girl held much more importance than he could imagine. He knew of her demise, and was shocked to learn of her existence in reality. There were no words to describe his feelings. New thoughts raced through his mind, anxieties weighed heavy on his heart, but he couldn't articulate them. Coming back to his senses after the astonishment, he took another look at the face of the sweet girl in the photo and imagined her with a stern and determined expression. Folding her hands on her shoulders and closing her eyes, she turned her head dramatically, as if Harry's attention had become excessive and tedious.
"...there are always tickets when I want..." Professor Slughorn quoted part of the sentence, skeptically eyeing Harry. "What's wrong with you, my boy?"
The professor's articulation was interrupted by Harry's hurried and incredibly bright retort. But he quickly regained his usual manner of behavior.
"Oh, nothing, professor. I was just lost in thought," Harry replied, trying to maintain an unaffected tone. "An idea came to mind. I've never heard of the Animusphere family."
"Oh, you're missing out, Harry," Professor Slughorn shook his head. "The Animuspheres are a very famous wizarding family. Their magical heritage is exceptionally rich. They are known for their ability to manipulate celestial bodies."
Harry, filled with curiosity, looked at the professor.
"How did you meet them, professor?"
At the same time, Harry noticed a hint of confusion that seized the professor's demeanor and mannerisms. His eyes sought salvation, and his face became even darker and more mysterious.
"We...uh...happened to meet during a trip," Professor Slughorn slowly replied, lowering his gaze to the floor. "Marisbury Animusphere turned out to be a very kind and gracious man, and he kindly agreed to help me with a difficult task."
Harry felt that the professor was hiding something, and a million questions stormed his mind. He raised an eyebrow, displaying his curiosity.
"Perhaps one day you will meet them, young Harry. They are interesting people," Professor Slughorn concluded, trying to divert Harry's gaze.
"But professor, if they're so important, why hasn't anything been written about them in the news? I've read so much news over the years, but not a word about them."
Professor Slughorn bit his lip and furrowed his brow.
"Oh, my young friend. Not everyone craves fame and recognition. Some people find satisfaction in being passionate about their work. Some look down and seek adventures in earthly realms, but for the Animusphere family, their true excitement lies beyond the sky."
Harry felt his heart skip a beat, listening to every word from the professor. But in the meantime, his thoughts and fantasies traveled to where infinite space hid incredible mysteries and possibilities. One of these mysteries still remained the War for the Grail.