Felix Felicis
The following morning, the first lesson was Herbology and Arthur told Mike, David and Chrys about his lesson with Dumbledore now as he didn't want to be overheard during breakfast.
He filled them in during their walk across the vegetable patch to the greenhouses. The weekend's brutal and harsh winds had died down finally and the mist had returned, taking them longer than usual to find the right greenhouse.
"I honestly find it odd to think of Voldemort as a child." Mike said as they took their places around a gnarled Snargaluff stump that formed as that term's project, pulling on their protective gloves. "But how is this helping you with trying to defeat him?"
"I don't know yet." Arthur said as he inserted a gum shield. "Though I'm thinking it might help with some secret Voldemort has that may also be a weakness."
"I hope that's the case." Chrys said.
"By the way, how was Slughorn's party?" Arthur then asked.
"It was actually fun." David replied as he put on his protective goggles. "Of course, he droned on and on about famous ex-pupils and fawned over that troll McLaggen non-stop, but the food was nice and he actually introduced us to Gwenog Jones.
"No way! The Gwenog Jones?" Arthur whispered, extremely jealous.
"Yep." David and Mike nodded with grins. "We asked her to give us and you autographs. She was so cool."
"Thanks." Arthur grinned as well.
They then started working on the stump in front of them and saw that Neville had already got his first pod, sitting with a bloody lip and several nasty scratches on his face, clutching an unpleasantly pulsating green object the size of a grapefruit.
It was unpleasant as the stump sprang to life at once with long and prickly bramble-like vines flying out from the top and whipped around in the air. One actually tangled itself in Chrys' hair and David beat it with a pair of secateurs. Arthur and Mike were able to trap some vines and knot them together. A hole then opened up in the middle of the branches and Chrys bravely plunged an arm inside, the hole closing like a trap around her elbow.
The boys all tugged and wrenched at the vines, forcing the hole to open up again and Chrys got her arm free, now clutching in her fingers a pod like Neville's. This made the vines all shoot back inside and the stump sat there, looking like an innocently dead lump of wood.
"I'm definitely not having these in my garden when I have my own place." David said as he pushed his goggles up to his forehead and wiped sweat from his face.
"Pass me a bowl, please." Chrys said, holding the pod at arm's length; Arthur handed her one and she dropped the pod into it with a look of utter disgust.
"Don't be squeamish, squeeze it out, they're best when they're fresh!" Professor Sprout informed the class.
"Just so you know, Arthur, Slughorn is having a Christmas party. You won't be able to wriggle your way out." Mike revealed. "He asked me, in particular, to check your free evenings, so that he could have it on a night you can come."
"Great." Arthur groaned.
"Hey, at least you'll have me by your side," Mike reminded him, nudging him gently, which did make Arthur's lip curl slightly.
Chrys looked through her copy of Flesh-Eating Trees of the World to find how to juice Snargaluff pod. Though she made some glances at David when he wasn't looking.
"We need to puncture the pod with something sharp." She said to the boys.
Everyone snapped their goggles back over their eyes and dived for the stump once more to get more pods.
The rest of the lesson passed as normal.
Arthur paid attention to Chrys and David for the next few days, wondering if they'll finally get together, since it was clear ever since fourth year that they like each other.
However, he also had something to worry about.
Katie Bell was still in St Mungo's Hospital and won't leave any time soon, meaning that the promising Gryffindor team Arthur trained carefully since September was now one Chaser short. He couldn't put off replacing Katie for too long, knowing that she won't return in time for the opening match against Slytherin.
He couldn't stand another full house tryout so he cornered Dean Thomas after Transfiguration one day. Most of the class had left already, though several twittering yellow birds still zoomed around the room, the creations of Arthur, Mike, David and Chrys, no one else succeeding in conjuring even a feather in the air.
"Still interested in playing Chaser?" He asked.
"Wha -? Yeah, of course!" Dean said with excitement.
"Remember, you're only on the team until Katie is back and well, if she does get well in time for other matches." Arthur added, noticing Seamus Finnigan slamming his books into his bag, looking sour. He hated doing this, considering the two are best friends, but Arthur had to choose what was best for the team and Dean had outflown Seamus during the tryouts.
"Yeah, I understand." Dean nodded.
"Okay, there's practice tonight at seven o'clock." Arthur replied.
"Right. Cheers, Arthur! Blimey, I can't wait to tell Mary!" Dean said before he sprinted out of the room, leaving Arthur and Seamus alone together.
"I'm sorry, Seamus. I'm only doing what's best for the team." Arthur tried to apologise, which Seamus accepted begrudgingly.
Of course, others were disgruntled about Katie's substitute as there was much muttering in the common room that Arthur had chosen three of his classmates for the team, one being his boyfriend. But he shot back saying that he was being objective in his selection.
This still made him antsy at the fact that he had to lead his team to victory in the upcoming match against Slytherin. This was because if Gryffindor won, then the whole house would forget their criticisms of him, swearing they always knew he made a great team. But if they lost… he'd endure much worse mutterings.
He did not regret his choice upon seeing Dean fly that evening as he worked very well with both Mary and Mike. The two Beaters, Peakes and Coote, were also getting better. And David still kept up with his amazing Keeper skills. Naturally, he looked anxious for the upcoming match, but he worked past his nerves.
It had to be one of the best practices Arthur ever saw as part of the team.
"All of you did amazing. Our skills will demolish Slytherin, who are nothing but trolls with fast brooms to make up for their lack of skills." He told the team, who all cheered in response before they all left the changing rooms, excluding Arthur himself, Mike and David.
"I hope I do well during the match." Mike said, making Arthur remember that this would be the first match he'd partake in.
"Don't worry, you'll be great, I know it." Arthur assured him, kissing his cheek.
The three continued on and made their way through the castle, reaching the second floor where Arthur pushed open the tapestry to their usual short cup to Gryffindor Tower and found themselves looking at Dean and Mary, who were in a close embrace, making out fiercely.
Arthur looked over at David, who looked a bit queasy and avoided looking at the pair as much as he could.
He eventually cleared his throat, making the two break apart and look their way.
"I may accept you two together, but can you not snog in front of us?" David said.
"This corridor was deserted before you came." Mary pointed out.
"How were we supposed to know you were here?" David replied back.
Both Arthur and Mike looked elsewhere, knowing that this was a conversation between brother and sister.
"Er… c'mon, Mary, let's go back to the common room." Dean said.
"You go on, it's clear I need to have a word with my brother." Mary told her and so he left, looking glad to be departing the scene.
"Okay." Mary said as she tossed her long silver hair from her face. "What is your problem with me going out with people?"
"I had a problem. I now accept you going out, just tone down the P.D.A. when I'm around, it's awkward." David replied.
"Why, because you haven't kissed someone before?" Mary asked, which made David look angry.
"That has nothing to do with it!" He snapped at her.
"Yes it does! You haven't kissed Padma, or even Phlegm for that matter! If you actually took the step forward and snogged someone, you wouldn't have to be so awkward!"
"Have you considered that I'm not ready for snogging yet?" David retorted, making Mary scream with laughter.
"Yeah, right! I honestly wouldn't be surprised if you kissed Goliath as practice!"
"WHY, YOU -!" David now roared, reaching for his wand, but Arthur pinned him to the wall.
"Don't do something you'll regret!" He warned David.
"Arthur snogs Mike a lot of the time!" Mary now shouted, sounding close to tears. "And Chrys snogged Viktor Krum -"
"WHAT?" David bellowed, a look of horror and heartache on his face.
Mary covered her mouth, a look of shock on her face, like she didn't mean to reveal this and she instantly ran off.
Arthur let go as he and Mike watched David, who slumped against the wall, looking like a wounded puppy.
But when Mrs Norris, Filch's cat, appeared around the corner, the three left as they started hearing Filch's shuffling feet.
They hurried up the stairs and along a seventh floor corridor.
"Did either of you know Chrys snogged Krum?" David finally broke the silence between them as they approached the Fat Lady.
"No, girls don't really share such stuff with boys." Arthur shook his head, feeling so sorry for David. He always fell into a depression or anger when it came to Krum and Chrys.
"Dilligrout." Mike said to the Fat Lady and all three climbed through the portrait hole into the common room.
From that point on, none of them mentioned Mary or Chrys. In fact, they hardly said a word that evening and went to bed in silence.
The following morning, David gave both Dean and Mary the cold shoulder, which upset the latter who clearly wanted to apologise and David even ignored and treated Chrys with a cold indifference, which left her hurt and confused.
David started closing himself off from everyone and hardly said a thing for the rest of the day, concerning Arthur so much. It was clear that he didn't think he was good enough for Chrys, who he thought was only interested in Krum, considering they snogged.
His concern grew the next few days because David's depression was truly affecting his Quidditch skills, as demonstrated during the final practice before Saturday's match. He only saved a quarter of the goals and he even snapped at Mary when she tried to talk to him, reducing her to tears.
"Hey, that's your sister!" Peakes shouted in her defence as Dean tried to comfort her. Peakes then pointed his Beater's bat at David.
"STOP!" Arthur roared, silencing everyone. "Peakes, go and pack the Bludgers up. David, you are the best Keeper we have, and I know you're going through a rough time, but if you don't pull yourself together, I'll have to kick you off the team!"
David looked hurt, but he just sagged and walked off with the rest of the team.
Arthur didn't know what to do with him. He had never seen David fight with Mary ever since he met the Merlons and if he kicked him off the team, they'll have to have McLaggen join, which he can't have.
As he joined Mike in the changing rooms, he was starting to figure out what to do when the perfect idea came to him, remembering a certain potion he still hadn't used yet.
During breakfast the following day, the usual excitable affair rang in the air. All the Slytherins hissed and booed loudly at every member of the Gryffindor team as they entered the Great Hall. Arthur glanced up at the ceiling, seeing that it was a clear, pale blue sky, which was a good omen.
The whole Gryffindor table, a solid and pure mass of red and gold, cheered as Arthur, Mike and David approached. Arthur and Mike grinned and waved while David simply grimaced and shook his head.
"Cheer up, David!" Lavender called. "I know you'll be brilliant!"
He ignored her.
"Need a drink?" Arthur asked him.
"Just anything, really." He replied glumpy as he took a bite of toast.
A few minutes later Chrys, who was still hurt by David's behaviour towards her, paused on her way up the table upon seeing his silver hair.
"Are you three feeling good?" She asked.
"We're fine." Arthur said for himself and Mike as he handed David a glass of pumpkin juice. "Here, drink up."
David had just raised the glass to his lips when Chrys said sharply "Don't drink it!"
The three boys looked up at her.
"And why not?" David said, speaking to her for the first time since his spiral in depression.
She stared at Arthur like she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"You put something in his drink."
"What?"
"You heard me. I saw you. You tipped something into his drink. You have the bottle in your hand right now."
"Whatever are you talking about?" Arthur retorted as he stowed a small bottle hastily in his pocket.
"Don't drink it, David!" Chrys warned but he ignored her, draining the cup in one gulp and then said "You don't tell me what to do, Ranger."
She now looked both scandalised and pained. She then bent so low for only Arthur to hear her as she hissed "You should be expelled for that. I can't believe you!"
"Says the one who Confunded McLaggen." He retorted, Mike snorting in response, having been able to hear this.
Chrys stormed up the table away from them.
Arthur looked at David, who smacked his lips.
"It's nearly time." He said to him and Mike.
The frosty grass crunched loudly from their feet as they strode their way down to the Quidditch pitch.
"It's lucky that the weather's this good, don't you think?" Arthur said to David.
"Yeah." David said, who was looking a bit better than before.
Mary and Dean were already wearing their Quidditch robes, waiting in the changing room.
"The conditions look good in our favour." Mary said, ignoring David. "And Slytherin aren't in top form. Their Chaser Vaisey took a Bludger in the head yesterday during practice and is too sore to play! And even better, Draco's off sick!"
"Seriously?" Arthur asked, turning to face her. "How come?"
"Don't know, but it's still good for us!" Mary grinned, "They're using Harper to fill in for him. He's in my year and is an absolute moron."
Arthur grinned, though as he put on his scarlet robes, his mind focused on Draco. During third year, he had an injury, which he used to reschedule when they played in a match to suit the Slytherins better when they first played. So for him to let a substitute go on showed that his mission from Voldemort was considered more important than even a Quidditch match, so he had to be faking his illness.
He then noticed that David was staring at him.
"What?" He asked.
"Did you spike my drink with Felix Felicis?" He asked quietly to not be overheard.
"We're gonna start in five minutes, get your boots on." Arthur replied, ignoring the question.
All of them walked out onto the pitch to deafening roars and boos.
One end of the stadium was nothing but red and gold; the other was a sea of green and silver.
Many Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws took sides as well. Among all the yelling and clapping, Arthur could hear the distinct roar of Luna Lovegood's lion topped hat.
Arthur stepped up to Madam Hooch, the referee, who stood ready to release the various balls from the crate.
"Captains, shake hands." She said and Arthur didn't flinch when the new Slytherin Captain, Urquhart squeezed his hand to crush it. "Mount your brooms. On the whistle… three… two… one…"
The whistle rang and everyone kicked off hard from the frozen ground and were away.
Arthur soared high around the perimeter of the grounds, keeping his eyes open for the Snitch as well as keeping an eye on Harper, who zigzagged far below him.
Then a voice had started up, one that was so jarringly different from the usual commentator.
"Well, there they go, and I think we're all surprised to see the team that Pendergast's put together this year."
Arthur looked at the commentator's podium and saw a certain tall and skinny blonde boy with an upturned nose standing there. He recognised him as Zacharias Smith, a Hufflepuff player that Arthur despised with an absolute passion.
"Oh, and here comes Slytherin's first attempt on goal, it's Urquhart streaking down the pitch and -"
Arthur's stomach turned over.
" - Merlon saves it, well, he's bound to get lucky sometimes, I suppose…"
"That's right, you pompous brat, he is." Arthur spat as he dived amongst the Chasers with his eyes still searching for a hint of the elusive Snitch.
Half an hour into the match, Gryffindor was in the lead by sixty points to Slytherin's zero. David was back to being his amazing Keeper mode, making some spectacular saves, some by the very tips of his gloves. And both Mike and Mary scored five of the six goals, three each, stoppin Zacharias' comments that Arthur only had them in the team because he liked them, instead, starting on Peakes and Coote.
"Of course, Coote isn't really the usual build for a Beater." Zacharias said loftily. "They've generally got a bit more muscle -"
"Hit a Bludger at him!" Arthur told Coote as he zoomed past him. But Coote decided to aim the next Bludger at Harper instead, who just passed Arthur in the opposite direction.
Arthur was thrilled to hear the dull thunk from the Bludger hitting its mark.
He kept his eyes open for the Snitch still as Gryffindor kept making goal after goal and David saving goals with real ease, smiling as he did so.
Arthur then looked around and found the Snitch's golden gleam above him. He then saw that Harper was about to ram into him, but he made a sharp ascent with ease, zooming up into the sky with the wind whistling in his ears, drowning out Smith's commentary.
He made his Firebolt shoot faster with an extra burst of speed and reached his hand out, swiping for the tiny, fluttering ball and finally caught it.
"I CAUGHT IT!" He roared at the tops of his lungs, wheeling around and hurtling back towards the ground, the Snitch held high above his head.
Once the crowd realised what had happened, a deafening shout went up that drowned out the whistle that signalled the end of the match.
"Mary, what are you doing?" Arthur yelled as he found himself in the middle of a mass midair hug with the rest of the team.
Mary had sped right past them and made an almighty crash into the commentator's podium. As the crowd shrieked and laughed, the whole Gryffindor team landed beside the wreckage of wood where Zacharias was feebly stirring, which Arthur found satisfaction in. He also heard Mary saything to an irate McGonagall "I forgot to brake, Professor. Won't happen again."
Laughing, Arthur broke from the rest of the team with Mike, sharing a kiss with each other, Then the whole team left the pitch arm in arm, punching the air and waving to their supporters.
The atmosphere in the changing room was truly jubilant.
"Party up in the common room, Seamus said!" Dean yelled with exuberance. "C'mon, Mary!"
Arthur, Mike and David were the last three in the changing room.
They were about to leave when Chrys entered. She looked very upset.
"I want a word with you, Arthur." She said before taking a deep breath. "You shouldn't have done that. Slughorn said it was illegal."
"So you're just gonna turn us in, is that it?" David said coolly.
"What are you two talking about?" Arthur said, turning away to hide the fact that he was grinning.
"You know very well what we're talking about!" Chrys said shrilly. "You spiked David's drink with Felix Felicis during breakfast!"
"I actually didn't." Arthur shook his head as he turned to face them , holding a still full bottle of Felix Felicis.
"What?" Chrys said in shock.
"Arthur only made David think that he did and faked it when you were looking." Mike explained.
"You felt lucky, that's why you were back to your usual self during the game." Arthur told David as he pocketed the potion.
"Yet the weather was good, Vaisey and Draco didn't play…." David said, astounded before he rounded on Chrys. "You didn't have faith in me!"
"I never said I did, I just -"
David didn't stay and listen as he stormed past her with his broomstick over his shoulder.
"Why is he treating me like this?" Chrys asked Arthur and Mike.
"Because Mary revealed to him that you and Krum snogged." Arthur said, deciding that it was best for her to know.
This made Chrys place both hands over her mouth as her eyes widened with shock and horror and then she stormed out in silence.
"Things are going to get messy, aren't they?" Mike asked, seeing that Arthur's plan had backfired.
"I believe so." Arthur replied before they left as well.
They made their way to the castle and through the crowd, many of whom had shouted congratulations at the two, though they didn't exactly share their jubilation.
At the Gryffindor celebration party, they couldn't see David. There was renewed cheers and clapping when they arrived and were surrounded by a mob of people praising the two boyfriends.
Arthur managed to shake the Creevey brothers away, who had wanted a blow by blow account of the match and wormed his way out from a group of girls that encircled him as he and Mike tried to find David.
Eventually, they came across Mary, who had her Pygmy Puff riding on her shoulder.
"If you're looking for David, there he is." She said, pointing over at a corner where they saw an upset Lavender walking away from David, who sat in an armchair, curled up before he decided to leave the common room.
"Go on, I'll manage things on my own." Mike told Arthur, who followed after David out of the common room.
He saw him enter the closest unlocked classroom. Upon entering, he saw David sitting on the teacher's desk with his eyes welling up.
"David?"
David looked up and sniffled as a tear went down his cheek.
"Hey, Arthur." David greeted him. "Lavender wanted to be in a relationship with me."
"Seriously?" Arthur frowned. His suspicions were confirmed.
"Yeah. But I had to put her down gently, saying that I wasn't interested in her like that. And that even if we were together, we'd be miserable." David explained.
"True." Arthur muttered as he joined David at the desk.
That was when the door opened and Arthur grew worried to see that it was Chrys.
David looked at her like she was something that had to be gotten rid of.
"What do you want?" He spat with venom, making Chrys flinch as she took a few steps forward.
"I… I want to talk to you." Chrys said.
"Well, I don't want to talk with you, not after knowing you preferred Krum." David shut her down. "Now leave me alone."
"But -"
Chrys screamed when David shot red sparks from his wand, hitting the floor right in front of her with a look of pure anger.
"Leave. Me. Alone." He hissed through gritted teeth, shocking even Arthur, as he had never seen him this angry before.
Chrys, now crying and sobbing from David's behaviour and actions, left right away.
Arthur, for the first time since knowing the two, was now worried that the relationship between David and Chrys was broken beyond repair.
Yikes. Looks like David and Chrys are going through their first spat and awful phase in their friendship.