Chapter 6

Getting Lucky

Harry took a look at the sitting professors to see if there were any reactions. Dumbledore was clearly smiling as was Tonks who was sitting with the teachers? McGonagall wanted to smile but was trying to hide it… and she was losing. Snape was annoyed. That was bonus points.

The kiss actually was enough of an ice breaker that people finally stopped staring and returned to their usual gossip. Of which, Harry was certain he was on the top of, but at least they were doing it properly behind his back and not awkwardly staring anymore.

Professor Dumbledore stepped forward to the owl wing podium, with that smile still on his face. "Unless someone else has a declaration of love to make."

It was too tempting. Harry flashed Ron a thumbs ups of encouragement. Ginny was shocked Ron actually had the guts to do so, but then he shot up with a smile and brought Hermione with him.

"Ronald! We're prefects!"

"Exactly, so we might as well show people to be brave now, instead of the idiots we were last year." he grinned widely.

But following his example about a half dozen other couples stood up, including Neville and Hanna. Somewhere in the vicinity of the Gryffindor table, perhaps around a redheaded girl and a bespectacled lad a chant of 'Kiss, Kiss, Kiss' started which of course immediately flowed across the entire Hall. The lunacy of it had Hermione laughing but so long as her ire was down that's all Ron needed to lean in to press his lips to hers. He raised his hand in victory to another round of cheers and the other couple followed suit and all sat down.

"Well…" the Professor continued with a grand smile, "It seems we will have a very interesting year. Let us welcome our First Years and find them houses."

Hermione was laughing and learning hard into Ron's arm, "I love you, I hate you, what am I going to do with you?" But considering she grabbed his arm around him as she leaned back to watch the Sorting Ceremony, getting rid of him was not an option.

While the Sorting Ceremony continued, Ginny whispered to Harry. "I pulled a string and got us something," As she took his hand, he could feel something like a coin. As subtle as he could he looked. It was a Nimbus Telepathy Link, like they had used when Ginny did her test flight. But these were clearly newly made with House Potter insignia on it. "How?"

"Mr. Whitehorn loves me and what we're doing for sales and the war. During Diagon Alley, I realized those links would have been really useful between you and the flight team. So I asked him for a batch. He copied your insignia from your investment papers. If we need them for team purposes, I have a few extra, but in the meantime, I thought it would be nice for us. I know we can't sneak out every night, but at least this way we can slip in some midnight chats."

Harry smiled. "Careful, Gin, you're starting to sound soft and sweet."

She smiled. "Only for you, but happily for you." both of them turned sideways so Harry could play backrest for his girl for the rest of the night's introductions.

The Sorting Ceremony continued normally. Harry took the opportunity to look around. He did notice Susan Bones at Hufflepuff table who seemed to sense Harry's gaze. They exchanged nods of respect.

As the last First year finally found their new house. Hermione leaned over. "Is there something wrong with the Professor's right hand? I've never known him to wear gloves and he's barely moving it."

Harry shrugged. "I know it's injured, but twice I've asked and twice he avoided it."

"Now before we begin our feast. Please grant me the opportunity to advise of a few brief announcements. Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to say that there is a blanket ban on any joke items bought and the shop called Wealeys's Wizard Wheezes."

"Boo!" sounded and not just from the Gryffindor table. Harry thought it really seemed as if the Professor had to fight a smile. "We are pleased to announce two new additions to staff this year. Professor Slughorn has agreed to return to Hogwarts as Potions master. This will also allow our Professor Snape to take a position he has long sought, master of Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Harry's stomach dropped. Things were looking up for him for once. Now his best subject had to be taught by the cruelest teacher with a personal ax to grind for him. He clenched his fist in frustration. Which was instantly grasped with two hands. He looked down to see Ginny's brown eyes already looking up at him in unwavering support. "We'll figure it out." she simply said. He was too frustrated to speak. So he just nodded. He looked across the table to both Ron and Hermione who had similar looks of support. There was a very large part of him that wanted to leap up and scream in protest and throw a hex at Snape just in spite. But as Ginny was holding his left hand he could feel his signet ring on his right.

You're a head of house now lad. Keep it together. Oddly enough his inner logic in reason seems to speak in Sirius's voice. It sounded insane but it was comforting. Right now he wasn't going to question it.

Dumbledore continued "And finally, we would like to introduce Sgt. Tonks, who has served at Hogwarts in security rolls on behalf of the Aurors. Now she will be heading a new A.C.T. program. As it is new, this program will be by invitation only and will be extending those invitations shortly. Needless to say it will be challenging but we believe we have found… worthy candidates."

Hermione looked incredulous. "I studied the registration! There was no program called A.C.T.!"

"Only you would study the registration form." Ron said. "But like he just said. If it's an invitation only thing, they wouldn't put it on the registration " Ron explained.

Hermione nodded, "Logical Ron, very logical. But how IS one invited?"

Harry smiled and looked over to her. "Mione, how many classes do you plan to register for this term, without this A.C.T., whatever it is?"

"A normal load." she replied sheepishly

"Mione." Ginny pressed.

"A normal load for me."

""Mione, it's us, we're going to find out sooner or later.

"Alright, eight."

"Eight bloody classes in one term!" Ron cried.

"Language. And one of them was Muggle Studies for the easy O, so it's not all my fault. Blame Harry, he made me do it." She tried to hold a stern look but only lasted a few seconds before they all cracked, and laughed.

"Thank you, 'Mione. I needed that."

As they relaxed, the feast itself started. Before long Ginny asked, "Tell me what you're thinking babe, because I see your mind working on something."

Harry smiled, "Guilty, Tonks and A.C.T."

"You want an invitation too?" Ginny smiled.

"Meaning you want one?"

Ginny smiled wickedly, "A girl does like to be wanted." To which, Harry and Hermione laughed. Ron just squared his jaw and shook his head.

"Harry, mate," Ron said with a look mixed with annoyance and amusement. "I want you to know I blame you for that. She was never…this… before you."

"Objection!" Hermione noted with a hand raised. "I'll have you know she very much was, just not around you two blokes." she laughed.

"Thank you, 'Mione. New to you Ron, does not mean new to me."

"So what, I actually try to be okay with my lil-, er my sister grow up and now, to be all this, AND she's the Crimson Witch…and i get….?"

"Happy sister," Ginny answered.

"Happy mate," Harry offered.

"And a girlfriend who promises she will try to reward you when you handle your discomfort with maturity… because maturity is so damn sexy on you."

"Blimey, 'Mione!" that one caught Harry, as he was drinking some pumpkin juice. "Damn near made me spit take here."

"What?" she defended. "I have heard so much worse from the three of you. In less that three weeks I'm of age, and both of our couples have about 2 months together. So I refuse to be embarrassed by saying yes Ronald, you are extremely attractive when you rise to the occasion and show some maturity."

Ron reached over and rubbed her back. "You're really trying to make me into some sort of proper adult and everything."

"Yes," she said plainly and proudly.

"Wow, now I'm throwing a flag on the play." Ginny interpreted, "Because I really don't want to hear about 'Mione's plans to make my brother a man."

"Ginny! Not like that!" she argued and blushed realizing how that could have sounded.

"Back to my original question,Harry, what are you thinking about?"

"Well, now that I need to bleach my brain out. Bloody hell, AND you're going to give me that one…" he pointed to Hermione, who nodded. "My thinking was Tonks as a teacher. Teaching what? Now she's an Auror, and a hell of a good one too. If you told me she was going to teach Defense, I'd cheer. But they just announced Snape has that.

Ron shook his head. "I don't know mate, but we're all pretty friendly with her. Odds are in the next week or so, we'll run into her and we can just ask her."

"That simple? Just ask her. No plot to break into her office?" Ginny asked.

"No polyjuice into Remus to get to a secret conversation?" Harry offered.

Hermione leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Good answer."

The rest of the feast continued normally. They caught up on conversations with their neighbors. Eventually the feast was concluded and the students reported to their houses. Harry's half stack trunk was safely delivered to his room. He and Ron did the heavy work of delivering their ladies trunks to the girls dorm door.

As Hermione opened her trunk to a pleasant surprise. On top of everything was an old quidditch jersey with the name Weasley sewn in. "Ronald," she whispered with a smile. She laid that off to the side as she got the rest of the things squared away.

Lavender looked oddly as she noticed. "You have his quidditch jersey?"

"It's a muggle tradition that he's being sweet about since I'm muggle-born." she answered, with confidence that surprised her. "He talked about it this summer. Though him sneaking into my trunk for me to find it was, well, a very Ron way to do it. At least he's using his mischief for good." It felt so odd, talking about relationship things to Lavender Brown, and doing so with confidence. She shook her head to dismiss the thought and went about nesting back in her room.

Meanwith in the boys dorm they unpacked by unlocking their trunks and … well that was good enough. While the four of them, Harry, Ron, Nevel, Dean, and Seamus. Continued to catch up on summer reports. Harry felt his summer had already been too public so he mostly kicked back on the bed and listened, adding the odd smart ass comment occasionally. Finally the lights came out, Harry got ready for bed, drew his bed curtains closed and retired but just in case took the Nimbus link and clipped in.

Ginny was waiting for him. Hi, I was hoping you would link in.

Hey, Gin, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.

Oh no, maybe ten minutes? But we didn't set a specific time so I wasn't worried. Besides I'm aware it's easier for me to hide I'm wearing these things, long hair and everything.

Lovely long hair you mean.

Charming by telepathy now too, eh?

For you? Damn right. Still want to do the morning workout?

Of course, why wouldn't I?

We're at class now, with a schedule and such.

Which means getting a morning run in with my boyfriend is even more important to me. What kind of run were you thinking? Like around the castle or something?

Actually I thought I would just go all out and run the path around the lake.

Oh! Absolutely, it's a date.

It's a workout, babe. How about we talk about taking that route as a stroll Friday night? Call it a date when we're not all sweaty at the end? … oh hell… I'm -

Don't you even try to apologize for that Harry Potter. I wish you could see the smile you just gave me.

Thank you, Gin.

I love you, you know that right?

Yes, You've made that quite clear, and I love you too and this has been the best start of the year I've ever had.

Harry's alarm was the first up in his dorm room, much to Ron's dismay. "Harry, mate, you're keeping up with this workout stuff here too mate?"

"Ron," he said, putting his pants on. "I may have moved but wherever I am, I'm still me and my shit is up here." He tapped his head after he put his work out shirt on. "The morning workout's help… a lot. And before you ask. They helped a lot even before Gin joined."

Ron grunted noncommittally.

"Sure you don't want to join?"

"I'm sure I will some time. But not today."

"OI, you lot," Seamus groaned, "some of us ain't awake. Shut it."

Harry smiled and when he got to the Gryffindor commons Ginny was coming out of the girls dorm. They greeted with a kiss and watched the last few movements of the clock to tick 6:00 then out the door they went.

It was a crisp fall morning in Scotland. It seemed as if they were the first up in the whole castle. In fact the only other sign of life they saw as the smoke rising from kitchen chimneys. The lake path existed but it was far from the most traveled lane in Hogwarts area. It was far more rocky and the wind blew the water to the shore on waves. The perimeter of the lake was a little shorter than the Burrow's, but the terrain was far rockier and unleveled. The orchard was replaced with the chilled water of the Great Lake. The scents of apple blossom exchanged with the taste of the lake mixing with the surrounding highlands, with a beautiful view of sunrise over the Forbidden Forest. The memory came back to Harry in Arthur's voice, 'A lot larger than a cupboard under the stairs, filled with sunshine and fresh air. Give it a run.'

The two of them finished their run and Harry didn't even break his stride as he ran back to the castle, then through the castle. It was still early and the awake were few in number. Harry was feeling focused and irreverent enough he led Ginny running down the halls to Classroom 731. Frankly, seeing Harry confident enough to be the lead in breaking rules she followed along, face beaming. Harry got there first, but waited for Ginny for the half second she was behind him. "When did you get slower than me?" he asked, catching his breath.

"I didn't, when did you decide to go to hell with the rules about running in the castle?" she smiled back. He shrugged. "Good to see though." she said with a peck.

"Ladies first," Harry said as he opened the door and followed her inside.

The gym was better than he had hoped. Along the closest wall was a line of benches with several racks of dumbbells. Going down the right side was a collection of exercise bikes and rowing machines. Down the right were a collection of a variety of exercise machines, and a central padded area. For more general exercise. Happily in the rear were a selection of four punching bags. And a few speed bags to work on as well. Everything was non-electric. No chips, or computers to fry with arcane energy. Nice and simple human powered sweat generators. Gin and he finished their traditional; work out routine and took note of what was available to plan what variety to add in when they had more time. After they were done they got cleaned up and met the others in the great hall for breakfast.

Ron shook his head. When they grabbed a seat. "It's about time you two showed. Thought we'd have to go looking for you."

"Why?" Ginny asked, quickly putting a plate together.

"Well, I wouldn't want you to miss breakfast on your first day. I do care."

"You're sweet Ron, but Harry, my last name is still Weasley, right?"

After finishing a drink of pumpkin juice. "Last I checked."

Ginny smiled and just replied to Ron. "Since when does a Weasley miss a meal?"

Ron had to bite his tongue. Hermione snickered, "I'm impressed with your commitment to not miss a day."

Harry shrugged, "Already skipped yesterday. Don't blame me, blame Mr. Weasley. Exercise helps me a LOT. The open spaces of the run with the venting of the punching bag, does a lot for keeping frustrations down. Open invite for all of you. Double for you Neville." Harry reinvited them.

"Right, sorry mate, just forgot and-"

"Mate, not mad. Four months ago I'd never guessed I'd be into this."

"Hey, I admit I started to be supportive to him," Ginny agreed, "But having extra pep in your step is not a bad thing."

"Not condemning you, sis. Slightly looking out for you because I actually do care."

"Ah, that's sweet Ron." Hermione agreed with the scratch to his back.

"Because if I don't, mum will kill me."

"Ronald!" Hermione scolded, but with a smile

"The feeling is mutual." Gin shook her head as she worked through breakfast.

"So 'Moine, Neville," Harry interrupted after swallowing, "How's being an only child working out for you?" Point delivered, they laughed and finished breakfast and finally started breaking apart, the youngers heading out to their classes, but with the 6th and 7th years needing to wait for Professor McGonagall's review and approval for N.E.W.T. classes.

"One moment, Miss Weasley." the Professor called as she came to the Gryffindor table.

Ginny looked at Harry. "What could I have possibly done? We haven't had time to get into trouble."

"Agreed, relax." Harry whispered back with a back rub. "Let the lady speak."

"Thank you all," McGonagall greeted. "I will attempt to be brief but accurate for your N.E.W.T. classes. First allow me to work en mass." As she drew a paper from her pocket.

Ginny looked up to Harry and the others. "N.E.W.T.'s? For me?" Harry continued with the nod and backrub.

McGonagall continued on reading from the list. "Yes, now your attention please. Miss. Bell, Miss Brown, Mr. Creevey, Mr. Finnigan, Miss Granger, Mr. Longbottom, Miss Patil, Mr. Potter, Miss Spinnet, Mr. Thomas, Miss Tolipan,, Miss Vane, Miss Weasley, Mr. Weasley, and Mr. Wolpert, All of you have been invited into the new A.C.T. program under Sgt. Tonks. This will be a substitute for your Defense class."

"Harry!" Hermione quickly whispered, "Do you recognize the commonality?"

Harry would have suspected regardless, but Ginny being asked to stay behind confirmed it. "It's the D.A.?" he whispered back.

Hermione nodded in confirmation.

"Why are we getting singled out?" Ginny asked.

Ron learned in "Diagon Alley?" he offered.

Harry nodded and leaned over. "Let's test this theory, Ginny, clarify yourself, a 5th year in a N.E.W.T. class."

She nodded. "Professor?" she asked.

"Yes, Miss Weasley."

"I'm a 5th year, in with 6th years?"

"Yes, Miss Weasley, each of you were specifically requested."

"Ma'am?" Harry asked with a hand raised.

"I wondered when you speak up Mr. Potter." Ms. McGonagall said with a smile.

"Yes, The students selected, the common grouping is obvious. If this is some sort of punishment, I take full responsib-"

"Mr. Potter, this is NOT disciplinary in any way. And I say that to you all. No one in this A.C.T. program is in trouble. So please do not waste energy worrying about it. However, as this is NOT my area of study I would be remiss to speak further about it. I would refer you to Sgt. Tonks for that, but I believe she wishes to address you as a class later today."

"And for those of us looking to focus on Defense classes?" Harry asked.

"I assure all of you, you will not be disappointed. But beyond that, I will refer you to Sgt. Tonks, at class."

"Let us now focus on the rest of your schedules. Miss Weasley, thank you for your patience, you are excused.

"Miss Granger, Are you certain you can handle this course load? A.C. Defense, Charms, Potions, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Muggle Studies, Herbology,and Transfigurations?

"Yes ma'am,"

"Very well then, with my blessings. Mr. Longbottom. Herbology is very wise. Potions is a logical extension, A.C.T. replacing Defense, Muggle Studies also now for you that makes sense. I see a recent change from Transfigurations to Charms?

"Yes ma'am, recently I opted to focus more on my strengths this year."

"I think that is a wise decision. And especially with your actions at the Ministry of Magic and Diagon Alley, one you have earned the right to make."

"Now, Mr. Potter, we've already discussed A.C.T., I was happy to see you in Transfigurations, Charms, Muggle Studi-" she looked up to Harry."

'It is a valid class ma'am. And both my parents were mages ma'am."

Ms. McGonagall looked at him suspiciously. "Mr. Potter, you are not the first student looking for an easy grade. Though I don't think anyone has been as creative as you have."

"Creative ma'am?"

"Someone raised in the muggle world, taking Muggle Studies? Mr. Potter, I will credit your creativity so long as you do not take me for a fool."

"Yes Ma'am."

"But you are correct, there is no rule preventing you and I presume that you may be the reason there is a surge in this semester's enrollment?"

Harry grinned. "There may be a correlation, yes."

Ms. McGonagall smirked looking at the young man before him. "Mr. Potter, I feel we will need to have a separate conversation at a later time. But no matter. " She returned to Harry's class requests. "Ancient Runes?"

"This summer I have recently developed an appreciation for guards and wards."

"A logical answer I will accept. I was surprised I did not see you register for Potions. I thought you wanted to be an Auror?"

"Well yes, but I only O.W.L'd a EE. My understanding is I would need an O to continue."

"Under Professor Snape yes, but with Professor Slughorn EE will suffice."

"Sign me up then, and thank you."

"Speaking of sign ups, So far we have 20 hopefuls for the quidditch team, I trust you to sort out a winning team. I have become quite accustomed to the Quidditch cup in my office."

"Yes ma'am."

"Off you go then. Now, Mr. Weasley, A.C.T. Transfigurations, Charms, Muggle Studies, One assumes you are of the same mine and situation as Mr. Potter in regards to Potions."

"Well Yes ma'am, but I'd need to get books and supplies."

"Ron mate, I got you."

"Well Mr. Weasley, it seems Mr. Potter is your shield bearer. What I am surprised about is N.E.W.T. level Astronomy. I will warn you Professor Sinistra is a very serious teacher."

"Yes ma'am, thank you for the warning." Ron replied with unusual seriousness.

Ms. McGonagall looked suspiciously at Ron as well. "I suspect I will need a separate conversation with you as well, Mr. Weasley, but that too will be a different time. You may go."

Ron slipped to the side to meet Harry waiting. "Harry, I had a job most of the summer, I can swing the cost of potion supplies."

"Not worried about supplies. More about time. Think you can pick it up before 3rd period?"

Ron smiled as they headed back to their dorm room. "You may have a point there." Harry pulled out his half stack truck and went down inside. Ron followed him down, "So did you get a spare set of … everything?"

Harry shrugged as took a knee by his bed, now with drawers. "One to four, depending on the item." He said seriously. Like if we need 'Mione to brew us up something, potion supplies are something I got quadruple of." he explained as he pulled one drawer out and pulled out two cases. One he put in his backpack, the second he tossed over to Ron. "Complete with textbook. Go ahead and order your own. Get them Owl'd in when it's convenient. But I don't want you slipping a few days behind from the git go. 'Mione will chew both of our arses for that."

"Thanks, mate. You're a lifesaver." Ron replied as he caught the package.

"I just had the time to think and prepare for the school year better than I have for a while. Especially with this mobile room. I opted to prep it for… whatever I could think of. Something always seems to come our way at class, I wanted to try one damn year prepared."

They went back to the Common Room where Harry saw the only quidditch player in the house older than him, Katie Bell. He had an awkward feeling in his gut. "I'll catch you in a bit Ron." Harry walked over to her. "Hey, Katie, got a second?"

"Hi, Harry," she welcomed, then she looked at his Captain's badge. "Hey, I thought you would get that, well done!"

Harry grinned, "I actually feel slightly bad about it, at least with you." as he took a seat across from her. "

"Why?" she asked, perplexed.

"You're a 7th year, ahead of me."

She waved the idea off. "What does that have to do on a quidditch field?"

Harry smiled. "Just trying to be respectful to a friend."

"Harry, I joined your D.A. team last year. I have no problem with you as quidditch captain. Let me know when tryouts are… and watch me show the fresh meat how it's done."

Harry nodded in agreement. "So, we're cool?"

"We are very cool, Harry. But your being worried about my feelings is quite sweet. Thank you." She gave the conversation a moment. "So... you and Ginny?"

Harry smirked. "Two months now."

"Nice! What finally changed?"

"I don't want to get into a huge long story. I made a LOT of big changes this summer. As normal Gin was ridiculously supportive. One day what started out as her and I being mates, got into several conversations and it grew into a date, which grew into dating… bringing us here. We're both a lot less frustrated and a lot happier. I'm calling it a win."

"Congrats, you two are good together."

"Thank you," Harry said, then looked at the clock over the mantle. "And I need to get to class. Catch you later?"

"Absolutely, Tryouts if not sooner."

Harry caught up with Ron and Hermione on the stairs to the dungeon. The door opened to reveal the ample frame of Professor Slughorn. But what registered with the three of them most was not the sights, rather the smells wafting from the potions classroom. In particular, Harry could swear he smelled Ginny's hair. It was so strong he started looking around. "'Mione, you memorize just about anything academic. Do 5th years have Potions before 6th years?""

"No, why? Something the matter?"

"No, just curious." Harry shook his head clear. He already fully admitted he loved the girl. He lifted her hair bracelet to his nose. The scent was identical, but there was a stronger source. But he was surprised he was hallucinating her. Neville and Hanna waved to the three of them as they came in and took seats. When he had a seat he double checked and yes, his invisibility cloak was still in his bag. 'Oh well, Gin will get a kick out of her hallucinating boyfriend.'

Slughorn finally came to the front of the class and began. "Now then, Welcome to Advanced Potion-Making. This is a course useful for everyone from aurors to inquisitors to healers and many, many roles in between. Today I have prepared a few potions for you to have a look at, all of which you ought to be able to make after completing your N.E.W.T.s. These are all rather well known potions that I am certain you have heard of, even if you haven't made them yet."

He walked to the first cauldron which looked simply like boiling water. "Now first up-"

That was all Hermione's reflexes needed for her hand to raise. When he pointed to her quickly answered, "Veritaserum sir, colorless, odorless and forces a drinker to tell the truth."

"Very good, very good!" Slughorn said happily.

Sitting on either side of her, Ron and Harry leaned back and exchanged grins. Yep, school had started and Hermione was in fighting shape in her natural environment.

"Polyjuce potion, sir, which I actually have made." Hermione answered the next question.

"Correct and congratulations. When did you make it?"

"Second year, sir."

Slughon nodded his head in respect. "Now let us move to what some would call the most powerful potion in the world-" with amusement he nodded to Hermione's hand.

"Based on the distinct spirals of steam rising, Amortentia, generally regarded as the most powerful love potions in the world."

"Quite right, now most people would recognize this more by its mother-of-pearl sheen. Now interestingly enough, smell is NOT an effective means of detection. Can anyone-" Slughorn shook his head. "Please continue the lesson m'lady."

Hermione smiled. "It smells differently to each individual, according to what attracts us."

"Well done, and especially seeing as you made a clean sweep of this morning's examples, may I ask your name?"

"Hermione Granger."

Finally Slughorn looked to see Harry seated next to Hermione. "Oho! Harry, one deduces this is your best friend who is top in your year."

"One and only, sir." Harry nodded.

"Well then twenty well earned points to Gryffindor, Miss Granger."

"Now let us move on to more hands-on application. In your texts, on page ten, you will find the instructions for a Draught of Living Death, it is a more advanced potion, but this is Advanced potion making and I would like to … stretch you to see how each of you do. But rather than just a grade, let me sweeten the pot. As in life to the winner, goes the spoils so for today, and today only I offer this," he held a vial of molten gold."... yes Miss Granger."

"Liquid Luck!"

"Technically correct, would you know-"

"Felix Felicis."

"Quite right, Miss Granger, 10 points Gryffindor. This vile offers enough for 12 hours of charmed favor, 1 lucky day."

"Professor?" Hermione asked.

"Yes?"

"Isn't that, essentially cheating? Using magic to improve your luck?"

Slughorn smiled. "I will concede your point of view, Miss Granger. However I would also point out the relevance could be debated on whether or not one would feel is life fair? And if one can acknowledge that life is in fact not fair, then something like this can … rebalance the scales. Additionally, this simply acts on a more general basis across all aspects for a limited time. Whereas a mage's skill in any magic can be utilized their entire life. Have you known anyone injured and treated and healed with potions? This easily can be considered prevention rather than cure. Where does one draw the line? Finally," he closed with a chuckle. "This is Potions Class, most of these questions are best left to philosophy."

Hermione alway one for logic, fact, and figures detested the ever shifting sands of philosophy. She had no intention of continuing the conversation and turned her attention to the assignment.

"Harry m'boy, would you please help by putting away some of these demonstration pieces in the supply area?" the Professor asked. "Thank you."

Helpful Harry grabbed two of them and carried them back to the cupboard area. With both of his hands full he opened the door with his foot, and put a bit too much force into it. When the door knocked into a bookshelf, an old book fell to the ground. Harry set the pieces down then grabbed the fallen book. It was a copy of Advanced Potion-Making, but dog eared and filled with hand scribbled notes on the margin and throughout the pages. It was a curiosity to be sure. It reminded Harry of a rough draft of papers after Hermione had led an editing session. It occurred to him that those revisions always did make his papers better. More on a whim than anything else he took the book with him back to his seat where his fellow students were already.

The fact it was a competition was clear, everyone's vision was bouncing between their work and their neighbors. With one notable exception, Miracle 'Mione. She never worried about what others were doing as odd or probably they were either slower than her, if not flat out wrong. Harry had a seat and looked and his summer philosophy came to mind again, 'To hell with it." He cracked open the old copy of the book to page 10, and yes, it was the same potion assigned, Draught of Living Death. That was a good sign. Harry read through it. Edits saying to crush the bean, not cut it. Updates to the stirring process. Adjustments to the ingredient proportions. This certainly felt like the revision process. Harry followed along until Slughorn announced the end of time. It seems everyone had mixed results. As the Professor observed and gave an appropriate tone of judgment. "Not bad, Mr. Longbottom. Promising, Miss Abbott. Well done Miss Granger." Then he fell silent as he looked upon Harry's. He looked very closely. He smelled it. He took the spoon and stirred it. He picked up a spoonful and watched it closely as he poured it back into the cauldron. "Perfection, absolute perfection. Well done, Harry m'boy! To the victor goes the spoils!"

A wide eyed Hermione whispered. "How? Not that I don't think you aren't capable… but HOW?!"

In class, Harry simply smiled and said, "Just lucky, I guess."

When they got back to their table for lunch Harry leveled with them showing them the book.

"Let's get down to brass tax 'Mione, who else in the class do you think will use the Liquid Luck for a better purpose than me? Half the class would use it on finals day. The other half, on a trip to Hogsmeade hoping to get really lucky."

Which is precisely when Ginny joined them. "Um… someone want to tell me why my boyfriend is talking about getting lucky when not around?" she said, perplexed.

Harry rolled his eyes as he showed the seat next to him for Ginny. "Hey babe, In potions class I won a luck potion. What I was saying is most of the other students would use the luck for that or for passing a test, where I would be using it more for keeping my arse alive from one thing or another."

Ginny listened, thought, and nodded. "Okay, good answer," as she pecked him hello.

Hermione continued, "Harry, I will even agree the luck potion would likely do the most good with you. But the ends don't justify the means. One of your most endearing qualities is your moral compass. I hate to see that start shifting."

"Mione, when you are doing ANY project, how many reference sources do you generally use? How is this book any different?"

"The authors are listed. And there are things like peer reviews and official editors. All this book is a handwritten signature of the 'Half Blood Prince.'"

Ginny jumped in, "Excuse me, May I just slip in here? Harry you got a book from…"

"Potions supply cupboard, it fell out when I was helping put things away."

"Okay," Ginny continued, "So you literally picked up a random book in this school that's been trying to kill us for like 6 years."

"Well only five for you, sis."

"Not my bloody point, Ronald." and she reflexively gave a finger and stink eye to Hermione to let her have that one. Hermione nodded and chose silence. "Harry, you picked up a random book you found in a school that's been trying to kill you for years. It's been written by some unknown author that has a pompous sounding name, and with your first use of it, you're able to beat out the person you have often referred to as Miracle 'Mione, the smartest witch in the school?"

Damn to hell if Gin couldn't put things to a fine point. "Technically speaking, yes. Look I did check it," he said tapping his glasses. "The book has no aurora. 'Mione threw a few spells at it, it's a normal book."

Hermione nodded confirmation.

"Can I see this book please?" Harry handed it over. She looked it over briefly, clearly uncomfortable, and swallowed hard as she reviewed it. Ginny closed her eyes in frustration and something else… not anger, more concern.

Ginny stood up and grabbed Harry fiercely. "Guys, can you excuse us for a moment. Harry and I are going to have a private chat." Harry was smart enough to follow along down the hall at a very quick pace. He expected her to go to a corner, or empty classroom, but as soon as she encountered one with no witness, she threw them into a broom closet. Just as quickly she charm locked the door and silenced the closet. Once she slipped her wand back to her arm sheath she turned Harry with a slight tremble.

"Okay, Harry, I swear I'm not mad. I'm not going to try to tell you you can't do something. But I am concerned. I don't want a fight, but I do NEED to be heard."

Harry gave her his full attention. "I was listening to you out there Gin, but if you want to have a private word that's fine. I am listening and I'm not looking for any fight here either." He reached out for her trembling hands and she did let him hold them.

"Harry, a book doesn't need to have a magic aura to be bad for you. The pen is mightier than the sword, you know? You know what scares me the most of what I just heard back there?"

"I picked up a random book?" Harry guessed, but seriously so.

"No, Hermione is right. One of your greatest features, one of reasons I love you, is your moral compass. You have NEVER been someone to believe the ends justify the means. That's the Slytherin way. You're better than that."

"Okay, from where you came in on the conversation, I can understand your point of view. May I clarify mine?" Ginny nodded. "This is a book that I literally just picked up last period. And it appeared to me similar to the revision process that Hermione herself has used on many of my papers that have helped make them better. So, just like this summer when my personal philosophy of, 'what the hell', the same philosophy that got me out of the Dursleys, that gave me the courage to actually level with you and got us here. I said, 'what the hell' again and tried the old book, and it won. I don't think that's necessarily the crisis of morality Hermione made it out to be."

Ginny listened intently, nodding with each point. "Thank you, okay, that helps to clarify the moral compass thing. I'll even agree with you on that. And while we're talking, I also agree you would be the one to put that bottle of liquid luck to the best use."

"Okay, thank you Gin."

"But…" Ginny took a breath, which had a tremble to it also. "Harry, I've never told anyone this, because I really don't like thinking about it. But for you, I will. The early days with Riddle's journal were great. It was like getting letters from a friend. He listened and he was damn near as charming as you. He made me feel great! It wasn't until later that everything went to shit." Harry let her keep talking but pulled her into a hug. "He chewed me up, he used me, used my body like a puppet… and well you are versed from there. And again, I will give you my thanks for saving me, my own personal hero."

"Ginny-"

"No, please let me finish this." she said with tears. "Happily, I've never ran into another book like that again. But your book, that potions' book. It is the closest thing I've seen and felt to it… and it is just … just too damn close. Harry, you have no idea how much I wish I could go back and tell Little Ginny to burn that damn diary the second she found it. It caused me so damn much pain, so many nightmares. So ya, when I see something similar with the person I love the most, I'm going to be a warning. The Man Becoming doesn't need a list of shortcuts to get anywhere. You will blaze your own trail regardless. I'm not going to tell you, 'No.' I respect you enough I'll let you make your own decisions, but I will ask you Harry, please, please, don't use that book. I can feel something wrong with it."

Harry held her close and took a full breath of her hair, the scent he was smelling earlier in potions class, except this was real. "Okay, Gin. I won't."

"Really?" she broke away enough to look him in the eyes.

He gently rubbed her cheeks reassuringly "You had me about five minutes ago, but you wanted to finish. Everything you said is greatly appreciated. But to me it gets as simple as if using a different book takes you from THIS level of concern back to normal, then I will. You outrank the book, the grade, the class, hell you outrank the whole damn school. I love you, Gin."

Relief rushed over her. "Thank you, Harry." she kissed him in appreciation. Then fell back into a hug to regain her composure.

"You are worth it, Gin. No question."

"I'll be honest Harry, this is not how I planned our first slip into a broom closet."

Harry was just happy to hear she had moved over to joking. "Sorry babe, I promise I will make it up to you sometime."

"What do you mean sometime?" she asked with a grin.

"Gin, you just poured your heart out to me, and to be clear, I actually feel honored that you feel you can be that open to me. I certainly wasn't going to try and put some moves on you like that."

She smiled. "Master Potter, ever so noble. How about cheering me up then? I mean the charms are up and everything. It would be a shame to waste them." She bit her bottom lip and looked up to him with big brown eyes.

Harry smiled, "Well like our first date, anything you want." Then he slipped into a proper broom closet snog.