Chapter 99

Christmas Slug and Secrets

As the last full day of term arrived, Lily found herself with an invite to Slughorn's Christmas party. A quick discussion with her friends showed that they had all been invited; Lily, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Lavender, Parvati, Neville, Luna, Padma, Cormac, Draco, and Pansy, though Lily was certain there would be others there.

She had been to a couple of Slughorn's events, and whilst they weren't terrible, she had felt a little out of place with how Slughorn had fawned over her as his 'star pupil' in the school. Draco had been attending them, and he had tried to help her as best he could, which was still a shock, but she was thankful, nonetheless.

Lily had been given an early Christmas present; a new dress for the event. She loved it – she loved anything Ginny brought her, although Ginny had incredible taste – and was looking forward to wearing it.

As Lily and Ginny arrived at the party, they saw several students already there, as well as some of the teachers, including Professor Snape, and Aunt Minnie.

"Lily, dear, you look absolutely wonderful," Minerva practically gushed, with a smile as she hugged Lily. "New dress?"

"A present from Ginny," Lily confirmed.

"Excellent taste, as always, Ginny," Minerva complimented. "Are you looking forward to Christmas holidays?"

"Definitely. We're all going to be at Grimmauld, right?" Lily asked. Minerva nodded.

"We are. Your uncles are excited to see you for Christmas; they're concerned about the way things have been happening at Hogwarts, but they have faith in you," Minerva explained.

"I'm glad. I'm looking forward to seeing them both as well," Lily smiled. "Is Mr. Crouch coming?"

"Yes, he's been invited. I want to speak to you after the party, but for now, let's relax and enjoy ourselves, shall we?" Minerva suggested.

"Good idea," Lily said, as she saw Slughorn approaching her.

"Lily, my dear girl, I'm so glad you made it," Slughorn beamed at her.

"Thank you for the invite, Professor," Lily smiled as she shook his hand.

"Not at all, not at all. Please, come on in, I want to introduce you to a few people, if you're okay with that?" Slughorn asked. Not waiting for her response, Slughorn guided Lily towards the centre of the room, where she saw, to her surprise, Rufus Scrimgeour, talking to people she didn't recognise.

"Ah, Miss Potter, wonderful to see you," Scrimgeour said, shaking her hand.

"You already know Rufus?" Slughorn asked, still grinning. "That's good. I was telling him how talented you are at potions. Must be a combination of your mother's genes, and Severus's teachings."

Lily saw Slughorn pull Snape into the conversation, who looked like he wasn't happy to be there. Of course, that was how he usually looked, but Lily could tell how he was feeling.

"Severus, you've obviously been an incredible influence on our sweet Lily, she's the best student in the school right now," Slughorn complimented. Lily blushed at the compliment as she met Snape's gaze.

"Potter has been… one of the better students I've taught," Snape said. Lily almost fainted; that was the nicest thing Snape had ever said to her – or to anyone as far as she knew – and this caused her blush to darken.

"I can see that. She made a perfect Draught of Living Death in her first lesson, never seen anything like it from a student!" Slughorn gushed.

"Professor Snape has been an amazing teacher," Lily returned the compliment. A part of her wanted him to feel the way she was, but at the same time, it was true. Ever since her third year, Snape had been treating her better than before.

"Are potions your favourite lesson then, Lily?" Scrimgeour asked.

"I've been studying hard for it, Minister. I learnt how much my mother loved potions, and it feels natural to study it now I know that," Lily replied.

"Absolutely understandable," Scrimgeour said.

"Lily, this is my dear friend, Eldred Worple, author of Blood Brothers: My Life Amongst The Vampires," Slughorn introduced. "And this is his friend, Sanguini,"

Worple was a small, stout man with glasses, and he immediately grabbed Lily's hand, shaking it passionately. His friend, who Lily surmised was a Vampire – something she hadn't realised was real, but now here was the proof – was tall, rather thin with dark shadows under his eyes, yet well presented. He also looked, well, bored.

"It's such a pleasure, Lily Potter," Worple said, grinning as he looked at her face. "I was saying to Horace just the other day 'Where's the biography of Lily Potter, which we've all been waiting for?"

Lily wasn't entirely sure how to respond, but thankfully Ginny reached her, and took Lily's hand.

"Lily really doesn't like a spotlight being put on her," Ginny was defensive, yet polite, as she stood next to her.

"Just as modest as Horace described," Worple said. He then switched from enthusiastic to business like. "Seriously, I would be delighted to write it myself; people are craving to know all about you," Worple explained.

"I'm not sure there's much worth knowing," Lily said, feeling more uncomfortable.

"Oh Lily, after everything you've done, the world has to know all about you," Worple exclaimed.

"Eldred, this is a party, not a business meeting," Scrimgeour chided, before Ginny could intercede. "And your friend might be hungry," he added. Worple quickly regained the attention of Sanguini, who had been edging towards a group of girls, a hungry look in his eye. Worple gave him a pasty, pushing it into the vampire's mouth.

"Thank you," Lily spoke softly so only Ginny and Scrimgeour could hear her.

"You're welcome," Scrimgeour replied, a small smile on his face. "What else are you studying, aside from potions?"

"Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, and Herbology," Lily replied. This brought a smile to Scrimgeour's face.

"Everything you need to train as an Auror," Scrimgeour surmised. "I have every confidence that you'll make an excellent one. When you finish your schooling, I'll make sure there's a position ready for you, should you so wish."

"Already tapped for the Ministry?" Slughorn spoke proudly, putting his arm around Lily's shoulder. "I knew from the moment I met you, my dear, that you would be destined for greatness!"

"T… thank you," Lily stammered slightly, feeling uncomfortable with all the attention.

"Horace, I was hoping you'd show me that wonderful artwork you recently acquired that you told me about," Scrimgeour asked. Horace chuckled, and began to walk away with Scrimgeour, who flashed Lily a small smile.

"Remind me to send him a thank you card," Lily whispered to Ginny, who led her towards where the refreshments were.

"Likewise," Ginny agreed, as they each took a glass of Pineapple juice; Lily wasn't expecting something like that, but given Slughorn knew it was her favourite drink, after their first meeting, it didn't exactly surprise her.

"Are you okay, Lily?" Ginny had a look of concern on her face.

"I am now," Lily smiled at Ginny. "I didn't exactly think I'd be swamped."

"I'm betting Slughorn brought all these guests to show everyone that he's close friends with you," Ginny surmised.

"Sounds about right," a voice startled Lily and Ginny from behind. Turning, Lily saw Draco, Pansy, Ron, Lavender, and Hermione. It had been Draco who had spoken up. "Sorry we didn't get to you sooner."

"I'm just glad you're here, maybe we can stop others from crowding Lily," Ginny said, with a small smile.

Lily nodded, then did something that she knew was going to surprise everyone, but it came out of practically nowhere.

"Draco, do you and Pansy want to join us all for Christmas at ours?" Lily blurted. Draco practically froze, as did everyone in the group. Lily was afraid she'd said something wrong, but it was Pansy who spoke up first.

"Are… are you sure we'd even be welcome?" Pansy asked. Lily nodded.

"Mum always does way too much food anyway, and you shouldn't be alone," Ginny said, smiling as she held Lily's hand, supporting her immediately.

"I mean, she's not wrong, Mum makes enough food to feed an army," Ron agreed. "And no one should be alone, not at Christmas."

"It's going to be a hard one for you both, so I think they're right, it's important for you both to be there," Hermione added, as Minerva joined them.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," she said, looking at the group. "I heard what you were just saying, and Mr. Malfoy, Miss Parkinson, of course you're both welcome to join us at Christmas."

"Thank you. We'd like that," Draco said, with a small smile on his face. "Thank you, Lily."

"You're welcome," Lily replied. "It's going to be a hell of a party," she added, making a mental note to go shopping with Ginny, to make sure Draco and Pansy had presents on the day.

"It sounds like fun," Pansy replied, smiling. Lily returned the smile, just as Cormac joined them, looking pale.

"Watch out for that tray there," he said weakly, pointing to an elf. "I thought they were chocolate balls or something."

"What were they?" Ron asked.

"Dragon balls," Cormac's answer caused everyone to burst out laughing, including Draco and Pansy.

"Thanks for the warning," Ron chuckled.

"Who eats Dragon balls?" Ginny asked, raising an eyebrow.

"In some cultures, they're considered a delicacy. Good thing Hagrid isn't here; he'd go nuts at such a thing," Minerva explained.

"They're not actually made from… well, you know?" Lily asked.

"Kind of. They're actually called Dragon Tartare," Hermione replied to no one's surprise. "They're made with finely diced raw dragon meat."

"Raw? Isn't that dangerous?" Lily asked. She saw Cormac's face go even paler.

"I'm going to check with Madam Pomfrey," Cormac said, as he quickly made his way to the exit.

"Luckily, raw dragon meat in small amounts isn't dangerous, but it can be unpleasant. It's rather like Sushi; when prepared properly, it's a delicacy. If prepared improperly, it can make one sick," Minerva told the group.

"Have you ever tried it?" Draco asked.

"Once, and I shall never do so again," Minerva answered, a dour look on her face as she was remembering that occasion.

"Poor Cormac. I hope he isn't too ill," Lily said, chuckling.

"Don't worry, all the food is prepared properly. We've got people making sure no one interferes with any of the food at Hogwarts," Minerva assured them. "Lily, if you have a moment, I would like to speak with you, and Ginny."

"Of course, Aunt Minnie. Back soon," Lily said to the group, as Minerva led her and Ginny from the party, and towards an empty classroom.


"I understand that Barty gave Hermione a book to study," Minerva began, when they were sitting down. Lily and Ginny looked at one another, before looking at her. "He told me before giving it to you; I allowed him to do so. He's already told us of his concerns and fears."

"And you agree with him?" Lily asked softly.

"Sadly, I do. Albus has not told me much of anything this year, other than to let me know when he meets with you, Ginny, and Barty," Minerva replied, looking slightly pale.

"Why is he hiding so much from people, especially you?" Lily asked, feeling surprised, and a little uneasy.

"I wish I knew, Lily," Minerva answered. "There's a lot he's keeping secret, and I can only accept that it's for the best."

"How can keeping these kinds of secrets be for the best?" Ginny blurted, clearly annoyed and confused.

"I can't exactly explain it, but for as long as I've known him, Albus Dumbledore has always had the sharpest mind, and planned for every contingency. He even taught me when I was a student here," Minerva told them. "He taught me Transfiguration. I heard how he had been more… lively but changed two years before I attended."

"What happened?" Lily asked, frowning.

"Do you know much about Gellert Grindelwald?" Minerva asked.

"I remember some of the lessons; he was a dark wizard, and some of his people even helped the Nazi's in World War 2," Lily replied. Minerva nodded.

"In 1945, after actively terrorising the magical world, Dumbledore fought Grindelwald. I know that he was hesitant to do so, though no one knows why. Still, at the end, the fight was incredible, and Dumbledore emerged victorious. Grindelwald was sent to Nuremburg, a prison he had created, for the rest of his life, where he still remains to this day, and Albus changed greatly," Minerva explained. "I suppose such a battle would have an impact on anyone."

"He saved the wizarding world and became a different man. After the battle, Tom Riddle graduated, and left to work for Borgin and Burkes," Minerva explained. "I don't know much about him, but maybe that's what Albus is researching."

"It's some of what he's researching; that's part of what he's been teaching us," Lily replied. "He wants us to know more, so we can be better prepared."

"Then we need to trust him," Minerva said. "I do trust him, and I'm willing to keep trusting him, until he gives me reason not to."

"He's never given us a reason not to trust him," Lily replied. "I'm just… scared, I guess. What if he is dying? Maybe he's finding a way to cure himself?"

"I hope he is; a world without Dumbledore, especially the way the world currently is… I don't want to picture it."

"Neither do we," Ginny agreed, as she held onto Lily. "He's always been so strong, and powerful, and yet gentle and kind."

"That's one of many apt descriptions," Minerva agreed. "Right now, we need to hope for the best; if we lose hope, we could lose everything. We're still trying to find out who hurt Katie, and the rumours going around aren't helping."

"How can anyone think she is a dark witch? Katie's one of the best people I know!" Lily exclaimed.

"Many people were quick to assume you were the heir of Slytherin, dear. You should know how quickly rumours spread at this school," Minerva pointed out.

"And now, instead of rumours, there's a lot of secrets," Lily said, as the door opened, revealing Mr. Filch. Mrs. Norris ran over to Lily, leaping up onto her lap. Lily grinned and began to stroke her gently.

"Apologies, Professor McGonagall, I heard talking and wanted to make sure there weren't students out of bed without permission," Filch said.

"It's quite alright, Filius, we appreciate the hard work you're doing," Minerva complimented, as Ginny and Lily continued to pet Mrs. Norris.

"Who's a beautiful girl? Yes, you are, aren't you?" Lily cooed.

"She always loves seeing you, Miss Potter," Filch said, with a small smile.

"She's as beautiful as always," Lily said. "I'll send hers, and your, Christmas Present when I get home tomorrow."

"That's kind of you," Filch said, smiling at her.

"We should head back to the party, before we're missed," Minerva said. Lily gave Mrs. Norris a kiss, as did Ginny, before standing up, letting Mrs. Norris get down gently.

As they returned to the party, Lily couldn't help but wonder what secrets Dumbledore was keeping. Was he still researching Voldemort, or was there more to this? Lily didn't know, but the whole thing made her feel uneasy, especially the thought of losing Dumbledore.

If the world lost Dumbledore, then how could she, a student, be expected to stand up to Voldemort? She didn't know, but she felt terrified at the idea, the only comfort being what Minerva said; to hope that he found a cure for whatever was killing him, before it was too late!


Sitting in the Slytherin common room, Blaise Zabini growled angrily as he looked at Crabbe and Goyle. "Are you serious? How long has this been going on for?" he demanded.

"I don't know," Goyle replied, not meeting his gaze. "All I know is Parkinson was asking questions, and she and Malfoy were seen with the Potter freak."

"He managed to turn Draco against the Dark Lord?" Zabini demanded.

"I'm just telling you what I saw," Goyle replied. "I dunno what he's doing there."

"He could be getting close to Potter to help bring him down," Crabbe added.

"I doubt it," Zabini told them. "No, Draco can't be trusted again. Fairly certain we can thank Bellatrix for that."

"What are you gonna tell him?" Goyle asked.

"Nothing, yet," Zabini replied. "There's no point in saying anything that'll upset him."

"Wouldn't he already know?" Crabbe asked.

"Possibly, but he's not said anything to me about it. That's not saying much; we know he's good at keeping his secrets to himself," Zabini said. "Still, we should assume he knows everything we do."

"What do we do now?" Goyle asked, taking a bite out of the chocolate bar he was munching on.

"For now, we continue with our plan. His first plan failed, when that stupid Bell girl touched the damned necklace. Now we need to be careful, and we can't trust anyone," Zabini said.

"How's it coming along so far?" Crabbe looked at Zabini with a frown.

"So far, not great, but Borgin isn't being that helpful. I've asked Greyback to visit him again. He might have gotten spooked after that visit he had from the freak's uncle," Zabini told them. "But don't worry; by the end of this school year, Dumbledore will be dead, and the Dark Lord will emerge victorious!"