Hinny, A Beginning (BOOK 1 OF HINNY THROUGH THE YEARS)

The Slug Club Dinner Party

I don't own any of the characters. All credit goes to the Epic J.K. Rowling of course and always.

Harry

Professor Slughorn sent an invite for a Saturday Supper party. I was free so I decided to go, making sure that Hermoine and Ginny were coming as well. I hadn't seen Ginny or heard from Professor Dumbledore all week. I'd told Hermoine and Ron about everything I'd seen with Professor Dumbledore.

Everything about Tom Riddle's childhood. How Dumbledore'd recruited Tom Riddle for Hogwarts. How everything began without Dumbledore even knowing that he was visiting the darkest wizard of all time.

Saturday morning, Hermoine and Ginny didnt come for breakfast.

"So, whats the Slug Club like?" Ron asked, gulping his toast and egg.

"Its alright. We have a party tonight."

"Sounds fun." He nodded, "Where's Hermoine?"

"I have no idea." I shook my head.

Evening came fast and I dressed with jeans, white t-shirt and a brown blazer Sirius'd given me. I headed off for Slughorn's office and when entered, supper was already served. I took a seat beside Hermoine but when looked around, found no Ginny. Hermoine was in a pink sweater and jeans with an awkward expression on her face.

"Harry, m'boy, i was starting to think you wouldn't show." Professor Slughorn laughed, sipping his tea as everyone around enjoyed rolls and savory pastries.

"So, tell me Cormac, do you see any of your Uncle Tiberius these days?" Professor Slughorn asked Cormac who sat beside him around the round table when the large dishes of cream puffs with chocolate syrup were served to each guest.

"Yes, sir, in fact, I'm meant to go hunting with him and the minister of Magic, over the holidays." Cormac spoke proudly. I didnt care much for him after the Quiditch tryouts.

"Well, be sure to give them both our best." Professor Slughorn gulped a whole cream puff, "What about your uncle Belby?" He turned to the skinny kid sitting beside Blaise next to him. Belby almost choked on a puff and after clearing his throat he straightened, "For those of you who don't know, Marcus' uncle created the Wolfsbane Potion. Is he working on something new?"

"Dont know. Him and dad, dont get along." Belby gulped, "Probably because me dad thinks that potions is rubbish and the only potion worth having is a stiff one at the end of the day." I looked over at Hermoine with a grin. I kept looking at the empty seat beside me. Where was Ginny?

"What about you, Miss Granger? What exactly does your family do in the Muggle world?"

"My parents are dentists." Everyone looked at her, confused, "They tend to people's teeth."

"Fascinating. And is that considered a dangerous profession?" Professor Slughorn genuinely looked intrigued.

"No." I looked at Hermoine with a grin, "Although, one boy, Robbie Fenwick, did bite my father once. He needed ten stitches." A giggle broke out of her and I chuckled. Just then, we heard the office doors open and Ginny popped in wearing a glimmering green top and black pants under. She looked beautiful but exhausted.

"Look at her eyes." Hermoine whispered. I saw them. They were puffy snd red, "They've been fighting. Her and Dean." She spoke sadly.

"Sorry, I'm not usually late." She spoke with a heavy voice as she reached her chair. I felt a strong urge to hold her and without effort I was on my feet. Everyone looked at me as we sat on our seats together and Hermoine gave me an amused twitch of her brow. I looked over at Ginny who was staring at her desert and then everyone around.