A Broken Inheritance

Chapter 19: A Boggart and a Banquet

"Gaunt," Sirius greeted with a grin as Anastasia passed. "Bringing half the family, I see?"

Anastasia's lips curved into a faint, icy smile. "Black. Didn't expect to see you tonight. Thought the guest list would be more... selective."

"Right back at you, cousin," Sirius winked, raising his goblet in mock salute. Although their words were sharp, there was a glimmer of playfulness in their tones that only the two of them understood.

"Ah, our final guests have arrived!" Slughorn announced, his face beaming with pleasure. "Mr. Malfoy, Miss Black, and of course, Miss Gaunt—always a delight to have you at these dinners. Such promise, such sophistication!"

James resisted the urge to roll his eyes, instead reaching for a goblet of pumpkin juice to hide his expression. Sirius, however, wasn't as restrained.

"Such modesty, too," Sirius muttered, loud enough for only James to hear.

Anastasia slid into her seat gracefully, Lucius and Narcissa flanking her as the rest of the table filled with familiar faces—Lily Evans, Marlene McKinnon, and several other members of the Slug Club. Professor Slughorn himself bustled around, beaming at his handpicked collection of students. His burgundy velvet waistcoat strained slightly as he clapped his hands together.

"Welcome, welcome, my dears!" Slughorn said warmly, his walrus-like moustache twitching as he surveyed the room. "What a marvellous turnout. Truly, this is the brightest gathering of minds Hogwarts has to offer. I'm so proud of each and every one of you."

James leaned toward Sirius, muttering under his breath, "He says that every time."

"Still feels good, though, doesn't it?" Sirius whispered back with a grin.

The table filled with conversation as the meal began, dishes of roasted pheasant, glazed carrots, and pumpkin soup appearing with a wave of Slughorn's wand. Goblets of pumpkin juice and elderflower wine sparkled in the candlelight as the professor made his rounds, lavishing praise and attention on his handpicked students.

"So," Slughorn boomed as he reached Anastasia's end of the table, his mustache twitching with curiosity. "Anastasia, my dear. I hear you're keeping up the family tradition of excellence, hmm? Top marks in Potions as always!"

"Thank you, Professor," Anastasia said smoothly, her tone polite but measured.

"Of course, of course," Slughorn said, beaming. "And how is your... family?" He glanced at her with a glint of something sharper in his eyes, though his tone remained jovial. "I hear congratulations are in order, dear? I've heard the most delightful news about your engagement!"

The room stilled slightly, the subtle shift in atmosphere palpable as all eyes turned to Anastasia. James froze, his hand tightening around the stem of his goblet as he tried to keep his expression neutral.

Anastasia's smile didn't falter, though her grip on her fork tightened imperceptibly. "Yes, thank you, Professor," she said smoothly.

"What a pair the two of you make, quite the match indeed! Tom was always favourite of mine in his time here, you know. Brilliant mind. I trust he's doing well at the Ministry?"

The question hung in the air, drawing a few curious looks from around the table at the mention of Tom Riddle. Lucius and Narcissa exchanged a brief glance, but Anastasia didn't miss a beat.

"He's doing exceptionally well, sir," she said, her voice even. "Quite the rising star in his department, as you might expect."

"Ah, yes, yes," Slughorn said, nodding enthusiastically. "Always knew he'd go far, that one. Such charm, such talent..." He trailed off, his expression briefly clouding with something unreadable before he cleared his throat and moved on.