Once everyone got back to Hogwarts, Hermione and Ron's friendship was still on pause as Ron and Lavender were still dating.
Hermione was livid with Harry and Riley for their reckless behavior at the Burrow.
"It's so easy for them to get to you. You're bloody lucky you weren't killed. You have to realize who you are, Harry! And Riley, why would you run into the fire after him!" Hermione sighed.
Hazel stood awkwardly beside them, attempting to calm Hermione down.
"I won't calm down, Hazel! What they did was foolish!" Hermione seethed, her frustration causing spittle to fly.
"I know it was stupid, Hermione, alright. Sorry," Harry said.
"Yeah sorry," Riley apologized.
"Lav, come on. Of course, I'll wear it," Ron assured Lavender, who excitedly jumped up and clapped her hands.
"She's so sweet," Riley nudged Hazel, who nodded in agreement.
"That's my Won-Won," Lavender beamed, leaping onto Ron's back with an overly enthusiastic grin, despite Ron's annoyance.
"Excuse me, I need to go and vomit," Hermione rolled her eyes, swiftly turning away.
"Hermione needs to get over this. She's acting like a bitch. Lavender is such a nice girl," Riley shook her head softly.
"To be honest, I don't think they'll become friends because she also likes Ron. But the least Hermione could do is be civil to her," Hazel shrugged.
"Yeah, I agree," Harry nodded.
A young Ravenclaw with curly brown hair and innocent, bright blue eyes approached Harry and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Um, excuse me, but Professor Dumbledore wants to see you in his office," the boy said, glancing nervously at Harry.
"Alright, thanks," Harry nodded at the boy, who quickly walked away to join his friends, engaging in excited chatter about what had just transpired.
"I'll be back soon," Harry assured Riley before planting a swift kiss on her lips and rushing towards Dumbledore's office.
Riley let out a dreamy sigh as she watched her charming boyfriend go.
"You never catch a break, do you?" Hazel playfully nudged her friend.
"Nope, but I am a sucker for action," Riley grinned as she stared after Harry.
....
"Hello Harry," Dumbledore said as Harry entered the office.
"Professor," Harry nodded politely while gently stroking Dumbledore's pet phoenix, Fawkes, on the head.
"I summoned you today because I wanted to show you another memory," Dumbledore motioned for Harry to approach the familiar bowl of blue liquid.
"Whose memory is this, Professor?" Harry inquired respectfully.
"You will soon find out," the older man replied as Harry immersed his head into the bowl.
The surroundings transformed into a classroom adorned with a large dining table. Seated around it were a few boys and a younger-looking Professor Slughorn.
"I must say, you possess an impressive source of information. More knowledgeable than half of the staff, you are," Slughorn chuckled while glancing at a boy with dark wavy hair and green eyes—Tom Riddle, who exuded charm in his suit.
"Sir, is it true that Professor Merrythought is retiring?" the boy inquired.
"Tom, even if I knew, I couldn't tell you, could I? By the way, thank you for the pineapple. You were right; it is my favorite. But how did you know?" Slughorn asked Tom.
"Intuition," Tom smirked, earning admiration from the other boys.
"Goodness gracious, is it that time already?" the potions professor glanced at his wristwatch before rising from his seat.
"Off you go, boys, or Professor Dippet will have us all in detention," Professor Slughorn instructed as the boys filed out of the classroom, except for Tom, who remained behind.
"Stay alert, Tom. Don't get caught wandering the corridors after curfew," the older man advised Tom, who showed no signs of leaving.
"Is something troubling you, Tom?" Slughorn expressed concern as he looked at the young man.
"Yes, sir. You see, I couldn't think of anyone else to turn to. The other professors... Well, they're not like you. They might misunderstand," Tom gazed up at the professor with his piercing green eyes.
"Go on," Slughorn urged.
"The other night, I was in the library—in the restricted section. I stumbled upon something quite peculiar about a rare form of magic. I thought perhaps you could enlighten me. It's called... as far as I know, Hor..." Tom began.
Slughorn's face turned a bright red, clearly shocked by what he heard.
"I beg your pardon? I know nothing about such matters, and even if I did, I wouldn't disclose it to you. Now, get out of here at once, and never let me catch you discussing this again!" he yelled at the boy as the memory began to fade.
Harry emerged from the memory, his hair dripping with the remnants of the liquid from the bowl.
"Confused? It would be surprising if you weren't," Dumbledore remarked, glancing at Harry.
"I don't understand. What happened?" Harry recollected the memory.
"This is perhaps the most crucial memory I have collected. However, it is also a falsehood. Someone has tampered with this memory, and that person is the same individual to whom the memory belongs—our old friend, Professor Slughorn," the Headmaster revealed.
"But why would he tamper with his own memory?" Harry's brow furrowed, expressing confusion.
"I suspect he's ashamed of it," Dumbledore swiftly replied.
"Why?" the chosen one inquired, seeking understanding.
"Why, indeed. I asked you to become acquainted with Professor Slughorn, and you have accomplished that. Now, I want you to persuade him to reveal his true memory, by any means necessary," Dumbledore ordered with unwavering determination.
"I don't know him well enough, sir," Harry admitted, scratching his head.
"This memory holds immense importance. Without it, we are left in the dark. Without it, we leave the fate of our world to chance. You have no choice. You must not fail," the older man emphasized, placing the weight of responsibility on Harry's shoulders.
Harry positioned himself outside Slughorn's classroom, where the potions professor was currently teaching a fourth-year class.
"I highly recommend reviewing the chapter on antidotes. In our next class, we will delve into the topic of bezoars. Now, off you go. Elise, don't forget your rat tail," he addressed a girl with ginger hair and braces, who scurried away.
"Aha! If it isn't the Prince of Potions himself! To what do I owe this pleasure?" Slughorn greeted Harry as he entered the classroom.
"Oh, sir, I wanted to ask you something," Harry began.
"Ask away, my dear boy. Ask away," Slughorn responded eagerly, his gaze fixed on Harry.
"Well, the other day, while I was in the library's restricted section, I stumbled upon something rather peculiar about an extremely rare form of magic," Harry explained, his eyes locked with the professor.
"Yes, and what was this rare form of magic?" Slughorn inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Well, I can't recall the exact name, but it got me wondering if there are certain types of magic that you are not allowed to teach us," Harry questioned.
"I am the Potions Master, Harry. I believe that question would be better suited for Professor Snape," the potions professor's discomfort became apparent.
"Yes, Professor Snape and I don't exactly see eye-to-eye, sir. What I mean to say is... Well, he's not like you. He might misinterpret things," the boy who lived clarified.
"Yes, there can be no light without darkness. And so it is with magic. I always strive to reside in the light. I suggest you do the same," Slughorn turned away from Harry, subtly dismissing the topic.
"Is that what you told Tom Riddle when he approached you with inquiries?" Harry pressed further, causing Slughorn to abruptly turn around and approach him, anger evident in his expression.
"Dumbledore put you up to this, didn't he? Didn't he?" Slughorn furrowed his eyebrows, his gaze piercing as he stared at Harry.
Over the next couple of days, Harry tried to visit and engage Slughorn in conversation, but the professor would actively avoid him.
Undeterred, Harry, accompanied by Riley, made their way to Slughorn's classroom and knocked on the door.
Slughorn cautiously opened the door, peering through the narrow opening and only seeing Riley at first.
"Yes? Oh! Miss Madden, how nice to see you!" Slughorn greeted Riley warmly before fully opening the door, revealing Harry's presence.
"Oh, it's you, Potter. I-I'm sorry, I'm busy at the moment," the potions professor hastily apologized, abruptly closing the door.
"Damn, you really scared him off, Haz," Riley breathed, observing her boyfriend's frustration.
"I was only doing it because Dumbledore told me to," Harry explained, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"Hey, hey. I'm sorry, I didn't know you were this upset about it," Riley consoled, placing her hand over his wrist, noticing his racing pulse.
In a moment of intense emotion, he grabbed her arm and swiftly led her to an abandoned hallway.
"Harry! What the heck are you doing?" she asked angrily, taken aback by his sudden actions.
"Are you crazy, Har—" Riley's words were cut off as Harry's lips fervently met hers.
A deep moan escaped her as his hands found her hips, holding her close. She reciprocated by wrapping her arms around his neck, drawing him nearer.
Their lips synchronized in a passionate rhythm, igniting a wonderful connection between them.
"Harry!" she moaned, feeling his lips trail down to her neck, leaving a trail of hungry kisses.
Their intimate moment was interrupted by approaching footsteps, causing Harry to detach his lips from Riley's neck.
"Quick!" Harry exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency, as he tightly grasped Riley's arm and pulled her along.
Riley's face lit up with a radiant smile, a mixture of excitement and exhilaration, as they dashed back to the Gryffindor common room.
Bursting through the door of the boy's dormitory, the room echoed with the resounding slam.
Neville engrossed in his Herbology book, was startled and jumped to his feet at the sudden commotion.
"Out!" Riley commanded, her voice brimming with determination, causing Neville to let out a surprised yelp and hastily retreat.
Harry's eyes sparkled mischievously as he looked at Riley, a playful grin dancing on his lips.
"Now, where were we?" he asked, his voice laced with anticipation and desire as Riley climbed on top of him,
Harry distinctively put his hands on her hips.
Riley playfully scolded him, a mixture of amusement and affection in her tone. "Now, Potter, remember, I'm in charge."
That night, they had sex and it was a moment that would forever hold a special place in their hearts.
And the next day when Harry came down late to breakfast Riley was extremely worried.
"What's wrong?" Hazel inquired, her voice muffled by the spoonful of cereal she was devouring.
Riley's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, a mix of emotions fluttering within her. "Er, nothing," she muttered, averting her gaze.
Hazel, ever perceptive, couldn't help but notice her friend's blush and guarded demeanor. Her eyes widened with curiosity as she probed further.
"Riley Madden, not a word to say? Something definitely happened between you and him last night, didn't it?" Hazel observed, studying her best friend closely, who found solace in the comforting embrace of her muffin.
"Nothing, really," Riley mumbled, her fingers nervously scratching the back of her head, her discomfort evident.
Hazel, with an impish grin, couldn't contain her excitement. "Oh, come on, you two had sex!" she blurted out, causing Riley to wish she could bury her head in the table.
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly leaned in closer. "What?!" she exclaimed, unintentionally attracting Ron's attention.
"Shhhh!" Riley urgently hushed, shooting a cautionary glance at Hermione, trying to keep their conversation discreet.
"Hey, when I had sex, you made such a fuss about it. It's only fair I return the favor, honey," she teased, her smirk widening.
"Whatever, Hazel," Riley replied, rolling her eyes and then affectionately placing her hand on her friend's face, trying to wave off the subject.
....
It was midnight and Ron sat on his bed clutching a box of chocolates with a dreamy expression on his face as he looked out the window. Harry sat on his own bed reading the Half-Blood prince's book.
"That's beautiful, isn't it? The moon," Ron smiled.
"Divine. Had ourselves a little late-night snack, did we?" Harry chuckled.
"It was on your bed, the box. I just thought I'd try one," Ron frowned.
"Or twenty?" Harry snatched the heart-shaped box away from the redhead.
"I can't stop thinking about her, Harry," the younger Weasley said with a large smile on his face which made Harry raise his eyebrows.
"Honestly, you know, I reckon she was starting to annoy you," the chosen one said.
"She could never annoy me. I think I love her," Ron looked happy.
"Well, brilliant," Harry didn't know what to say.
"Do you think she knows I exist?" Ron asked.
"I very well hope so. She's been snogging you for three months," the boy who lived said.
"Snogging? Who are you talking about?"
"Who are you talking about?" Harry replied.
"Romilda, of course. Romilda Vane," Ron sighed dreamily as he thought about the dark-haired Gryffindor.
"Okay, very funny. What was that for?" Harry questioned as Ron had hit him with his pillow.
"It's no joke. I'm in love with her!" Ron practically screamed.
"Alright, fine. You're in love with her. Have you ever actually met her?" Harry breathed as he looked at his lovesick best friend.
"No. Can you introduce me?" Ron looked at Harry with hope as Harry looked at the back of the red heart-shaped box. Romilda was blowing a kiss and waving flirtily.
"Come on, Ron. I going to introduce you to Romilda Vane," Harry said as Ron shot up.
The two went over to Professor Slughorn's office still in their pajamas.
Harry knocked on the door.
"I'm sorry, sir. I wouldn't bother you if it weren't absolutely essential," Harry said as Slughorn opened the door and examined Ron.
"Come in," the potions professor said as they sat Ron down on a couch.
"Where's Romilda?" Ron whipped his head around.
"What's the matter with Wenby?" Slughorn looked quizzically at Ron who was laughing at nothing.
"Very powerful love potion," Harry replied.
"Very well, better bring him in. I always thought you could whip up a remedy for this is in no time, Harry," the older man said.
"Well, I-I thought this called for more practiced hands, sir," Harry stuttered.
"Perhaps, you're right," Slughorn said as he looked into some drawers.
"I'm sorry, by the way, Professor, about earlier this week. Our misunderstanding," Harry apologized with embarrassment.
"Oh, not at all. Old water under the bridge, you know. Correct?" Slughorn smiled at him as he continued to rummage through his things.
"Well, I expect you're tired a bit, after all these years. And the questions about Voldemort," Harry said.
"Don't use that name!" Slughorn hissed as he took out a vial with a clear liquid and walked up to Ron.
"Here you go, boy. Bottom's up," he handed the vial to Ron who looked skeptical.
"What's this?" Ron asked.
"Tonic for the nerves," Slughorn explained as Ron chugged the liquid.
"What happened to me?" the redhead asked as he set the vial down on a table.
"A love potion," Harry described his previous situation.
"A bloody strong one at that," Slughorn chuckled.
"You need to pick me up, my boy. Got butterbeer, wine, dazzling oak-matured mead. I had other intentions for this, but I think, given the circumstances," Slughorn poured fire whiskey into three glasses.
"Here you are, Potter. To life!" Harry said as him and Slughorn clinked glasses while Ron drank the fire whiskey.
He dropped to the floor. Foam started forming around his mouth bubbling. His body twitched.
"Ron! Ron! Professor, do something!" Harry looked at his friend as the potions professor looked frozen.
"I-I don't understand!" the professor put a hand on his head as Harry looked through his drawers and finally found a brown circular object and rushed over to Ron and put it in his mouth.
"Come on, Ron, breathe!" Harry encouraged as Ron's breathing became steady and even.
"These girls... They're gonna kill me," Ron said in a small voice before passing out.
....
The next day, everyone went to the Hospital Wing to see Ron. Professor Dumbledore, Slughorn, Snape, and McGonagall were also there.
Ginny and Hermione sat by his bedside while Hazel and Riley stood beside Harry.
"Aw poor Ron," Riley said as Harry wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Quick thinking on your part, Harry, using a bezoar. You should be very proud of your student, Horace," Dumbledore complimented.
"Ah, yes. Very proud," Slughorn said as he looked at Ron's sleeping form.
"I think we agree Potter's actions were heroic. The question is why were they necessary?" McGonagall looked at Slughorn.
"Why, indeed. This appears to be a gift, Horace. You don't remember who gave you this bottle? By the way, it possesses remarkably subtle hints of licorice and cherry. When not polluted with poison," Dumbledore sniffed a vial.
"Actually, I had intended to give it as a gift, myself," Slughorn admitted.
"To whom, might I ask?" Dumbledore asked.
"To you, headmaster," the potions professor said.
Lavender Brown rushed inside of the Hospital Wing with a worried expression written on her face. Her hair was in pigtails and a pink headband was on her head.
"Where is he? Where's my Won-Won? Has he been asking for me? What's she doing here?" Lavender looked at Hermione with distaste and her lips curling down into a frown.
"I might ask you the same question," Hermione stood up with her cheeks pink.
"The girls are fighting," Riley whispered to Hazel and Harry who both stifled their laughter.
Lavender and Hermione were not amused and shot Riley a deadly glare.
"Jesus, I didn't know it was bitch hour," Riley said loudly.
Dumbledore stared at her blankly and blinked a couple of times. Riley almost died laughing.
"Anyways I happen to be his girlfriend I actually have a reason to be here!" Lavender seethed.
"And I happen to be his... friend," Hermione said which made Ginny slap her forehead.
"Don't make me laugh. You haven't spoken in weeks. I suppose you want to make up with him now that he's suddenly all interesting," Lavender said angrily.
"He's been poisoned, you daft dimbo! And for the record, I've always found him interesting!" Hermione yelled as Ron stirred in his sleep.
"Ah see? He senses my presence. Don't worry, Won-Won. I'm here. I'm here," Lavender stood above Ron's sleeping form.
"Mi...Mione....Hermione," Ron mumbled in his sleep which made Lavender suck in a breath and then run off sobbing.
"Poor girl," Hazel said.
"Oh to be young and to feel love's keen sting. Well, come away, everybody. Mr. Weasley's well attended," Dumbledore spoke and then all of the teachers filed out.
"About time, don't you think?" Ginny told Harry, Hazel, and Riley.
"I guess I still feel bad for Lavender she didn't deserve that," Riley said and then left with the redhead and Hazel.
Harry grinned at Hermione as she was sitting at Ron's bedside with her hands on his upper body.
"Shut up," she mumbled.
Harry left the two in silence as Hermione admired the Weasley.
....
Hey yall! That was Chapter 32! I'm seriously obsessed with Loki again. Well I've always been but it's coming back stronger haha. I fucking love marvel. Anyways I hope you all have a great day!
xx Asiya