LXXVI. LOVE YOU LIKE ME
21:12 ─❁────────── 21:79
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❝One man, one woman
Two friends and two true lovers❞
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THE SCHOOL TERM HAD JUST started, and Lucia already felt dread settling in her as she sat in the hall, eating breakfast alone.
She shoved cereal into her mouth, while simultaneously scribbling words onto her parchment, looking around the somewhat empty hall dejectedly. She felt empty, as if not satisfied by the fact that she was alone currently. It wasn't as though she hadn't done things like this before either, but she guessed being in the presence of others had made her grown accustomed to them...
She tried not to think much of it, stirring her bowl of cereal and milk soundly as she began to read through what she had written.
Dear Hugo and hopefully, Leon too,
It's the start of the school term, and I am sorry I could not see you off, but I really hope you and Leon will do well for your A-levels! I believe in you both! I just got my O.W.L.s results and I think my results were pretty okay, nine passing grades and a fail in an irrelevant subject!
I've been doing well, you know? And My back has not been killing me ever since I left, as I've been taking it easy these days. I guess I have to thank you for that? Since you were the one that told Harry to come and get me... I don't even know what I would have done if it weren't you... Tell me, has things died down since I left? Are they okay, content, or anything?
Please write to me back. I really wanna know how Mother and Father feels right now, not to mention the others. I also want to know how you feel and if you're doing great.
Cordially,
Your little sister,
Lucia
She smiled in contentment, before blew a whistle and a soft sound of a squeak reached her ears; from the entrance of the Great Hall, a small figure — a ferret — began scrambling to her, and when he arrived, he scrambled up to the chair beside her.
Lucia gently caressed his fur lovingly, "Now, Bao Bao, you know what to do," she said, letting the ferret nip on the folded letter. "Go to the Owlery and try not to make an enemy out of the owls like you did last year... and when you're done, come back to me."
Bao Bao nuzzled his face into her hand before he let out a squeak of understanding and began to scramble out of the Great Hall with speed.
Lucia turned her gaze back to her bow of cereal and picked up her textbook for Care of Magical Creatures: Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them, starting to read it to the pass the time, unbeknownst about the students that slowly gathered in the hall for breakfast.
She broke away from her thoughts as she heard a series of familiar voices creeping her way. She rose her head from her book and bowl of cereal to see Hermione, Ron, and Harry. All three took a seat across from her. They had seemed to be in deep conversation as they tucked into their eggs and bacon.
"But he can't really think we'd continue Care of Magical Creatures!" she said, looking distressed. "I mean, when has any of us expressed... you know... any enthusiasm?"
"That's it, though, innit?" said Ron, swallowing an entire fried egg whole. "We were the ones who made the most effort in classes because we like Hagrid. But he thinks we liked the stupid subject. D'you reckon anyone's going to go on to N.E.W.T.?"
She frowned. "Not true. I love Care of Magical Creatures and I'm one of the people that will be taking it for N.E.W.T as well," said Lucia, her voice unappreciative of their words.
"Well, yeah, that's because you're you," Ron muttered, stuffing his face. "And you'll probably be the only one in that class anyway,"
Lucia huffed before raising her book to smack Ron's hand from the food in front of him. He retracted his hand, whining in pain.
"Oi!" Ron whined.
"Serves you right," said Lucia with a scoff.
"What's with you?" inquired Ron.
"Never you mind," she rolled her eyes.
"So, you're thinking of taking Care of Magical Creatures, are you?" Hermione said amused as Lucia beamingly nodded at her.
"I've dropped Divination because I don't need Trelawney to antagonise me again. I'm sick of that," said Lucia. "I'm taking all of the core classes, of course and for the electives, well, I decided all the same, only I've thought of applying for Ancient Studies to replace Divination —"
"I thought you hate studying!" said Ron.
"Yes, well, I'm also people-pleaser and have slightly high expectations of myself sometimes — well, most of the times anyway," said Lucia. "But this is one of those time where I want to try!"
"I didn't even know there was a subject called Ancient Studies," said Harry.
"If you two bothered to even read Hogwarts: A History," Harry and Ron groaned at Hermione's words, "You would know about it."
"You're practically a library already, why would we go all the trouble just to find some random facts!" said Ron.
Hermione narrowed at Ron reproachfully, however, did not go into their usual bickering as she continued, "Ancient Studies are a special electives that focuses more on ancient magic like ancient Egyptians' spells. Its an optional subject that most rather not opt for, but some like Lucia do. Though, they are only taught if there is a sufficient demand."
Harry and Ron stared blankly at Hermione; face screwed in confusion.
"This why we rely on you, 'Mione," said Ron.
"It's Hermione, Ronald," said Hermione. "And I honestly sometimes wondered how you two were able to even get O.W.L.s in the first place."
"By hard work and copying off of your notes," said Harry, Hermione scowled. "Cheers, Ron,"
"Cheers!"
"What idiots," said Lucia amusingly.
Hermione shook her head. "Unbelievable..."
After they've eaten, they remained in their places, awaiting Professor McGonagall's descent from the staff table. The distribution of class schedules was more complicated than usual this year, for Professor McGonagall needed first to confirm that everybody had achieved the necessary O.W.L. grades to continue with their chosen N.E.W.T.s.
Hermione was immediately cleared to continue with Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Herbology, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Potions, and shot off to a first-period Ancient Runes class without further ado. Neville took a little longer to sort out; his round face was anxious as Professor McGonagall looked down his application and then consulted his O.W.L. results.
"Herbology, fine," she said. "Professor Sprout will be delighted to see you back with an 'Outstanding' O.W.L. And you qualify for Defense Against the Dark Arts with 'Exceeds Expectations.' But the problem is Transfiguration. I'm sorry, Longbottom, but an 'Acceptable' really isn't good enough to continue to N.E.W.T. level. I just don't think you'd be able to cope with the coursework."
Neville hung his head. Professor McGonagall peered at him through her square spectacles.
"Why do you want to continue with Transfiguration, anyway? I've never had the impression that you particularly enjoyed it."
Neville muttered something about "my grandmother wants."
"Hmph," snorted Professor McGonagall. "It's high time your grandmother learned to be proud of the grandson she's got, rather than the one she thinks she ought to have — particularly after what happened at the Ministry."
Neville turned pink and blinked at the professor confusedly; Professor McGonagall had never paid him a compliment before.
"I'm sorry, Longbottom, but I cannot let you into my N.E.W.T. class. I see that you have an 'Exceeds Expectations' in Charms, however — why not try for a N.E.W.T. in Charms?"
"My grandmother thinks Charms is a soft option," mumbled Neville.
"Take Charms," said Professor McGonagall, "and I shall drop Augusta a line reminding her that just because she failed her Charms O.W.L., the subject is not necessarily worthless." Smiling slightly at the look of delighted incredulity on Neville's face, Professor McGonagall tapped a blank schedule with the tip of her wand and handed it, now carrying details of his new classes, to Neville.
Professor McGonagall turned next to Parvati Patil, whose first question was whether Firenze, the handsome centaur, was still teaching Divination.
"He and Professor Trelawney are dividing classes between them this year," said Professor McGonagall, a hint of disapproval in her voice; it was common knowledge that she despised the subject of Divination. "The sixth year is being taken by Professor Trelawney."
Parvati set off for Divination five minutes later looking slightly crestfallen. It was then Lucia's turn.
Professor McGonagall examined her O.W.L.s results, impressed. "You did well just as I thought, DiFiore,"
"It was a bit of a surprise to me as well," said Lucia sheepishly, bouncing by the balls of her feet.
"Nonsense," said Professor McGonagall, "You've already showed your capabilities many times. It's due time for you to be more confident,"
Lucia went pink, embarrassed by the Transfiguration teacher's words.
"All of the core subjects are fine; I take it you'll be taking them all?" she said, and Lucia nodded. "Electives are all alright as well except..."
"For Divination," said Lucia. "I was thinking of changing it for Ancient Studies — if that's possible of course,"
"That is possible, seeing your Studies of Ancient Runes aren't that bad and you're able to go through with the subject still... I don't see why not," said Professor McGonagall. Lucia immediately felt giddy by this. "However, we'll have to see first if other students are thinking of applying for the subject. I will have to get back to you at that."
"I understand," Lucia nodded.
"That's all," Professor McGonagall handed her her schedule for the rest of the term, "Now off Ancient Runes,"
"Thanks so much, Professor."
With that, Lucia headed for her first period of Ancient Runes. But before she did, she flashed Harry a small and encouraging smile that left butterfly to flutter in his stomach. He was completely smitten by her, and he honestly did not know what to do —
"Potter!"
Defense Against the Dark Arts classes finally rolls by. The pair of Gryffindor girls made their way and queue in front of the class. Hermione was talking idly with Lucia regarding their first lesson as one of them carried a handful of books in their hands. The bushy-haired girl's eyes popped beamingly at the sight behind Lucia, in which she turned her head to see the familiar faces of Ron Weasley and Harry Potter.
"We got so much homework for Runes," Hermione said anxiously, "A fifteen-inch essay, two translations, and I've got to read these by Wednesday!"
"Shame," yawned Ron.
Lucia used a book that she had stowed away in her bag and smacked the redhead's head, earning an "Ow!" from Ron.
"You wait," Hermione said resentfully. "I bet Snape gives us loads."
"Why have you been smacking me with these books all day?!" Ron whined. "Do it to Harry!"
Harry snorted, but quickly shut his mouth at the sight of Lucia cocking a brow at him.
She then smiled suddenly.
"Yeah, no." She said, dead serious, "I would never do that to Harry without any reason and nor do I think I would do that ever."
Harry couldn't help but smile appreciatively at this. After what he had gone through with the Dursleys when he was young and not to mention Umbridge, he appreciated knowing that fact.
"And you're free to abuse me?"
"You're not my boyfriend, aren't you?"
Boyfriend... His mind began echoing with only that word. Now he really needed for their relationship to be official. He didn't think he could take it anymore if it turns out that it was just a title without meaning.
"But I am like your brother, aren't I?" said Ron suddenly.
Lucia paused and comprehended Ron's words before a smile crept its way to her glossed lips, slowly limping her arms. "Yeah... yeah you are,"
"Glad our feelings are mutual," scoffed Ron, seemingly not realising what that meant, nor did the three think he would ever notice what it meant until later.
The classroom door opened as she spoke, and Snape stepped into the corridor, his sallow face framed as ever by two curtains of greasy black hair. Silence fell over the queue immediately.
"Inside," he said.
Without further ado, they entered the classroom. It was as expected, the room was the same as Snape: Gloomy and grim. New pictures adorned the walls, many of them showing people who appeared to be in pain, sporting grisly injuries or strangely contorted body parts. Nobody spoke as they settled down, looking around at the shadowy, gruesome pictures.
"I have not asked you to take out your books," said Snape, closing the door and moving to face the class from behind his desk; Hermione, who was sat beside Lucia, hastily dropped her copy of Confronting the Faceless back into her bag and stowed it under her chair. "I wish to speak to you, and I want your fullest attention."
His black eyes roved over their upturned faces, lingering for a fraction of a second longer on Harry's than anyone else's.
"You have had five teachers in this subject so far, I believe."
Lucia pursed her lips, knowing for a fact that this man watched those five teachers either leave this school or somehow have an accident.
"Naturally, these teachers will all have had their own methods and priorities. Given this confusion I am surprised so many of you scraped an O.W.L. in this subject. I shall be even more surprised if all of you manage to keep up with the N.E.W.T. work, which will be much more advanced."
Snape set off around the edge of the room, speaking now in a lower voice; the class craned their necks to keep him in view.
"The Dark Arts," said Snape, "are many, varied, ever-changing, and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting a many-headed monster, which, each time a neck is severed, sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, indestructible."
Lucia refrained a shudder. It was surely one thing to respect the Dark Arts as a dangerous enemy, another to speak of them, as Snape was doing, with a loving caress in his voice?
"Your defenses," said Snape, a little louder, "must therefore be as flexible and inventive as the arts you seek to undo. These pictures" — he indicated a few of them as he swept past — "give a fair representation of what happens to those who suffer, for instance, the Cruciatus Curse" — he waved a hand toward a witch who was clearly shrieking in agony — "feel the Dementor's Kiss" — a wizard lying huddled and blank-eyed, slumped against a wall — "or provoke the aggression of the Inferius" — a bloody mass upon the ground.
Most were gobsmacked by the illustrations in front of them. Yet, then again, this was Snape.
"Has an Inferius been seen, then?" said Parvati Patil in a high-pitched voice. "Is it definite, is he using them?"
"The Dark Lord has used Inferi in the past," said Snape, "which means you would be well-advised to assume he might use them again. Now..."
He set off again around the other side of the classroom toward his desk, and again, they watched him as he walked, his dark robes billowing behind him.
"...you are, I believe, complete novices in the use of nonverbal spells. What is the advantage of a nonverbal spell?"
Hermione's hand shot into the air. Snape took his time looking around at everybody else, making sure he had no choice, before saying curtly, "Very well — Miss Granger?"
"Your adversary has no warning about what kind of magic you're about to perform," said Hermione, "which gives you a split-second advantage."
"An answer copied almost word for word from The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Six," said Snape dismissively (over in the corner, Malfoy sniggered), "but correct in essentials. Yes, those who progress to using magic without shouting incantations gain an element of surprise in their spellcasting. Not all wizards can do this, of course; it is a question of concentration and mind power which some" he gazed at Harry, "lack."
Lucia glanced over her shoulder and saw Harry glowering back at Snape, until Snape had decided to look away.
"You will now divide," Snape went on, "into pairs. One partner will attempt to jinx the other without speaking. The other will attempt to repel the jinx in equal silence. Carry on."
Although Snape did not know it, Harry had taught at least half the class (everyone who had been a member of the D.A.) how to perform a Shield Charm the previous year. None of them had ever cast the charm without speaking, however. A reasonable amount of cheating ensued; many people were merely whispering the incantation instead of saying it aloud.
Typically, ten minutes into the lesson Hermione managed to repel Neville's muttered Jelly-Legs Jinx without uttering a single word, a feat that would surely have earned her twenty points for Gryffindor from any reasonable teacher, but Snape ignored. He swept between them as they practiced.
"You repel?" Seamus questioned Lucia.
Lucia smiled, "I'm fine with whatever?" she said serenely.
The two got into a stance, wand aimed at each other. Without warning, Seamus whispered the incantations to the Melofors Jinx, but was unfortunately repelled by Lucia silently with a flick of a wand. The two had a rematch; and Lucia quickly with focus, sent a Trip Jinx to Seamus, in which he quickly repelled whisperingly but was greatly defeated as Lucia sent a Tail-Growing Hex his way.
"Blimey," he whispered, comprehending the tail that had grown from his behind.
She helped him up, "Gotta do what you gotta do, right?" she mused and pointed her wand at the tail, counter-charming the tail for it to disappear. "Want to have another rematch?"
Seamus's face was quick to reddened. Realising he was staring at her, he quickly coughs it off. "N-No, er, I'm fine. I don't want to get best by you again." he said sheepishly. Lucia chuckled a reply, unaware of the eyes that had watched the interaction.
"Ron," Harry called. Ron hummed in reply, eyes transfixed at his wand. "Have you noticed that people have started to fancy Lucia?"
"Way to be blunt, mate. But yeah, though Seamus been one of 'em since awhile now..."
"Everyone knows about that — he's rubbish at hiding it, but when did the other started?" said Harry, narrowing his eyes at Seamus' back.
"I reckon it started after the match with Ravenclaw... d'you think she'll tryout again?"
"She said she wasn't going to," Harry frowned. "Said that she had other plans... whatever it is."
"Wouldn't you know, after all you're her 'boy — Snape's coming —"
They immediately went into a fighting stance, wand pointed at each other. Ron was supposed to jinx Harry, but his face slowly became purple as his lips tightly stiff to save himself from muttering the incantations. Harry had his wand raised as he waited to repel the jinx that seemed to not ever be coming his way.
"Pathetic, Weasley," said Snape, after a while. "Here — let me show you —"
Lucia turned from Seamus, eyeing the scene in front of her. Her face creased disapprovingly, knowing Snape wanted nothing more than to demonstrate because he wanted to send Harry a Jinx or even a Hex himself without getting himself in trouble. Snape had always had it out for Harry because of the way James Potter had treated him, but it wasn't appropriate to fight off the child who knew nothing from the start and had to learnt about it the hard way.
He turned his wand on Harry. And Harry looked as though the gear to fighting was on and had instantly forgotten about the lesson as he yelled, "Protego!"
His Shield Charm was so strong Snape was knocked off-balance and hit a desk. The whole class had looked around and now watched as Snape righted himself, scowling.
"Do you remember me telling you we are practicing nonverbal spells, Potter?"
"Yes," said Harry stiffly.
"Yes, sir."
"There's no need to call me 'sir,' Professor."
Several people gasped, including Hermione. Behind Snape, however, Ron, Dean, and Seamus grinned appreciatively, snickering. Lucia laughter behind her hand. It was honestly expected after all these years, but it was still shocking to say the least.
"Detention, Saturday night, my office," said Snape. "I do not take cheek from anyone, Potter... not even 'the Chosen One.'"
Defense Against the Dark Arts was better then expected with Harry leaving such comments as Snape. Lucia sprinted her way passed Slytherins and a few Gryffindors to catch up on the trio that was fast in their feet in front of her.
"That was brilliant, Harry!" chortled Ron
"You really shouldn't have said it," said Hermione, frowning at Ron.
Lucia leapt in her last sprint on Harry's back in which he quickly caught her with a smile. She grinned at him happily, still reminiscing his words toward Professor Snape. "You were amazing!"
"I'm glad you liked the entertainment,"
"Will you two stop praising him!" Hermione said, still frowning at the them as they shared a laugh. "Actually, Harry, what made you even say that?"
"He tried to jinx me, in case you didn't notice!" fumed Harry once he placed Lucia down to her feet on the ground for them to walk beside each other. "I had enough of that during those Occlumency lessons! Why doesn't he use another guinea pig for a change? What's Dumbledore playing at, anyway, letting him teach Defense? Did you hear him talking about the Dark Arts? He loves them! All that unfixed, indestructible stuff —"
"Well," said Hermione, "I thought he sounded a bit like you."
"Like me?" Harry repeated incredulously.
"Yes, when you were telling us what it's like to face Voldemort. You said it wasn't just memorizing a bunch of spells, you said it was just you and your brains and your guts — well, wasn't that what Snape was saying? That it really comes down to being brave and quick-thinking?"
"It's like Ron and chicken basically," mused Lucia.
He wanted to protest, but ended up not arguing with her, for he knew she was telling the truth. It was just like him and chicken.
"Harry! Hey, Harry!" a call was heard.
The four stop, turning to the voice. It was Jack Sloper. Lucia recognised him as one of the many that'd tried out for Beater last year and failed miserably when Ginny stepped foot into the field. She was reminded the many times in which he had accidentally directed a Bludger toward her way when she was busy trying to catch the Snitch during the tryout instead of directing it anywhere else. It was a bloody mess.
Sloper hurried his way to them, holding a roll of parchment in his hand.
"For you," panted Sloper. "Listen, I heard you're the new Captain. When're you holding trials?"
"I'm not sure yet," said Harry, pondering. "I'll let you know."
"Oh, right. I was hoping it'd be this weekend —"
But Harry was not listening. He hurried away with Lucia, Ron, and Hermione, unrolling the parchment as he went.
"Er... I'll see you in Potion," she said so suddenly.
They stared at her, puzzled. "We'll go together — what's wrong?" Harry noticed the ethereal pool of night eyes, quivering as it darted from their left and back to them. "Lucia?"
She waked forward, near Harry's ear. "McLaggen," she pointed out.
The three looked to their left and saw McLaggen, a book in his hands though it wasn't a secret that he was staring at her. Harry's hand formed a fist as his jaw tensed. Ron eyed the older boy disapprovingly.
"Maybe It's best if she goes first and then we'll tell her once it's a safe distance from the foul git," suggested Ron.
Begrudgingly, Harry nodded. "We'll meet you in Potions — but be careful and stay clear of him. I don't like the way he's staring at you.."
"Trust me," her lips wavered in discomfort. "I don't like it either..." without further ado, she pecked Harry's cheeks before setting off to potions in fast motion. The trio watched intently from afar for her safety, glancing passed their shoulder constantly to see if McLaggen was brave enough to follow her. Luckily, he did not.
"Poor Lucia..." said Hermione, frowning. "She already has anxiety in general and now..."
"You should've seen the way he was looking at her when we were meeting Slughorn," said Harry curtly. "Even Zabini knew what McLaggen was trying to do,"
"Wish I was there to take a jab," said Ron.
"Cockroach." started Hermione. "He's foul and vile cockroach that looks as though he won't take no as an answer."
"Trust me," said Harry, "I know."
Lucia successfully made it, queuing in front of the door to the dungeon classroom for Potion with the other students that were progressing to N.E.W.T. level Potions. She looked around and took notice that Crabbe and Goyle evidently failed to achieve the required O.W.L. grade, but four Slytherins had made it through, including Malfoy.
"Lucia!"
She broke away from her daze when she the voice of Ernie MacMillan. She blinked at him and patted her cheeks to focus on her surroundings as a small smile crept its way to her lips. "Ernie, how've you been doing?"
He grinned. "All right," he said. "Last years was fun. You know, with the D.A. and all."
"Oh, most definitely," she said.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Ernie asked earnestly.
"Perfectly fine,"
"Even with the glares you've been getting?"
"Even with the —" Lucia stopped herself and stared at Ernie with surprised before she let out the suppressed groan. "Was it that obvious?"
"You mean the glares? Yeah, pretty much," Ernie said.
"Dig me a grave, will you?" said Lucia under her breath. "You know, if looks could kill, I would've been six feet under already without even anyone's help," she scoffed.
"That bad?"
"You've got no idea," Lucia said. "How's Smith doing by the way? Pride still in shambles?"
He smirked. Ernie remembered vividly of when Zacharias Smith's pride downright died when Lucia had rejected the offer to go out on a date with him during Valentines Day last year so bluntly. He swore he laughed for the whole day, reenacting the scene for the others in Hufflepuff Basement.
"Never mended," he said. "But I have a feeling he'll go for you again this year."
"Can't you tell him something? He always gets under my nerves," said Lucia.
"Uh-huh," Ernie rolled his eyes, "Like he'll listen. He won't care that you're Harry's girlfriend or whatnot because frankly, he's a prat like that."
I'm not exactly his girlfriend yet... "They underestimate how scary Harry can be, really..."
"I did too — up until last year when he taught the D.A. and all," Ernie said, "Trust me, he'll go for you again."
"How about you be a dear and save him from humiliation this time and say that no means no, yeah?" said Lucia, bemused.
Ernie pursed his lips. "You're no fun."
"You can't exactly blame me —"
"Harry," Ernie said portentously, holding out his hand. Lucia followed his gaze and saw Harry, Ron, and Hermione approaching the pair. "Didn't get a chance to speak in Defense Against the Dark Arts this morning. Good lesson, I thought, but Shield Charms are old hat, of course, for us old D.A. lags... And how are you, Ron — Hermione?"
Before they could say more than "fine," the dungeon door opened and Slughorn's belly preceded him out of the door. As they filed into the room, his great walrus mustache curved above his beaming mouth, and he greeted Harry, Lucia, and Zabini with particular enthusiasm.
The dungeon was, most unusually, already full of vapors and odd smells. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Lucia sniffed interestedly as they passed large, bubbling cauldrons. The four Slytherins took a table together, as did the four Ravenclaws. This left Harry, Ron, and Hermione to share a table with Ernie, whom Lucia did not want to leave friendless in class.
They chose the one nearest a gold-colored cauldron that was emitting one of the most seductive scents that were simply intoxicating she had ever inhaled.
Lucia immediately broke away from her trancelike state, looking around her surroundings and instantly, she found herself bashfully smiling at Harry, who smiled at her back, somehow the feeling of attraction he had towards her had doubled. Now all he wanted was to take her to an empty corridor and snog her to —
"Now then, now then, now then," said Slughorn, whose massive outline was quivering through the many shimmering vapors.
Lucia snapped out of her daze, heat rising to her cheeks as she tried to get rid of those colourful images she had of herself and Harry. What was she thinking?
"Scales out, everyone, and potion kits, and don't forget your copies of Advanced Potion-Making..."
"Sir?" said Harry, also breaking out of his trance as he rose his hand up to the air.
"Harry, m'boy?"
Harry heard Lucia stifled a giggle from beside him. He rolled his eyes at her playfully.
"I haven't got a book or scales or anything — nor's Ron — we didn't realize we'd be able to do the N.E.W.T., you see —"
"Ah, yes, Professor McGonagall did mention... not to worry, my dear boy, not to worry at all. You can use ingredients from the store cupboard today, and I'm sure we can lend you some scales, and we've got a small stock of old books here, they'll do until you can write to Flourish and Blotts..."
Slughorn strode over to a cupboard and emerged with two very battered-looking copies of Advanced Potion-Making by Libatius Borage, giving it to Harry and Ron along with two sets of tarnished scales.
"Now then," said Slughorn, returning to the front of the class. "I've prepared a few potions for you to have a look at, just out of interest, you know. These are the kind of thing you ought to be able to make after completing your N.E.W.T.s. You ought to have heard of 'em, even if you haven't made 'em yet. Anyone tell me what this one is?"
He indicated the cauldron nearest the Slytherin table. Harry raised himself slightly in his seat and saw what looks like plain water boiling away inside it. Lucia, knowing the answer, was about to hit her hand up, but wasn't able to as Hermione was much faster.
"It's Veritaserum, a colorless, odorless potion that forces the drinker to tell the truth," said Hermione.
"Very good, very good!" said Slughorn happily. "Now," he continued, pointing at the cauldron nearest the Ravenclaw table, "this one here is pretty well known... Featured in a few Ministry leaflets lately too... Who can — ?"
Shakily, Lucia mustered up all her courage and shot her hand up in the air, seconds before Hermione did. Slughorn beckoned for her to answer.
"It's Polyjuice Potion, sir," she said, hiding a smile. She could recognise that slow-bubbling, mudlike substance anywhere. Especially after the traumatic events of fourth year.
"Excellent, excellent! Now, this one here... yes, my dear?" said Slughorn, now looking slightly bemused, as Hermione's hand punched the air again.
"It's Amortentia!"
"It is indeed. It seems almost foolish to ask," said Slughorn, who was looking mightily impressed, "but I assume you know what it does?"
"It's the most powerful love potion in the world!" said Hermione.
"Quite right! You recognized it, I suppose, by its distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen?"
Lucia then added with a happy smile, "And the steam rising in characteristic spirals —"
"And it's supposed to smell differently to each of us, according to what attracts us!" said Hermione enthusiastically.
Lucia didn't hold any resentment towards the Granger, for she felt amused of the fact that they were finishing each other's sentences.
"— and I can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and —" Hermione stopped, turning a shade of pink.
Slughorn turned to Lucia expectedly. She straightened her posture, nervous. This was not what she had signed up for.
With a small push from Ernie, Lucia moved forward, nearing the cauldron in which the scent that lingered in her before began to fill up her mind.
"I smell... smell..." she glanced around the room as all eyes were on her. Harry was watching, his eyes glint with unknown hope. "I can smell... carrot cake and c-cendol." She then started listing down what she had smell gingerly, "And I think i-it's my perfume — peonies and dandelions — er, and I think a broom polish..."
"Go on, Lucia," urged Slughorn smilingly
Lucia turned to her friends and saw Ron giving her a thumbs up. She gulped, blushing. "I... I, uh, also smell pinesandlemons." She said quickly.
"What was that?" Slughorn played.
Cursed that old man, Lucia thought as she took a deep breath. "Pines and lemons," she mumbled.
"Wonderful. Thank you, Lucia. " said Slughorn.
Lucia backed a few steps, her eyes darting everywhere but Harry as her cheeks flushed immensely in shades of red. Her night eyes caught with the familiar browns of Hermione. She smirked at Lucia knowingly with her already reddened cheeks from the Amortentia. Lucia only narrowed her eyes at the bushy-haired girl with the same knowing look.
"May I ask your name, my dear?" said Slughorn to Hermione.
"Hermione Granger, sir." she said at once.
"Granger? Granger? Can you possibly be related to Hector Dagworth-Granger, who founded the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers?"
"No, I don't think so, sir. I'm Muggle-born, you see."
Malfoy lean close to Nott and whisper something; both of them sniggered, but Slughorn showed no dismay; on the contrary, he beamed and looked from Hermione to Harry.
"Oho! 'One of my best friends is Muggle-born, and she's the best in our year!' I'm assuming this is the very friend of whom you spoke, Harry?"
"Yes, sir," said Harry.
"Well, well, take twenty well-earned points each for Gryffindor, Miss Granger and Lucia." said Slughorn.
Both of the girls beamed at each other, giving one another a well-deserved high-five. Hermione then turned to Harry with a radiant expression and whispered, "Did you really tell him I'm the best in the year? Oh, Harry!"
"Well, what's so impressive about that?" whispered Ron, who for some reason looked annoyed. "You are the best in the year — I'd've told him so if he'd asked me!"
Hermione smiled before shushing Ron, making him slightly disgruntled. Harry and Lucia stole glances at each other, a smile and a smirk formed on their lips as they stared at their two friends with a shrewd look.
"Amortentia doesn't really create love, of course. It is impossible to manufacture or imitate love. No, this will simply cause a powerful infatuation or obsession. It is probably the most dangerous and powerful potion in this room — oh yes," he said, nodding gravely at Malfoy and Nott, both of whom were smirking skeptically. "When you have seen as much of life as I have, you will not underestimate the power of obsessive love..." Slughorn drew in his words, as if recalling a memory before beaming once more. "And now, it is time for us to start work."
"Sir, you haven't told us what's in this one," said Ernie Macmillan, pointing at a small black cauldron standing on Slughorn's desk.
"Oho," said Slughorn again. "Yes. That. Well, that one, ladies and gentlemen, is a most curious little potion called Felix Felicis. I take it," he turned, smiling, to look at Hermione as she was the only one in the classroom to let out an audible gasp. "that you know what Felix Felicis does, Miss Granger?"
"It's liquid luck," said Hermione excitedly. "It makes you lucky!"
The whole class seemed to sit up a little straighter.
Lucia, however, slumped her shoulders. She had a very sharp knowledge in regards of Potions, but she did not like the sound of "Liquid Luck" one bit. Merely because she had a rather bad experience with it once back in third year, thinking that if she were to drink the whole vial, she would be lucky for the whole year... she was wrong.
She ended up high. High for the rest of the week and spent that whole week in hospital wing after having accidentally reveal to Dumbledore that she had just drank Felix instead of doing drugs because "Drugs isn't good," Those were her intoxicated words specifically.
The only people who knew about it are Dumbledore, Madam Pomfrey, Myrtle, and Snape. She was quite glad that Professor McGonagall never learnt about it. If she did...
Lucia shuddered at the mere thought of it.
"Quite right, take another ten points for Gryffindor. Yes, it's a funny little potion, Felix Felicis," said Slughorn. "Desperately tricky to make, and disastrous to get wrong. However, if brewed correctly, as this has been, you will find that all your endeavors tend to succeed... at least until the effects wear off."
"Why don't people drink it all the time, sir?" said Terry Boot eagerly.
"Because if taken in excess, it causes giddiness, recklessness, and dangerous overconfidence," Lucia blurted out absentmindedly. "Or in other words: Hi — Intoxicated..."
Slughorn beamed. "Well done, Lucia. Another ten points to Gryffindor!" he said. "Too much of a good thing, you know... highly toxic in large quantities. But taken sparingly, and very occasionally..."
"Have you ever taken it, sir?" asked Michael Corner with great interest.
"Twice in my life," said Slughorn. "Once when I was twenty-four, once when I was fifty-seven. Two tablespoonfuls taken with breakfast. Two perfect days. And that, is what I shall be offering as a prize in this lesson."
There was silence.
"One tiny bottle of Felix Felicis," said Slughorn, taking a minuscule glass bottle with a cork in it out of his pocket and showing it to them all. "Enough for twelve hours' luck. From dawn till dusk, you will be lucky in everything you attempt. Now, I must give you warning that Felix Felicis is a banned substance in organized competitions... sporting events, for instance, examinations, or elections. So, the winner is to use it on an ordinary day only... and watch how that ordinary day becomes extraordinary!"
After the week of being highly intoxicated by the said potion, Lucia had banned herself from even making and taking it. So, she thought that perhaps it was better to just half-fail the task. It wasn't as though she couldn't brew the potion herself — or maybe she really just couldn't, and it was all just luck? Maybe that time only worked because she had thought she was some mad scientist and luck took its course just to play with her mind?
"So," said Slughorn, suddenly brisk, "how are you to win my fabulous prize? Well, by turning to page ten of Advanced Potion-Making. We have a little over an hour left to us, which should be time for you to make a decent attempt at the Draught of Living Death. I know it is more complex than anything you have attempted before, and I do not expect a perfect potion from anybody. The person who does best, however, will win little Felix here. Off you go!"
She returned to her cauldron, pulling out a few ingredients. Lucia began to stir twice clockwise after adding a few ingredients into the potion; it was peculiar as to why many were struggling with the bean aside from herself and the boy beside her, which was very puzzling to say the least. But it had seemed to make sense once she had a clear sight of the failed bean cutting that was going on allover the classroom.
"Can I borrow your silver knife?" Harry asked Hermione who was opposite of him. Her hair was bushier than ever as she nodded impatiently at him as a respond not taking her eyes off her potion irritatingly.
Lucia turned in front of her and saw Ron lazily adding ingredients in the cauldron, later than everyone was. She smiled softly. He really did not like potions.
She looked down with contentment as her potion, like she had expected, turned a shade of pink and slowly dispersed into a blurry-clear liquid.
"How are you doing that?" demanded Hermione as her potion was unsuccessful.
"Add a clockwise stir —"
"No, no, the book says counterclockwise!" she snapped.
Lucia smiled sheepishly at Hermione the moment the girl turned to her as Harry had shrugged the girl off "He's right, you know. You should add a clockwise —"
"No, no. The book specifically says counterclockwise!" Hermione snapped at her before noticing the 'failed' mixture. "And you don't exactly have the right to say anything when yours failed too!"
Lucia went silent immediately, shocked by the harsh tone in Hermione's voice.
"Don't talk to her like that," Harry scoffed. "That was uncalled for —"
"Fine!" Lucia snapped back. "If your potion turns out rubbish, don't come crying to me!"
The two-girl let out a coherent "hmph!" before looking away; Harry grimaced and instantly moved closer to Lucia, who was aggressively storing her failed mixture unlike normal. He had gotten away from Hermione's ears reached to talk to her.
"You know she's just a bit irritated that for once, she isn't doing well," whispered Harry soothingly. Lucia looked passively and tried to keep herself from blowing a fuse.
"Yeah, well, she could've at least been nicer about it!" Lucia casted Hermione a glare, unbeknownst to the Granger. "She's the one that asked and — s-stop looking at me like that," she added when she saw the look Harry had on his face.
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Harry airily, pulling off the brightest smile he could for her as he gently grasped a few locks of her hair.
The glower on her face slowly diminished and her lips twitched.
He leaned his head down a bit, still towering over her. "You know you want to smile,"
Lucia bit her lip and shook her head.
"Since when have you gotten taller?"
"Don't changed the subject," he poked her side teasingly. "You know you can't deny it,"
"N-No!" huffed Lucia.
"You can never escape the urge to smile, I know that," he sang.
In the end, she did smile. Albeit faint, but it was a smile, nonetheless.
"Bugger off," she scoffed.
Harry winked at her and before she knew it, she shooed him a way playfully as he still needed to finish up his potion that was, surprisingly, going to succeed.
"And time's... up!" called Slughorn. "Stop stirring, please!"
Slughorn moved slowly from tables and peered down into the cauldron. He made no comments but would stir some of the mixture, as though to see whether they had actually stirred properly. Then, he reached the table where Harry, Ron, Hermione, Lucia, and Ernie were sitting.
He smiled ruefully at the tarlike substance in Ron's cauldron. He passed over Ernie's navy concoction. Hermione's potion he gave an approving nod. Then he peered into Lucia's concoction.
"Lucia, you were so close..." he sighed.
"Oh no!" She started, feigning tone of surprise, patting her cheeks. "I think I have forgotten another sloth brain. Oh my! — my apologies, Professor. I did not think very well during that time and had just forgotten!"
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ernie stared at her incredulously. That was an outright lie. Only a fool would believe that robotic voice she had used. There was just no way that Slughorn would believe her so blindly —
"Oh, how unfortunate!" said Slughorn, in which Lucia nodded 'solemnly.' "I'm sure this'll do brilliant if you had remembered. It's all right!"
He believed her, Harry and Ron thought weakly. Hermione rolled her eyes, but a ghost of a smile evident on her lips while Ernie was still comprehending of the fact that Slughorn indeed did not catch the lie.
Lucia smiled triumphantly through the innocent mask she upholds. When Slughorn proceeded towards Harry, he was delighted to see Harry's concoction.
"The clear winner!" he cried. "Excellent, excellent, Harry! Good lord, it's clear you've inherited your mother's talent. She was a dab hand at Potions, Lily was! Here you are, then, here you are - one bottle of Felix Felicis, as promised, and use it well!"
Harry slipped the tiny bottle of golden liquid into his inner pocket, a glint of utter delight in his eyes as the classroom stared at him enviously; Malfoy and his cronies were furious. Hermione was disappointed and Ron was dumbfounded.
Lucia was the only one applauding the Potter's victory — that, and the fact that she had gotten away with her lie. Of course, she was proud of Harry. This was the first time in which he was rewarded for his brilliant work in Potions.
Potions. Out of all subjects, it was the subject he was the worst in, and most likely disliked. It was certainly worth applauding for.
"How did you do that?" Ron whispered to Harry as they left the dungeon.
"Got lucky, I suppose," said Harry because Malfoy was within earshot.
"Well, I'm proud of you," said Lucia beamingly at her best friend. "It was actually surprising."
Harry furrowed his eyes at Lucia, almost offended by her words.
"Oh, don't look at me like that. You've always been so terrible in Potions," she rolled her eyes.
"And you, for once, sabotaged yourself. Why is that?"
"Because I simply do not like Felix," said Lucia theatrically, a hand over her forehead, feigning a faint. "Bad memories I had with it. Terribly bad. I'll only brew it if my life depended on it,"
He rolled his eyes playfully brushing his lips near her ear. Lucia shuddered at his actions; her cheeks reddened. "Whatever you say,"
Harry had always brought some effect to the girl, and he knew it. A proud smirk was painted upon his lips.
"Blegh!" Ron interjected the couple's moment with a face of disgust at them. The pair only stared at him blankly. "No need to do that in front of me — it's disgusting."
"You just think it's disgusting because you've never gotten to do this" — she pecked her lips on Harry's so suddenly, leaving him to redden himself — "with anybody, Ginger Ale. Once you have someone, you'll probably would complain less."
Ron was about to retort, but Lucia had pelted herself away from the two amusingly. The two stared at the disappearing silhouette of the girl and shared looks with each other. Harry broke into a grin.
"You know she's right, mate"
"Are you kidding with me?" Ron scowled. "She already put my best friend up against me!"
❬ ⸙: ✰❛ AUTHOR'S NOTE; ❀❜ ❭
This is my first A/N after releasing about 70+ chapters. Wow. And honestly, I did not expect this to reach 1k views at such a short amount of time, but thank u so much toward everybody that enjoy this book up to this date!! ^ _ ^
Despite all the flaws, I really am grateful toward everyone that enjoy this and I hope to continue on writing Lurry (Yes, Lurry. Harry — Lucia — you get the whole thing) story and let you learn more about their relationship as well as learning more about Lucia's background.
I know it isn't as good as other fanfic you've read, but I am striving to reach the same quality as theirs.
Thank you again!!
- winnie.