What if Sirius Black didn't die?

Chapter 18: Katie's Curse

DARKNESS TAKES OVER- Nicholas Hooper

Harry POV:

The snow was starting to fall on the way to Hogsmeade, and it was the 12th of October, Saturday, one of the last days of relaxation before classes, training, and finally, the Quidditch match next weekend.

"Well, I was curious So, I went to—" Hermione started, but Ron and I interrupted.

"The library. And?" We both said at the same time.

"And nothing." She said, frustrated.

"I couldn't find a reference anywhere to the Half-Blood Prince." She said exasperated.

"There we go. That settles it, then." I heard Hagrid's voice say from behind us.

"I was hoping to find you in the Three Broomsticks." I heard our potions master say.

"Uh no, emergency choir practice from the freight house." I heard Professor Flitwick say.

Professor Slughorn then took off in front of us.

"Does anyone fancy a butterbeer?" I asked, pulling Ron and Hermione towards the three broomsticks.

We entered the Three Broomsticks and found Slughorn there.

"A chum of mine was sledding down Clagsby Hill. We had a very long, homemade Norwegian-style sled. We hurtled down, we hit what most" Slughorn was talking from across the room.

"No, sit beside me," I muttered, keeping my eyes on Slughorn.

"Okay?" Ron responded and sat next to me.

"Something to drink?" The lady asked us.

"Three butterbeers and some ginger in mine, please," Hermione responded.

"Oh, bloody hell. Slick git." I heard Ron exclaim and I followed his gaze to find Ginny and Dean in a booth together.

"Honestly Ronald, see they're only holding hands," Hermione said looking back at them.

"And snogging." She said as the two switched positions.

"I'd like to leave," Ron stated.

I rolled my eyes.

"What? You can't be serious." Hermione exclaimed, as our butterbeer arrived.

"That happens to be my sister!" Ron exclaimed, but I was too busy looking after Slughorn.

"So? What if she looked at me and saw you snogging me? Would you expect her to get up and leave?" I heard Hermione say, but I turned my attention to the potions master.

"Harry, my boy!" Slughorn exclaimed, behind Hermione.

"Hello sir, so wonderful to see you," I said politely, trying to engage in conversation.

"And you, and you." He said.

"So what brings you here?" I asked him curiously.

"Oh, Three Broomsticks, and I go way back further than I care to admit. I could remember when it was One Broomstick." He laughed, spilling a bit of his drink near Hermione.

"All hands on deck, Granger." He chuckled, turning his attention back to me.

"Listen, my boy, in the old days, I used to throw together the occasional supper party. Select a student or two. Would you be game?" He asked me.

"I would consider it an honor, sir," I responded confidently.

"You'd be welcome too, Granger." He said watching Hermione.