A Trio of Serpents

55: Slughorn's Party

Summary: Harry decides to attend the Christmas party; Charlie and Sid finally meet

Much to Harry's annoyance, most of the talk of the Quidditch match was about his spectacular commentary. He tried to steer the conversation to Ron's amazing saves and Ginny catching the Snitch, but most tended to brush them aside.

"That's it," he muttered after escaping Romilda Vane in the corridor. "I'm not commentating the next match. It was fun while it lasted, but I can't stand the Wheezy slander."

"It's not technically slander," said Hemione. "They're not saying anything false about them."

"They're not saying anything at all. Wheezy slander."

Hermione threw her hands in the air as if to say Why do I bother?

"Hi, Harry," said Kyra, coming up on his other side. "Just a little heads up. I overheard some girls who had apparently bought some of Fred and George's before they were banned. They're planning on using them on you so you ask them to the Slug Club."

"Did they have them with them?" Harry asked, alarmed. Tonks' words echoed in his ears.

"Not as far as I could see." Kyra was clearly remembering what Tonks said as well. "Think they were just discussing tactics. But a word of caution: Be careful what you consume."

Harry gave a wary nod. "Yeah. Thanks for the heads up."

"No problem. The last thing you need is an article talking about you being duped by a love potion for real."

"You know, if you ask someone as a friend like you did with Ginny to the Yule Ball, they should back off," Hermione suggested.

"I guess." Although he wouldn't be asking Ginny. She as well as Jayson were in relationships now and Harry didn't want to intrude, and Hermione and Ron were basically a couple as well. If only they'd get a move on and make it official. "Hey, Kyra. Do you want to come with me?"

Kyra shrugged. "Sure, why not? I can cross that off my bucket list."

"You put the Slug Club on your bucket list?" Harry said.

"Yeah. Just after you asked me." And then she smiled, reminding Harry just who her big brother was.

Unfortunately, Peeves had been passing by overhead while they were speaking, and pretty soon, the whole school knew Harry was taking Kyra to the party.

"I'm really glad you're taking her, Harry," said Ginny. "She's really excited."

"Damn." Sid was pouting into his bowl.

"Yeah. Sorry, mate." Harry patted his shoulder. "I know we kinda had that moment with the mountain chickens that one time, but it just wasn't meant to be long term."

Sid sighed. "And here I was hoping to kiss the one and only Chosen One."

"Aw, it's okay, Obsidian. I got ya." Jayson leaned forward and placed a swift kiss on his cheek.

Some people gave Kyra congratulatory remarks for going with the Chosen One, while others, particular the girls that had been conspiring to use love potions, glared at her. It didn't stop Romilda Vane from giving Harry a box of Chocolate Cauldrons, which he took to his dorm, intending to destroy them in private.

He never got a chance to, though. Ron burst inside and announced he and Hermione were officially going out now.

"It's about bloody time!" Harry shouted, dropping the box onto the floor by his trunk and throwing his arms around him.