The Depth of Deception // H. Potter

iii. felix felicis

"First off, let me introduce the newest member of our staff; Horace Slughorn. Who has agreed to resume his old post as potions master, meanwhile the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts will be taken by Professor Snape." Dumbledore announced. 

Amara found herself glancing at the Gryffindor table which held Harry Potter. She smiled as her eyes met his, and she looked back to Dumbledore.

"As you know, each and every one of you was searched upon your arrival here tonight and you have the right to know why. Once there was a young man, like you who sat in this very hall, walked the corridors of this castle. He seemed to all the world, a student like any other, his name Tom Riddle. Today, of course, he's known all over the world by another name, which is why as I stand looking out upon you all tonight, I'm reminded of a sobering fact every day and this very minute dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle's walls. In the end, the greatest weapon is you." Dumbledore spoke, the Great Hall growing quiet. 

Tom Riddle was Lord Voldemort. Amara had known that much. Still, Dumbledore's speech scared her. She was a death eater and her fate had been written for her. 

Could she still escape it?

As everyone settled and began to start eating, Amara glanced at Draco, who sat just beside her. He seemed to be fine, too fine after what had just happened in the train. She was undeniably angry at him, for he had cause a terrible situation for Harry.

"What are you looking at, Amara?" Draco finally spoke up, after knowing that Amara had been staring bullets at him for last ten minutes. Amara scoffed at her brother.

"I can't believe you did that." Amara spat, picking her fork at her chicken. Draco sighed, knowing that his sister was about to go off on him.

"Did what exactly?" Draco looked at her, putting his fork down. She gasped, looking at how he had turned all of his attention to her.

"You know what you did to Harry on the train," Amara whispered angrily, "I should not have to remind you, Draco, that Harry is mine." Amara hadn't realized what she had said until it came out of her mouth. Draco stopped and looked at her.

"Harry is yours?" Draco laughed, but Amara did not change her expression, which slightly worried Draco, "You're not actually falling for him are you?" Draco's face became one filled with confusion and disgust. He could not and would not let some filthy blood traitor get close to his sister.

Amara did not move.

"Amara, he's a half-blood! He's not good enough for you." Draco spoke in her ear, in fear of anyone else hearing their conversation. Amara rolled her eyes as she continued to eat her chicken. 

"Oh, shut up Draco." Amara spat, and Blaise laughed from the other side of her. Draco shot his Slytherin friend a look of anger and he stopped laughing. Amara only sighed.

"Just do your task and I'll do mine."

~X~

"Any ideas what these might be?" Professor Slughorn asked, holding up a vial of the special potion. Amara immediately noticed the vile and knew exactly what it was.

"That one there is Veritaserum. It's a truth-telling serum." Hermione answered, and Amara put her head down. Nobody ever could answer a question before Hermione, which angered almost everyone.

As the class continued, Amara found herself dazing in and out. She had found it hard to focus; her eager mind tired from the lack of sleep. She had noticed that the eye bags that laid under her eyes had grown in size and had became darker with time. The stress of her task had begun to weigh on her.

"What you see before you, ladies and gentlemen is a curious little potion known as Felix Felicis. It is more commonly referred to as Liquid Luck. Desperately tricky to make, disastrous should you get it wrong. One sip and you will find that all of your endeavors succeed. At least, until the effects wear off. So, this is what I offer each of you today. One tiny vial of Liquid Luck to the student who in the hour that remains, manages to brew an acceptable Draught of Living Death. Recipes for which can be found on page 10 of your books. I should point out, however, only one student who manages to brew a potion of sufficient quality claims this prize. Nevertheless, good luck to you all. Let the brewing commence." Slughorn announced, walking around to inspect the brewing as class continued.

Amara was zoned out most of the class, barely following the instructions. Without Snape around to scold her, she continued to brew the potion half-heartedly. Draco seemed to be the same way, but they managed to do just fine. There was no real reason for her to try. 

"Your potion looks splendid, Miss Malfoy. Very well done, however, Potter finished first." Slughorn informed Amara. She was shocked to realize that she had done well on her potion despite being so uninterested. Amara smiled to herself, proud that her carelessness had come off as focus.

Amara looked at Harry, who had been staring at her as she had been talking with Slughorn. She smiled back, and saw as his face turned red. She laughed, as Slughorn began to congratulate him.

"So here we are then, as promised. One vial of Felix Felicis. Congratulations. Use it well." Slughorn congratulated Harry, handing him the vial of liquid luck.

After class, Harry had done something that Amara wasn't expecting. He rushed over to her with his liquid luck in his hands. Amara beamed at him, watching as he put his things into his bag.

"Would you like to come to Hogsmeade with me?" Harry asked, running his hands nervously through his hair, "You don't have to, I just thought-" Amara stopped him. He looked so nervous, it made Amara giddy with excitement.

"Of course, Harry," Amara smiled, "I would love to." Harry smiled at her as she grabbed her things and grabbed his hand in hers.