Father's Little Deatheater

Slughorn's first Lesson

"Attention to detail in the preparation is the prerequisite of all planning." Slughorn tells us as we stand in front of a few potions. "Ah. Harry, my boy, I was beginning to worry. We've bought someone with us, I see." "Ron Weasley, sir. But I'm dead awful at potions, a menace, actually. So I'm just gonna.." Ron says trying to leave but getting pulled back by harry. "Nonsense, we'll sort you out. Any friend of Harry's is a friend of mine. Get your books out." Slughorn says. "Sorry sir I haven't actually got my book yet, and nor has Ron." Harry explains. "Not to worry get what you want from the cupboard." He explains before continuing to talk to the rest of the class. "Now, as I was saying, I prepared some concoctions this morning. Any ideas what these might be?" He asks us. Of course Hermione and Atti puts their hand. But he picks me. "Miss Malfoy, Is it?" "Yes sir. That one there is Veritaserum. It's a truth-telling potion. And that is a Polyjuice potion, It's pretty tricky to make. And this is Amortentia, the most powerful love potion in the world. It's rumored to smell differently to each person according to what attracts them. I'm not saying what I smell." I explain, pointing to each potion. I do however smell George, Gunpowder, coffee and licorice. Coffee is a new one since working with the twins everyday at their joke shop

"Very well, Miss Malfoy. Now, Amortentia doesn't create actual love. That would be impossible. But it does cause a powerful infatuation or obsession. And for that reason, it is probably the most dangerous potion in this room." Slughorn continues, as he closes the lid of the potion. Stopping five girls from smelling the potion, including Pansy and Stella. "Sir? You haven't told us what's in that one." Katie Bell asks. "Oh, yes. What you see before you, ladies and gentlemen is a curious little potion known as Felix Felicis." He tells us, grabbing a small vial. "But it is more commonly referred to as.." Slughorn continues but is cut off by Atti. "Liquid Luck" "Yes, Mr.." Slughorn asks, not sure of his name. "Gaunt, Sir." Atti responds. A murmur stirs among the Slytherins now hearing his real last name. "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, the recipes for which can be found on page 10 of your books. I should point out, however, only once did a student manage to brew a potion of sufficient quality to claim this prize. Nevertheless, good luck to you all. Let the brewing commence." He explains, before all the students wander off to their tables.

I stand over by my brother, Blaise, Crabbe and Goyle. While Pansy has to go elsewhere. I look over at all the students having trouble cutting their Sopophorus beans, letting out a small chuckle. I turn to my book and begin to crush mine to release the juice. As that's the way Snape taught me. I have most of his notes scribbled down in my own potions book. Slughorn manages to catch a flying bean, between Blaise and Crabbe. "How did you do that?" Blaise asks me moments later as I'm pouring the juice of the first bean into my cauldron. "It's easier if you crush it." I tell him, he still looks confused so I shrug him off and get back to it. Then I'm distracted by Crabbe lifting up his completely melted ladle out of his cauldron. Then at the another table Seamus's cauldron blows up in his face. I count out 13 beans and pour in the juice. "It says 12 beans, not 13." Blaise asks again. "Why are you counting my beans. Get on with your own potion." I blurt out.

Not quite there, Mr Gaunt, Slughorn says, patting Atti on the shoulder. Aww I feel bad for Atti, I wish I was at the same table. I would have shared my book with him for sure.

"Perfect Miss Malfoy." Slughorn says, as he tests my potion with a leaf. He then walks over to the table Harry Hermione and Ron are at. "Merlin's beard. It's also Perfect." He says after testing Harry's. What that cant be right. "I daresay one drop of either would kill us all." He exaggerates. "How am I going to do this. I only have one vial." He questions. "Don't worry Professor. Give it to Harry I can easily make my own." I tell Slughorn. Harry grins then looks at me with confusion. "Here we are then, as promised. One vial of Felix Felicis. Congratulations. Use it well." Slughorn says presenting it to Harry in front of the class.

"Professor could I please have a word." I say making sure every last student is out of earshot before I speak again. "I was wondering if I could borrow some ingredients to brew my own 'Liquid Luck potion, in my own time of course." I speak ever so politely. Slughorn grins and comes closer to whisper his response. "Now I didn't want to say this in front of everyone. But I do have a spare vial in my own personal collection. This way Miss Malfoy" He says, leading me down into his little office. "Professor are you sure." I ask following him down the steps. "Yes of course. You deserve it that potion was brewed perfectly. "Thank you professor." I respond. "Use it well." He tells me in the same tone as he said to Harry. I thank him once again before tucking it into my robe and scuttling towards the common room.

I don't tell anyone I have this until the time is right I guess.

Later that night Draco and I sneak down the seventh floor corridor, towards the room of requirement. As we enter it appears to be full of random objects stored everywhere. I follow Draco to find the matching vanishing cabinet we have to fix as he plays with a green apple in his hands. "Is that from Atti or someone else.." I tease. "Stella if you must know." He replies, with a blush. We wander around trying to find the cabinet. "Is this it," I call out, pulling a blanket off a tall looking piece of furniture. "Yes" Draco says staring up at its tall exterior.

We stay there for a good few hours for the next couple of nights, mainly testing the cabinet with putting an apple inside and closing the door before saying the words 'Harmonia Nectere Passus' while waving our wands. Each of us trying, but to no avail. Either the apple doesn't come back at all or its half eaten when we open the door again before repeating the same spell.