The True Half-Blood Prince

Chapter 16: Berserk Bezoar

Harry felt a hurricane in his stomach as he knocked on the dark, mahogany office door. Percy kept Ron upright to stop him from falling to the floor, love-sick. The door opened slowly and there stood Professor Slughorn, shocked with confusion.

"Sorry about the interference, Sir," Harry apologised sheepishly, "but—"

"Ron's drank a love potion, "Percy finished, "And his romantic feelings might be in... Vein."

Harry gave Percy a hard, disappointed look. It was not the right time to use puns...even if it was a bit funny. Professor Slughorn, without wasting another second, ushered the three of them quickly into his office. Percy sat Ron down on one of the elegant couches near a fireplace in the room.

"My dear Romilda," Ron sighed happily.

Harry stared at Slughorn as he busied himself with different potions on his desk. How they were going to get a single memory of Voldemort from him, Harry did not know. Percy walked towards him and gestured to the professor.

"Go on," he mouthed.

Harry shook his head. Not yet. Slughorn finished the potion he'd been mixing and walked in Ron's direction with what looked like a goblet of colourful liquid.

"You'd be surprised at how many times this situation has happened," the Professor said to no one in particular, "Amortentia. Oh, such a pain."

He sat down next to Ron so casually and gave him the goblet, "Drink up, boy."

Ron followed his orders and drank the liquid all in one gulp. He still wore that goofy smile on his face, until, after a few seconds, it gradually started to go away. The smile was replaced by a sick look of confusion.

"W-what just happened?" Ron asked quizzically.

"We saved your relationship with Lavender," Percy answered him flatly, "You're welcome."

Now's your chance, Harry thought, do it.

Percy glanced at him and immediately knew what Harry wanted to do. He shook his head as a warning of not thinking through the consequences.

"Don't rush into it," Percy whispered.

Before Harry could respond, Professor Slughorn got up from the couch and patted Ron on the back.

"Well," Slughorn said, clearing his throat awkwardly, "I think it's time for you three to go back to your dorms now—"

"Professor!" Harry interrupted. They all jumped at the sudden outburst, "Uhm, sorry... I just wanted to say..."

He flashed a brief but understanding look in Percy's direction, "Well, I just wanted to ask about my mother."

Slughorn smiled at Harry from the memory. Lilly Evans: one of his most unique and special students from the Slug Club in those days. Now, standing in front of him— her very own son.

"She was always top of the class," Slughorn explained gladly, "Lilly Evans. I swear, everyone liked that girl. So smart and gifted she was."

Harry smiled and said, "I've heard so many great stories about her. With my dad."

He started to fidget with his Gryffindor tie as if it were the most normal thing to do when trying to become best-buddies with your potions teacher.