eloquence | sirius black ✓

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

THE SLUG CLUB

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The compartment door slid open and a breathless girl stepped inside, who appeared to be carrying a heavy bag, presumably filled with Slug Club invitation. Diana felt pity for the girl. That bag was clearly quite heavy.

       "I'm supposed to deliver these to Remus J. Lupin, Sirius O. Black, and Diana O. Al - Allister," she faltered. She was holding out three scrolls of parchment tied with violet ribbon. Perplexed and very confused, the three took the scrolls as the girl slid the compartment door open to get out, her pigtails bouncing as she ran.

Diana,

I would be delighted if you would join me for a bite of lunch in compartment C.

Sincerely, Professor H.E.F. Slughorn

       When they reached compartment C, they saw at once that they were not Slughorn's only invitees, although judging by the enthusiasm of Slughorn's welcome, Remus was the most warmly anticipated, with him being one of the greatest students in Potions, slowly coming after Snape and Lily. Of course Remus was warmly welcomed. He was smart. Diana was warmly welcomed too, being the top of the year alongside Lily.

       "Remus, m'boy!" said Slughorn, jumping up at the sight of him so that his great velvet-covered belly seemed to fill all the remaining space in the compartment. Yikes, thought Diana. His shiny bald head and great silvery mustache gleamed as brightly in the sunlight as the golden buttons on his waistcoat. "Good to see you, good to see you! Come in!" he gestured for Remus to come in.

       At a gesture from Slughorn, they sat down opposite each other in the only three empty seats, which were nearest the door. Diana glanced around at their fellow guests. She recognized a Slytherin from their year, a tall black boy with high cheekbones and thin, wide eyes; there were also two seventh-year boys Diana did not know and, squashed in the corner beside Slughorn and looking as though she definitely knew how he had got there, Snape. Because of his talent with Potions that proved to be a valuable asset to Slughorn.

       "Now, do you know everyone?" Slughorn asked the three. "Severus Snape is in your year, of course - you know - "

       Snape did not make any sign of recognition or greeting, nor did Sirius or Remus: Gryffindor and Slytherin students loathed each other on principle. But sometimes Slytherin could loathe other Slytherins, with the example of Diana and Snape.

       "This is Thomas McLaggen, perhaps you've come across each other--? No?"

       McLaggen, a large, wiry-haired youth, raised a hand, and Diana and Lily nodded back at him.

       " - and this is Jamie McAdams, I don't know whether  you know him - "

       McAdams, who was very thin and nervous-looking (Diana couldn't blame him, she herself was quite nervous too), gave a strained smile and waved awkwardly at them.

       " - and Lily, of course she knows you!" Slughorn finished.

       Lily grimaced at Sirius from behind Slughorn's back. "Well now, this is most pleasant," said Slughorn cozily. "A chance to get to know you all a little better. Here, take a napkin. I've packed my own lunch; the trolley, as I remember it, is heavy on Licorice Wands, and a poor old man's digestive system isn't quite up to such things... Chocolate Frogs, McAdams?"

       McAdams shook his head, politely declining the Chocolate Frog from Slughorn. "Suit yourself," said Slughorn with a shrug.

       "I was just telling young Jamie here that I had the pleasure of teaching his Grandma Penelope," Slughorn told Lily and Diana, passing around a basket of rolls. "Outstanding witch, outstanding, and her Order of Merlin, Second-most well-deserved. Do you see much of your grandma, Jamie?"