Thick Smoke

Eyes

Days passed incredibly fast and Eliza's skills in Potions became more and more evident and surprising for Slughorn. Harry's manual was incredibly helpful as well and not only for potion making.

"So you see I found this spell called Muffliato and-" Harry stopped when he saw Hermione's disapproving face.

"Seriously, are you still reading that? Are you going to try every handwritten spell of this unknown person?" Hermione snapped but Harry didn't look affected at all.

"Yes. Just because they are handwritten spells doesn't mean they are dangerous."

Hermione wasn't buying that. She scoffed and turned to Eliza, "Would you use every note in your mother's diary knowing that it wasn't her who wrote it?"

Eliza nodded without a second thought bringing a winning smile on Harry's face.

"You two- really! It's dangerous!"

"That's up to us, who use the spell. Maybe this Half Blood Prince was intending on helping kids who are bullied in school. Besides, there are spells that everyone know."

Ron and Harry nodded eagerly to everything Eliza said. She had a very solid point that not even Hermione could fight.

"Well, if that's everything I'd like to go back. I have a few boys to watch jinxing each other without speaking. Oh and Ron-" The ginger's head snapped towards her, "You know Ginny is dating Dean right?"

Ron nodded slowly, a frown on his face.

Eliza glanced at Hermione before catching a glimpse of Lavender. "Well, you should look around yourself too." She advised but it didn't look like he got it.

It was during the Hogsmeade break in October when Eliza wandered the village for a while, searching for Tonks. It should have been very easy to find her but it felt like she was avoiding Eliza on purpose.

In the end, Eliza retreated into the Three Broomsticks. She noticed Blaise talking to some friends of his and Slughorn drinking at the bar. She turned towards the professor quickly, avoiding another curious discussion with Blaise.

"Professor," She started, startling him when she suddenly appeared to his right.

"Ah, Eliza. I shouldn't be surprised to see you here." He laughed.

"Professor, I have been very curious lately about my mother's family and her heritage." She started, like the subject was as casual as the weather.

Slughorn's smile dropped and he looked uncomfortable, "Curiosity can lead you to dangerous grounds, my dear. What you will find out might disappoint you."

His wise words weren't leaving any impression on her and she made it clear by straightening her back and leaning towards him.

"My mother had secrets that not many knew of."

"Yes, Ophelia was very secretive. But she did use to tell her friends everything, the three Slytherins." Slughorn responded, his grasp on his Butterbeer tightening.

Eliza nodded along, "My mother was friends with Slytherins?" She asked, ignoring the fact that she knew already.

Slughorn nodded, "Yes. Especially Lucius Malfoy, if I remember well. My memory may be a bit rusty but I will never forget that odd friendship between your mother and Malfoy. He was the leader of Slytherins, much like his son is right now. And Ophelia was-"

"A vague character among many others." Eliza completed, surprising the professor with the boldness, "What about the others? I didn't have the chance to ask her because she died when I was young."