As Night Falls (Third Book in the Things Not Seen Series) *Completed*

Chapter 4

A clatter rose as the class awaited Professor Slughorn. He would be their new potions teacher. The students all began their various conversations but the noise dropped when the small, sheepish man walked through the door.

"You're late!" Christina shouted at him.

"I...I" he stuttered.

"What's the matter? Can't think of a clever excuse?" she hissed at him.

"Shut up Christina." came Harry's voice.

"Oh look, Potter's defending our Professor. Such a brave boy. And what about when Voldemort comes? You gonna go running to Dumbledore to protect you? You gonna take all the credit and say that you killed Voldemort? Ha! Don't make me laugh."

"We will begin class now." Slughorn shouted. "Please open your books to page 934. Today we will be learning about love potions."

Hermione Granger's hand shot up in the air and she spoke "Sir, we learned about love potions last year."

"Then you should be plenty prepared for it shouldn't you Miss Granger?" he said sarcastically.

Hermione put her hand down and turned to page 934. She remained silent for the rest of the class. When the students were dismissed, they ran for the halls. Christina was walking towards Herbology class. She was facing forward and walking slowly down the hall when she felt a hand on her shoulder and she spun around on her heels to face Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.

"Well if it isn't the hero and his trusty sidekicks."

"What's your problem today?" Harry shouted at her.

"There's no problem."

"Then why did you say all that stuff in potions?"

"Everyone has secrets Harry," she began as her gaze shifted to the books he was carrying. "and I'm becoming very interseted in yours." she sprang for his book and ripped it from his clutches. Harry lunged after it but Christina whipped out her wand "Petrificus Totalus!" she shouted. Harry lay stiff as a board on the floor.

Christina looked at the cover and read it alloud "The Half Blood Prince. Is that what you call yourself now Potter?"

"Give that back!" Hermione shouted.

"Oh tough little mudblood. Don't find too many of those. I think we should examine the contents first."

"Just give it back Christina!"

"Okay...if you say so. Just watch your fingers. You might get burned."

"What?"

"Incendio." the book immediately caught fire and Christina dropped it into Hermione's hands. Hermione dropped it and screeched. She gave Christina a glare and all of the students walked off to their next classes. All, that is, other than Harry who still lay motionless on the floor.