INSTEAD, james potter [1]

Chapter Thirty-Three

Professor Slughorn always believed his lessons were the most interesting ones in the world. Especially his N.E.W.T.-level classes, mostly filled with his favorite students. So he said his thousands of jokes, which everybody faked laughs to. 

It made the classes feel a thousand times longer, but it wasn't always so horrible. She sat with Rabastan, and they managed to whisper to each other and write notes so they could ignore it. The Professor allowed it because he loved both of them. 

"And that was how I used this very potion to convince my best friend to marry a pig," Slughorn finished a story as they had just finished testing their potions. He then glanced at the clock on the wall. "Oh, class is already over. Well, you can go. Remember to do your homework! Ten inches of parchment on my desk by next week."

The students quickly started packing up, as they were going to lunch soon. Lyra was starving so she wouldn't mind getting there as soon as possible. She was the fastest one at putting her things away.

"I was wondering if a few of you could stay behind for a quick moment, actually," Slughorn called out. Lyra knew she should be one of them, but she was also very hungry so she hoped for a quick moment that it wouldn't be her.

Slughorn scoured for the six students he had been waiting for, as his whole class stood expectantly, some hoping to be chosen. "Miss Black, Mr. Lestrange, Mr. Snape, Miss Evans, Mr. Potter, Mr. Aubrey." 

Lyra and Rabastan exchanged quick glances before walking up to their teacher's desk. She could hear James telling Remus to go on without him, but she stared straight forward and tried to ignore their voices. 

When all of them had come up to his desk and all the other students left, Slughorn sent them all a hearty smile. "I was thinking of hosting a supper for my favorite sixth-year students tomorrow, and I'd be delighted if my best N.E.W.T.-level Potions students would like to join me."

Lyra had to suppress a smile, because everything she had wanted was falling into place. Being invited to Slughorn's exclusive club was the first step of the plans to achieve her dreams, and avoid becoming a Death Eater, hopefully. 

They all assured Slughorn that they would check their schedules and get back to him. Lyra had a feeling that Bertram Aubrey wasn't too keen on attending, especially as both Lyra and James were invited. He wasn't quite fond of either of them. 

"Sounds wonderful. I hope to see every single one of you there. Now you may go and enjoy your lunch. Until tomorrow!" Slughorn said, and all of them were quite pleased that the conversation didn't take too long. "Try to let me know as soon as possible."'

Lyra knew that Slughorn didn't only invite them because he liked them as people. Slughorn only did things for himself, which she appreciated and respected. He was cunning, and had ambition. No wonder he was the Head of Slytherin house. 

Bertram Aubrey had a maternal uncle in the Wizengamot, which meant he was Slughorn's connection to them. James's father was quite famous, and he was known for his Quidditch skills throughout the school. He had great opportunities after school because of it. 

Rabastan wasn't always the best in Potions, so his connections throughout pureblood society was most likely the reason he was invited. Lyra had the same, but also with a bit more skill in the subject, as well as her great luck in Transfiguration. 

Snape and Lily definitely didn't have the connections the others had, but they had raw skill. Lily was at the top of their Potions class, only rivaled by Snape. They were also just well-liked by the Potions Master. Lily, Lyra could understand. Not Snape though. She hadn't seen a single redeeming quality in him.