Love Lasts

Chapter 31

Harry sat beside Fred and George and across from Ginny. She was smiling happily as he walked in and pushed a plate of chicken towards him.

"You missed breakfast so I figured you'd come here soon." Harry nodded and piled his plate.

"I came here early and left quickly." He explained. Ginny gave him a curious look then shook her head and returned to her own plate.

Just as Harry had finished his lunch, a barn owl flew down to him and landed right in front of him. "You missed breakfast, you know."

The owl glared at him and dropped the letter it was holding on the table. Harry heard a clink and knew that there was something attached to the letter.

Harry pulled it close and a very small blue bottle fell into his hand. Harry inspected it then looked down at the letter. It was written in neat handwriting on slightly dirty parchment.

Harry Potter,

I found this potion in some old textbooks at my house. I rushed home as soon as you left in the hopes of finding this. I knew it had it somewhere. This potion may help you remember the things you claim I made you forget. You have my deepest and most sincere apologies if I did. I never mean to hurt anyone and I hope with all of my heart that this will help you.
It's a Czech potion that my grandmother taught me that I think will help you. If you want to, you can research it. It's called the Podrobnosti potion. It will help you remember the details. I hope this helps make up for any grievances I have caused you and I hope you will forgive me.

Sincerely,
Bernadette Claire

Harry looked at the bottle in his hands then walked over to the Ravenclaw table and sat down next to a girl he had made friends with in a study group. She had dark skin, braided hair, and a very kind personality. She was also amazing at potions.

"Avery? Could you help me?" She looked up at him in surprise then smiled and scooted over to make space for him. Harry didn't notice the stares he was getting from the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor tables.

"What can I help you with?" Harry showed her the bottle and she examined it. She twisted the cap off, smelled it, then ran a finger around the rim to taste it. After a few minutes she handed the bottle back to Harry.

"It's real if that's what you're wondering. It's not poison. If I'm remembering right it's an old Czech potion. It's rarely taught anymore because it is very difficult to brew. I've only done it once and Professor Snape was breathing down my neck the entire time to make sure I did it properly. It is very dangerous when brewed incorrectly." Harry chuckled and pocketed the bottle.

"You sure it's safe?" Avery smiled and nodded. "Of course. I'm never wrong."

Harry pulled her into a quick hug then stood. "Thanks Avery!" He called behind his shoulder as he walked out of the Hall.

The mail the owl had brought him had wiped the thought of anything else from his mind. He didn't notice Draco's eyes that were burning holes in the back of his head when he walked out.

Harry leaned against the wall, a ways away from the doors, and took the bottle from his pocket.

He breathed out a long breath and unscrewed the lid. Avery has never been wrong about a potion before, why question her now?

Harry tilted his head back and downed the contents in one gulp. The liquid tasted like fire and he felt it spread from his throat to his toes, then back up to his head where it felt like it was burning up.

Harry dabbed at his tearing eyes and held a hand to his head. He heard a shuffle of feet around the corner and a familiar voice beside him.

"Potter? What are you doing? What was in that bottle?" The bottle crashed into a million pieces on the floor as Harry sunk against the wall, his eyes closed and his hands pressed against his eyelids. Draco dropped down next to him and watched him worriedly.

Harry's head felt like it was splitting open and suddenly picture after picture flashed in front of his eyes.

Ron and Hermione tackling him in a hug in the Great Hall. Ron blocking a goal during a Quidditch Match. Fred and George blasting fireworks in the courtyard. Pictures flashed faster and faster and it made Harry dizzy.

Things started piecing together in his head but when he tried to open his eyes, he couldn't. The pictures kept coming, appearing faster and faster. There must have been hundreds of them. No. Thousands.

Harry and Ginny kissing. Ron falling off of a Knight's horse. Hermione crying in a corridor. Lavender and Ron kissing.

More and more images flashed by and more and more made sense. The pictures kept coming and flashing by until there was nothing. Harry crumpled to the floor, his eyes shut tight and his hands falling limply at his sides.