A/N: I have no excuse

Slathering some raspberry jam onto his toast, Harry tried to ignore the growing turmoil in his stomach as he reviewed last night's events. Percy had claimed that he was sleepy and was going to retire and then had retreated to the dorm room. The rest of the sixth years stayed in the common room, exchanging summer stories. However, anyone could tell that the conversations had a tense air to it. After all, not everybody's family made it through alive.

When the clock chimed midnight, Professor McGonagall showed up, causing everyone to head towards their dorms, albeit grudgingly. When the sixth years reached their dorm, all Harry noticed was the drawn curtains around Percy's bed, but that was to be expected.

After tossing and turning in bed for over an hour, Harry pulled out the Marauder's Map and the invisibility clock, and headed down towards the kitchen, hoping that a glass of warm milk would help him sleep. Harry had only absently glanced over the Gryffindor dorm rooms before his eyes darted back.

Neville Longbottom

Dean Thomas

Ron Weasley

Seamus Finnigan

But where was Percy Jackson? Flashing back to the conversation on train, Harry apprehensively looked towards the Slytherin Dungeon. Malfoy wasn't there. As for that matter, Snape wasn't there either.

Was Percy conspiring against him? With the enemy?

Warm milk completely forgotten, Harry looked for Percy, Malfoy, and Snape's names on the map, but no matter how many times he looked over the map, he couldn't find them.

Abandoning his journey to the kitchen, Harry traveled back toward the Gryffindor Tower and to his bed. He stayed up another hour or two, watching the map until Percy, Malfoy, and Snape's names appeared on a random spot on the map at the same time.

That confirmed things for Harry. After that secret meeting on the train between Percy and Malfoy, he started to have doubts about Percy (although he still felt guilty for doubting one of his first friends), and became even more suspicious towards Malfoy. And Harry never really trusted Snape anyways.

Chewing on a piece of bacon, Harry contemplated on his next course of action. He'd told himself yesterday that he wouldn't tell Hermione and Ron about his suspicions regarding Percy, but could he really keep a secret this big from his friends? They had shared everything with each other. And they had been with him through thick and thin, from the Sorcerer's Stone to the Department of Mysteries.

Well, at least he thought they shared everything with each other. It was rather obvious now that Percy had been holding back some secrets, and Harry didn't know one of his best friends(?) as well as he thought.

"You look troubled, mate."

Startled, Harry turned around and relaxed when he noticed that it was just Ron and Hermione. They sat down on either side of him, Ron taking a plate before asking, "What's wrong?"

Taking a look at Ron and Hermione's concerned faces (Percy was still sleeping), Harry glanced around before lowering his voice and whispering, "It's about Percy."

"What about him?" Hermione demanded. "Is this about what happened it to him?"

"Yeah. I mean, you can't deny that there's something wrong with his story. Or at least something missing from it. It doesn't explain what he was doing or what caused all those scars." It might break their hearts to hear of the possibility of Percy's betrayal, but there was nothing wrong with alerting them to something that was already suspicious about Percy. This way, they'd keep an eye on him at least.

"Harry! You shouldn't stick your nose into someone's private business!"

"What about all those other times? You didn't exactly protest when we took Polyjuice Potion to find out if Malfoy was Slytherin's heir! And what about the time when you found out that Remus was a werewolf? We've stopped Voldemort because we found out the information by ourselves," Harry retorted.

Ron flinched at Voldemort's name, having not quite put in the same amount of effort Hermione put into conquering their fear of the name. Hermione countered back hotly, "That's different! This is Percy we're talking about, not some plan of Voldemort!"

But it could be, Harry thought privately.

"What do you think, Ron?" Hermione spun around, glaring at the red-head.

Ron looked around nervously, glancing between his two best friends, a furious Hermione and a pleading Harry. "I don't know," he started out hesitantly, "I mean, Hermione's right. Percy is one of our best friends, and we shouldn't barge into his life like that. A guy's got to have his secrets, you know?" Hermione turned to look at Harry with a triumphant face before Ron interrupted again. "But Harry's right too. His story doesn't really make sense. I mean, come on. A family emergency?"

"Ron!" Hermione admonished.

"I'm sorry," Ron cowered beneath her glare. "But it's true."

"We're just concerned about Percy, Hermione."

Oh, Harry was concerned alright, but not exactly for the well-being of Percy. Maybe he was a horrible friend, but he was far more concerned about Percy's connection to Snape and Malfoy, and what that meant in regards towards Percy's possible role in the Dark side. His suspicious behavior wasn't exactly reassuring Harry that Percy wasn't a spy for the Lord Voldemort.

Hermione's eyes softened. "I think we're all concerned about Percy, Harry. But I still think that we shouldn't interfere with Percy's private business."

"But what if it becomes a problem?" Harry countered, casting his mind back toward his suspicions.

Hermione pursed her lips. "Fine. If it's becoming detrimental towards Percy's health or if it's something that can't be ignored anymore, we'll confront him. But only if it's becoming a problem."

"If what's becoming a problem?" a voice asked from behind Harry.

Hermione and Ron spun around in surprise while Harry jumped in his seat out of shock. "Oh, Percy, it's just you." Harry forced a laugh. "I think you nearly gave us a heart attack."

Percy smiled, although it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Sorry about that. But what problem were you guys talking about?"

Harry froze for a second. What was he supposed to say? Oh nothing really, Percy. We were just talking about your suspicious behaviors and your strange stories that don't really make sense. But you know, it's not really a big deal. We were just going to confront you when your behavior gets even more suspicious.

Harry mentally scoffed. As if.

Fumbling for a excuse, Harry said the first thing that popped into his mind. "Snape."

Percy sighed, exasperated. "Again, Harry? Honestly, Dumbledore's reassured you a billion times that he has proof that Snape is loyal to the Order," Percy said, lowering his voice toward the end.

Harry mentally gave a breath of relief, thankful for the excuse Percy had given him. "But Dumbledore hasn't shown me what proof he has of Snape's loyalty. And can you blame me? That dungeon bat is always acting suspicious," Harry grumbled.

Percy laughed. "Personally, I think you just have a vendetta against him. It's not exactly a secret that you guys don't exactly get along. But Professor Snape isn't that bad. Isn't that right, Hermione?"

Hermione flushed at the mention of her name. Harry stared at her oddly. "Percy's right, Harry. Professor Snape's not that bad. He's not that bad a teacher too."

"To anyone that's not a Gryffindor, that is," Harry added under his breath, having already decided to treat Percy normally (keep your friends close and your enemies even closer, right?).

"By the way, when are we getting our schedules?" Percy asked.

"Professor McGonagall's coming around with them," Hermione said, looking down the table, where their head of the house was answering a first year's questions.

Harry groaned. "That reminds me. I thought I was done with Snape this year. But I still have him again, don't I? And for Defense? That greasy git can't even be content with ruining my Potions grade. He has to ruin DADA for me too."

Percy stared at him curiously. "Didn't you want to become an auror? I thought you needed get a N.E.W.T. in Potions for that. So shouldn't you have Snape anyways? Whether for Potions or Defense?"

Harry answered glumly, "I didn't make the cut. I only got an E on my O.W.L.s, and Snape accepts no less than O."

"But we have Slughorn for Potions now, don't we?" Percy pointed out. "He might have different standards than Snape."

Harry perked up. "Why didn't I think of that?" Harry wondered. "Thanks, Percy. I'll ask McGonagall when she hands us our schedules." Despite everything, Percy at least still offered decent advice. Well, not really. He was completely clueless when it came to girls, and some of the advice he offered was just plain stupid. It was only those few moments, and those were far in between.

"Well, I guess you can ask her now, mate," Ron said, jerking his head to his right. "McGonagall's coming here now."

Harry glanced down the table to his right. Sure enough, McGonagall was shaking her head at a pleading Neville with a slightly sympathetic look on her face before handing schedules out to Seamus and Dean.

"Professor McGonagall," Harry started when she was close enough to hear. "Is there any chance that I can take the NEWT potions class even though I got got an E? Snape only allowed people with O's to get in but does Professor Slughorn . . ." Harry trailed off, hoping that the Gryffindor head would figure out his question.

"That's Professor Snape to you, Mr. Potter. But, yes, Professor Slughorn does accept E students into his class. I've already included both you and Mr. Weasley into his NEWT Potions class," she said, passing out their schedules.

"That's great, Professor," Harry perked up, before realizing he didn't have any Potions supplies. "But we didn't buy any supplies, Professor. We thought we wouldn't be able to take the class."

McGonagall acknowledged his statement with a curt nod. "Order supplies from a catalog. The Potions classroom contains ingredients and textbooks that you may borrow until they arrive. I will inform Professor Slughorn of your predicament." McGonagall paused. "And congratulations on becoming Quidditch Captain. I expect the Quidditch Cup to remain in my office at the end of my office."

When the Transfiguration professor was out of hearing range, Ron slumped against the table. "Ugh, Potions again? I thought I was done with the subject when I didn't get an O."

"Didn't you want to be auror too, Ron?" Percy asked.

"Yeah, but it's still Potions . . ." he trailed off.

"Ron," Hermione warned, glaring at him.

Ron cowered under her stare. "Alright, fine, Hermione. I'll take the class!" Hermione smiled approvingly. But the moment her back turned, Ron slumped onto the table.

"Cheer up, mate. At least it's not Snape," Harry said, patting him on the back.

"True," Ron sighed, stabbing his fork into a sausage.

Harry glanced down on his schedule. They had Potions followed by Defense. Harry groaned. His least favorite subject and least favorite teacher all before lunch. "Alright, let's head to Potions. We might as well get there early. Ron and I should probably talk to Professor Slughorn and ask him where we can get supplies."

Ron stared mournfully at his unfinished pancakes before sighing. "Alright, let's go," he said as he allowed himself to reluctantly pulled toward the dungeons.

The quartet slowly trudged towards the Potions classroom, Percy yawning all the way (the result of a late night, Harry thought).

Percy peeked inside the classroom. "Looks like the professor is here already, but we're the first students here. Everyone else must still be eating breakfast." He sighed. Percy had also been dragged away from his breakfast, with both Harry and Hermione forcing him to go. "You two can talk to Slughorn," Percy said, gesturing to Ron and Harry. "Hermione and I will go set up out supplies."

Entering the room, they caught the attention of Professor Slughorn, who seemed to be in the middle of setting up some cauldrons full of various potions.

"Harry, my boy," Slughorn boomed, causing Harry to wince slightly. Perccy and Hermione were heading towards the potions table when Slughorn exclaimed, "You must be Mr. Jackson! I've heard you're a potions prodigy."

Percy flashed what was obviously a fake smile to Harry, but probably looked humble to Slughorn. "I wouldn't quite say that, sir."

"Nonsense, I've known Severus for years, and he doesn't give out praise so lightly. You're too humble."

"Thank you," Percy grimaced before forcing another fake smile onto his face.

"You should have come to our little gathering, my boy. You're too dedicated for your own good. Nothing wrong with being studious of course, but you shouldn't waste your youth studying. Before you know it, you'll have aching bones and you'll be wondering where your life went." Slughorn chortled, clearly reminiscing on past events.

Shooting an "are you serious?" look at Harry (hey, in his defense, Harry couldn't think of anything else believable), Percy replied, "Well, I missed a bit of the school year, so I was behind everyone else. I wanted to review everything I missed last year."

Slughorn hummed under his breath. "Yes, yes, I heard about that from the other professors. No matter, I'm sure someone of your caliber will me able to catch up." Percy rubbed his head sheepishly, somewhat embarrassed. Slughorn's eyes twinkled. "I am curious though, my boy, as to why you were gone for such a long time last year. They say you disappeared in the the middle of the night."

"I'm sure the rumors are exaggerated. I'd rather not talk about it though," Percy said, dropping a hint. "It was a family emergency."

"Ah I see," Slughorn commented, clearly disappointed. "Well then, why don't you find somewhere to sit?"

Percy and Hermione headed towards the back of the room where they normally sat while Ron and Harry stayed behind to talk to Slughorn.

"Professor," Harry started, "I'm sorry, but Ron and I don't have any supplies. We didn't think we were going to be able to take the class because Snape—Professor Snape—only accepts O's, and we only got E's. We were wondering if we could borrow some supplies."

"Ah, yes. Minerva already told me about your situation. There are some ingredients and textbooks in the cabinet that should hold you off until your order of supplies comes," Slughorn said.

"Thanks, professor," Harry said while Ron nodded awkwardly before heading toward the cabinet.

Harry and Ron each grabbed a silver scale, a battered green textbook, and some of the potions ingredients that were running low. Looking for Hermione and Percy amidst the sea of faces (for the room was quite full now as more students trickled in), they strode over to the back of the room where they normally sat.

"Now," Slughorn called out as soon as everyone settled down, calling attention to the four bubbling potions in front of the class. "I've made a couple potions for you all. Some of these potions are difficult to make, and you will not be expected to make them for the exams, but you need to be able to identify these potions and their effects. Could anyone name this potion?" Slughorn asked, gesturing to what seemed like a colorless potion. Harry would have mistaken it to be water if Slughorn had not said that it was a potion.

Hermione's hand shot up instantly (as expected), as well as a few others. Slughorn pointed toward her.

"That's Veritaserum, an odorless, colorless potion that compels the drinker to tell the truth."

Slughorn beamed. "Very good. And this potion?" he asked, pointing to the next one.

Hermione's hand was once again the first in the air. "That's Polyjuice Potion, sir. It allows the drinker to the transform into anyone for one hour provided he has something from the desired person's body."

After asking for the next potion's name, Harry was surprised that Hermione's hand was not the first one up. Instead it was Percy's. Perhaps it had taken Hermione a second longer to think of the name, Harry thought.

"Armortenia. It's the most powerful love potion, distinctive by its mother of pearl sheen and spiral steam. It also takes on the smell of what attracts the drinker the most. For example, I smell the sea, books, and cookies. However, it does not create actual love, but a strong obsession."

Harry looked at Percy strangely. Cookies and the sea, he could understand, but books? Percy wasn't even the most studious person ever! He left off studying till the last minute, never ventured near the library, and even had dyslexia. How could he smell books? This just reminded Harry of all the things he never knew about his friend.

"Very good, Mr. Jackson. Take five points for Gryffindor." Harry felt slightly affronted for Hermione. It was clear to him (and Malfoy, who was smirking at his table) that Slughorn took favorites as he offered Percy points but not Hermione.

Hermione, who looked slightly crestfallen at this revelation (although Harry thought that Hermione was just disappointed that Percy stole the question), shot up her hand once more. "That's Felix Felicies," Hermione breathed out in awe. "It's liquid luck. It makes you lucky!"

"Very good!" Slughorn beamed. "It's wonderful stuff. I've taken it twice, and it was the best two days of my life."

"Why don't people drink it all the time then, sir?" Terry Boot asked.

Almost anticipating Hermione's hand, Slughorn asked, "I suppose you could answer his question?"

"Of course. While it does make you very lucky, it tends to cause giddiness, recklessness, overconfidence, and can be dangerous to your health. Because of all the positive feelings, there have been records of people committing dangerous actions that they believed, but could not do. It's also extremely difficult to make. Plus," Hermione tackled onto the end, almost as an afterthought, "it's illegal to be used in competitions and exams.

"And what's the name of the young lady who's been answering all my questions?"

"Hermione Granger, sir."

Slughorn perked up. "Could you possibly be related to founder of the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers, Hector Dagworth-Granger?"

"Er, no, sir. My parents are muggles, you see."

Yet Slughorn didn't seem disappointed, and seemed even more excited. Glancing between Hermione and Harry, who were sitting next to each other, Slughorn beamed. "Could this be the muggleborn you were talking about, Mr. Potter? The 'best and brightest witch' of your year?"

Harry nodded while Hermione blushed and smiled at Harry. Ron looked slightly disgruntled.

"And take twenty points for Gryffindor, Miss Granger." Well, Hermione had just been cemented into Slughorn's good books.

"Anyways, class. Everyone of you will have the chance to try Felix Felicies out for yourself. The person who brews the best Draught of Living Death shall win one tiny bottle of this, enough for a couple hours worth of luck. The instructions are in page ten."

Everyone stared at Slughorn for a second before scrambling to set up their supplies and ingredients, eager to win the prize. Harry and Ron, who already had their supplies out from before, had an advantage over the others, who were reaching into their bags for their supplies.

Opening his borrowed copy of Advanced Potion Making, Harry flipped to the page and was promptly annoyed when he saw that the previous owner of this book had scribbled all over the page. It took Harry around 30 seconds to decipher the instructions (for the owner had crossed out some lines and added in his own notes), and was irritated that by the time he started chopping his valerian roots, everyone else had already added them in.

After ten minutes, the entire room was filled with a bluish steam. Harry looked around. Everyone seemed to be more or less on the same stage he was on except Percy and Hermione, whose potions were the smooth black color described by the book.

Bending over the book, Harry struggled to read the directions regarding the sopophorous bean. The owner for some reason, had wrote, "Crush the bean with the flat side of a dagger, " crossing out the instructions to cut the bean to receive its juice.

Looking around, Harry noticed that there were many were having a hard time cutting their beans. Hermione was the only one to move past that stage, though her potion was a dark violet rather than the pale lilac the book had noted. Harry hesitated before taking out a dagger and crushing the bean. To his surprise, the shriveled bean exuded far more juice than Harry thought was possible.

Scooping it into the potion, Harry was pleasantly surprised when the potion turned lilac. Reading the next set of instructions, Harry again noted that the previous owner had different instructions than the book; while the book said to stir counterclockwise until the potion turned clear, the scribbled notes in the margin said to add in a clockwise turn every seven counterclockwise stirs. Harry hesitated, could the previous owner be right again? Eventually Harry decided to go with what the old owner had said. It wasn't like he would give himself instructions that would make his potions worse, right?

Harry added a clockwise stir. The effect was immediate, instantly turning the potion paler. Harry continued to do so, looking up every once in a while at everyone else's potions. Hermione's was still stubbornly violet, Ron's was some kind of thick, sluggish, black liquid, and Malfoy's some odd blue color. However, Percy's was as pink and pale Harry's.

"Time's up!" Slughorn cried. "Everyone, please extinguish your fires and stop stirring!"

Walking around, Slughorn noted with approval when he saw Hermione and Zabini's potions, which both shared the same dark purple. When he saw Harry's potion, his eyes lit up with delight.

"Very good, Harry! Clearly you've inherited your excellent skill from your mother! Why, Lily was a genius when it came to potion making, always experimenting to improve a recipe. It'll certainly be difficult to beat your potion."

Passing over to the next table where Percy was, Slughorn once again exclaimed in delight. "Well done, Mr. Jackson! Severus hasn't exaggerated your talent at all. Why I'd say he's downplayed it! Two talented potions brewers in the same class! How delightful!" Slughorn beamed.

He turned around to face the entire class. "Well, I'd say the winners are clear! I had said that I would just be giving out one bottle, but Mr. Jackson and Mr. Potter's potions are both so well made, that I think they both ought to win the prize."

"As promised, Mr. Potter, your bottle of Felix Felicies," Slughorn said, fishing out a tiny vial about the size of his pinkie from his robes. "And Mr. Jackson, give me a second and I will ladle out another bottle for you," he said, returning to the front of the classroom. Returning, he presented another bottle with a flourish to Percy, who had tucked it into his robes.

"Thank you, Professor Slughorn," Percy said. "I'm sure this will come in handy later."

Handy for what? Harry thought alarmingly. He instantly thought of successful raids, victories for Dark, and the triumph of Voldemort. He shuddered slightly.

The moment they walked out of the dungeons, Hermione whispered to Harry, "How did you do that? I mean, I understand Percy, but you? You've never showed a single interest in potions!"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Please, Hermione. Don't you have a single shred of belief in me?"

Hermione, Ron, and Percy collectively raised an eyebrow and stared at him.

"You always do your potions homework at the last minute."

"Your potions explode half the time."

"Not to mention your potions are usually just as bad as mine, mate."

"Alright, fine," Harry grumbled. "My borrowed textbook has some scribbled writings in it," he said, showing them the book. "I just followed them alright? And it turned out perfectly fine."

"You're lucky it turned out perfectly fine," admonished Hermione. "What if the instructions were malicious?"

"And you never know if a book may be cursed or not," Percy pointed out.

"Percy's right," Hermione said, taking the book. "Specialis Revelio!" Nothing happened.

"Look, it all turned out perfectly fine," Harry said irritably, "There's nothing wrong with following a couple of instructions. Just leave it be."

"Alright," said Hermione. "It doesn't seem so dangerous now, but I still think there's something suspicious about that textbook."

"You're just being a worrywart, Hermione."

But later at night, when Harry later looked at the book again, he saw some scribbled words on the bottom of the back cover.

This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince.