HP: Those Years Sleeping with the Half-Blood Prince

"It seems the professor hasn't forgotten you, his 'young friend'," Ian said with a smile, shaking the parchment.

Severus's lips twitched slightly, whether in mockery or helplessness, it was hard to tell. "His dinner parties always need some 'background decorations'."

"Then let's be good decorations and fill our stomachs while we're at it."

Professor Slughorn's office was now completely transformed. The bottles and jars that were usually piled up had been moved to a corner and replaced with wreaths made of holly and mistletoe. A long table was filled with all kinds of exquisite but incredibly high-calorie foods.

The air was warm and sweet, and the house was packed with invited students, mostly upperclassmen from various houses, but Slytherins undoubtedly made up the majority.

Professor Slughorn himself moved through the crowd, his loud laughter and exclamations of "My dear child!" and "Oh, he was one of my best students back then!" echoed throughout the room.

When he saw Severus and Ian, he immediately opened his arms to greet them.

"Severus! My fine boy! And Ian, the Burke lad! It's a pleasure to see you both, happy holidays, happy holidays!" He patted Severus on the shoulder and winked at Ian.

"How's your father lately? Work at the Ministry of Magic is always so busy... Here, try this, a new recipe for house-elves, with a touch of oak-aged mead, absolutely wonderful!"

He handed each of them an amber-colored drink, then was pulled away by several upperclassmen who were trying to talk to him about Quidditch investing.

Ian and Severus exchanged a glance and tacitly retreated to a relatively quiet corner.

Ian sipped his overly sweet drink, while Severus simply held his glass, his gaze calmly sweeping over the noisy crowd in the room.

"It seems Professor Slughorn has recruited quite a few 'potential stars' this year," Ian said in a low voice, gesturing to several well-dressed students who were being enthusiastically surrounded by the professor.

"As always." Severus's voice was flat.

His gaze lingered for a moment on a group of Slytherin upperclassmen who were huddled together and talking in hushed tones, including the new Prefect Everett Travers and several other faces from prominent families.

They formed a small, albeit subtle, but clearly defined, circle that seemed somewhat out of place amidst the festive atmosphere around them.

Just then, at the edge of the small circle, a figure broke away slightly and walked towards them.

It's Regulus Black.

He was wearing a well-fitting dark green robe tonight, which made his complexion appear even whiter, and his black hair was perfectly styled.

He held a clear glass of beverage in his hand, his steps were steady, and his expression was the polite yet aloof calm typical of pure-blooded families.

He stopped a few steps away from Ian and Severus.

"Good evening, Snape, Burke." Regulus's voice was clear but not loud, just enough for the two of them to hear without attracting the attention of others in the distance.

His gaze first fell on Severus, with a hint of scrutiny, then on Ian, and he nodded slightly.

"Good evening, Blake," Ian replied, his tone casual and as usual.

Severus simply nodded.

"I hope I haven't bothered you," Regulus said, his words and demeanor impeccable, even a little too formal. "I just wanted to...apologize for some...inappropriate behavior by my brother Sirius and his friends."

Ian raised an eyebrow slightly, not expecting Regulus to bring up the topic so directly, especially in the form of an apology.

He glanced at Severus, whose face was expressionless as he looked at Regulus, seemingly assessing the sincerity in his words.

"The accident is over, and Kevin has recovered," Ian said noncommittally, neither accepting nor rejecting the apology. "However, thank you for your words. I think Kevin will be... well, a little surprised if he finds out."

Regulus didn't seem to expect a warm response; he nodded slightly, and the topic naturally changed:

"I've heard Professor Slughorn mention that Snape has an extraordinary talent for potions, and Burke, I've also heard about your talent for spells and herbs, which is quite rare at Hogwarts these days... a practical talent."

There was no flattery in his tone. "Hogwarts is great, but it's sometimes more like a greenhouse. The real world needs more... preparation and like-minded companions."

He gestured meaningfully with the rim of his cup towards the small group of older students, "Some people have begun to realize that relying solely on the halo of an ancient surname, or indulging in meaningless playful rivalries, is far from enough in this era. Strength, knowledge, and a clear mind are the foundation for future success."

His gaze returned to Ian and Severus, his voice lowered, "Slytherin values ​​mind and ability. I think we should have a lot in common, and perhaps... we can even have common goals in the future."

"If you're interested in learning more about...extracurricular activities, or need some more practical resources, I'd be happy to help. After all, we're all in the same boat, aren't we?"

After saying that, he didn't say anything more. He raised his glass and gestured slightly to the two of them before turning around and rejoining the crowd, as if he had only completed a polite greeting.

Ian watched Regulus's straight back and slowly took a sip of his drink.

"A common goal..." he repeated in a low voice, his tone devoid of emotion, "It seems that this Mr. Black has been paving the way for his 'future' much earlier than his brother. And he's very well-informed."

"He wants to recruit people, or at least, identify those who might be 'useful'." Severus's voice was soft, with his usual indifference. "Everett Travers, and those others... they're close to certain groups of upperclassmen, and Regulus Black wants to join, or is already in one."

Ian hummed in response and said nothing more.

……

On Christmas morning, Ian woke up in his dorm room and found several gifts piled up at the foot of his bed.

Some were sent from home, as generous and practical as ever; others were sent by Kevin and Aris—Kevin sent a large box of sizzling honey candies and an extravagantly designed "Quidditch Star" badge.

Aris is a recent copy of an academic journal on the relationship between magical arithmetic and runes, as well as an extremely detailed list of Christmas blessings and risk warnings.

There was another one, unsigned, simply packaged in a small crystal bottle containing a viscous liquid that shimmered with a pearly luster and pale gold threads under light.

Ian uncorked the bottle, and a crisp, medicinal scent, a blend of laurel and mint, filled the air.

The bottom of the bottle is engraved with a tiny "SS".

"Is this the finished product of that manuscript?" Ian asked, holding up the crystal bottle.

"Hmm," Severus responded without further explanation, his gaze returning to the book.